From its secluded beaches to its steamy rainforests, Belize is a country of diverse natural beauty. Its slow pace of life makes it a popular tourist destination, and cost of living is still low. For the more adventurous traveler, activities can include a trek into the jungle in search of Mayan ruins, spotting parrots, toucans, and maybe even a jaguar along the way.
It's true that Belize is no longer the most affordable place to buy property, but this country has other benefits: economic stability, a stress-free lifestyle, and a cost of living that is a very good value compared with the U.S. (or even other Caribbean destinations).
Belize Articles
Belize: Affordable Island-Living in the CaribbeanPosted on December 13, 2012 by Glynna Prentice
Belize, the little Central-American nation, casts a spell—especially on those with a spirit of adventure. Attractions include the warm, English-speaking people, the natural beauty and the air of freedom and opportunity. A young country (only independent from Great Britain since 1981), Belize has a low population and plenty of empty, wide-open spaces.
Affordable Property on Caye Caulker, BelizePosted on December 5, 2012 by Glynna Prentice
These days Caye Caulker, a five-mile-long island off Belize’s Caribbean coast, has the laid-back, beach-bum vibe that brought expats to nearby Ambergris Caye 20 years ago. The streets on Caye Caulker are still packed sand. Most people get around by bicycle. And for those who come here, life is all about the water.
Cheap and Off the Grid in BelizePosted on November 22, 2012 by Glynna Prentice
On a recent visit to Belize’s Cayo District, near the border with Guatemala, I found something interesting happening… It wasn’t the low prices—I expected those. The Cayo has long been popular with expats for its low cost of living, and it lived up to its reputation. In and around the town of San Ignacio, where most expats live, I saw a number of small homes renting for $400 to $600 a month…
Affordable Islands of the CaribbeanPosted on October 23, 2012 by Glynna Prentice
These days Caye Caulker, a five-mile-long island off Belize’s Caribbean coast, has the laid-back, beach-bum vibe that brought expats to nearby Ambergris Caye 20 years ago. The streets on Caye Caulker are still packed sand. Most people get around by bicycle. And for those who come here, life is all about the water. Small-town, island beach life isn’t for everyone. But if it’s for you…
Outdoor Adventure PadsPosted on August 24, 2012 by International Living
Your perfect oceanfront retreat is just a five-minute boat ride from one of the world’s premier diving destinations, the Belize Barrier Reef. It’s on Ambergris Caye, with the Caribbean spread out before you. Diving spots nearby include the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, known for its formations of elkhorn, brain, and staghorn corals. The coral is 20 to 40 feet tall, providing the perfect habitat for reef sharks, yellowtail snapper, lobster, grouper, sea turtles, and many other species.
Properties that Earn their KeepPosted on June 28, 2012 by anon
Every month we take a look at some of the properties available around the world. This time out, we’re highlighting properties that not only provide you with a roof over your head, but an income to boot. Escape to Ecuador’s Yunguilla Valley and surround yourself with blossoming fruit trees and fresh fish on your own tropical property.
3 Deals…and My 7-Country Scouting SchedulePosted on June 10, 2011 by Ronan McMahon
Summer…180 attendees…and 23 of my trusted contacts…have all arrived in Toronto for the International Real Estate Investment Forum. The exhibit hall is buzzing. It’s great to see so many of those green badges that are reserved for members of our little group.
It’s been energizing and informative to share ideas and experiences with those of you who have been able to make it. It has also been exciting to see so many RETA members connecting. At member-only events in the past, friendships have been made that turned into business relationships. That’s what happens when you pack a room with smart people chasing the same thing: Undervalued real estate opportunities.
Pirate Hideaways and Caribbean Beachfront in Secret BelizePosted on January 26, 2011 by Len Galvin
“I suppose you’re going to tell everyone about our little beach town?” It was said with a smile by the woman from Texas who had lived here for 10 years. But it sounded slightly more like an accusation than a question. Since arriving in Placencia, I hear something similar each time I mention I work for International Living.
Belize: An Opportunity To Buy For $975 a MonthPosted on December 20, 2010 by Ronan McMahon
Back in August, I told RETA members how to lock down an interest-free lot in Belize. The monthly payments were just $600. One of these lots remain. And a new phase with lots for monthly payments of $975 has just been released.
Buy Belize For $600 – $975 a MonthPosted on December 16, 2010 by Ronan McMahon
Back in August, I told you how you could lock down an interest-free lot in Belize—in the Ceiba Horsefield phase of Orchid Bay. The monthly payments were just $600. You have a second chance at this deal.
IL’s Weekly Wrap-Up Video: Health Care, Lifestyle, Real Estate, Residency…All the Benefits of Living in BelizePosted on December 16, 2010 by Dan Prescher
See the video, where Dan Prescher reports from Merida, Mexico, with your weekly wrap-up of International Living postcards for the week ending December 11.
Belize Property For Less Than $50,000Posted on December 11, 2010 by Ronan McMahon
Phil, one elbow on the rich dark mahogany of the bar, reached out. Stevie knew the drill and planted an ice cold, old-school glass bottle of coke in his hand. It looked like an antique. Maybe they only make them in Belize now.
IL’s Weekly Wrap-Up Video: The French Island With Italian Flair…The Best Overseas Location for You…and Much MorePosted on November 23, 2010 by Dan Prescher
See the video, where Dan Prescher reports from Merida, Mexico, with your weekly wrap-up of International Living postcards for the week ending November 19.
Belize: The Cheapest Beach House I’ve Seen So FarPosted on November 18, 2010 by Len Galvin
It’s early afternoon and I’m flying 10,000 feet above the Caribbean. The other 12 passengers are a mixture of locals…and expats who came here for a few days and never left.
How to Get Interest-Free Financing in BelizePosted on August 23, 2010 by Ronan McMahon
In the picturesque seaside fishing village of Corozal, you’ll find breakers, sea breezes, and fragrant canopies of poinciana trees adorning its central park. Minutes away from Corozal is the real estate project where RETA members can get interest-free financing.
Belize: How to Get (Better Than) Interest-Free FinancingPosted on August 3, 2010 by Ronan McMahon
Picture it: a white-sand beach, washed by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. The palm trees sway gently in the cooling ocean breeze. Offshore, on the barrier reef, swims a rainbow kaleidoscope of tropical fish. Inland, unexplored rainforest runs for miles, concealing Mayan ruins and exotic wildlife.
A Caribbean Idyll That’s Moving AheadPosted on July 26, 2010 by Ronan McMahon
Picture it: a white-sand beach, washed by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. The palm trees sway gently in the cooling ocean breeze.
A Dream Takes Shape in the CaribbeanPosted on July 26, 2010 by Margaret Summerfield
It’s fascinating to watch a development grow from a dream, an ambitious master plan, and a piece of dirt, into a finished project. Over the last 5 years…
Belize Real Estate: Buy From $35,000Posted on October 21, 2009 by International Living
From its bleached white beaches to its lush jungle hills, Belize is beautiful. And—if you shop smart—can be one of the most affordable escapes in the Caribbean.
Real Estate: Buy in Belize From $35,000Posted on September 29, 2009 by Dan Prescher
From its bleached white beaches to its lush jungle hills, Belize is beautiful. And—if you shop smart—can be one of the most affordable escapes in the Caribbean. Here is a rundown of some areas where the living is laidback, easy, and well-priced.
The #1 Caribbean Buy on the BeachPosted on April 9, 2009 by Ronan McMahon
Little Belize is my #1 Caribbean buy today–$159,000 buys you a casita in a community right on the water. For $164,000 you can buy a garden condo on an idyllic Caribbean island. The beaches are picture perfect. The diving world class. In thick jungles, jaguar and scarlet macaw still live among hidden Mayan ruins.
- How Much?! The English-speaking Caribbean Island with a Tiny Price Tag
Posted on March 28, 2009 by Margaret Summerfield
I’m writing from my office in the city…but I’m thinking about my favorite Caribbean island. The coconut palms dotted along the white-sand beach, the crystal-clear water lapping the shore…a picturesque fishing village or two…and a laid-back pace of life.
Buy a piece of Belize’s best beaches from $50,000Posted on July 30, 2008 by Suzan Haskins
Flying low across the jungle and the Caribbean in a tiny 10-seat prop-engine plane that had seen better days, we sputtered out of the sky and onto the bumpy dirt road that served as a runway.
Overheard at a Beach Bar…Posted on March 13, 2008 by Dan Prescher
Suzan and I were having an afternoon cocktail at a local beach bar on Ambergris Caye, Belize, last weekend when we overheard this conversation. We felt uncomfortable listening in, but the participants were talking so loudly that we really couldn’t help it.
Real Estate Bargains in a Rising Caribbean MarketPosted on March 7, 2008 by International Living
Real estate prices in Belize are rising, thanks to a surge in demand from Canadians and Europeans, especially the Irish. The phenomenon is apparent all around the country. In Corozal you’re likely to see real estate agents showing property to European clients, and in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, new Irish residents regularly meet at a local restaurant where they would have been a rare sight only a year ago.
Buy in Belize…before the Europeans drive up the pricesPosted on November 30, 2007 by International Living
The tourism business in Belize is fueled by U.S. visitors…and business is good. Tourism is up…cruise ship tourism is way up (300% in five years). This is partially due to the ease with which you can get to Belize from the States—it takes two hours and 10 minutes to fly direct from Miami to Belize City.
Buy in Belize… before the Europeans drive up the pricesPosted on November 26, 2007 by Don Ediger
The tourism business in Belize is fuelled by U.S. visitors…and business is good. Tourism is up…cruise ship tourism is way up (300% in five years). This is partially due to the ease with which you can get to Belize from the States—it takes two hours and 10 minutes to fly direct from Miami to Belize City.
Special retiree benefits, even lower taxes, and land from $500 an acre—there’s more to Belize than AmbergrisPosted on May 6, 2007 by Don Ediger
Even before the plane touches down, passengers can see that the airport at Belize City has become a major construction site. Amid the palm trees and scrub brush, construction crews work in the hot sun to build runways, terminal extensions, and other facilities designed to handle more passengers—many more.
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