Regional Information - Foreign Ownership > Belize, Central America

Feature Island

Regional Information

Private islands in Belize are so popular with Americans because of their close proximity to the motherland – it’s one of the hottest expat destinations in Latin America. Belize is pricey compared to the rest of Central America, yet many of the country’s expats live on very little. Look at a map of Belize and you'll see numerous islands off the coast in Caribbean waters. Despite clear titles to property, don’t succumb to the temptation of buying sight unseen or you could end up the owner of a clump of mangrove trees growing out of the water. If you’re seeking an island in a friendly and laidback country where you make your own rules, then Belize may be the right spot for you.

Belize, Central America

Foreign Ownership of Islands in Belize, Central America

Government approval from the Ministry of Natural Resources is required for any property purchased by foreigners, but there are few restrictions beyond that. Some coastal areas and private islands are restricted and require local approval for freehold sale.

Beyond the basic process of government or local approval, the real estate market in Belize is unregulated. Real estate agents do not need any formal qualifications to sell real estate. Unlike the US, neither the seller nor the real estate are under any legal obligation to disclose pertinent information relating to the property or its title. Make sure you employ the services of a trusted agent, perhaps someone who is licensed in another jurisdiction, but has experience in the area. With a licensed agent, your purchase is more protected. You should also employ a personally recommended lawyer for completing the purchasing process.

You should obtain your legal representation before submitting an offer because a lawyer will be required to make sure the island up for sale has a deed of title. Some properties in Belize do not have registered legal title and cannot legally be offered for sale. The lawyer will check if the island has title, and that it’s free of debt and clear of any legal claims against it. The lawyer will also check the terms of ownership and determine if the sale is freehold.

Regional Statistics for Belize, Central America

Location:: Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico
Population:: 287,730
Languages:: English (official), Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna (Carib), Creole
Capital:: Belmopan
Currency:: Belizean dollar
Climate:: very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November); dry season (February to May)
Temperature Range:: +9 to +36
Terrain:: flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in south
Natural Hazards:: frequent, devastating hurricanes (June to November) and coastal flooding (especially in south)