THE CARIBBEAN: A GUIDE TO INVESTMENT DESTINATIONS

		Belize

Belize is a tropical paradise with lush forest and acres of protected natural habitats. The country is home to the Belize Barrier Reef, the longest in the western hemisphere and the second longest in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America. Belize was a British colony for more than a century and was known as British Honduras until 1973. The Maya civilization spread over Belize between 1500 BC and 300 AD and flourished until about 900 AD. European settlement began with British Jews, privateers and shipwrecked English seamen as early as 1638.

Belize is divided into 6 districts, Belize District, Cayo District, Corozal District, Orange Walk district, Stann Creek District and Toledo District.

It is easy for non-national to own property in Belize and buying is easy. It normally takes 30-90 days to complete the transaction. You can get owner financing, at about 10% interest. The rate is negotiable15 BD x 2 (for land certificate and registration) + 5% property value (stamp duty. The Currency is the Belize Dollar. Properties are generally taxed at 1.5% of the assessed value. Assessments are usually at 10-30% of the market value.