Tiffany Swift
on
March 4, 2021

Invest in Belize: Top 10 Reasons [Updated Feb 2023]

Investing in a foreign country can sometimes be a daunting experience but investing in Belize is worth looking at and can be extremely rewarding.

Let us look at the top 10 reasons why you should invest in Belize:

1. English speaking

The official language of Belize is English, and it is one of the most popular reasons why ex-pats choose to settle in Belize, especially retirees. Although Spanish and other languages are widely spoken, the minute you step off the plane, you are greeted by someone that will greet you with a language that you will understand – English.   

2. Friendly People

As a born Belizean, I am biased when it comes to my country, but you will find that our people are amicable once you travel around Belize. Yes, we have many poor people, but many of them, happy and smiling even through the troubles, which is the part of Belize that I love the most.

3. Low property tax

Bumpy roads? Blame it on the low property tax. In San Ignacio, a vacant lot’s property tax per year is US$33 per year, while a lot with a home is around US$75 per year. In the rural areas, you can pay as low as US$2.50 per acre yearly! Yes, you read that right.

4. Strategic geographic location

Belize is a quick 1 ½ hour flight from Miami, which allows you to access the rest of the world within hours. Mexico borders Belize to the Northwest, Guatemala to the south and west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Cancun, Mexico, is a quick 5-hour drive from the northern border. 

5. Stable exchange rate

The local currency is the Belize dollar and ties to the US dollar at 2:1. You can use US dollar bills throughout the country but be prepared to receive change in Belize dollars. This stable exchange rate makes it easy when traveling around Belize and using cash – it is easy to convert.

6. Slower pace of life

“GO SLOW” or “Relax, we are on Belize time” are famous sayings that you will hear throughout Belize. A highly recommended skill in Belize is patience. Belizeans live a laid-back lifestyle, and getting things done may take a little longer than you are used to, but rest assured that it will get completed. If you are tired of city life, Belize is the place to slow down.

7. Lower cost of living

If growing your fruits and vegetables and living off your land is a high priority when considering Belize, you’re heading in the right direction. The Cayo District, primarily, is known as the breadbasket of Belize. That’s because most of the country’s agriculture products are grown and produced in this area and easily accessible and inexpensive.

8. Weather

Belize has a subtropical climate. What does that mean? Well, we have two seasons: wet and dry. During the dry season, temperatures can rise to the 100’s, and when the temperature drops to 60 degrees, you will see Belizeans walking around with sweaters because we consider that as “cold.” The average temperature of Belize is 84 degrees.

9. Cultural diversity

Canadians, Americans, Germans, Garifunas, Mestizo, Mayas, and Lebanese are just a few of the cultures you will find in Belize, and we all enjoy racial harmony. A country that is not divided by race or religion, and children from mixed parents, yes, this is Belize.  Locals often use the word “gringo” to describe ex-pats, but it is not to offend you. 

10. Jungle to beach in hours

San Ignacio Town is the leading inland tourist destination and boasts hills, rivers, and jungle and is about 1 ½ hours from the International Airport.

You can drive to the beach in 2 ½ hours for a day trip or a weekend trip.

Alternatively, you can drive to Belize City and hop on a water taxi and go to the island of Caye Caulker or San Pedro.
Also, the local airlines offer flights throughout Belize and can get you from Belize City to Ambergris Caye in just 20 minutes.

Are you interested in Investing in Belize? Feel free to reach out to me with any questions you have – I am here to help! Contact me at tiffany@belizerealestateagent.com or give me a call at +5016784000

Written by Tiffany Swift

Hi there, my name is Tiffany Swift, and I am a born and bred Belizean. I wake up every day feeling grateful for living in paradise and calling it home. If you're considering relocating to Belize, let me be your guide. Together, we can make your dream of owning a piece of paradise a reality.