Recently, the publication International Living focused on these factors and many others in compiling its latest list of the top 10 countries for overseas retirement with “The 10 Best Countries to Retire Overseas in 2021.” If your 2023 plans include retiring somewhere tropical, Belize is one country to keep a keen eye on while staying on budget — you can even buy a home for $100,000 or less in this English-speaking Central American country. Here, we go through what it’s like and what’s available at that starting rate with a local agency, thanks to Vista Real Estate.
Why Retiring In Belize Can Be A Breeze (And Budget Friendly)
Photo by Diana Parkhouse on Unsplash
Naturally, beautiful Belize is a great option for American investors looking to make an overseas purchase; the U.S. dollar is widely accepted in the country and given its a former British colony, its laws and customs are quite accessible to the average American. Laws regarding foreign property investment are generous, as both locals and foreigners are treated the same. The country is well-known for its beaches, rainforests, and jungles, but prices remain a bargain compared with most of the world, particularly the U.S. A brand-new, luxury 2-bedroom beachfront home in world-renowned Ambergris Caye, Belize’s largest island, runs just $600,000, while older but much larger homes can be had for hundreds of thousands less. Don’t take our word for it. Here are a few active listings in three different destinations with the full-service local agency, Vista Real Estate.
2-Bedroom Fixer Upper in Belize City ($75,000 USD)
Located in Belize City on the historical Albert Street West in the Mesopotamia Area, this 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home clocks in well under the $100,000 USD budget. The lot measures 42 ft street frontage x 50 ft deep fenced in a quiet neighborhood, offering 1,680 sq ft. While the ground floor offers storage and a carport, an external stairway leads to the living area, kitchen, and bedrooms.
If you’re familiar with downtown Belize City, this home is near to Birds Isle Restaurant, St. John’s Cathedral, and the House of Culture, just one block and a half from the Caribbean Sea.
A Steal in the Capital City: 3-Bedrooms in Belmopan ($94,500)
Vista Real Estate sells this 3-bedroom Belmopan home.
Albeit a young capital, Belmopan holds huge potential for growth—real estate included. Homes under $250,000 BZD ($125,000 USD) are becoming a tougher find by the day and as a Belmopanese, I can attest to that, especially in a neighborhood like Piccini. Located along George Price Boulevard with direct access to the Western Highway and just 5 minutes away from central Belmopan, this property sits on a 60 ft. x 90 ft. lot that is fully fenced with a driveway and carport; the yard is ample.
Ultimately, this US$94,500 home is ideal for the everyday family looking for their first home in a safe, convenient, and central location like Belmopan.
More Than Just A House: 4.25 Acres in Ranchito, Corozal ($90,000)
A Corozal retirement can offer a laid-back Belizean lifestyle full of Caribbean beauty, charm, and ambiance; this makes Corozal an excellent prospect for people who want to live near the water and enjoy the year-round sun. Plus, with Mexico just 9 miles away, it’s easy to hop up there for good medical care and more shopping options. Take this 3-bedroom cottage: blissfully private, the 4+ acre property is found ¼ mile off the Phillip Goldson highway in a peaceful, quiet neighborhood less than 1 mile from Corozal Bay.
The entire property has been cleared, which allows for any future expansions within its wired fence which lines its parcel boundary, while the closest gas station and large store are approx. ½ mile away.
Header image features a 2-bedroom home in Corozal that sold for US$89,000 with Vista Real Estate.
