Caribbean Gap Equity Loans
Are you dreaming of owning a property in the Caribbean but need some financing? Getting a bank mortgage as a foreign buyer is difficult and many sellers don’t want to finance, which is where we come in. Our process is simple, quick, and has no upfront fees!
You can purchase a vacation home, retirement property, or land. It is a simple process with quick answers.
Key Takeaways
- Attain Belize real estate loans ranging from $50,000 to $2,000,000.
- Caribbean Gap Equity Loans offers interest-only mortgage financing at rates from 10% (typically 10% to 14% a year).
- We can provide fast loan approvals, often within 1-2 business days.
- Loan-to-value (LTV) ratios for Belize real estate mortgages go up to 50% of the property’s value.
- Caribbean Gap Equity Loans works exclusively with Belize Real Estate MLS.
Belize Real Estate Lending Process
Caribbean Gap Equity Loans is a private lender. It is our goal to help you purchase a property in Belize. We have a few guidelines that must be met.
- Property is located in Belize
- You put down at least 50% of the purchase price
- Purchase price must get in-house appraisal approval
- Must not be a citizen of Belize
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Challenges of Traditional Bank Financing for Foreign Buyers
Expats and non-residents often find a Belize bank mortgage hard to get. Under the Central Bank of Belize’s Exchange Control Direction 12/2014, a Belize bank needs the Central Bank’s specific permission to lend to a non-resident, and each request is reviewed case by case.
Bank paperwork is also built for local borrowers. Belize Bank‘s mortgage checklist asks for photo ID, proof of address from a utility bill dated within the last 3 months, a recent employment letter or certified income statement, the land title, proof that property taxes are paid, the purchase agreement and a valuation report.
Where a bank loan is possible, Belize Bank lists rates of 7% to 10% on a reducing balance, terms of up to 300 months (25 years) or retirement age, typical equity of 20% (5% under some programmes) and a 2% loan fee. Across all Belize banks, the Central Bank of Belize reported an average rate of 8.77% on new loans in July 2026.
Private gap financing usually costs more than a bank loan, in exchange for speed and fewer local requirements. To compare every option, read our guide on how to finance Belize property as a US buyer.
Private Lenders: A Flexible and Customized Financing Solution
Private lenders provide a tailored and flexible approach to real estate financing. Unlike traditional banks, they often offer flexible repayment terms and faster approval processes, usually at higher interest rates than a Belize bank mortgage. This makes Belize real estate financing an appealing option for borrowers seeking personalized loan solutions.
Understanding the Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio
The Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio is a critical factor in financing property in Belize. It measures the amount you intend to borrow against the value of your property. A lower LTV indicates less borrowing relative to the property’s value, which can lead to more favorable loan terms.
How Private Lenders Determine Loan Amounts
Private lenders assess your property’s market value, existing mortgages, and credit profile to determine your potential loan amount. They design customized financing options aligned with your financial goals and unique circumstances.
Maximizing LTV for Better Loan Terms
Maintaining a favorable LTV ratio can secure better terms from private lenders, including lower interest rates and more flexible repayment plans. This is particularly beneficial for financing real estate in Belize and expanding a real estate portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is private lending and what do they offer?
Private investors are individuals or companies that lend money to borrowers who may not qualify for a loan from a commercial bank with their red tape.
Private lenders usually charge higher interest rates than Belize banks (Belize Bank lists mortgage rates of 7% to 10%), but they offer more flexible terms and faster decisions for your Belize real estate financing.
What are the loan requirements?
- 50% down payment
- Property located in Belize
- In-house appraisal approval
- Must not be a citizen of Belize
What does Caribbean Gap Equity Loans do to secure loans?
The loan is 100% secured by the property you purchase. In some cases, the private lender may ask for secondary collateral.
Do you charge any up-front or hidden fees that I will have to pay before getting my loan?
No, we never charge any upfront or hidden fees. There is a 2% Origination Fee, which is paid out of the loan. The first quarter of loan payments are also paid out of the loan at funding.
How much money can I borrow against my property?
The private lenders we work with will lend up to 50% of the current market value of your property.
What are the minimum and maximum that I can borrow?
$50K US is the minimum and $2M US is the maximum.
How long can I borrow the money?
All loans are interest-only and set for 5 years. The loan is renewable for another 5 years. There is no prepayment penalty.
Who lends the money to me for my loan?
We collaborate with a network of private investors and lenders who typically fund loans individually. Many of these lenders are retirees who have downsized after selling their homes and now invest in GAP financing opportunities. Unlike conventional banks, we have exclusive access to these private investors, enabling us to offer faster decisions and more flexible financing options than conventional banks.
What happens to my property title during the loan term?
A mortgage lien is placed on the property by the lender as security for the loan.
How much is the interest rate I should expect to pay?
Typical equity loan interest rates charged to borrowers are from 10% up to 14% per annum. Lower rates may be considered for lower loan-to-value purchases.
What is an Interest Only Loan?
An interest-only loan allows the borrower to pay only the interest on the loan for a specified period, leaving the principal balance unchanged during that time. Once the interest-only period ends, the borrower must pay the loan in full, called a balloon payment.
What does “Loan to Value” mean?
Loan-to-Value (LTV) is calculated by dividing the loan amount by the property’s value. For example, if your property is worth $250,000 USD and you want to borrow $125,000 USD, your LTV would be 50%. A lower LTV typically makes it easier to secure financing and qualify for better interest rates and loan terms.
Can private lenders put a second mortgage on my home?
No, the private lenders we work with don’t do second mortgages. If you already have a mortgage on your home, you will need to borrow enough money to pay off the first so that the new lender can take that position.