BELIZE REAL ESTATE
MLS

Yes. Americans and other foreigners have the same property rights as Belizean citizens. You can own land and buildings outright with a "fee-simple" title, which is the strongest form of ownership.

No. Unlike many other countries, Belize does not require an "alien landholding license".

Belize operates under British Common Law, similar to the U.S. and Canada, making legal contracts and property titles familiar to North American buyers.

The "66-foot rule" states that the first 66 feet from the high-tide line is public land; you cannot own or restrict public access to this portion.

The most common are Land Certificates (the most secure), Deeds of Conveyance, and Strata Titles (specifically for condos). 

This is a government Title transfer tax. For non-residents, it is typically 8% of the purchase price, with the first $10,000 USD exempt.

6. Very low compared to the U.S., often ranging from $100 to $1,000 USD annually depending on the location and assessed value.

No. Belize does not currently levy capital gains tax on the sale of real estate.

No. There are no gift, inheritance, or estate taxes for property in Belize.

Yo can expect to pay about  10% of the purchase price, which includes the 8% stamp duty plus 1–2% in legal fees. These fees include Escrow, Title search and closing documents.

It is difficult for foreigners. Local banks require high down payments (30–50%) and charge high interest rates (10–18%). Many sellers will finance with 40-450% down.

Yes. Many developers and private sellers offer financing, often with a 30–50% down payment, interest-only payments at around 8%, and a "balloon payment" due in 3–5 years.

Yes, many Americans use a Self-Directed IRA to invest in Belizean real estate for retirement or rental income.

No. Documents can be signed remotely via notary and sent via courier (FedEx/DHL).

The official currency is the Belize Dollar (BZD) however, most real estate transactions for Americans and foreigners are conducted in U.S. Dollars.

Not in the traditional sense. This "MLS" website aggregates listings from almost all the brokerages in Belize, making it easy to find what you are looking for.

Ownership alone does not grant residency, but it supports applications for Permanent Residency or the Qualified Retirement Program (QRP). There is a new program that will grant residency if you buy a commercial property $250K US or more.

A typical transaction takes between 30 and 90 days from offer to completion.

Yes. The buyer hires the attorney. Your real estate agent will recommend one. A local attorney is essential for conducting a title search and ensuring the property is free of liens or encumbrances. They fees are included in the closing costs, around 1-2% of price.