Belize is managing to combine the opportunity for investors to participate in both a rapidly growing tourism market and an emerging second home retirement destination. Although more affordable than other Caribbean destinations, this is not at the expense of local amenities and services something that sets it apart from more speculative offerings elsewhere. Certain regions could be described as a “mezzo market” - a term coined by International Living to describe markets that are not quite emerging; not quite developed. The risk/reward profile is perhaps more comfortable than purely speculative real estate markets elsewhere in Central America.

As you might expect, continued growth in tourism, environmental preservation and infrastructure improvement are important factors in the future success of the real estate market in Belize. Indications are good. The country has a progressive Tourism ministry that has been successful in putting Belize firmly on the map as a tourism destination. As the 2005 Moon Handbook puts it, ‘Belize is the only country within the Caribbean to experience consistent increases with respect to overall tourist arrivals since 1998.’ This reach is expanding into the luxury end of tourism, a trend helped by a number of celebrity real estate purchases in the country. More Belize real estate indicators.

Related posts:

1. At what stage of a “development curve” are we investing?
2. Belize condos: A market snapshot
3. Belize real estate: a slow burner for 2007 or are things about to get hot?