If you want to settle in Belize, finding housing will be one of your priorities. There are different types of housing in the country, suiting all preferences and budgets.
To begin with, you must determine what area you want to live in. Ideally, you should do extended visits to several different places you may be interested in settling in. Alternatively, you could rent in one area while visiting others.
If you are making a short stay in the country, it is best to opt for a hotel, hostel, or rental cottage. In these cases it is recommended to start your housing search from abroad via the numerous vacation rental sites. If you are looking for something long term, spend a few days in one of the hotels or rental cottages while asking around about long term rentals. You will get a better deal by looking in-country. Many areas do, however, have long term rental groups on Facebook.
In any case, it is highly recommended to rent for at least a year before buying. You may like to visit the beach but realize you would rather live in the mountains. You may decide the expat life isn't for you. It is extremely wise to give yourself a year to live here before making any long term decisions, even if you have visited many times.
Features of accommodation
Belize has a population of over 380,000 inhabitants, including a fair number of expatriates. The country is divided into six districts: Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek, and Toledo. Each has different areas, each with its own advantages, and disadvantages. The most popular villages for expats are San Pedro (on Ambergris Caye), Caye Caulker, San Ignacio (aka Cayo), Corozal, Hopkins, and Placencia. Visiting is the best way to explore the differences, but it never hurts to ask on the forum or other https://www.expat.communities what people do and do not like about each region.
Types of accommodation
While Belize is certainly not known for high rise hotels and glittering urban centers, you can easily find all the accommodations available in most other places. There are houses, cabins, condos, apartments, hotels, and hostels. Most Belizeans live in traditional clapboard houses, and those are available to rent in many places. More heavily touristed areas have increasing numbers of condos and small hotels.
Cost of housing in Belize
Rent prices in Belize are quite affordable, depending on the area, type of accommodation, furnishings, and comfort level. Even a condo in San Pedro, Belize's most heavily touristed area will likely fetch only BZD1000-3000 per month. A small, traditional Belizean home with no hot water in a remote area may go for less than BZD200 a month.
Leases in Belize
The Belizean Landlord and Tenant Act is pro landlord. In general, rent prices can be negotiated with the owner. However, the annual increase of 10% of the lease price is recommended by each district's Rent Evaluation Office.
You may be required to make a deposit equal to the first and last month's rent. The lease term will be determined by the owner in writing. Long-term leases are usually siz months to a year. If the lease exceeds a period of three years, it must be notarised.
Good to know:
You are required to pay rent within 7 days following the date specified in the lease documents. Otherwise, the owner may sue you and ask you to leave the premises.
Useful links:
Expat.com https://www.expat.com/en/housing
Air BnB www.airbnb.com
Home Away www.homeaway.com
Booking www.booking.com
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