Belize is a tiny country in Central America that is starting to get the attention of real estate investors interested in Caribbean-style real estate. It comes as no surprise for those in the know that Belize is getting on the radar as an investment destination – the country offers properties at far lower prices than more well-known Caribbean locations; the government is a stable democracy and English is the official language.

Belize boasts some of the regions most unspoiled rain forests, world class diving on the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef and large Mayan ruins. Belize is already a big tourism draw, especially for the more adventurous traveler. The locals are welcome and there’s a relaxed, easy-going vibe across the country.

From a real estate perspective, Belize has less of the large-scale destination-type communities that are commonplace in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama, further south. Developers in Belize have concentrated more on building smaller, boutique-style condo projects and gated communities. There’s also a strong sustainability drive in the Belize real estate scene. The two most popular areas among property hunters (and tourists) are Placencia Peninsula on the mainland and Ambergris Caye, an island located 15 flight away from Belize City.

For those less interested in ocean-side property, there’s much to see in the interior of the country. The western Cayo districts offer a mountainous, jungle-covered landscape offering ‘tree-change’ type living environments that are gaining popularity worldwide.

Buying property in Belize is a relatively simple process. Foreigners can own real property and businesses in Belize without restriction and there are none of the legal entanglements and title complications that seem to be common in other countries in Central America. Perhaps is partly because the legal system is based on British Law. (Elsewhere in Central America, laws are based on the Napoleonic code).

It’s exciting times in Belize as the world begins to catch on to what is on offer. There’s still much opportunities for an ‘early in’ investment and the chance to experience an overseas lifestyle, Caribbean style.