Real Estate Hot Spot in Central America and the Caribbean

There is a small Central American Nation that has a lot in common with the Caribbean, and is certainly a new hot spot. It has certainly been making headlines around the world in travel articles. So many people from all over the world primarily Canada, United States, Europe and the UK are choosing to purchase a retirement home, second home or invest in property in this small nation.

One of the reasons so many choose this country is because it's the only English speaking Central American country, which makes communicating with the locals easy and also facilitates your move. If you are wondering which country we are talking about you have to wait no longer. This country with so much beauty packed within its borders is most certainly, Belize.

Belize offers a diverse landscape. If you are looking for beachfront properties, private islands, farm lands or a secluded jungle home in the rainforests or mountains, look no further than Belize. You can choose to live in the city or in the rural areas. You will find that the real estate prices vary depending on the area that you choose. You will find that the prices in Belize City, Consejo Shores, San Pedro - Ambergris Caye and Placencia are generally higher than those in the rural areas of Belize.

The world's economy has certainly affected Belize, and since the start of the economic downturn, Belize has seen  as much as 30-35% depreciation in real estate values in some areas. This makes Belize the real hot spot of Central America and the Caribbean when it comes to purchasing real estate. It has become a real buyer's market with prices certainly being negotiable. We have seen rare discounts by as much as 50% on some land and homes. Comparing Belize's prices to that of the United States or Europe, Belize prices are still relatively low. Therefore, Belize is an excellent location for investment.

The Government of Belize as Well as the Belize Tourism Board has been promoting Belize, not only as a vacation destination, but offering Belize as Retirement Destination for expats to purchase a primary residence, second home or vacation home. For those that will be retiring in Belize, they can certainly take advantage of the Qualified Retirement Programme (QRP Program) which offers tax benefits to retirees.

If you are considering making the move to Belize or investing in real estate in this small Central American and Caribbean nation be sure to do all the necessary research or talk to a Belize Relocation Consultant about areas that would be most desirable to you.

Belize Qualified Retired Persons Incentive Program also known as the QRP Program

Since the inception of the Qualified Retired Persons Incentive Program also known as the QRP Program, Belize is rapidly becoming known as a prevalent retirement destination in Central America, the Caribbean and other Global Communities and was named one of the world's top ten retirement havens for 2011 by US News.

About The Program
The Retirement Program in Belize was created especially for those people who wish to live in Belize and can prove a permanent and consistent income from investment (abroad or in Belize), pension or other retirement benefits.

Who can qualify for this program?
The Retirement Program in Belize was created especially for those people who wish to live in Belize and can prove a permanent and consistent income from investment (abroad or in Belize), pension or other retirement benefits.
Our natural wealthy environment as well as our culturally diverse and hospitable people - our greatest asset - are only but a few reasons to retire in Belize.

To list even more enticing features...
• Tax Breaks
• Peaceful Nation
• English Speaking
• Good Educational System
• Sub-tropical Climate all Year Long
• Easy Access to Land for Development and Construction of Retirement Home
• Close Proximity to the US, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean
• Strong Stable Belize Dollar
• Abundance of Natural Resources
• Breathtakingly Beautiful
• Friendly People

Qualifying Process
Anyone forty-five years and older can qualify for the program. A person who qualifies can also include his or her dependents in the program. Dependents include spouses and children under the age of eighteen. However, it can include a person up to the age of twenty-three if enrolled in a university.

INCOME FROM PENSION OR OTHER SOURCE

1. Qualified Retired Persons
To be designated a Qualified Retired Person under the program, applicants must receive a monthly income of not less than US $2,000 through a pension or annuity that has been generated outside of Belize.
2. Certification
i) When a company grants a pension, that company has to prove that it has been in operation for at least 20 years by submitting proof of registration.
ii) The company that grants the pension shall certify that the pension of no less than US $2,000.00 per month will be forwarded to a reputable financial institution within Belize. This letter must be signed by the manager, president, or by a legal representative of the company.
iii) Certification by a Certified Public Accountant independent of the company:
-Stating the date the company was established
-Verifying the authenticity of the above mentioned letter
-Certifying that the obligation signed in favor of the beneficiary is not less than US $2000.00 per month.
iv) The applicant must present two (2) bank references from the company that is sending the pension.
v) The company granting the pension must present a document outlining its pension scheme.
Requirement ii, iii, iv could be omitted where the company sending the pension is considered to be a Fortune Five Hundred Company.

3. Background Check
All applications are subject to a background check to be carried out by the Ministry of National Security.

Terms &Conditions
Below is a copy of the terms and conditions form. Please review.

1. All Qualified Retired Persons must adhere to the general procedures cited by the Customs Department for the clearing of all personal and household effects including 'Mode of Transportation'.
2. Qualified Retired Persons are not allowed to seek employment or work for pay while in this program or in Belize.
3. Qualified Retired Persons within this program must inform the Belize Tourism Board regarding any changes stated on the application form. Failure to do so may result in the revocation of applicant's status.
4. Qualified Retired Persons must adhere to all existing laws of Belize, in addition to the Retired Persons (Incentives) (Amendment) Act, 2001.
5. All benefits provided by this program will be exclusively used by the Qualified Retired Persons and his or her dependents.
6. The Belize Tourism Board has the authority to carry out any investigation with respect to the validity of any document provided by the applicant under this program.
7. Participants within this program must inform the Belize Tourism Board prior to leaving the country indefinitely so that the assets purchased under this program can be liquidated.
8. All documents presented to the Belize Tourism Board become the property of the Board.
9. The applicant must not have any criminal matters with the law at the time of application.
10. Applicants must present a listing with all the necessary information with regards to his or her dependents. If the applicant has a dependent over eighteen and in school, then he or she must present a proof of enrollment from that institution.
11. Qualified Retired Persons must submit a yearly bank statement showing compliance with the financial requirements of the program.
12. Qualified Retired Persons must spend an equivalent of one month in Belize annually to maintain their status as a Retiree Resident.

Acceptance of these terms and conditions must be endorsed with the signature of the applicant in the presence of a witness.

Application Process
Each application for the Retirement Program will be processed by the Belize Tourism Board and forwarded to the Department of Immigration and Nationality. Persons interested in the program must submit completed applications to the Belize Tourism Board with the following supporting documentation:

Birth Certificate:
A copy of a certificate for the applicant and each dependant

Marriage Certificate:
(if married and spouse is a dependant)

Authentic Police Record:
An authentic police record from the applicants last place of residency issued within one month prior to this application

Passport:
Clear copies of complete passport (including all blank pages) of applicant and all dependents that have been certified by a Notary Public. The copies must have the passport number, name of principal, number of pages and the seal or stamp of the Notary Public.

Proof of Income:
(a.) An official statement from a bank or financial institution certifying that the applicant is the recipient of a pension or annuity of a minimum of Two Thousand United States Dollars (US $ 2 000) per month.

Medical Examination:
Applicants should undergo a complete medical examination including an AIDS test. A copy of the medical certificate must be attached to the application.

Photos:
Four front and four-side passport size photographs that have been taken recently of applicant and dependents.

The Application

FOR REGISTRATION AS A QUALIFIED RETIRED PERSON

IMPORTANT
Please read all the instructions carefully before completing the form.
All particulars must be fully stated in block letters.
Incorrect or incomplete statements may result in delay or refusal of the application. If any error is discovered after status has been granted the applicant status may be revoked.
Applicants may use the services of a local attorney or accountant when processing the application.

For more informatioon you can take a look at the Retirement Section of Belize Tourism Board website.

If you are looking to Retire in Caribbean you can choose to Retire in Belize.
For a list of Retirement Homes in Belize make sure to contact:
Platinum International Real Estate
Phone: +501-664-1630
Email: info@platinumrealestate.biz

Why should you consider Buying Real Estate in Belize?

Why should you consider Buying Real Estate in Belize?

 "Timing is everything when it comes to purchasing real estate and now is an excellent time to choose real estate in Belize." Platinum International Real Estate and Investments looks forward to welcoming you to Belize and showing you the real estate opportunities available to you. The team behind Platinum International Real Estate and Investments has over 20 years of experience in international real estate and the network and connections to give you an insider's view and bring you the region's best lifestyle and real estate opportunities.

Belize is located just two hours by air from Houston or Miami, Belize is located in the Caribbean on the main land of Central America with the Caribbean Sea is to its east which gives Belize 174 miles of pristine coastline and a land mass of 8,866 sq. miles of territory, including 266 square miles of islands.

Property prices in the Caribbean and other Central American countries have experienced over inflation in recent years, but Belize Properties still remains a bargain. Real estate in Belize has seen stability in real estate values in certain areas despite the economic turmoil in the USA and other nations around the world. Belize has seen increasing real estate investments by Canadians, Europeans, and Americans among other nationalities due to increased direct air travel from Europe and other parts of the world and is likely to increase the area’s popularity even further. Many Investors who cannot afford to retire in the U.S., Canada or Europe are considering Belize as inflation continues to rise at home. Many Investors are realizing that they may have an opportunity to jump on board before the Belize real estate market takes off again. Annual Property taxes are minimal in Belize. With NO CAPITAL GAINS TAX and NO INHERTANCE TAX, Belize is ideal for those seeking the protection of offshore investment and banking.

Owning Belize Properties in Belize is made more appealing by the Belize government’s retirement incentive program and the asset protection offered by the Belize banking system. The Legal System in Belize can also protect your assets and also your personal interest. If you are looking for possible tax exemptions, privacy and inheritance advantages, Belize is definitely the key to having much needed peace of mind.

Many properties in Belize are ideal for rentals and offer great investment opportunities. Your property can be entered into our long term lease program and property management. You can also take advantage of our short term rental or vacation home rental pool for a portion of the year ensuring that you have income when you are away and the safety of having a place you can enjoy while you are in Belize.


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Top Caribbean property for 2009

Belize on the list of top Caribbean investments in 2009

The global economic downturn has seriously affected the world's property markets. Many countries are reporting a sluggish turnover of property and decreased value on previously purchased real estate.

However, keen investors are finding that there are still some areas which are riding the storm and flourishing. A company that has been monitoring the markets in the 26 Caribbean countries is now sharing what they feel are the top locations for purchasing property in 2009.

International Property advisor, Wini Dean, states that "It is simply not true that everything is in decline, in fact I am as busy as ever with clients seeking property in the Caribbean region. Of course some areas are doing better than others and we feel obligated to let people know where they will get most value for their investments."

One of the countries remaining popular with buyers is Belize. As it is the only English speaking country in Central America, there is an increased ease of conducting both personal and business affairs for expats and investors. Real estate is readily available as Belize is the least populated country in Central America and has one of the lowest population densities in the world. Belize is popular with those who enjoy pristine environments with rainforests and exotic wildlife. In addition the coastline of Belize is lined with tropical beaches which offer snorkeling and diving into the 2nd biggest coral reef in the world.

Retiring to Belize is made more appealing through government incentives for qualified retirees. These include tax-free income status and duty free concessions to import all household items, a car and even boat or a light aircraft. They have also recently reduced the stamp duty tax on real estate title transfers. The new rate is 0% up to US$10,000 in purchase price and 5% for any amount above US$10,000.

Whilst many of these Caribbean countries are popular with retirees, Wini Dean adds a word of caution to prospective buyers of working age. "It is important to realize that there are few job opportunities within these countries and anyone who wants to live there should be prepared to create their own avenues for employment. Setting up new business which brings new jobs for locals is also a way of giving back to a country that has embraced you."

When in Belize don't forget to check with Platinum International Real Estate and Investments about some of these investments. They will be sure to have a few you might like.

Who is buying property in Central America?

There has been a trend in recent years for many North American and European, Canadians and Asian buyers to purchase real estate in what are seen as developing or emerging economies. In Europe much of the focus has been on the emerging economies of the former Soviet Union, Morocco, southern Europe and the Caribbean. In North America the focus has been very strongly on the Caribbean, Central and Latin America. The US State Department estimates that about 380,000 Social Security cheques are delivered to beneficiaries outside the US each month. Almost four million Americans, not including embassy officials and the military, are now living overseas.

Many Central American countries offer impressive incentive packages for retirees. The economic benefit of a retiree migration to Central America is a two way street. “Retirees get a lower cost of living, warm weather and more economic housing and create a virtuous cycle in return: more retirees equals more local jobs, resulting in more economic stability and less political stability, resulting in more retirees” If you have any questions about this artice please write to platinumhomesbelize@gmail.com

Platinum International Real Estate and Investments

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