Ambergris Caye is a beautiful coastal community with a small town feel, friendly natives, and a variety of activities, as well as gorgeous tropical beaches. The area is one of the most popular destinations in all of Belize for tourists and homeowners alike.
Here’s a quick look into what makes Ambergris Caye such a lovable, popular place:
Enjoy a Warm Beach Town
Ambergris Caye is Belize’s largest island, and is one of the most frequented destinations in the Caribbean. The island is home to many attractions, including gorgeous white sand beaches and the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world. The sub-tropical, sunny climate produces average temperatures ranging from 60F to 90F year round, meaning most of the year provides perfect weather for swimming, boating, fishing, and other water sports.
Ambergris Caye is home to just over 20,000 residents, the bulk of which (around 16,000) live in the town of San Pedro, located on the southernmost tip of the island. The official language of Belize is English, and most residents of Ambergris Caye are bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish fluently.
A Popular Option for Retirees
Ambergris Caye has become an increasingly popular destination for retirees, and for good reason. Individuals over the age of 45 may apply for the Qualified Retirement Program, and qualifying applicants can enjoy benefits like tax-free national income and capital gains, as well as no fees or taxes when importing personal belongings to the country. QRP members maintain U.S. citizenship and can continue banking in the United States with ease as well as enter and exit the country of Belize as often as they’d like. Members are only required to reside in Belize for a minimum of one month to maintain their QRP status.
A Look at the Housing Market
Unlike many other Caribbean countries, Belize allows non-residents to purchase properties under a “Freehold” contract as opposed to a “Leasehold” agreement, allowing people to do as they wish with their home, including living in and leasing out the property with ease.
Ambergris Caye real estate is consistently booming. You can expect an oceanfront condominium to run between US$200,000 and US$400,000, while family-style oceanfront houses with 2-4 bedrooms generally cost between US$200,000 and US$700,000, with more luxurious homes (6-8 bedrooms ranging closer to US$1.3 million.
Alternatively, you will see properties renting at $400, $600, and even $800 a night, meaning leasing-out a property while out of the country not only pays for the property expenses, but is easily very profitable. Because up to 70 percent of Belize’s tourists head straight for the beaches of Ambergris Caye, the properties are in high demand, making rental turnover quick and easy.
The beautiful warm beaches, retirement benefits, and multitude of real estate options are only a few of Ambergris Caye’s attractive qualities. If you are looking for the perfect beachfront community to purchase your next home, Ambergris Caye has plenty to offer. Contact ReMax: Robert D Colon today to view your Ambergris Caye real estate options and be on your way to purchasing the beach front home of your dreams!
