Real estate investing in Belize

1. Work out what market is right for you and focus there. In this respect there is little difference with property investment anywhere. A bigger gamble can reap larger profits but here your gamble might mean buying off the beaten track with few amenities.If other speculators catch up with you then your investment will accumulate.

2. Don't believe the hype. In most developed countries what you read is, by law, what you get. When it comes to Belize real estate you need to find advisers you can trust and don't be fooled by anybody's spin. There is no comeback if you're taken in by the hype and exaggeration. Buyer beware. Triangulate your information from as many sources as you can.

3. Understand the link between tourism and real estate. You want a good investment - then check out where tourism is growing because real estate dollars will follow close behind. A good resource for visitor numbers in Belize is the official tourism website. It's here that you'll see the country strap-line "Mother Natures Best Kept Secret" that I love.

4. Choose a good attorney. Gain an understanding of the local expertise. Some real estate developers will try and persuade you to use their team for property purchasing. Our advice? Get independent legal advice - at least to review the contract.

5.Make title insurance non negotiable. It might be bureaucratic and cumbersome but we recommend taking out title insurance for all property purchases. Seeking it will also ensure that you attorney investigates far back into the title history of your property and follows a set of criteria for its reporting. The title history in Belize is less complex and convoluted than in Nicaragua for example and the legal system more straightforward (you can thank the British for that). All good news for investors in the country.

6. Don't assume you can finance your purchase. Although Belize has a reasonably well developed banking system (and often lauded privacy rules) you may still find it very hard to get competitive rates.

7. Give something back. You are buying into a community. At every level it is in your interest to give back and to help that community prosper. What you give is up to you: employment, your time or resources. It's also a great way to make friends and to be accepted. Here's a list of charitable organizations to get you started.