Belize attractions and the Belize real estate choices. Belize is a fabulous travel location but you can also transform in a permanent tourist if you explore the local real estate market in Belize and purchase a property here. First let’s talk about a few attractions in Belize and we will finish with some tips about becoming a permanent tourist by buying a property in Belize.

Once a Mayan fishing village, Belize City was the country’s capital until 1970 after Hurricane Hattie wreaked havoc. Today, it’s Belize’s largest city and commercial center; a busy port, which welcomes cruise ships; and the country’s main gateway. Ramshackle Victorian buildings jostle along the narrow streets in town, but despite its gritty exterior, the city has a fascinating past featuring Mayans, colonial days, hurricanes, and fires. To learn more, visit the Museum of Belize, housed in a former prison; pop into Government House; or explore the Old Belize Cultural and Historical Centre, a museum, beach, and restaurant all rolled into one. Built in 1923, the Belize Swing Bridge connects the south and north sides of the city and is the world’s only manually operated bridge of its kind. A short drive from the city, visitors can explore the Altun Ha Archaeological Site and the excellent Belize Zoo, which emphasizes conservation and education. This is a great place to see many of the country’s native creatures in natural surroundings, most of which are rescue animals, including jaguars, tapirs, toucans, and howler monkeys. Since the city sits at the mouth of the Belize River, on the Caribbean coast, anglers will find excellent fishing opportunities a few minute’s drive from the center of town.

Ambergris Caye is the largest of several hundred islands in the northernmost waters of Belize. The island is the top tourist destination in Belize, and its lack of high-rise hotels or big city traffic gives the island a relaxed, laid-back feel. Most people get around Ambergris Caye by simply walking. There’s a great deal of quality hotels in town, and many resorts on the island are less than a mile from the town of San Pedro, the only urbanized area on the island. Many travelers enjoy renting golf carts, which are the dominant form of transportation, next to bicycles.

Starting at the foothills of the Maya Mountains and continuing on down to the Caribbean Coast, the Cockscomb Basin Nature Reserve is a vast nature preserve of 150 square miles of trackless wilderness. Most famous for being the first jaguar sanctuary in the world, the Cockscomb Basin Nature Reserve contains pristine forests, wetlands, rivers, and jungle terrain brimming with colorful bird species, exotic plants, and wildlife.

Belize attractions and climate makes buying a property here a sweet thought. Imagine living permanently there… the joy. Purchasing Belize real estate and Belize real estate transactions are pretty straightforward and affordable. The stamp duty (property sales tax) is set at 8% for foreigners. The first $10,000 is exempt. There is no tax on capital gains and the property tax is very low. Due diligence is called for when doing a real estate transaction. Retain a lawyer, buy into an existing property and ask for a registered title before buying. You can also use title insurance to guarantee your ownership of the real estate property. After identifying the property to buy, make an Offer of Purchase. If it is accepted, be prepared to put 10% deposit down. There is also the 8% stamp duty. Attorney fees are 1.5-2%. Read more details on Ambergris Caye property for sale.