Business
get money out of the USA, including
all the baby boomers retiring each
day.” Condos are probably the safest
investments, but there are many
other exciting possibilities such
as large parcels for subdivision,
resorts, beachfront, or any
waterfront property.
Single homes in subdivisions with
a private boat dock are a very
attractive purchase as one’s own
retirement home or getaway. Some
of these are in very lush, beautiful
locations with a private slip right in
front of the house, with much
natural growth remaining,
supplemented by planned tropical
landscaping. One of these has small
lakes scattered around and many
are gated.
When asked what services he might
supply to the interested buyer avid
a ar i
h
o
n
a slice of paradise here in Belize —
anything that has to do with buying
property, moving, importing
household goods, importing a
vehicle, or bringing your pets to
Belize. I also can help with property
management, and locate contractors,
manage your repairs, or build for
owners that are absent.” Property
in the area is much cheaper than
the already well–known market of
Ambergris Caye. Here you can get
a lot for about $75,000. Kafka says,
“We have doubled people’s money on
some properties. I have also seen
some clients make $35k or more in 1
y ar i in th ro rty
Expatriates and Activities
in Placencia
The expat community in the area is
growing, consisting mostly of people
from the United States and Canada.
Several of the expats have started
businesses such as restaurants, curio
shops, resorts and, in the case of
Kafka and Mannsfeld, real estate.
Many of them are very active in the
local community. According to
Mannsfeld, part–time expat for
22 years, there is a lot of expat
involvement in Placencia community
services, a clinic with volunteer
doctors, health and educational
services, and setting up designated
green spaces. Kafka has assisted in
o in a m h n
r
department.
Also in contrast to Ambergris Caye,
many say that Placencia is one of
the safest places they know, with
virtually no violent crime.
t o
ry iffi t to
or
living or spending time in the area,
with nearby diving, snorkeling,
boating, sailing, horseback riding,
jungle hikes, exploring Mayan ruins,
or just plain beach lounging with a
Belikin in hand.
There’s a certain excitement in
n in a a
h r th n n
and creative energy speak loudly of
the desire to go to the next step in
omm nity an
nan ia
o tion
Placencia is indeed that place. Were
I not already an in vestor elsewhere,
I would immediately start looking to
place my money here.
• A center of Mayan archaeological
sites
• Low cost of living
• No income tax or capital gains tax
• A deep–water port allowing
everything to be shipped in
containers.
How to get there:
It is quite obvious why one would
want to buy real estate in the area
with such ease of ownership for
foreigners, extremely low taxes, and
a stable currency — the Belize dollar
has been tied to the USD at two to
one for more than a decade now.
David Kafka reports that business
for the last three years has been
very good, “We have sold over $10
million in real estate in the last 3 to
4 years.” According to Kafka, “I feel
you will see a 10% to 15% growth in
the next year. Tourism is up as well.
A lot of Americans are wanting to
Wild Orchid
ra ma or air in
y into
i
City (BZE), including Delta, United,
American and Avianca. From Belize
ity Tro i
ir i to a n ia
Links for more information
David Kafka, Broker/Owner RE/MAX
1st Choice
www.buyingbelizeproperty.com
Boris Mannsfeld & Associates
www.realbelizeestate.com
Belize Tourism Board
www.travelbelize.org
Placencia downtown
Thi arti
r ta
Latin America
ar
in
ry
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