Belize

A sliver of land bordered by Mexico in the north and Guatemala in the west the former British colony (known until 1973 as British Honduras) is one of the smallest countries in Latin America and home to just 280,000 people. Although only 174 miles long and 68 miles across, Belize offers a wide variety of landscape, from the Maya mountains in the north through the savanna and sugar cane fields to the incredible Caribbean coast. It has a number of attractions for property investors: there is no income tax on rent or capital gains tax on sales, and no restrictions on land or property purchases by foreigners. There is an especially favourable tax treatment for retirees (who need only be 45 and have a minimum income of $2,000 a month). Thanks to its colonial past, Belize is English-speaking and has a legal system based on British common law. One of the first major projects is Bella Maya resort, on the Placencia Peninsula, a short flight from Belize City. Prices are around £1,500 a square metre. Given the length of the season, rental yields could be in double figures. Local agents have a wide selection of second hand property. A few British agencies have also started selling there.

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