While traveling, I have met many people who dream about escaping to the Caribbean and owning a slice of paradise. More often than not, I tell them about the white coral sand in the Silk Cayes, the wonderful Hatchet Caye hotel and the amount of islands and cayes for sale in Belize. Many find it hard to believe that in this day and age, there are still any affordable opportunities to own private islands.
Here’s all you need to know about Private Islands in Belize
The most common question I have heard in the past years is: “Can anyone buy an island?
So, let’s get that out of the way. Anyone can buy an island in Belize, and shockingly, the prices are not ridiculous— with island acres going for sale around 100k USD. While the initial price tag will buy you a slice of absolute privacy, there are other things that will raise the costs of your investment – but before explaining additional costs, it is important to know the benefits of buying an island.
Why would anyone buy a private island in Belize?
Say you get a title for your island property in Belize; Along with the bragging rights and awesome stories, you can enjoy both sunrises and sunsets in a completely private environment. Due to the country’s location next to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, a private island owner can also permanently enjoy the clearest and calmest waters in the world.
With Belize being the eco-tourism capital of the world, many island owners have seized the opportunity to create businesses such as Hatchet Caye, Ranguana and Turtle Inn resorts. Even celebrities like Bill Gates and Leonardo diCaprio have an interest in the Belizean activities and adventures, with the latter opening his own eco-resort in the coming year. There is a general tourist desire to spend a couple of days out in the islands, with breathtaking sunrises and sunsets and great snorkeling, all less than an hour from the mainland.
Now, as promised, there is a whole other side to owning private islands in Belize, read more below.
The responsibilities of owning a private island in the Caribbean
Here’s some points to consider before you take the big leap of buying a Caribbean island.
Starting a business or even a small construction on an island is an expensive endeavor, as all materials need to be shipped into the vast Caribbean waters. Obtaining electricity and clean water is also an arduous process, which can be better explained by the people at Hatchet Caye, a wonderful island resort.
Isolation is another hurdle to be overcome when living on a private island, as Richard Branson knows, private islands are not the best place to be during bad weather or hurricanes, as aid can take weeks or months to reach your property.
If you are in the market for a retirement property down under, but you’re not entirely convinced with a private island, why not start your Belize real estate portfolio with a jungle, farm or beachfront property?
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