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Purchasing Property in Consejo Shores - Key Factors for Buyers

Community Agreements
Consejo Shores is a private, planned community with protective covenants and other agreements designed to preserve our community's integrity, value, and quality of life. Before you proceed to purchase, please review the following community documents. Take your time, ask questions, and ensure they feel right for you. If they’re not a fit, it’s better to know before you commit, so you can choose a community that aligns with your priorities.​​

Foreign Ownership & Legal Basics

  • No restrictions: Non-citizens may purchase land with full ownership rights (fee-simple title).

  • Legal system: Belize follows British common law; foreigners enjoy the same ownership rights as citizens.

  • Language: English is the official language; contracts and laws are in English.

  • Currency: Belize Dollar (BZ$) is fixed at BZ$2 = US$1.

Midnight blue clouds, white boat under palm trees at sunrise - Consejo Shores

Documents You’ll Need

  • Passports: Buyer (and seller) passports valid 6+ months; two notarized copies required at closing stages.

  • Exact legal details: Full legal name on passport, address, phone, and email (for drafting the Purchase Contract).

  • If buying via a company (IBC/LLC): Original formation documents are required for Land Registry transfer. Originals are returned after registration.

  • Tip: Have clean scans + notarized copies ready before you draft the contract. Mismatched names or expired passports are the top causes of delay.


Taxes & Closing Costs (What to Budget)

  • Transfer Tax (Stamp Duty):

        Foreign buyers: 8% of the purchase price. Belizean citizens and CARICOM nationals: 5% of the purchase price. The first US$10,000            is exempt. ​​​​ ​Please note: The Government of Belize can reassess stamp duty if it believes the transfer price does not reflect the                   property's value. In that case, the buyer will be responsible for any additional stamp duty after closing, and the transfer process will           be halted until all additional taxes are paid in full.

  • General sales tax (GST): A 12.5% GST is applied to the first-time sale of properties. 

  • Professional fees: ~1–2% for escrow/attorney services (varies by transaction).

  • Registry & incidentals: Small government lodging/registry fees; survey costs if applicable.

  • Property taxes: Generally low. In Consejo Shores, typical homesites are roughly US$25–US$50/yr.

  • No capital gains or inheritance tax in Belize.

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Title, Registration & Timing

  • After registering the closing package, you’ll receive an LRS (Land Registry System) number as buyer's receipt and tracking ID.

  • The official Land Title Certificate (Fee Simple Title) is typically issued in buyer's name within 12 months.

  • Belize does not “table-close” like North America; possession and practical control can transfer at closing, but certificate re-issue is slow.


Residency Options (Separate from Ownership)

  • Owning property does not grant residency.

  • QRP – Qualified Retired Persons:

        Age 45+, show US$2,000/month income.
        Perks: Duty exemptions on personal goods, vehicles, and small boats.
        Limit: You cannot work for a Belizean employer (you can own a business or earn rental income).

  • Permanent Residency:

        Eligible after about one year of living in Belize.
        Grants nearly all citizen-like rights (except voting), including the ability to work locally.
 
Before moving forward, ensure you have:​

  • Passport valid 6+ months + 2 notarized copies

  • Exact legal name & contact info (matches passport)

  • Company originals (if purchasing via IBC/LLC)

  • Funds for 10% deposit, balance of purchase funds, Stamp Duty, professional & registry fees

  • Review/prepare to sign Consejo Shores community documents (Protective Covenants, Building Procedures, CSPRTL fees, Road Heavy Use Fee)

Purchasing Process - From Contract to Closing
Congratulations on taking the exciting step toward owning property in Consejo Shores! Here is a general overview of the real estate transaction process in Belize. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

  • Preparation, presentation, and acceptance of your offer to purchase

  • Open Escrow and deposit "good faith" funds

  • Due Diligence - Title search, inspections, Central Bank approval (needed if one party is Belizean and the other is a foreigner)

  • Preparation for Closing - Required documents are signed, notarized, and received by the escrow agent

  • Balance Payment - Buyer wires the remaining funds into escrow before closing​

  • Title Transfer - Escrow pays the government taxes and lodges the transfer documents at the Land Registry. An LRS (Land Registry System) number is issued

How We Can Help
At Consejo Shores Ltd., our team guides you throughout the entire process, from selecting the perfect property to ensuring a smooth and transparent closing. We take care of all the details - the purchase contract, escrow, compliance, and closing - so you can focus on the exciting part: planning your life here in Consejo Shores.

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