Belize Long-Term Apartment Rentals: A Guide

If you're looking to rent a long-term apartment in Belize, you'll find a range of options, from beachfront homes to modern apartments in well-established neighbourhoods. However, it's important to note that finding long-term rentals in Belize can be challenging, especially in popular areas like San Pedro and Ambergris Caye. To navigate the rental market, it's crucial to understand the different areas, how to find rentals, and what properties are available. In this guide, we'll explore the process of finding and securing a long-term apartment rental in Belize, ensuring you have a smooth and successful experience.

Where to find long-term apartment rentals in Belize

Finding long-term rentals in Belize can be challenging. There is no central source of information like there is in the US, and many rentals are found by word of mouth. However, there are a few ways to find long-term apartment rentals in Belize.

Firstly, decide which area of Belize suits your needs. Popular options include the village of Placencia, where you can find an endless beach, palm trees, sparkling Caribbean views, and a range of houses. Another option is Maya Beach, which is about a 20-minute ride from Placencia and offers more peace and better value for money.

In San Pedro, there are distinct areas where expats live, including the town of San Pedro itself, an area south of the town, and an area north of the town, over the bridge, which offers miles of undeveloped waterfront land.

Once you have decided on an area, you can start looking for rentals. In Placencia, there is a long-term rental group on Facebook that can be a good source of listings. However, many rentals may not be advertised online, so it is worth asking around in the village and calling when you see "To Rent" signs. In San Pedro, it can be a matter of chasing down real estate agents, office managers, or anyone connected to the rental system.

Some websites that list long-term apartment rentals in Belize include Point2, Belize It Vacation Rentals, Ambergris Seaside Rentals, and Buy Belize Real Estate. These websites offer a range of properties, from modern luxury seafront apartments to simple, inexpensive wooden houses.

Good luck with your search for a long-term apartment rental in Belize!

Best areas to live in Belize

Belize is a small country in Central America, with a population of around 400,000. It has become an expat hotspot due to its low population density, use of English as the official language, easy exchange rate, and easy access in and out of the country.

Ambergris Caye

As one of the most popular areas in Belize, Ambergris Caye offers beautiful beaches and a wide range of water sports. It is a top tourist destination, with world-class fishing, diving, and snorkelling spots. It is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and clubs. Ambergris Caye is easily navigable by walking or biking, and golf carts are a common mode of transportation.

Caye Caulker

Located a 30-minute ferry ride from Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker is often described as the laid-back, smaller version of its more popular counterpart. It has unpaved streets and no cars, so most people get around on foot or by golf cart. Caye Caulker offers a more quaint and relaxed lifestyle, with stunning surroundings and an affordable cost of living. However, it has limited internet connectivity and healthcare facilities.

Placencia Peninsula

Placencia Peninsula is considered the mainland counterpart to Ambergris Caye, offering beautiful beaches and a tranquil atmosphere. It is less populated, with fewer housing options, but finding an affordable place to live is not difficult. Placencia has retained the charm of the little fishing village it once was, and many expats choose not to own a car due to its walkability.

Corozal District

The Corozal District, situated on Chetumal Bay in northern Belize, is known for its affordability. It is not a tourist hotspot, making it a more affordable living space than Ambergris Caye. It offers a small-town lifestyle, with the convenience of being just a 30-minute drive from Chetumal, Mexico, where big-box stores like Walmart and Home Depot can be found.

San Ignacio, Cayo

San Ignacio, located in the Cayo District, is known for its relatively low house prices and natural beauty. It is an excellent choice for those who love spending time outdoors, with spectacular waterfalls, rivers, and lush forests. San Ignacio is also ideal for those seeking to live a sustainable life off the grid.

Belize City

Belize City is the largest city in Belize and the country's financial and industrial hub. It is a diverse and culturally rich city, where residents are accepting of one another. It offers a range of medical services, cultural attractions, boutiques, hotels, and other amenities typically associated with larger cities. Belize City is a popular choice for those who intend to work in Belize rather than retire, as it provides a balance between an active city life and a relaxed pace.

These are just a few of the best areas to live in Belize, each offering its unique appeal to suit different preferences and lifestyles.

What to expect from the rental market

The rental market in Belize offers a range of options, from beachfront homes and villas to condominiums and apartments. You can expect to find both long- and short-term rental properties, catering to a variety of budgets and preferences.

One thing to note is that finding long-term rentals in Belize can be challenging, especially in popular areas like San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, and Placencia. There is no centralized system or platform like realtor.com or Craigslist that aggregates all available rental listings in the country. Instead, you may need to rely on local knowledge, word-of-mouth recommendations, and Facebook groups to find potential rental options.

In terms of specific areas, Placencia offers a 16-mile peninsula with endless beaches, palm trees, and sparkling Caribbean views. Expats often choose to live in the village of Placencia, where everything is within walking distance. However, some opt for more privacy and better value for money by living two to three miles out of the village. Maya Beach, about a 20-minute ride from Placencia, is another peaceful and cost-effective option.

In San Pedro, there are distinct areas where expats tend to gather. Some live in the town itself for convenience, while others choose the bustling expat area south of the town, with Crazy Canucks bar at its heart. There are also more remote options further south, offering larger seafront plots and tranquility. North of the town, over the bridge, is an area that's mostly new and occupied by expats, featuring undeveloped waterfront land and resort-style amenities.

The types of properties available on the rental market vary widely. You can find anything from simple, inexpensive wooden houses on stilts to luxurious, fully-furnished condos and apartments with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. Prices vary depending on the location and amenities, but generally, the cost of renting in Belize is lower than in popular resort towns in the U.S. For example, in Placencia, a high-end rental might be around $1,300 per month for a three-bedroom, three-bathroom property with a water view. In San Pedro, a similar budget could get you a two-bedroom, two-bathroom home with resort amenities.

Overall, when entering the rental market in Belize, be prepared for a unique and varied selection of properties, but also for the challenge of finding and securing long-term rentals in certain areas. Asking around, networking, and utilizing local resources will be key to finding your ideal rental home.

Cost of renting in Belize

The cost of renting in Belize varies depending on the location and style of the property. The national currency in Belize is the Belize dollar (BZ$), which is fixed at a rate of two to the US dollar (1 BZ$ = 2 USD).

Belize offers a range of housing options, from basic wooden homes to modern concrete houses, with prices adjusted accordingly. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs between BZ$1,000 and BZ$1,500 per month, while a similar apartment outside the city can be found for BZ$500 to BZ$1,000. A three-bedroom apartment in the city centre can cost anywhere from BZ$1,500 to BZ$3,000, and a three-bedroom apartment outside the city centre ranges from BZ$1,000 to BZ$2,000.

The cost of utilities for an 85m² apartment in Belize is estimated to be around BZ$300 per month. Internet services are relatively affordable, with basic 20 Mbps internet available for about BZ$50 per month, and faster speeds of up to 150 Mbps costing around BZ$100.

When it comes to location, popular expat destinations such as San Pedro, Placencia, and Caye Caulker tend to be more expensive. For example, a two-bedroom apartment near the beach in San Pedro or Placencia can cost between BZ$2,400 and BZ$3,000 per month. On the other hand, a one-bedroom apartment on the water in Cayo can be found for around BZ$2,000 per month.

It's worth noting that import taxes on motor vehicles in Belize are high, which can impact the overall cost of living if you plan to own a car. Additionally, the cost of food and imported items can be high, which may lead some residents to shop across the border in Mexico or Guatemala.

Overall, the cost of living in Belize is generally considered to be lower than in the United States, especially if you're willing to adopt a more local lifestyle.

How to find an apartment in Belize

Finding a long-term rental property in Belize can be challenging. There is no central source of information like there is in the US, and many of the best deals are found by word of mouth. However, there are still several ways to find an apartment.

Online

Start by checking online. While there is no MLS system in Belize, there are some websites that list available properties, such as Point2 Homes, Belize It Vacation Rentals, Ambergris Caye, and Buy Belize Real Estate. These sites allow you to filter properties by price, location, and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms.

Facebook Groups

Look for long-term rental groups on Facebook. For example, in Placencia, there is a long-term rental group that has been described as a good source of listings.

In-Person

Ask around in the village you're interested in moving to. Keep an eye out for "To Rent" signs in windows, and call to inquire about the property. In San Pedro, in particular, finding an apartment is a matter of chasing people down; real estate agents, office managers, or anyone you know who is connected to the rental system.

Areas to Consider

When deciding where to live in Belize, the most popular choice is to live in the village of Placencia, as you don't need a car, and everything you could need is within walking distance. However, some people prefer to live two to three miles out of the village to get more privacy and more for their money. Another popular option is Maya Beach, which is about a 20-minute ride from Placencia and is extremely peaceful and affordable.

In San Pedro, many expats live in the town for convenience, while others live south of the town, where there is a bustling expat area with the Crazy Canucks bar at its heart. Some expats live even further south, where there is a brutal dirt road, but they are rewarded with larger seafront plots of land and peace and quiet. North of the town, over the bridge, is another popular expat area with miles of undeveloped waterfront land, sprawling condo complexes, resorts, and great North American-style bars and restaurants. However, this area lacks authentic local charm.

What to Expect

When looking for a long-term rental in Belize, it's important to manage your expectations. While many people initially think they need a water view, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, stainless appliances, a pool, and full furnishings, the reality is that you don't need to rent a water view when the Caribbean Sea is always nearby, and you can enjoy the views for free. Belize is all about living outdoors, and you may find that you need much less indoor space than you thought.

Cost

The cost of renting in Belize is generally less than in popular resort towns in the US. In Placencia, for example, you can find a three-bedroom, three-bathroom property with a water view for about $1,300 a month. In San Pedro, you can rent a two-bedroom, two-bathroom home with resort amenities for around $1,200 a month, which is at the top end of the rental market.

Frequently asked questions