Belize's Housing Styles

Belize offers a variety of housing options, from luxurious beachfront villas and condos to modest family homes and cottages. The country's official language is English, with Spanish also widely spoken, and it boasts a range of natural attractions, including pristine Caribbean beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and diverse wildlife habitats such as the Belize Barrier Reef. Building your own home in Belize can be more affordable than buying, and you can find everything from simple concrete block bungalows to high-end custom-built houses with features like tropical hardwood floors and custom cabinetry. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a vibrant beach town, Belize has something to offer, with popular locations including Ambergris Caye, San Pedro, and Cayo.

Beach houses in northern Belize

Belize is known for its Caribbean lifestyle, with tropical breezes, warm ocean waters, and miles of pristine sandy beaches. The country offers a unique opportunity to own luxurious beach houses centrally located and incredibly affordable.

Northern Belize is an ideal location for beach houses, as construction costs are lower in this region, and inexpensive building materials are readily available from nearby Chetumal, Mexico. Building your own beach house in this area can be more affordable than buying, especially if you act as your general contractor.

The secret to a successful construction project in Belize is finding the right architect and contractor. It is recommended to take your time and research contractors through word-of-mouth and referrals from locals and expats. Construction jobs in Belize tend to take longer, and skilled craftspeople like electricians and plumbers can be difficult to find outside urban areas.

When building in northern Belize, it is essential to use hurricane-resistant construction methods due to the region's vulnerability to hurricanes and tropical storms. Deep pilings and elevated structures are necessary to protect against water damage.

Some of the beach houses available in northern Belize include:

• Sea Haven Beach House: A beach house located in Belize, now available for purchase.
• Belize House Casa El Fuerte: A custom-built, Spanish-style beach home with two bedrooms and one bathroom, located just steps away from the Caribbean Sea and Ambergris Caye beach.
• San Pedro: This island in northern Belize offers beach living with access to fishing, boating, and relaxation. It has a range of homes for sale, including properties with extensive beach frontage and undeveloped lots close to town.
• Ambergris Caye: This area provides a peaceful and relaxing environment with a range of homes for sale, from luxurious beachside residences to private cottages.
• Hopkins: Located in northern Belize, Hopkins offers beachfront properties with access to the Caribbean Sea. The "Caribbean Dream" home is a highly-rated vacation rental featuring amazing views, a private setting, and direct access to the ocean.
• Caye Caulker: This island in northern Belize features beach houses like the "Woodpecker House," a unique and private nature-centric retreat, perfect for bird watching and stargazing.

Northern Belize presents an attractive option for those seeking to build or buy beach houses, offering a combination of affordability, natural beauty, and a laid-back lifestyle.

Beachfront homes in Ambergris Caye

Beachfront homes on Ambergris Caye, Belize's largest island, offer a unique opportunity for those seeking a combination of water sports, boating, fishing, and a relaxed lifestyle. The island's real estate market has something for everyone, from beachfront condos to luxury homes with private beaches.

For those seeking the ultimate in privacy and exclusivity, there are beachfront homes located on the tranquil western shore of Ambergris Caye, just outside the Secret Beach commercial area. Here, you can find incredible homes featuring four bedrooms and stunning views. Moving further north, the Mara Laguna community offers beachfront residences with easy access to the town of San Pedro, the island's main urban area.

The Punta Azul subdivision, located approximately 12 miles north of San Pedro, provides an exclusive beachfront living experience with lush land and ample beach frontage. For those seeking a more central location, the Boca Del Rio area in San Pedro Town offers commercial and residential properties, including a profitable 23-unit commercial complex and beachfront villas.

In addition to the natural attractions, Ambergris Caye offers a range of activities such as biking, golfing, snorkelling, windsurfing, and entertainment options like theatres, nightlife spots, galleries, and spas. The island's laid-back atmosphere, friendly residents, and convenient access by boat or plane make it a desirable location for retirees and adventure seekers alike.

Inland homes near Mayan ruins

Belize is home to more than 600 Mayan sites, many of which are situated inland near the country's lush jungles and hills. Here is an overview of some of the most notable inland Mayan ruins in Belize and the homes or accommodation options in their vicinity:

Xunantunich

Xunantunich, which means "maiden of the rock" or "stone woman" in Maya, is located in the Cayo District near the village of San Jose Succotz, just outside San Ignacio Town. To reach the site, visitors must cross the Mopan River using a hand-cranked ferry. Xunantunich is considered one of the finest and most popular Mayan ruins in Belize, featuring well-preserved sun god masks and several plazas, temples, and palaces. The site offers impressive views of the Mopan River Valley and the surrounding landscape.

There are various accommodation options near Xunantunich, including hotels and resorts in the nearby towns of San Ignacio and San Jose Succotz. Some tour operators also offer packages that include transportation, guides, and meals for a comprehensive experience.

Caracol

Caracol, located in western Belize near the border with Guatemala, is one of the most important Mayan ruins in the country. It was once a thriving city with a population of over 140,000 people and an area larger than modern-day Belize City. Caracol is situated within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve and features majestic temples, including the tallest man-made structure in Belize, the "Sky Palace," which rises to a height of 140 feet.

Accommodation options near Caracol may be limited due to its remote location, but San Ignacio, approximately a 2.5-hour drive away, offers a range of hotels and resorts. Camping is also available at the Caracol Archaeological Reserve for those who want to stay closer to the site.

Cahal Pech

Cahal Pech, located in the Cayo District near the town of San Ignacio, is known for being one of the oldest Mayan ruins in the Belize River Valley. The site features over 30 structures, including temples, residential buildings, ball courts, and an altar. Cahal Pech offers panoramic views of San Ignacio and the surrounding landscape.

San Ignacio, just a short drive from Cahal Pech, offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals. The Cahal Pech Village Resort, located near the ruins, provides easy access to the site and offers packages that include transportation and tours.

Lamanai

Lamanai, located in the Orange Walk District on the New River, is known for being the longest continually occupied site in Mesoamerica. It features three Mayan temples, including the Mask Temple, the High Temple, and the Temple of the Jaguar, along with ball courts. Lamanai can be accessed by boat from Tower Hill or by road through San Felipe, offering a "jungle cruise" experience.

There are no accommodation options within Lamanai itself, but the nearby town of Orange Walk offers hotels and guesthouses. Some tour operators also provide transportation and guided tours from Belize City or other nearby towns.

El Pilar

El Pilar, located in the Cayo District, is an extensive Mayan site that is still in the early stages of excavation. It is believed to be larger than nearby sites like Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, with over 25 plazas already discovered. El Pilar offers a glimpse into the lives of everyday Mayans, featuring residential structures, courtyards, and gardens alongside temples and ceremonial buildings.

Accommodation options near El Pilar include hotels and resorts in the nearby town of San Ignacio. Camping may also be an option for those who want to stay closer to the site.

In addition to these notable sites, Belize offers a plethora of other inland Mayan ruins, such as Cerros, Santa Rita, Barton Creek Cave, Nim Li Punit, and Lubaantun. Each of these sites has its own unique characteristics and offers insights into the rich history and culture of the Mayan civilization. When planning a visit to these inland homes near Mayan ruins in Belize, it is advisable to consider the location and accessibility of the sites and choose accommodation options that best suit your preferences and budget.

Mennonite houses

Belize is home to a significant population of Mennonites, a religious group known for their traditional lifestyles and resistance to modern influences. Mennonite houses in Belize are typically built by members of the Mennonite community and are characterised by their use of locally sourced hardwoods and simple, functional designs.

One of the unique features of Mennonite houses is their modular construction. They are typically built in sections that can be easily joined together to create larger homes. This flexibility allows homeowners to customise their living spaces according to their needs. The houses are also known for their efficient construction, with some companies offering fully finished homes that are ready to occupy in a short amount of time.

In terms of design, Mennonite houses in Belize often have simple, functional layouts. They may feature open-concept living areas, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, and covered verandahs or decks. The houses typically have metal roofing and siding, with some incorporating PVC panelling for added protection from the elements. While Mennonite houses are traditionally constructed from wood, some homeowners choose to incorporate concrete elements, such as concrete bases or block garages, for added durability and stability.

Condos in Placencia

Belize is known for its Caribbean lifestyle, with tropical breezes, warm ocean waters, and miles of pristine beaches. The country offers a unique opportunity to own luxurious and affordable homes centrally located near the beach or further inland, closer to the jungle, Mayan ruins, Mexico, and Guatemala.

Placencia, a village nestled at the end of the Placencia Peninsula, is known for its laid-back lifestyle and sandy beaches. It offers a range of vacation rentals, including condos, cabins, and houses, providing the perfect home base for a peaceful or adventure-filled getaway.

There are several condos available in Placencia, offering a mix of beachfront and seafront options with stunning views and easy access to the Caribbean Sea. Here are some examples:

• Beachside Villas: These villas offer one-bedroom and two-bedroom options, sleeping up to four or five people, respectively. They are Gold Standard Certified and located right on the beach, providing easy access to the sea and a relaxing atmosphere.
• Umaya Seafront Condo: This two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo is located in Umaya, Placencia, and offers a seafront experience with stunning views.
• Beachfront Condo: A luxurious beachfront option with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, providing a direct connection to the beach and the Caribbean Sea.
• Placencia Belize Lot: This condo is part of a lot for sale in Placencia, offering the opportunity to invest in and develop your own property in this desirable location.
• Los Porticos: A clean and modern condominium/townhome option in Placencia, providing easy access to all the amenities and attractions of the village.

Placencia condos offer a range of amenities, including internet access, pools, lake views, and easy access to the beach. They are the perfect choice for those seeking a relaxing and comfortable vacation, with the option to explore the surrounding natural beauty and cultural attractions of Belize.

Frequently asked questions