Belize's Cozy Cribs

Belize is a small country nestled in the corner of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. It is known for its tropical climate, pristine beaches, and laid-back lifestyle. One notable aspect of Belize is the size of its houses, which tend to be smaller compared to those in other countries.

Belize offers a range of housing options, from luxurious beachfront properties to simple and cosy cottages. However, a common feature among many Belizean homes is their compact size, often with one or two bedrooms, a basic kitchen, and a seating area.

So, why are houses in Belize typically smaller?

Building your own home is cheaper than buying

Building Your Own Home in Belize

Building your own home in Belize is generally cheaper than buying, especially if you act as your own general contractor. While building your own home in Belize will likely give you more for your money, it will also come with a lot more headaches. If you can put up with the construction hassles, you can build a luxurious house with built-in furniture, exotic tropical hardwood floors and ceilings, and custom-made mahogany or rosewood cabinets that would only be found in the homes of multimillionaires in the U.S.

Financing

Home finance and mortgages in Belize are not bad, but you will need to shop around. Financing from local lending institutions is available for Belizeans and residents. Getting a mortgage loan from a bank in Belize to buy or build property can be challenging for non-residents, so it is advisable to be prepared to pay in cash or obtain financing from a non-Belizean financial institution.

Construction Costs

Construction costs in Belize vary depending on factors such as the cost of transportation of materials to the building site, the terrain, and the quality of work. Construction costs are typically higher on the coast and cayes due to the need for hurricane-resistant construction, and it costs extra to transport building materials to the islands. Building costs are also higher in southern Belize than in the north, where inexpensive building materials are more readily available as some can be imported from Chetumal, Mexico.

Labour

Labour in Belize is less expensive than in the U.S., with carpenters and masons earning around $25 to $40 a day, and unskilled construction workers earning $15 to $20 a day. While labour is cheap, construction jobs usually take longer in Belize. Workers may be skilled in construction techniques common in Belize but may lack knowledge about building in the American or European style. Outside of urban areas, it is difficult to find qualified craftspeople such as electricians and plumbers.

Building Materials

Building materials in Belize are mostly no cheaper than in the U.S., except for locally produced items such as tropical hardwoods.

Overall Building Costs

Building costs in Belize range from around $30 to $150 per square foot, not including the cost of land. At the low end, this would be a simple Belizean-style concrete block bungalow house or frame construction, and at the high end, it would be high-quality concrete construction with hardwood floors and custom details. Most commonly, you can expect to pay about $50 to $90 per square foot. Overall, building your own home in Belize will give you more for your money, but it will also come with more challenges and headaches.

Belize's tropical climate and hurricane risk impact construction

Belize's tropical climate and hurricane risk have a significant impact on construction practices and housing styles in the country.

Belize's warm and humid climate influences the design of homes, with features such as open-plan layouts, ceiling fans, and cooling breezes incorporated to enhance comfort. The country's susceptibility to hurricanes and tropical storms requires builders to implement specific construction techniques to withstand these natural disasters.

Reinforced concrete is the preferred material for house foundation slabs and walls in hurricane-prone areas. Builders use industrial galvalume roofing, which rests on pressure-treated wood or metal beams, to provide durability and protection against strong winds. Hurricane straps and rafter ties are also utilised as an affordable way to safeguard roofs. While concrete roofs offer the utmost security, they are expensive due to the extra load on walls and foundations, and they require careful attention to aesthetics.

In coastal regions, such as the cayes, construction costs are generally higher due to the need for hurricane-resistant structures. Builders must use deep pilings to elevate the first floor above ground level, preventing water damage during storms and hurricanes. These pilings can be costly, ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 each, and may account for a significant portion of the total construction budget.

Belize's tropical climate also influences the choice of building materials. Local tropical hardwoods are commonly used, and builders often incorporate custom-made mahogany or rosewood cabinets and furniture. The use of natural ventilation, such as cross-gable galvalume roofs, is also important to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

Overall, the construction costs in Belize vary depending on location and materials used. Building a simple concrete block bungalow or a wooden house can cost around $30 per square foot, while high-quality concrete construction with custom details can reach up to $150 per square foot.

Concrete homes are increasingly popular

Concrete block houses are a common choice for those seeking to build their own homes in Belize. The use of concrete allows for the inclusion of desirable features such as built-in furniture, tropical hardwood floors, and custom-made cabinetry. Concrete construction also offers the advantage of being more affordable than traditional wood-frame or thatch construction, with insurance premiums for reinforced concrete homes being significantly lower.

The panelized building system, which combines concrete with polymer, is another innovative construction method gaining traction in Belize. This system offers excellent heat insulation and requires minimal maintenance, making it an ideal choice for the tropical climate.

Concrete homes in Belize come in a range of styles, from luxurious beachside residences to tidy cottages offering privacy and seclusion. The versatility of concrete allows for the creation of open-plan layouts, spacious rooms, and custom details that cater to individual preferences.

Building with concrete in Belize also presents some challenges. Construction costs can vary depending on factors such as transportation, terrain, and the need for hurricane-resistant features. Additionally, the process can be time-consuming, often taking twice as long as expected due to the availability of skilled labour and the time required for transportation and curing of concrete.

Despite these challenges, concrete remains a popular choice for those seeking to build their dream homes in Belize. The combination of durability, affordability, and design flexibility makes concrete an attractive option for those wishing to enjoy the Caribbean lifestyle that the country offers.

Belize's small population and large land area mean there is plenty of land to build on

Belize has a small population in relation to its land area, and there is plenty of land available for construction. The country's population was recorded as 397,483 in the 2022 census, and the land area is 8,867 square miles.

Finding land to build a home in Belize is similar to anywhere else: it is generally more expensive in urbanised areas and cheaper in rural areas. For prospective expats, it is recommended to consult a local real estate agent or company. However, it is worth noting that most real estate agents cater to upmarket foreigners with higher budgets. Therefore, it may be more cost-effective to consider companies owned and operated by locals, as they often have better knowledge of affordable building sites or farms suitable for expat or retirement living.

Building your own home in Belize can be a more affordable option than buying an existing property, especially if you act as your general contractor. Construction costs can vary depending on factors such as the transportation of materials to the site, terrain, and the quality of work. Generally, construction costs are higher in coastal areas due to the need for hurricane-resistant structures, and it is more expensive to transport materials to islands.

Building a house in Belize can offer the advantage of customisation within a budget. With the right approach, it is possible to build a house with features that would typically be found only in the homes of multimillionaires in the United States. However, it is important to be cautious and manage expectations, as construction in Belize can come with its own set of challenges and headaches.

Building costs are impacted by the need to transport materials to the site

Building in Belize is cheaper than in North America, but there are still some factors that can impact the cost. One significant factor is the cost of transporting materials to the building site, which can be particularly expensive if the site is in a remote location or on an island.

In Belize, construction costs are higher on the coast and cayes due to the need for hurricane-resistant materials, which can be costly to source and ship to the country. For example, in the case of the cayes, it is necessary to transport building materials by barge or boat, which comes at a premium. Building costs are also higher in southern Belize compared to the north, as inexpensive building materials are more readily available in the north, with some being imported from Chetumal, Mexico.

The availability of specialised contractors, such as plumbers and electricians, can also impact building costs. In more remote areas, it may be challenging to find qualified craftspeople, and the time and money spent on sourcing them can add up. This is why many expats choose to move to developed areas like Belmopan, Corozal, San Ignacio, and Placencia.

Additionally, building techniques in Belize often favour simple concrete structures, which can be cheaper than more elaborate styles. However, this also means that finding architects and contractors skilled in more exotic or intricate designs can be challenging and may require shipping in materials from outside the country, incurring additional customs costs.

Overall, while building costs in Belize are generally lower than in the United States, the need to transport materials to the site, especially in remote or coastal areas, can impact the final cost.

Frequently asked questions