(MENAFN- America News Hour)
Belize is a Caribbean country located just below the Yucatan Peninsula. Made up of islands and mainland the country has become a popular tourist destination. The Belize real estate market has a lot of similarities and differences from other markets, especially when it comes to the impact of inflation and the global economy .
A recession and inflation are not new things, they are part of any economy. The US just came off a long bullish market. Just because inflation and recessions happen, doesn't mean investment stops, strategic investors look to new avenues and leverage cost-effective ways to place capital.
When economies turn, people no longer look for Return on Investment, they look for Return of Investment. They start looking for investments and strategies around;
- Wealth Preservation
- Asset Protection
- Tax Optimization
When looking at a real estate investment, there are generally 2 elements cash flow and appreciation. Savvy real estate investors tend to dive a little deeper and that there are essentially 4 pillars strategic real estate investors look for;
1.Capital Protection,
2.Capital Growth,
3.Yield (Cash Flow),
4.Favorable Taxation.
Luckily, when you invest in Belize, you are in a position to check all 4 boxes. You also have the added benefit of limited supply and scarcity, in a market with growing demand.
When looking at a strategic investment strategy, it is important to remember that money doesn't just“go away” it moves. A recession, by definition,“is a macroeconomic term that refers to a significant decline in general economic activity in a designated region. It had been typically recognized as two consecutive quarters of economic decline, as reflected by GDP.” In times of globalization, markets are more dependent on each other, but they are also still independent. What happens in one country, does not mean the same will happen in another. Just because one region is experiencing economic decline does not mean that another region will see the same effects.
Right now, the US economy is seeing the highest inflation rates in over 40 years. This is largely fueling a lot of what is happening in the global economy. Real estate, however, is one of the only assets and investments that is pegged against inflation. When looking at an investment that is more resilient to inflation, you want something that has price adjustments that meet or are pegged with the rate of inflation. If you have an investment asset that adjusts with inflation, while still producing cash flow, you are well-positioned and diversified.
Typically, the more inflation-resistant investments are able to pass price increases along to their customers. This remains true in Belize. Belize is by no means recession-proof, but Belize (especially real estate) is well situated, all things considered.
One important thing to note is that property values and rental income both tend to keep up with inflation over time, and the investors that invest in real estate tend to outperform the market during inflationary periods. For example, in 2021, inflation reached its highest level in 40 years, and real estate (both rental income and asset appreciation) outperformed the S&P.
Generally, real estate assets and investments perform their best when inflation rates exceed 7% (which they do now). The inflation hedging capability of real estate stems from the relationship between GDP growth and the demand for real estate. As economies expand, and people relocate or reallocate, the demand for real estate drives rents higher. When you have a combination of residents looking for rentals combined with the vacation rental market, you are able to adjust. Higher rents with better occupancy, in turn, translate into higher capital values. Therefore, real estate tends to maintain the buying power of capital by passing some of the inflationary pressure on to tenants and by incorporating some of the inflationary pressure in the form of capital appreciation.
When compared to other investments, real estate tends to hold up well against inflation. But it's important to realize that there are many different types of real estate investments, and not all have the same inflation resistance. When looking for more inflation-resistant real estate assets it is important to look for;
1.Short-term lease durations: This allows you as an investor to quickly adjust rents (market rent and net rent) to meet the demand and inflation. A primary vacation rental market is perfect for this.
2.Price powering: Can you control and quickly adjust the price when needed to match inflation? Vacation rentals give you high control as you can continuously adjust rates to meet inflation and/or demand.
3.Resilient or increasing demand: The ideal investment would be in an emerging market with an increase in demand.
4.Fewer Regulations: Belize does not have rent controls. This allows you to manage your rentals as needed. Belize is also a“pro-landlord” and is one of the very few“pro-landlord” countries in the region. It is important to note that Belize does not recognize squatters, and as the owner of the property, you can dictate who stays there and for how long.
5.Favorable Taxation: Belize has very low property taxes. Low corporate tax. No capital gains tax. And no estate tax.
Recessions and inflation are not permanent. Real estate investors make money through rental income and appreciation. Good real estate investments offer passive income, stable cash flow, tax advantages, diversification, and leverage. It is important to invest not only for the short-term but for the long-term as well. Even though Belize real estate is counter-cyclical when compared to other real estate investments, we still see the boom in bullish markets when people have more accessible capital. After a Bear market comes a Bull market which will see all real estate (especially vacation markets) have more substantial appreciation.
In regards to investment, Belize is unique as it is both Central America & the Caribbean, the mainland has more similarities to the Yucatan Peninsula (Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, etc), while Ambergris Caye is more comparable to the Cayman Islands, The Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Etc. The fact Ambergris Caye is an island, there is far more scarcity of property than being on the mainland. As a real estate investor, scarcity works to your advantage for both rental income and property appreciation. The fact that Ambergris Caye is one of the few opportunities with high tourism growth and land available, makes it a unique opportunity in today's market.
Ambergris Caye (being the largest island in Belize and #1 destination), luckily has island economics. As Dustin Rennie with RE/MAX in Belize states,“Island economics means that you see greater property appreciation on an island due to scarcity of property and limitations on how much can be built.” The island economics of Ambergris Caye creates scarcity, not only scarcity of property and rental accommodations but also in completed resale homes.
Even though Ambergris Caye is experiencing tourism growth, the destination has not seen rental accommodations meet the demand. From Q4 2021 to Q1 2022 the number of accommodations for Airbnb dipped by 1%.
“Belize has a unique offering when it comes to real estate investment”, Dustin Rennie mentions.“We have a market that is not overly leveraged (due to lack of traditional bank financing), we are a growing destination that produces cash flow and can quickly adjust. The lack of inventory of rentals and resale properties creates a unique opportunity. If you combine that with the fact we are not as susceptible to real estate bubbles (due to most real estate being owned outright with cash) we are one of the most well-positioned markets.”
It is also important to note that you own a tangible asset when you buy a property in Belize. Belize has full foreign ownership with the ability to own a property with a fee-simple land title (outright ownership). Unlike stocks, bonds, or crypto currency; if the value goes down (or even has no value/defaults), you still own a tangible asset in Belize that you are in control of and can use. Belize is also a tax haven, and property taxes are very low, which means the cost of ownership is next to nothing. The reason money moves to off-shore markets like Belize are vast, but when it comes to investing in Belize there are a few benefits one needs to note;
1.Diversification: It is always important to diversify investment, but that is even more true during economically challenging times. Diversifying across asset types, markets, and even currencies is essential for wealth preservation and hedging your investment. Diversification into a hard asset like real estate protects your investment and hedges against the volatility of the stock market.
2.Find Deals in an Unsaturated Market: Belize does not have a formal MLS. Though this makes the property search process more difficult (and a realtor almost essential) it also creates opportunities. As a reactive market, you can find great deals that fly below the radar. By expanding your reach and your investment in an emerging market (like Belize), investors can broaden their opportunities and find diamonds in the rough, and undervalued assets.
3.Less Saturation & Competition: A relatively new market, like Belize, has less competition. As Dustin Rennie says“One reason I love Belize is the fact you don't have to be a genius to be successful. There is a very low level of competition (in almost all industries in Belize) which allows an investor to take success from more competitive markets.” Real estate in Belize is a tangible offshore asset that can help shield an investor from the volatility of market swings.
4.Bigger Upside: Growth in offshore emerging markets has the potential to outpace growth in developed economies like the US, where populations are getting older and growing slowly.
5.Taxation: Property taxes are low (almost nothing). Belize has a corporate tax rate of 1.75% (offshore) to 3% (domestic). With no capital gains tax and no estate tax.
6.Residency: Property ownership can grant residency. In Belize, you can qualify for an“Investment Residency” through real estate investment. With the state of the current market, Belize can provide a safe haven for those hoping to escape the current state of uncertainty. Through the residency, you can protect your current assets and help secure your future.
People assume that real estate values in the US reflect the global market; when in reality, there are many markets that thrive during inflation and a recession. Generally, when people lose in the domestic markets, they look to alternative investments (like Belize). When money leaves one country for another, it is an“Exodus of Capital”. When investors lose trust in the domestic systems and institutions they often look for tangible assets off-shore. It is also important to note that Belize is also predominantly a cash market, because of this, Belize does not have the same level of over lending and real estate bubbles. Right now, Belize is not only seeing tourism growth but also experiencing an influx of expats looking to relocate, this is an“Exodus of People”. When a population is experiencing a growth of high net worth individuals, you see even higher property appreciation. As economies expand, and people relocate or reallocate, the demand for real estate drives rents higher. When you have a combination of residents looking for rentals combined with the vacation rental market, you have a favorable real estate investment.
The global inflation rate is why so many people are investing in real estate, but also why they are drawn to opportunities with low ownership costs (like Belize). When inflation is on the rise, more inflation resistant assets and investments become more desirable. Having an asset hedged against inflation, in a market that is not as susceptible to bubbles (due to lack of over-leveraged real estate), with a low cost of ownership lowers the inflationary impact.
Belize is at a tipping point, and as a Canadian, Dustin felt like it was appropriate to make a hockey reference. As Wayne Gretzky famously said,“ I skate to where the puck is going, not where it has been .” Over the last few years Hilton, Marriott, Wyndham, Margaritaville, Four Seasons, and Six Senses have all started on projects here on Ambergris Caye. There is a reason these brands choose the locations they do and why they are betting on Ambergris Caye. They look at the short-term and long-term outlooks and invest accordingly. The due diligence team of these brands is much more thorough than the standard investor. As Dustin touched on,“to put it more simply in the words of one of my mentors“success leaves clues”. These brands essentially do the heavy lifting, building a brand around an area, which leads to more development and allows owners to reap the reward.” This is noticed in the growth and awareness of Belize over the last few years.
In 2008, the US had the subprime mortgage crisis and global economies saw a downturn. When inflation comes, there is more money in circulation, the money does not“go away” it is often just reallocated. Diversifying your portfolio is always recommended, and there are a lot of opportunities off-shore in markets like Belize. History has a tendency to repeat itself, and if history is any indication of what will happen, Belize is sure to see more real estate transactions and be a great investment vehicle for years to come.
During economically slow times, many investors look at tangible assets like real estate and gold. During periods of uncertainty and economic stress, it is important to look at getting not only Return on Investment but also Return of investment.
Property in Belize is a cost-effective way to get both. Real Estate on Ambergris Caye provides investors a means to own a finite commodity that is a tangible real asset with future demand.
Contact details
Website link = Name of company = RE/MAX Belize Contact person= Dustin Rennie Country = Belize City = San Pedro Email = Eli
Eli is a freelance writer and possess double graduation degree in physics and chemistry. She is an intense writer covering everything for Science and Tech to Business, Entertainment, Sports and Lifestyle.
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