From the first Belizean you meet, the relaxed and friendly attitude of the locals plays a large part in the country's charm, as the officers at passport control show genuine interest and even joke with new arrivals in the tiny airport - a pleasant change from being treated as if you were on your holiday destination's top ten wanted list.

While still a developing country, Belize is becoming a very popular place for a short vacation. A steady stream of affluent Americans arrive during the peak season, keen to explore the country's natural habitats which offer world-class diving and pristine jungle complete with Mayan ruins. And as tourism steadily increases so does the demand for Belize property. 

A short flight from several American cities, Belize remains one of the few places where you can still buy Caribbean beachfront property at affordable prices. Still in its infancy, the Belize property market is being led by US investment with buyers looking for houses and apartments in current and potential tourist hotspots. The security of being able to review contracts and complete transactions in English only adds to the appeal - Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the official language.

Prices in some areas have already leapt up over the last few years. Having undergone heavy development, the island of Ambergris Caye, the most popular tourist destination within Belize, has lost a lot of its native charm and property is considerably more expensive than the mainland, which is where some of the most interesting Belize property investments can be found.

The Belize Reserve is a new development aiming to redefine the too often overused term 'eco-community'. Incorporating an area of almost a thousand acres, the development takes shape in a number of village communities, each separated by areas of forest of streams. Aiming to be self-sustainable, the whole resort will be environmentally friendly, power will be supplied by solar panels and drinking water will be provided by natural springs. In keeping with this theme, while close to the market town San Ignacio the resort aims to establish organic fair trade gardens. There are a variety of property designs to fit with the natural surroundings. Land plots start at £13,500 and buyers can choose to sit on them as an investment or build one of the eco-homes available.

For those interested in beachfront Belize property, Palencia offers the best (although arguably only) beaches on the mainland. The Bella Maya Resort offers potential investors a luxury hideaway with all the facilities you would expect. The 60 waterfront suites enjoy all the amenities of a five-star Caribbean resort, such as an infinity pool, tropical gardens and excellent dining facilities. There are a limited number of apartments available for purchase with prices starting from £208,000 for a beachfront two-bedroom apartment. Syndicated ownership opportunities are available from £5,400.

Back on the pier in Caye Caulker local Creoles sometimes shout to visitors as they arrive: "Take of your shoes and go slow mon, you're in paradise now." Wise words for tourists, but would-be Belize property buyers should move quickly before all the best plots get cherry-picked by the increasing numbers US investors.

For more information on buying Belize property, request a copy of Emerge magazine. Click here for further details

Read the latest World Property Bulletin ezine now FREE

Request a FREE copy of World of Property magazine

Article published 11th July 2007