Are Squatters a Concern in Belize?
No. The shortest possible answer is that Belize does not recognize squatters and squatters are not a concern when it comes to owning property in Belize. The tough anti-squatting laws and the fact Belize is “pro-landlord” make it such a safe investment and desirable place to own real estate. Belize real estate is a safe and secure investment and gives foreign investors peace of mind and a high degree of capital protection. Belize has tough anti-squatting laws and does not recognize squatting rights. Unlike Costa Rica, Panama, Honduras and other Central American countries Belize is pro-landlord and has very strict anti-squatting laws.
In Belize, one can only claim title to a land or easement upon proof to the Supreme Court of Belize that one has had continuous and undisturbed possession of a property for 30 years on National and Conveyed lands and for 12 years on registered lands.
There are no squatter’s rights in Belize. If you show title and there is someone on your land, the police will assure that the trespassers or squatters depart and are removed from the property.
Belize is one of the most pro-landlord countries in the region of Caribbean & Central America. Title to real estate is very secure in Belize, you own it outright and have a fee-simple title (the strongest form of property ownership). When you receive a “fee simple” title, it means you fully own the property. The system Belize has is based on British Common Law. It is very safe and secure.
As long as you have the title and show ownership, your Belize real estate investment will be safe and secure. The fact Belize has full foreign ownership with a fee-simple title makes it an even safer investment.
Belize does have title insurance, but it is not needed and is virtually useless. The strong property ownership rights and laws protecting real estate make title insurance not necessary.
When it does come to squatters in Belize, it is important to note that any person who is found in the unlawful occupation of land or property is guilty of an offense under the National Lands Act, Chapter 191 of the Laws of Belize.
While it is the responsibility of private landowners to remove squatters and/or people trespassers on their land/private property, the Ministry and Belize government reiterates that, under the Summary Jurisdiction (Offenses) Act, Chapter 98 of the Laws of Belize, trespassing and squatting on private lands is illegal and subject to removal at the expense of trespassers.
In summary, Belize does not recognize squatters. Belize has strict anti-squatting laws protecting property, unlike most Central American and Caribbean countries. The only way a squatter can claim title to property or easement of a property is upon proving to the Supreme Court of Belize that they have had uninterrupted possession of the Belize property for at least 30 years on National and Conveyed lands or for at least 12 years on Registered lands.
If you are interested in owning Belize property or investing in Belize real estate be sure to contact us at RE/MAX Belize! We are happy to answer any of your Belize real estate questions.
