When will the project commence?
Groundbreaking was in the third quarter of 2007

When will the Condominiums be ready for occupancy?
The units will be completed by the Fourth Quarter of 2008!

Are there any problems with foreign ownership and what type of a Deed does a buyer receive?
There are no existing problems with foreign ownership. Owners will receive a Warranty Deed titled a Land Certificate directly from the Belize Government. Title will be held fee simple; this mandates that in the event of your death, the property will transfer to your estate.

What about Fire Protection?
The Villas at Cocoplum is one of the few developments in Placencia with its own fire hydrants. All walls and floors of the residential building will be concrete.

Where is the closest hospital and doctor?
The closet hospital is in Dangriga about 45 minutes north of Placencia. A local doctor is available in Placencia. A very modern clinic staffed by Canadian ER Doctors is being planned for the Peninsula.

Will the condominiums be secure?
Definitely! There will be 24-hour on-site security and a guard station will control the only entrance to the development.

What time zone is Belize in?
Belize is on the Central or MTN time zone (USA) depending on day light savings time. Greenwich mean time - 6 hours.

Property insurance?
Hurricane and content insurance is available in Belize.

How easy is it to retire in Belize and receive legal residence?
Normally, any individual seeking permanent residency must have legally resided here continuously for one year. This requirement is waived for retirees with a regular source of income, and professional or skilled people and investors. These individuals can apply for a permanent residency card immediately upon arrival. This application can only be made at immigration headquarters in Belmopan, and usually takes two to three months to process. During this time, you will need to renew your visa as detailed above, AND obtain a "Temporary Self-Employment" work permit. For retirees, proof of financial independence or pension income is required in lieu of a work permit.

Do I have to pay capital gains taxes in Belize?
Belize does not implement capital gains tax.

Is the tap water safe to drink?
In Placencia, the water arrives from the Maya Mountains via an underwater pipeline. This tap water is certainly safe to drink and is actually natural mountain water.

Where is the nearest Golf Course?
Several Golf courses are planned for Belize. One already exists on an individual island! An 18-hole golf course just 15 minutes away  is currently being planned.

Are prices in Belize or US Dollars?
US Dollars. One US dollar = Two BZ dollars.

How close is The Villas at Cocoplum to other amenities such as the airport, main road, Belize City, etc?
10 minutes to the Placencia Airport, 30 minutes to the Southern Highway and a 25 minute flight to Belize City.

Is there high-speed internet? Satellite? Cell phones?
Yes. There are all of the modern conveniences that you would have at home. These include high-speed internet, satellite TV, and telephone service. Belize offers a modern cell phone system. USA Cingular service works in Belize.

Can I dock my boat at The Villas at Cocoplum?
You can temporarily dock your boat at our private 200' pier. Overnight and long-term dockage will be available at the private Cocoplum Marina just a short walk away.

What is the political climate and how stable is the government in Belize?
Belize is the most stable country in Central America. There is a democratic two party Parliamentary system. Belize is still a member of the British Commonwealth.

Which US Airports have direct flights to Belize and what are the flight times?
Direct flights are available from Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte, Newark, Houston and Dallas. A direct charter flight from Canada is also available. Direct flight from Europe are currently being planned. 2-4 hours is the flight time from the U.S.A. Delta, US Air, American and Continental.

How is the crime in Belize and Southern Belize?
As there is in any "big" Caribbean city, some crime in Belize City (2 hours away) does exist. However, there is very little crime in Southern Belize and it is known to be extremely safe and friendly.

What are the laws regarding bringing pets to Belize?
Belize is one of the few nations that allows all pets into the country without any special permission. A simple form needs to be completed and accompanied by a certificate of good health by your vet. This is true for tourists as well as residents.

What are the Visa requirements?
All visitors to Belize, regardless of the purpose of their visit, are issued a 30-day visa upon arrival. This is renewable, for up to six months, at any immigration office in the country (at borders and principal cities/towns) by paying US$12.50 per month. You must be prepared to present proof of sustenance for the period in question. If you intend to stay more than six months, you have to apply for a work permit. The following Nationals do NOT require a visa to enter into Belize for stays no longer than 30 days: Citizens of the British Commonwealth (India excepted), the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, and the European Community.

Where can I get info on retirement in Belize?
The best place for information on retiring to Belize is: www.belizeretirement.org