The formerly Spanish and English colonised countries of Central America are markedly different from the poverty, political unrest and economical positions which once characterised the Latin American communities

Costa Rica
An increasing number of American, European and Canadian investors are being drawn to the real estate market in Costa Rica; they find it offers them a genuine alternative to the volatility and insecurity of equity markets and also an escape from their restrictively expensive domestic property markets.

In Costa Rica the visitor can enjoy lovely tropical beaches, the grandest adventures, the wonders of nature, scintillating culture, all the necessary components of an ideal vacation.

More and more people who are looking for a second home or a new home abroad and are discovering the democratic and peaceful Costa Rican country and are awakening to the delights of the Costa Rican property market. Land and house prices are highly affordable, the current boom in the market is of course naturally inflating prices, but levels have yet to reach any where near those in the US, UK or Canada. 

With massive political investment into the tourist industry, 'Special Tourist Zone' incentives for overseas investors, discounts for retirees and leisure activities aplenty the countries are now an attractive option for overseas property buyers looking for their next big investment.

Such is the appeal of the country that more and more people are exploring it annually and as a result the demand for holiday property for sale in Costa Rica is increasing. Here are the top reasons for you to consider buying a holiday home or investment property in Costa Rica today:

• Property in Costa Rica can provide stunning growth: Property prices are up 300% on average in just 10 years - and many investors who bought in the right location have doubled or tripled their property values in just 2 or 3 years. This growth is set to continue, as more people than ever look at Costa Rican real estate. While much of the island is protected from development, where construction is allowed companies are designing and building sumptuous homes which make the most of the incredible rainforest and ocean views available throughout Costa Rica .
• Buying In Costa Rica is safe and easy: You get the same rights as residents when you buy property in Costa Rica - and red tape is kept to a minimum.
• Costa Rica is safe: Costa Rica is a politically stable nation, it has a mature government, it has no need for an active army and as such it is considered a safe country in which to invest money into real estate. Serious crime is rare - unlike many other countries.
• Costa Rica is beautiful: And it's one of the top 10 destinations for adventure tourism in the world. Costa Rica has it all - rolling hills, mountains, stunning beaches, volcanoes, rivers, rainforest - and much more. The natural landscape in Costa Rica is incredible. You have cliffs framed with rain forests, wild ocean waves on the Pacific coast and gentle lapping waters on the Caribbean coast, you have dense lush plant life and lone palm trees, blue skies, white clouds and untouched sandy beaches – if paradise were to be found on earth, chances are it would be found in Costa Rica.  
• Costa Rica has a great climate: The climate in many areas is fantastic - meaning you won't need heating in winter, or air conditioning in summer. The lack of weather extremes is a huge bonus when living in Costa Rica .
• Costa Rica is tax efficient: There are many tax advantages for people living, working, and investing in Costa Rica - and the Costa Rican government provides many generous tax breaks.
• Costa Rica has all the comforts of home: Good communications, telephones, Internet - as well as all the shops and entertainment you could want. Costa Rica provides an infrastructure that makes people comfortable.
• Costa Rica has a high standard of living: There is a growing middle class in Costa Rica that is becoming more affluent, furthermore there are more North American and Western European expatriates moving to the nation than ever before and all of these people are demanding, expecting and willing to pay for a good standard of living. As a result the standard of living has improved greatly and this makes holidaying in the nation a pleasure rather than a struggle!
• Costa Rica is relaxed and friendly: The Costa Rican people are relaxed and friendly, and they provide a warm welcome. The pace of life is slower and more relaxed - people have time for each other - and there's no rush. Costa Rican people are rightly proud of their perfect country and they are used to welcoming international visitors annually. Those who invest in real estate and give something back to the country are prized highly and made to feel very welcome indeed.

Did you know you can fly direct to Costa Rica from the UK?  Did you know you can fly direct to Costa Rica from 22 airports across America?  Did you know that there is active international investment into health care facilities in Costa Rica purely to service an expected inward flow of international retirees?  Did you know that the Pacific Coast is hurricane protected and that property is highly affordable?  And did you know that Costa Rica has an active retirement program that seeks to attract affluent ‘retirees' over the age of 45 and that they are offered impressive tax breaks and incentives to move to live in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is rapidly coming under the spotlight of those seeking a tax efficient country to live in, an affordable country to retire to, an attractive nation to reside in and a secure and accessible nation to commit to.

Click here for details on the buying process in Costa Rica

Nicaragua

Nicaragua is an exotic land where the sun shines all day long... on rugged and tropical rivers, colonial cities, friendly and lively people, and the largest body of fresh water south of the Great Lakes .

Nicaragua is virtually unknown, and usually misunderstood by most people, which is why forward-thinking investors can find some of the best property deals on Earth in this country.

For the record, this country is not in the midst of a civil war...and it's not a Communist state. It has, however, suffered from a serious case of bad press. Because most of the world still believes Nicaragua is a country full of problems and political unrest, local real estate is extremely undervalued.

Yes, Nicaragua is still a little rough around the edges. And of course there are certainly no guarantees as to what will happen in the future... here or anywhere. But it doesn't take much imagination to see where Nicaragua is headed.

The opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a place like Nicaragua does not come along very often!  

• Extraordinary Natural Beauty and Diversity
• Access to First World Comforts… at a Fraction the Price You're Used to Paying
• Nicaragua is Politically Stable… and Safe
• The People are Warm and Welcoming
• Your Timing is Perfect… to Reap the Rewards in the "Next Costa Rica " 
• The Number of Potential "Buyers" in Nicaragua is About to Explode

Belize
The English-speaking country of Belize – in the Yucatan Peninsula of Central America is characteristic of many  Central American countries emerging in the global property investment market. With a stable political situation and parliamentary democracy, foreign land ownership, favourable taxation laws and an esteemed banking industry, the country joins the aforementioned on the list of investment hotspots.

Belize (formerly British Honduras) has evolved into a world-renowned ecotourism and adventure destination with some of the best marine reserves in the world, the largest cave system in the Americas and three of the four coral atolls in the Caribbean.

Direct flights from Europe will soon replace one-stop flights currently available from Britain and are sure to increase the yearly influx of tourists from across the Atlantic its close proximity to North America already making it a top tourist and retirement destination. Belize is currently experiencing an exceptional tourism and development boom and an excellent investment opportunity exists today. Land and property prices have experienced significant appreciation and prices are still 50 per cent below prices of similar properties in the Bahamas."

Belize also offers extensive financial incentives for overseas property investors, such as zero income tax, zero capital gains tax and off-shore banking. As the government has set aside 46 per cent of the land under environmental preservation policies, with over 50 per cent of the original forest remaining, property prices in Belize are likely to rise dramatically due to lack of property development land, so overseas investors are urged to investigate the market sooner rather than later.

Panama
Often referred to as the 'banking capital of Latin America', Panama City is increasingly appearing alongside emerging Eastern European destinations in property developers' investment hotspot predictions.

The rise in Panama's prominence on the property investment map has been brought on, in part, by the growth of the country's economy, which grew by 7.4 per cent in 2004 and 6 per cent. in 2005. A recent vote in favour of widening the Panama Canal at a cost of some $8 billion is also expected to generate more jobs and provide a massive boost for the economy. In addition, tourism is making a huge contribution to the country's economy. Employment rates are rising, more and more overseas people are moving to the area, it's one of the safest places in the world to live, has excellent retiree benefits, is a tax haven and has strong rentals.

Indeed, the country's low costs of living, coupled with retiree incentives – including one of the world's best discount programmes offering up to 50 per cent off everything from doctors rates to airfares, Panama has become the most popular choice for Americans looking to buy homes outside of their own country.

For the European buyer, the country has become a popular alternative to Florida. Its similar tropical climate – minus the hurricanes – beaches, golf-courses and leisure opportunities such as diving and rainforest trekking make the country an attractive destination for tourists and investors.

LEGALITIES. The following is general information on purchasing real estate in Panama. It is not to be construed as legal advice. The different categories of land make it imperative to engage professionals for more detailed information. Real estate laws on the mainland can be quite different than those on islands, coastal areas, and areas near national borders.

Before handing over any money, make sure you consult with a professional and do a proper due diligence investigation over the property to ensure you aren't buying a big problem! It is important to understand the rules and process your property transaction correctly.

Panama has three different types of property;

Titled Property

Titled property is not unlike "fee-simple" titles in the USA. The Panamanian Public Registry has jurisdiction over the registration of titled properties throughout the country. Titled property is verifiable through the Public Registry system and is guaranteed by the constitution of the Republic of Panama. Titled property can also be mortgaged. The bank will register a lien against the title as collateral on the loan. Titled properties are subject to annual property taxes when the registered value is over US$30,000 unless the buyer has obtained an exemption for the construction of a new dwelling. This is a pro-rated tax exoneration based on the value of the dwelling. Buying titled property normally requires the following procedure:

1. Promise to Purchase Contract: A small down payment is made at the signing of the promise to purchase contract. The down payment secures the property and establishes time for the title search and to coordinate payment arrangements for the closing. Registering this contract at the Public Registry ensures the property cannot be sold to another party during the escrow period.

2. Title Search: A proper title search includes: a) verification that the seller in fact has title to the property and it is free and clear of encumbrances, liens, or other issues that could affect the free disposition or transfer of the title; b) a review of the official survey map, and a professional surveyor to physically verify the map points on the property (to avoid future boundary conflicts); c) verification of utility debts (water and sewage d) verification of payment of property taxes and/or of the tax exemption.

3. Buy-Sell Contract: This contract is registered at the Public Registry and the final balance is paid to the seller, or an escrow agent. Payment is made when the title is transferred to the buyers' name. Payment can be issued by a bank, contingent on receiving from the seller proper title to the property. The buyer can open a bank account (or get a mortgage) and then formally request that the bank issue payment as soon as it is presented with the registered public deed transferring title to the buyer. Real estate agents normally get paid only when the sale closes.

4. Title Transfer: The buyer officially owns the property when the title is transferred to the buyers' name. The transfer occurs when the buy-sell contract is signed by each party and registered at the Public Registry. If the title is in the name of a corporation, there is no transfer of title, only a transfer of shares of the corporation. The buyer can keep the same officers in the corporation or appoint new members. Buyers of corporate titled properties through the purchase of the corporation itself, should ensure the annual corporation tax (Tasa Unica) is up to date. A change of corporate officers cannot be officially recorded at the Public Registry if the tasa Unica is in arrears.

Possession Rights Property

Possession Rights Property is not unlike "squatters rights" common in North America many years ago. This property is government owned but is "occupied" or "used" by a Panamanian individual (or Panamanian organization) for some time. Possession rights are generally certified by either municipal mayors, sheriffs, or other government organizations such as the Agricultural Reform Department (Reforma Agraria). Possession rights do not incur property taxes, although registered improvements on possession rights property may incur taxes at a municipal and/or national level. Most Possession Rights properties can become titled through a procedure of purchasing the land from the government, however, the law prohibits titling of possession rights properties in some areas such as certain coastal areas, national parks, or islands. In these cases, as an alternative, the "possessor" of the property can apply for an administrative concession over the land to guarantee the pacific use of it.

Acquiring possession rights over a property normally requires the following procedure:

1. Promise to Purchase Contract: A small down payment is made at the signing of the promise to purchase contract to secure the property, establish time for the title search and to coordinate payment arrangements for the closing. Contracts related to the purchase of Rights of Possession cannot be registered at the Public Registry, but can be authenticated by a public notary.

2. Due Diligence: The due diligence procedures on possession rights property is more complex since there is no central database of information on possession rights properties. Buyers of possession rights should take extra care in their purchase. The following due diligence investigation can be done on possession rights property:

a. Verification of Certification of Rights of Possession: A valid Certification of Rights of Possession is issued by a competent government authority, and contains the possessors' name, correct description of the property in terms of location, size (area), limits, boundaries and neighbors (to the north, south, east, and west).

b. Verification of Survey: A stamped, signed survey by a professional licensed surveyor or topographer, identifying the possessors' name, location and reflecting the same information in accordance with the Certification of Rights of Possession is recommended.

c. Inspection: An inspection will evaluate the physical occupation, no opposition by third persons, and good faith. A physical inspection to identify and mark the points of the property as well as confirmation of these points with the neighbors to ensure that there are no future boundary conflicts should be done by your surveyor. Also, the property should be maintained and fenced to clearly delineate the boundaries.

d. Permitting Verification: If the buyers' intentions are to build a certain type of structure or project on the possession rights property (for example, a marina, port, hotel, airstrip, etc.), it is necessary to verify any national or municipal regulations that may prohibit those activities in the area.

3. Buy-Sell Contract: The final balance is paid to the seller, or an escrow agent, once the possession rights certification is transferred or changed to the buyers' name. Contracts relating with the purchase of Rights of Possession cannot be registered at the Public Registry, but can be authenticated by a public notary.

4. Possession Rights Certification Transfer: Possession rights for the property are officially transferred to the buyer when the Certification of Rights of Possession is transferred to the buyers' name. Transfer to the buyer's name occurs when the buy-sell contract is signed by each party. If the possession rights are in a corporations' name, there is no transfer of certification, only a transfer of shares of the corporation. The buyer can keep the same officers in the corporation or appoint new members. Buyers of corporate possession rights properties through the purchase of the corporation itself, should ensure the annual corporation tax (Tasa Unica) is up to date. A change of corporate officers cannot be officially recorded at the Public Registry if the tasa Unica is in arrears.

Concession Property

Concession property is not unlike “land lease” arrangements, common in Mexico or Hawaii. Concession Property is government owned property, where the government has granted a concession to an individual or organization for a specific purpose, such as a real estate development, hotel, or marina. Concessions in Panama are generally granted for a maximum of 20 year (renewable) periods. Some concessions are granted for up to 40 years (renewable) in specially designated areas such as the Amador Causeway or where there are commercial and condominium developments currently being sold (Naos Harbor, for example).

Concession Property is often located on islands, in special coastal or other protected areas where titles are not permitted by law. Real estate developments over concession property often offer investors time share or fractional ownership arrangements. Unlike Possession Rights property, Concession property is guaranteed by the government through a specific contractual agreement.

CONTRACTS IN ENGLISH HOLD NO LEGAL WEIGHT IN PANAMA.

Contracts signed are legally binding documents, and you should ensure that you have read and understood them completely before signing.

All judicial processes in Panama are conducted in Spanish. For any real estate transaction in Panama, a contract written solely in English carries no legal weight, and is generally not recognized. All contracts for property must be in Spanish on a formal public deed, and signed before a public notary, in order to be legally enforceable and where applicable, be filed at the Public Registry.