Investment Insights – Belize Real Estate News

US Expat Exposes Shocking Price Hikes and Scams in BELIZE!

4Jun By Jesse SmithNo Comments

Investment Insights, Opinion

US Expat Exposes Shocking Price Hikes and Scams in BELIZE!

Thinking of buying property in Belize? You might want to think again. In a fiery video that's rapidly making waves, one expat-turned-investigator is sounding the alarm on what he calls the “Wild West” of Central American real estate and he’s not holding back. After a full year of boots-on-the-ground research, this buyer says he skipped the realtors entirely and purchased from a local builder. Why? Because what he uncovered could give even the savviest investor second thoughts. “There’s a lot of scam. There’s a lot of corruption,” he says bluntly in the now-viral clip. “Everyone's trying to become a millionaire on a sale - or a purchase.” No Licenses, No Rules? One of the most jaw-dropping revelations: in Belize, real estate agents don’t need a license. “All they have to do is...

The Rise and Fall of Boris Mannsfeld’s Belize Real Estate Empire

10Feb By Jesse SmithNo Comments

Investment Insights

The Rise and Fall of Boris Mannsfeld’s Belize Real Estate Empire

Boris Mannsfeld, once hailed as the king of Caribbean real estate, is facing a storm that threatens to sink the empire he’s spent decades building. Known for transforming Placencia, Belize, into a luxury haven for expats and investors, Mannsfeld’s shining reputation has been tarnished by allegations of financial misconduct and internal turmoil that have rocked his company, Boris Mannsfeld & Associates (BMA). Source: Paid promotional for "Villas at CocoPlum" by Boris Mannsfeld in the Denver Colorado Luxury magazine Winter 2025 https://issuu.com/trishaventker/docs/denver_winter_2025 w/ https://ventkermediagroup.com A Visionary's Journey to the Tropics Boris Mannsfeld’s story began in Cologne, Germany, and took him through the Deep South of Mobile, Alabama, to the lush, tropic...

Secret Beach Real Estate Boom: At What Cost to the Environment?

9Sep By Bob BussyNo Comments

Investment Insights

Secret Beach Real Estate Boom: At What Cost to the Environment?

Secret Beach on Ambergris Caye is making waves in the real estate world, but looks can be deceiving. As investors scramble to buy up lots in this once-hidden gem, there’s a hidden environmental cost that’s becoming harder to ignore: the destruction of mangroves and extensive land modification needed to make these properties buildable. Mangroves, vital to the region’s ecosystem, are being cleared at an alarming rate to make way for new developments. These coastal trees protect shorelines from erosion, provide crucial habitats for marine life, and even help combat climate change by absorbing carbon. However, many new property owners near Secret Beach are bulldozing these natural protectors to create space for luxury villas, vacation homes, and commercial projects 1 2 To make matters w...

Reputation Shakeup at The Villas at Cocoplum: Boris Mannsfeld’s Name Erased from Marketing Amid Scandal!

6Sep By Jesse SmithNo Comments

Investment Insights

Reputation Shakeup at The Villas at Cocoplum: Boris Mannsfeld’s Name Erased from Marketing Amid Scandal!

The stunning beachfront property, The Villas at Cocoplum in Placencia, Belize, has always been associated with luxury, but behind the scenes, drama is unfolding. Once proudly led by real estate mogul Boris Mannsfeld, his name has now been completely wiped from the development’s marketing materials. The reason? A blow to his and his company’s reputation, Boris Mannsfeld & Associates (BMA), has left the public’s trust shaken. Boris Mannsfeld, the driving force behind the creation and growth of The Villas at Cocoplum, has long been associated with the development. His company, Boris Mannsfeld & Associates (BMA), played a significant role in elevating real estate offerings in Belize, particularly in the Placencia region. For years, Mannsfeld's name was synonymous with trust and high...

Point2 departure leaves Power Vacuum – Who Will Take the Throne?

3Sep By Jesse SmithNo Comments

Investment Insights

Point2 departure leaves Power Vacuum – Who Will Take the Throne?

With Point2 suddenly pulling out of Belize, a fierce battle is brewing among real estate platforms vying to fill the massive void left behind. But who’s got the chops to step up and claim the crown? Let’s dive into the contenders and see who’s ready to seize this golden opportunity and who should probably sit this one out. 1. Realtor.com: The US Behemoth First up, we have Realtor.com, the American giant known for its dominant presence in the U.S. market. While it might have the name recognition and muscle, using this site feels like navigating a maze with no exit. The search function? Clunky and frustrating. Duplicate listings are everywhere, and the lack of pricing information is a nightmare! Who wants to waste time calling agents just to find out a property is out of budget? N...

Holistica Belize: A quick money grab by desperate Developer or Heaven on Earth?

23Aug By Jesse SmithNo Comments

Investment Insights

Holistica Belize: A quick money grab by desperate Developer or Heaven on Earth?

The Holistica Belize development project has garnered mixed reactions, with some seeing it as a promising initiative and others expressing concerns over its viability and transparency. We can not deny that we all still have the whole Sanctuary Belize Saga still very fresh in our memory and not sure Belize is quite ready yet for another one. The Sanctuary Belize's Developer Embezzled millions of Investor Funds. The losses were so immense that Uncle Sam had to step in 1 . And to this date - Sanctuary Belize - has been the largest overseas real estate investment scam the FTC has ever targeted. Holistica Belize is marketed as a sustainable, wellness-oriented community aimed at providing a serene, holistic living experience. The project highlights features like organic farms, a spa, fitness ...

17Aug By Jesse SmithNo Comments

Investment Insights

Q2 2024 – Visitor Numbers Up by 20%!

Belize is the new tourism superstar, with visitor numbers surging by 20% and tourist spending up 25%! Hold your horses, We know what you're thinking. "Spending up 25%?" Isn't that just fancy talk for Inflation? We say no! If one accounts for: Longer Stays: Tourists are staying longer, increasing their overall spending. Luxury Tourism: A rise in high-spending travelers or luxury tourism is driving up the average expenditure. Higher Visitor Numbers: More tourists visiting Belize means more money spent on accommodations, dining, and activities. This booming market spells big opportunities for savvy investors and home buyers. The rising demand for accommodations and vacation rentals makes Belize a prime spot for real estate investment. With a growing economy fueled by tourism...

Dangriga’s Commerce Bight Port Makes a Dazzling Comeback with $50 Million Revamp!

12Aug By Jesse SmithNo Comments

Investment Insights

Dangriga’s Commerce Bight Port Makes a Dazzling Comeback with $50 Million Revamp!

Hold the press! Dangriga is about to make waves with its Commerce Bight Port set for a jaw-dropping transformation! After years of neglect and endless legal battles, this sleepy southern port is now on the fast track to becoming a top-notch cruise destination. The Southern Deep Port Development Limited’s groundbreaking ceremony on Friday afternoon marked the start of a sensational $50 million upgrade that promises to turn Commerce Bight into a hotspot for smaller cruise ships and luxury yachts. Prime Minister John Briceño couldn't contain his excitement, declaring, “This project has been years in the making. It’s been a long time coming, but we’re finally making good on our 2006 promise to revamp Commerce Bight!” He went on to highlight that Basilio Zabaneh, a key player in the project,...

COCONUT POINT: BELIZE’S NEXT PARADISE OR JUST ANOTHER PIPE DREAM?

2Jul By Jesse SmithNo Comments

Investment Insights

COCONUT POINT: BELIZE’S NEXT PARADISE OR JUST ANOTHER PIPE DREAM?

BELIZE—Another "master-planned community" is making waves in Belize, promising modern living, luxury waterfront properties, and a nature-friendly paradise. But if history has taught us anything, Coconut Point might just be another name on the long list of failed real estate ventures that left investors high and dry. Déjà Vu: The Belize Development Curse Coconut Point boasts a "220-acre inland island" concept, nestled in a supposed marine nature sanctuary. Sound familiar? That’s because we've heard this sales pitch before—many times. Dreamscapes, Sanctuary Belize, and Holistica all lured investors with grand visions of eco-friendly utopias, only to crumble into financial disasters, legal battles, and, in some cases, outright scams. Sanctuary Belize, in particular, left a trail of d...

NEW POLYCLINIC IN PLACENCIA: GAME-CHANGER FOR LOCAL HEALTHCARE AND TOURISM!

19May By Jesse SmithNo Comments

Investment Insights

NEW POLYCLINIC IN PLACENCIA: GAME-CHANGER FOR LOCAL HEALTHCARE AND TOURISM!

In a groundbreaking move set to transform the healthcare landscape of southern Belize, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Heineman-Robicsek Foundation Inc., has officially opened the doors to the brand-new Placencia Polyclinic! Situated conveniently near the Placencia Airstrip, this state-of-the-art facility is primed to deliver top-notch healthcare services to the residents of Placencia Village, Seine Bight, and surrounding communities—and let’s not forget the growing number of tourists flocking to this tropical paradise! This impressive project, funded by the area’s Tourism Development Fund along with BTB's Industry Development cash, is a major win for healthcare accessibility. The clinic boasts a laundry list of features, i...