An economic upswing that began in 2013 has North American baby boomers searching for buried treasure. It comes in the form of an inventory of affordable properties in several tropical regions that are suitable for both retirement and investing. Savvy investors are taking advantage of the opportunity to invest in rentals for snowbirds and furnish themselves with a second home in a Caribbean paradise. Experts in the following locals say now is the time to start digging for investment treasures that will pay off big time in the future.

Belize
Belize is located in mid-Cental America and is only an hour and 45-minute flight from Miami. Buyers can rest assured that the economy is stable, and the real estate market has matured. Investors will find no international pitfalls to trap them legally since Belize is a part of the British Commonwealth and there is no capital gain tax. Properties are less expensive than many other places in the Caribbean. Hot spots include the Cayo District and San Pedro.

Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands also have a favorable economic forecast along with a popular vacation lifestyle. Their rules for international transactions strict and the British colony’s government is friendly to foreign investors. Titles can go in company or personal names. The Caymans have a housing inventory that is affordably priced. The average price of a two-bedroom condo is $350,000. Rented out at $2,500 net, the return on investment will be seven percent over time. Additionally, there is no income tax, property tax, or capital gain.

Costa Rica
A varied natural landscape and a politically and economically stable country make Costa Rica a popular investment choice. A rising GPD is fueling investor interest. Canadian and U.S. tourists and snowbirds keep the rental market strong. Property can be bought easily with a simple tourist visa, and foreigners have the same rights as locals in terms of property ownership. Hot spots include the Southern zone and the northern Pacific coast.

The Turks and Caicos Islands
Located north of the Dominican Republic, the Turks and Caicos Islands have one of the Caribbean region’s fastest growing real estate markets. Depending on size and location, investors will pay between $250,000 and $800,000 for a condo and $250,000 for a home. Most properties come fully furnished because there is no room to store furniture. The Turks and Caicos have relaxed rules for conducting business. There are no taxes, but there is a one-time stamp duty payable at the time of purchase. These islands have a bright future as a vacationer’s paradise.