Belize Build Update: Moving Forward…We’ve been back in Belize for just under two weeks now, and the progress on our land has already been incredible. Seeing everything unfold in person, rather than from a distance, has made the experience even more exciting and rewarding. Every day brings new developments, and with each step forward, our dream of building a home in Cayo feels more real than ever.
Previously, I had written a blog detailing some of the challenges we faced along the way, but after some reflection, I decided to start fresh. This journey isn’t just about the obstacles—it’s about the growth, the learning, and the joy of bringing our vision to life. With a new perspective, we’re embracing the process with renewed energy, eager to share the highs, the lessons, and everything in between.
Land Title timeline
In early 2022, after an unforgettable visit to Belize, we made a life-changing decision—we purchased a piece of land in the beautiful Cayo District. From the moment we set foot in the San Ignacio/Santa Elena area, we felt an undeniable sense of belonging as if we had finally found the place we were meant to call home.
During our trip, we connected with a local real estate agent who graciously took us on a tour of available homes in the area. While each property had its charm, none truly resonated with us. However, what captured our interest was a gated community just outside of Santa Elena, offering plots of land for sale. Something about this place felt right—it had the perfect blend of tranquility, natural beauty, and potential for building the home we had envisioned.
After returning home, we couldn’t shake the excitement, so we began discussions with the land developer. After careful consideration, we decided to purchase Lot 33—our future home site. While the purchase process was straightforward, finalizing the title transfer required patience. It took 12 months to have the land title in our name officially, but when it finally happened, it was an incredible milestone in our journey.
Now, as we stand on the very land we once dreamed about, watching it transform day by day, we couldn’t be more excited for the future. This is just the beginning of turning our dreams into reality.
Finding the right architect
As mentioned in a previous blog, our first experience with an architect in Belize was far from ideal. We had been given a name by a contractor in San Ignacio and were eager to begin turning our vision into a tangible design. At first, things seemed promising—we received an initial draft fairly quickly. However, since we weren’t physically in Belize at the time, the architect saw an opportunity to take advantage of the situation. After sending him money to continue developing the concept, he disappeared without a trace, leaving us frustrated and back at square one.
Determined to move forward, we began searching again. This time, a trusted contact informed us that someone within our gated community owned a development company. That lead brought us to Concept Design Developments, and from the very first conversation everything felt different. The professionalism, communication, and genuine interest in bringing our vision to life gave us a renewed sense of confidence.
Working closely with our new architect, we finally saw our dream home start to take shape. Every detail, from layout to design elements, was carefully considered, and for the first time, we felt like we were truly part of the process. After a rocky start, finding the right team made all the difference, and we’re now one step closer to bringing our vision to reality.
Belize Central Building Authority
When building in Belize, if you choose to create your custom design, you must submit all architectural plans to the Central Building Authority (CBA) for approval. We anticipated that this process would take some time, especially since our home design was unique, but we never imagined it would stretch into nearly a year-long journey.
Each time we thought we were making progress, the plans were sent back requesting additional engineer stamps and approvals. It felt like a never-ending cycle of revisions, paperwork, and waiting. While we understood the importance of ensuring everything met the required structural and safety standards, the process needed more patience than expected.
Despite a few bumps along the way, persistence paid off. After months of back-and-forth, we finally received full approval—just one month before we arrived in Belize. It was a huge relief to know that when we landed, we could finally shift our focus from paperwork to making our dream home a reality.
Progress so far
Before our arrival, we took an important first step by hiring someone to install a driveway and put up fencing on our land. While these might seem like small tasks in the grand scheme of building a home, seeing these initial changes was incredibly exciting—it was tangible proof that things were moving forward. Every bit of progress, no matter how small, brings us closer to turning our vision into reality.
Since arriving, we’ve had multiple meetings with contractors to discuss the house build, and we’ve now officially hired a team to completely clear the land. They started work last weekend, and the transformation is already visible. With each passing day, the layout of our future home is becoming clearer, and we can now truly envision where everything will go.
One of our priorities during the clearing process has been preserving the natural beauty and history of the land. We have a stunning Ceiba tree and several Gumbo Limbo trees that we’re committed to keeping, and the workers understand their significance. More importantly, they share our respect for the Mayan mound on the property, ensuring that it remains untouched as we prepare the land for construction. It’s reassuring to work with people who value the land’s history and ecology just as much as we do.
Every step forward, no matter how big or small, is progress. And with each passing day, we’re getting closer to bringing our dream home to life.
