F.A.Q.
Ownership Questions:
Do I get a title for my house?
Yes. You will have all legal rights incident to ownership, including a deed for your property and the right to sell. You will own your villa and the land. Shared land and common areas (such as the communities entrance gate and shared roadways) are the property of Caputie Residences and the HOA.
What are the estimated monthly HOA fees?
$250 per month per lot. The HOA fees include 24 / 7 gated security at Hummingbird Highway, common area landscaping, and general maintenance and services at Caputie Residences, like running the communal services i.e. gardens, roads, security, service providers and personnel, etc. Monthly HOA’s will also include FIBER wifi (once connected) - a HUGE benefit in Belize. Your first HOA payment will be due the first month after construction is completed and you take possession. You may pay your HOA’s monthly, quarterly or annually with automatic deposit.
What rights and responsibilities do villa owners have related to the HOAs?
Full rights and responsibilities for each villa owner and HOA member will be provided at the time construction is completed and possession is taken by each new owner. Each villa owner will have a vote to any changes to the HOA documents. No changes to the HOA’s will be made without a majority vote once the community is completed. Each villa owner counts as an equal vote. There are 6 villas, therefore there will only be 6 votes, ever. As there is no HOA board, per se, each villa owner has an equal voice.
What other monthly utilities and/or fees will apply?
Water: NONE. Each house will have it’s own eco-friendly water catchment and pump system that collects rain water installed during construction. Caputie Residences will also have a reserve tank for the community.
Electricity/Power: NONE. Each house will have it’s own independent solar power system and back-up battery installed during construction.
Internet/wifi/Communications: NONE. Caputie Residences will have FIBER for the entire property and is included in your monthly HOA (once connected). Caputie Residences not only serves as your Property Management, but also your Concierge.
Concierge Services include:
-House Cleanings: $400/month for twice monthly cleaning and maintenance of your villa. Including a handyman available for any unexpected issues. (*Cleaning services are included with Property Management services if you are renting out your property and made available as an optional service for owners not renting out the property.)
-Landscaping: $200/month for weekly cleaning and grounds services.
-Private Chef: Pricing based on needs and availability.
Is there a board or organization that runs the village?
It is the intention of Caputie Residences to make an impact on the health and quality of the lives of our neighbors. There is no community board as each of the 6 villa owners have an equal vote toward HOA guidelines and policies. Caputie Residences HOA and Property Management will be looking after all aspects of the community, including additional staff and service providers required to maintain the property. Caputie Residences will manage all of the business affairs as well as manage individual villas for owners who wish to use their villas for additional rental income. You will have complete ownership of your house and what you do in your house is your prerogative. We will have some general HOA rules for co-living in harmony and preserving the integrity of the community, but apart from that, we do not want to overreach and want you to live out your perfect investment in peace. Our job is to keep the place running smoothly and efficiently so you feel like the only thing you have to do is enjoy the day.
What are the property management fees?
If you choose to rent out the villa when you are not using it, Caputie Residences will manage the whole process. To have a successful rental business there are a lot of criteria that need to be met and typically that is very time-consuming. Caputie Residences will therefore be responsible for the whole process of advertising, cleaning, renting, checking in and out guests, customer service, guest support and providing general oversight with reports annual rental reports. Caputie Residences charges 20% of the booking price for rental property management. We are proficient in online rental services such as Airbnb and VRBO. With CaputieResidences.com obtaining direct bookings all year long, we can help you save on expensive booking fees through third party platforms.
When can I sell the property?
Any time after construction is complete.
Do I need to have residency status in order to own a home in Belize?
No, you do not. If you are interested in Residency, Belize has many programs that are ExPat friendly.
Legal Questions:
As a buyer/investor, would I obtain title ownership of my home and it’s land?
Yes. You will have all legal rights incident to ownership, including title for your villa and the right to sell your villa. You will own your property/land with the villa as the community is officially subdivided so you will have deed to your land. Shared land and common areas are the property of Caputie Residences. Titles can take 6 -12 months of processing with Belize once purchase transaction is complete at the time construction is completed.
Is the developer the legal owner of the land designated for Caputie Residences?
DogTown Builders, LLC, is a United States based limited liability company wholly owned by Patrick Perrine and is the legal owner of the land. DogTown Builders has done all due diligence and has gone thru all the legal process to acquire the land and will shepherd each villa owner through the same process with local real estate experts and title services to acquire title for their new property. Caputie Residences is a registered dba / '“doing business as” brand name for the development project and community. We have spent over 4 years establishing the required documents and partners in Belize to deliver a high-quality property.
How long would it take to register the property once I sign the agreement?
All title transfers are done with specialized agents and/or lawyers in Belize. Their registry system isn’t exactly efficient and well organized and can take up to 6 - 12 months, in worst case scenarios. However, after signing the purchase agreement and completing your payments, you will have a contract in hand and a copy of that title is electronically and physically sent to the municipality to be officiated. We are expecting completion of the villas in January - March 2026 which means you will have title complete by the time construction is complete. We expect 2 years of development from start to finish.
Travel Questions:
What are the closest airports to Caputie Residences?
Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (IATA: BZE, ICAO: MZBZ) is Belize’s primary airport in Belize City, along the eastern coast of Central America. Caputie Residences is about a 1.5 hr drive from Belize City. Caputie Residences is located along the famous Hummingbird Highway, in the jungles of the Mayan Mountains and only 30 minutes from the beautiful Caribbean Sea and pristine beaches.e from the town.
What are the fastest direct routes from the US to Belize?
Belize City is just a 2.5 hr flight from either Houston or Miami.
How long is the flight from NY/LA/SF?
New York under 4.5 hours
Los Angeles under 5 hours
What are the seasons in Belize and when are the best times to travel?
There really are only two seasons in Belize. The Dry Season (aka High Tourist Season) in Belize usually is considered to be December 1st through May 31st each year. The Rainy Season (aka Low Tourist Season) in Belize encompasses the remaining months of the year, June 1st through November 30th.
Do I need any vaccinations?
Yes, some common vaccinations that you most likely already have are recommended or required for Belize. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Belize: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
What impact is Covid-19 having?
For the latest information and updates on travel and entry requirements to Belize please visit the Belize Tourism Board's website
Caputie Residence Questions:
Who is Caputie Residences?
Caputie Residences is a registered dba / '“doing business as” brand name for the Belize development project / village owned by DogTown Builders LLC, a United States company based in Palm Desert, Ca. Patrick Perrine and Akshay Nair, owners of Caputie Residences, saw a shifting mood for the digital nomad (term used to refer people who do all of their work online and no longer need a fixed location to work) to be able to work from remote and beautiful destinations outside of the US job market. Belize has long been a place that both Patrick and Akshay have enjoyed and for so many other reasons, it’s the best place for Ex-Pats. Learn more about Belize!
Where are you based?
We are based in Palm Desert, CA but the team at Caputie Residences is comprised of local Belizeans, including both native born and Ex-Pats. We are building an eco-luxury village that will be leveraging the skills and talents of local craftsmen and service providers, and running the community with the same.
What do you hope to accomplish at Caputie Residences as a village?
A thriving, exclusive community. Caputie Residences is uniquely designed to cater to the needs of remote workers and their families or friends looking to escape the city life in exchange for a relaxed, less stressful, and more productive lifestyle. Caputie Residences plans to invest heavily into the local communities, specifically the people, for the long term. Part of our goal with Caputie Residences, for ourselves and the village as a whole, is to live a healthier, happier lifestyle. To us, that means actively doing our part to make the world a better place for not only for ourselves, but also the people from the local communities. For example, a standard daily (not hourly) wage for laborers can be as low as $4 - $6 dollars... thats a day! We will be paying an hourly, not daily wage, providing a livable income for the members of our new local community in Middlesex, Belize.
What are the benefits of living at / Investing in Caputie Residences?
Villas at Caputie Residences are beautifully designed, built ground up using locally sourced materials. Each Eco-Lux villa is off-grid with it’s own solar and water systems.
Here are some more benefits:
-The best location in Belize. Nestled in the Mayan Mountains of Middlesex, 30-45 minutes away from the beaches, restaurants, and nightlife, Caputie Residences has a premium foothold on the beautiful Hummingbird Highway and surrounded by limitless adventure activities.
-Abundant nature surrounds you, peace and tranquility follow your every step.
-Construction has been planned ahead so there is no stress on the common infrastructure, while continuously blending into the environment.
-The resale factor will only go up as the village’s roots grow deeper.
-Caputie Residences stands as a groundbreaking Eco-Lux living space in Belize, marking the first community championing LGBTQ inclusivity and allyship within an eco-luxury rainforest setting.
-Due to the fact that we are building such an exclusive project, we have already begun the painstaking efforts to secure top contractors, architects, and landscapers that we know can do the job and provide top quality affordable finishes.
Am I buying directly from Caputie Residences?
Yes, we are the sole owners of the project and are doing all of the in-house sales, marketing, and working with trusted and very experienced local advisors and contractors for the construction. We are working with local Belize real estate agents for the purchase and sales of each lot and build, along with Dave Hayles and team the built The Belize Collection for construction, and many other top recommended providers!
If I’m not 100% satisfied with the construction at the end of the build what do I do?
We are dedicated to creating a well constructed and executed development. All construction has a 1-year warranty on the build and appliances. The contract itself is very detailed as to what you will be receiving as far as finishes, sizes, construction materials, etc. and you will be getting the exact same villa you have purchased. Our goal is to ensure you are completely satisfied.
How many villas are expected once Caputie Residences reaches completion?
Caputie Residences has a limited and exclusive number of just 6 villas, ranging from a minimum of 2,500 sq ft to a maximum 5,000 sq ft. We want to disturb the least amount of pristine jungle as possible, sticking to our mission of blending into the natural environment and developing a self-sustaining, eco-luxury property.
Is Caputie Residences a family-friendly space?
Absolutely. Caputie Residences stands as a groundbreaking Eco-Lux living space in Belize, marking a first in championing LGBTQ inclusivity and allyship within an eco-luxury setting. Our vision is to cultivate an environment that not only embraces diversity but also pioneers a space where the LGBTQ community and their allies can live authentically and vibrantly.
At the heart of Caputie Residences is a commitment to inclusivity, safety, and warmth, making it an ideal haven for LGBTQ individuals, their families, and allies. This development is a vibrant testament to our dedication to fostering a community that celebrates the diversity and dignity of every member. Here, each villa and lot symbolizes our commitment to creating a harmonious space that allows diverse people to thrive together.
By joining Caputie Residences, you become part of a global family that values mutual respect and understanding above everything else. If you share these values, we invite you to be part of this pioneering journey.
Learn more about Gay Belize at Caputie Residences!
What if I have more questions?
Contact us!! We are here to give you all the information you need.
Rental Income:
What monthly income do you foresee on a rented villa?
To optimize your return on investment, based on our overall real estate knowledge and specific local market research, we recommend short term rental vs. long term. Short term rental allows for a significantly higher night rate and can vary based on the season and your villa. See the Caputie Residences short term rental income potential.
What do I need to know about Property Management fees and services?
The management fee is 20%, and is only for people owning a property as an investment for short term rental and are not planning on living at the villa full time. Many investors in Belize own houses that they use periodically throughout the year, and the rest of the time the property is earning income as short term rental. Caputie Residences offers internal management services in short term rentals for the villas of the village only. The management fee covers all rental platforms and advertising, cleaning, maintenance, and all other services that are necessary for running a profitable rental business, making it easy and smart for owners to see the highest return.
We will leverage platforms such as AirBnb, Vrbo and Luxury Retreats to advertise your property. We believe that if everything is run under one umbrella the village common spaces and individual villas will be better managed and protected.
Financial Questions:
Is it possible to get a mortgage for part of the investment?
It is not common to purchase real estate in Belize with a mortgage and thus, we are not offering mortgage contracts for the purchase and construction of villas.
What is the deposit amount?
Please see our investment and construction timeline here
Is the deposit refundable?
The development is limited to just 6 villas. Given the exclusiveness of this development and the limited number of villas, we are expecting our investors to be sure about their decision. That being said, deposits are non-refundable after 3 days. If you are interested in transferring your deposit and selling your villa prior to construction completion to a new investor, while not advised, we will be happy to work with you to the best of our ability. All legal costs to sell are at each individual owners expense.
At what point can I still back out of the deal?
Once you have signed the contract and your deposit has been received, we will take your lot and villa off the market and the deal with be considered legally binding. At that point you are committed to seeing the project through to completion. You can, however, re-sell your villa at anytime once completion is complete.
What guarantees do you offer?
We offer guarantees on the workmanship and materials used in the buildings and common spaces. We guarantee that your house and finishes will be and look like the one we finalize with you based on the presented floor plans and/or a modified version. Individual elements of the property construction will have product and manufacturer guarantees, such as the solar panels and water catchment systems. We encourage each property owner to maintain property and homeowner insurances for their villa and any other insurances they deem suitable to protect their investment, just as we will be doing for our villa.
What extra costs will I incur?
Each villa will be built as an eco-lux property. What that means is that it will be off-grid, operating and sustaining itself as an individual, self-sustaining property producing it’s own electricity through solar power and collecting water through a water catchment system. For any gas appliances, you will need to add a propane tank as a utility. Wifi is a considerable expense in Belize, but that is included in your monthly HOA. Taxes in Belize are incredibly low. There are no capital gains taxes, and property taxes are assessed at just 1-1.5%.
What are the taxes and fees associated with the purchase of the villa?
We do not have “title companies” or “escrow firms” per se in Belize and it is common practice to engage an attorney or title firm, such as Belize Caye Investment Ltd. (who we used for purchase the land), to represent you and guide you through a foreign purchase. Taxes would include a stamp duty transfer tax of 8% on the assessed value of real estate in excess of US$10,000. This would be paid by each land owner. There is also a registration fee of US$15. All purchases from Foreign Nationals will be vetted by the Central Bank of Belize and an application must be sent to their office for exchange control permission, a standard process that is most often routine in nature and handled by the attorney or representing agent you choose. This process takes between 2-4 weeks.The transfer process will commence once fees have been processed. The transfer papers will be signed and lodged at the Lands Registry in Belmopan City, a process that admittedly can take some time. The government is responsible for this process which is generally within 6 months to a year. Please see our investment and construction timeline here
Who owns the property and pays the property taxes?
You own the title to the villa and land. All communal spaces such as the entrance gate and shared roadway are owned by Caputie Residences and property taxes are paid by Caputie Residences. Taxes in Belize are incredibly low. There are no capital gains taxes and property taxes are assessed at just 1-1.5%.
What are and how much are closing costs?
The total closing cost including all legal fees, taxes and paperwork at Caputie Residences are estimated at ~$16,000 USD - $38,000 USD depending on your final villa size. Please note that these numbers are a calculation and the formula changes frequently in Belize so these are just estimates. Final numbers will be determined at time of your purchase based on your lot and villa size.
Construction Questions:
What is the price per square foot if I want to add more living space to my villa?
You can estimate about $295/sq ft to cover costs of adding additional square footage to any of the villa designs. This covers updated architectural designs and floor plan, changes to build site to accommodate larger floor plan, materials and construction labor. If you Google construction costs for Belize, you will see much lower prices per square foot for two primary reasons: cheap materials and cheap labor. We plan to invest heavily into the local communities, specifically the people, for the long term. We will be paying a livable wage for the members of our new local community in Middlesex, Belize. We will also source the majority of the interior wood finishes, and even some of the framing, from local craftspeople and wood workers.
Will my villa look like the designs on the website?
Yes. Any and all changes to the final design and construction will need to be agreed to by both parties in writing prior to construction beginning.
Can I have the house designed the way I like?
To maintain a pleasing aesthetic throughout the village we are choosing to keep a uniform look so the houses blend into the surrounding beauty. You will be able to customize certain finishes, such as counters, cabinets, and tile from a list of provided options when we get to the design stage of the project in mid-2025.
How big are the villas?
The villas range from 2,500 internal sq ft (1 bedroom suite pavilion + 1 main living pavilion) to 5,000 internal sq ft (3 bedroom suite pavilions + 1 main living pavilion) with an additional sq ft of outdoor living space based on your final pavilion design. If you are building a pool, it will be included in your final floor plan design.
Do all villas come with a pool?
No, but it is recommended and included in the designs. Our standard plunge pool with infinity edge as seen in our design renderings starts at $25,000 and is 20.36 sq M or 219 sq ft.
Does the price include furniture?
No, however there is an optional furniture package (furniture as seen in the architectural renderings) starts at $35,000 and are sourced from local materials and providers from both Bali and Belize.
What building finishes can I choose?
We will send you the final material choices, such as tiles, cabinets and counter tops, once we get to that stage of construction. See the construction timeline here.
What (if any) warranty do I get on the construction and appliances?
The contractors we work with have a year guarantee on labor and appliances also have one year guarantee. Like most houses anywhere in the world this is a standard form of guarantee.
When are communal areas and services expected to be up and running?
Target completion of the community is January - March 2026. Belize is very much island time and construction is estimated at roughly 2 years from start to finish.
When will construction begin?
Our target is no later than July 2024. See full timeline
Are there any risks of not getting the needed approvals for either villas or communal areas?
Caputie Residences was purchase in 2020 and has secured all required subdivision approval from the Lands Departments as of February, 2024. There are no risks in getting approvals for the construction of the villas and communal areas. We will be building to US standards of quality based on the most available and best quality resources and securing building permits for the entire community development.
Is there any risk of increased costs of building etc. for the purchaser?
No. We commit to the costs in advance and under contract.
Additional Information:
If I need medical assistance, what are my options?
Health care in Belize is admittedly poor. Most of the hospitals are in Belize City. There are also chiropractors, acupuncturists, herbalists, massage therapists and other providers available..
Are pets allowed?
Yes, pets are allowed, however, we have some restrictions as to how many and what kind of pets are allowed. There is a lot of sensitive nature around and we aim to protect and respect it as much as we want you to protect and respect your fellow community members.
Is marijuana allowed?
Yes, smoking marijuana is allowed at Caputie Residences and legal in Belize for possession of up to 10 grams per person.
Is there a fast internet connection?
Yes, there is good internet connections available that will be strong enough for Zoom meetings and other connectivity. Fiber has been made available at Hummingbird Highway and will be included as part of your monthly HOA fee (once connected)!
