What is Waterside?
 

Waterside is a subdivision of 99 lots plus areas set aside as preserves, open spaces and reserves, located in the town of Flower�s Bank. Many lots abut the beautiful Belize River, which provides an outlet to the Caribbean Sea/Atlantic Ocean. The development is centrally located, and is perfect for river-based activities such as canoeing, fishing, kayaking and rafting. The Country of Belize is a stable, English-speaking country, and many individuals seeking out foreign property are looking more and more to Belize for these reasons. Information about the country of Belize can be found here. Waterside is a planned, gated community that has electrical power and phone service. We have lots for sale at Waterside; each individual is free to build on their own lot when and if they so choose. The lots described on this website are being developed in phases as a part of the Environmental Compliance Plan issued by the Department of the Environment, Government of Belize.

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Can I visit the development?
 

Yes, everyone is welcome to visit the development. Please call us in advance so that we can assist with the appropriate arrangements for your visit.

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Who is the developer of Waterside?
 

Waterside Limited is the primary developer of Waterside. When you read the Declaration of Covenants, Waterside Limited is the Declarant under the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, Restrictions, Easements & Building Guidelines for Waterside.

Waterside Limited is the owner and seller of the lots in the Waterside development.

The developer can be reached at and is located at:

Waterside Limited

15 "A" Street, Kings Park

Belize City, Belize

To contact in the U.S.A. telephone: 561-859-2121

Email: contactus@watersidebelize.com

Answers to questions and information about this subdivision may be obtained by telephoning the developers at the number listed above.

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Will I get title to my property when I purchase a lot?
 

In Belize, a buyer only has legal title when a valid deed (Deed of Conveyance/Indenture, Transfer Certificate of Title or registered Land Certificate, the Belize equivalent of a deed) is recorded in their name. If you are purchasing your property outright you will receive a deed upon closing. If you have a mortgage, in Belize, the deed is issued in your name, but is held by the Government of Belize and is not received by you until the mortgage is satisfied. You will, however, be able to contact the Government of Belize and confirm that they are holding a deed in your name at any time. Additionally, subsequent to closing, we will issue to you documentary evidence that you have purchased land and that it is being held by the Government of Belize in your name.
 

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What about title insurance?
 

In the event you wish to obtain an attorney�s opinion of title or a title insurance policy, we recommend that an appropriate professional interpret the opinion or policy. Some title insurance companies will insure title in Belize. Obtaining title insurance is optional, but you may choose to obtain it if you so desire.
 

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How do I purchase a lot?
 

You will be asked to sign a sales contract (�Parcel Purchase Agreement�).  If you wish to finance a portion of the purchase price, we may assist you by lending you money and securing your loan with a mortgage against the property. You may also opt to have a third party bank finance your purchase. In general, a total deposit of ten percent (10%) of the purchase price will be required at the time of signing the sales contract.  Unless your finance from us, your lot must be fully paid at the time of closing.

The closing of the purchase of the lot usually takes place within 150 days after the date on which the purchase agreement is fully signed by both parties and you have received all closing documents. A deed will be delivered to you, or recorded and held with the Government of Belize (depending on whether you have purchased outright or have a mortgage), within 180 days after the date when the purchase agreement is signed by you, or when applicable by the laws of Belize.

We will also issue to you, within 180 days after the purchase agreement is signed, documentary evidence that a purchase has taken place, regardless of any outstanding mortgages on your lot.  Upon full payment by purchasers, or full satisfaction of any mortgage, a Deed of Conveyance/Indenture, Transfer Certificate of Title or registered Land Certificate (A Belize deed) will be delivered to us from the Government of Belize, which will thereafter be forwarded to you.

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What about my deposit and other payments made before I close?
 

All deposits will be held in escrow by an escrow agent. The escrow agent is an independent third party authorized to disburse to you all money you have paid prior to closing in the event of our failure to convey title or default of any other obligation.

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Can I get third party financing for my lot?
 

Waterside Limited may be able to provide you financing for your lot; contact us for further information. For other third party financing, you will have to ensure that financing for the property is available through whichever sources you choose. Be advised that in the event you are unable to get financing after signing a Parcel Purchase Agreement, and cannot finance your purchase, you could be in default of your Agreement.

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If I finance through Waterside Limited, is there a prepayment penalty?
 

If Waterside Limited finances the purchase of your lot, there will be no prepayment penalty, if and when you decide to prepay your note.  If, on the other hand, an independent financial institution finances the purchase of your lot, you will need to review the financing documents to determine whether there is any prepayment penalty.

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Is there a Declaration of Covenants?
 

Yes. A Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, Restrictions, Easements & Building Guidelines for Waterside (the �Declaration�) has been or will be recorded for Waterside in the public records of Belize. In order to preserve the value of your lot, and ensure the stability, order, and condition of Waterside, all lot owners are subject to this Declaration. Our Declaration is likely very similar to those you may be familiar with in any homeowners or condominium associations. You can ask the developer for a copy of the Declaration, or obtain them by clicking here Declaration of Covenants.

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What kind of activities are regulated by the covenants?
 

The Declaration contains provisions which will require lot purchasers to secure permissions, approvals or take other action prior to constructing upon, using and disposing of a lot.

The Declaration creates a committee to oversee architectural and environmental control within the development, the Architectural Review Board (the �ARB�). The ARB will adopt design guidelines for the development, as well as application and review procedures.

The Declaration also sets out a number of covenants on use of property within the development and also authorize the Board of Directors of the property owners association to make and enforce rules and regulations in addition to those contained in the Declaration.

The Declaration also regulates offensive activities and unsightly or unkempt conditions or the pursuit of hobbies which may lead to disorderly, unsightly, or unkempt conditions; may prohibit the discharge of firearms; storage of combustible liquids, or the display of any sign unless approved by the ARB. Prohibitions against construction of any exterior structures (except with permission from the ARB or MC), window air conditioners, obstruction, rechanneling or other interference with drainage flows and the subdivision of any lot are set forth in the Declaration.

In addition, the Declaration requires lot owners to notify the property owners association in the event that a lot is sold or title to the lot is otherwise transferred.

Of course, this FAQ is only an outline; you should read the Declaration online here - Declaration.
 

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Will my property be subject to easements?
 

The Declaration may create easements on your land. For example, all of the lots in Waterside are subject to flood control or flowage easements.  Construction of your residence or any other structure on your lot must be done in such a way so as to allow for natural drainage.  Household drainage pipes will lead to appropriately designed septic tanks in accordance with designs approved by the Government of Belize, Department of the Environment. The Government of Belize may hold other easements, such as those for electrical poles or utilities.

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What kind of zoning exists at Waterside?
 

Waterside is only zoned for residential use. There are no commercially-zoned lots at Waterside. However, Bed-and Breakfast-type operations will be allowed with proper pre-approval and permitting. Additionally, home-based businesses which do not generate traffic flow are permitted.

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Has Waterside been surveyed?
 

Yes. Each lot has been marked for identification on the master development plan. Each lot depicted on the master development plan has been surveyed and marked for identification, and recorded by the Government of Belize. If you require a separate survey of your lot, the approximate cost to you is estimated to be Three Hundred Fifty Dollars (US$350).

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Do I need permits and how do I obtain them?
 

In order to begin construction on your lot, you must first submit an application to the Architectural Review Board (ARB). The ARB will then review your application in accordance with and subject to the Declaration and any other rules promulgated by the ARB or the developer. Details of the review procedure and required building standards are found in the Declaration. After receiving an approval from the ARB, you will also be required to obtain a building permit from the Belize Building Department, which is located at 109 N. Front Street, Belize City, Belize, phone 011-501-227-2308.

Plans and specifications for the construction of docks are subject to review and approval by the Architectural Review Board and the Department of the Environment, Government of Belize.

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Will the natural environment be protected?
 

In order to mitigate the potential sources of environmental impact during development, the Department of the Environment promulgated the Environmental Compliance Plan. Waterside and the Developer are obligated to abide by the Compliance Plan. For more information, you may contact the Belize Department of the Environment for its recommendations, which have been incorporated into the Declaration.

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Are there roads in the development?
 

Yes, there are roads providing ingress and egress to the property and throughout the subdivision. Your maintenance fees and assessments will pay for the maintenance, repairs and replacement of the roads within the subdivision, if and when the time arises for such maintenance, repairs and replacements. As a lot owner, you are required to contribute to the maintenance of the roads, which is included in your yearly maintenance fee.

All roads within or by any property encompassed in this subdivision have been completed and approved for usage by the Government of Belize.

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Is water available?
 

The developer will install the main water lines throughout the development. You will be responsible for the connection costs from the main water lines to any dwelling placed on your lot. You may wish to contact the local water authority to make the connection. There is usually a one-time connection charge and is not due and payable at closing. This fee may be incurred upon the building of a home on your parcel, if and when your desire to do so. The local water authority will bill you for water consumed. As an alternative you may wish to construct a water catchment and holding system, which can store rainwater collected.  Water to fill such cisterns or similar storage tanks must be secured to your dwelling. In addition, a reverse osmosis water treatment system may be used for production of potable water.  If an alternate water source is desired, you can submit a proposal for it to the Department of Environment, Government of Belize, at such time, if ever. If you choose to use cisterns, bladders and/or water catchment and holding systems, they should be periodically emptied and replenished with fresh water as water stored for extended periods of time tends to become stale and may acquire an unpleasant taste or odor.
 

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What kind of sewer/septic systems are used?
 

There are no sewers in the development. The Department of the Environment of the Government of Belize is requiring the use of approved septic tanks for sewage disposal for each individual lot owner within the development. Permits may be obtained as part of the permitting process in constructing your home. No other means of sewage disposal systems will be permitted unless approved by the Department of the Environment and ARB. 

Gray water holding tanks may be used in conjunction with drip irrigation systems for the fertilization of local planting. Each owner or occupant of a lot must participate in the recycling and reclamation program(s) established for the development or as required by the Government of Belize.  As such, you may be required to obtain and maintain recycling bins for crushed metal, cans, glass and plastic bottles and/or containers on your lot.
 

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What kind of electricity is used?
 

Electricity will be provided to the Waterside development by Belize Electricity Limited. The developer has installed the main electrical power lines throughout the development. You will be responsible for the connection costs from the main power lines to your dwelling. If you choose, environmentally friendly technology such as wind and solar power may also be your sources of energy, subject to approval from the ARB, and conformance with the Declaration. Low decibel generators may be used for emergency backup power if properly enclosed to limit noise.
 

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Is there telephone service?
 

Telephone service is provided by Belize Telemedia Limited. The developer has installed the main telephone poles throughout the development. You will be responsible for the connection costs from the main telephone lines to your dwelling, and for coordination with Belize Telemedia Limited.  Belize Telemedia Limited may opt to run telephone lines throughout the development or equip your property with a signal booster.  Additionally, other phone providers may offer cellular service.

When dialing Belize from the United States dial 011-501- then the seven digit number.

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Is fire protection available?
 

Fire protection is provided year round from the Town of Burrell Boom. All buildings in Waterside are required to have a minimum of one (1) fire extinguisher for fire protection purposes per one thousand square feet of building area. It is your obligation to provide and remain in compliance with this requirement.
 

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Is there police or law enforcement protection?
 

Standard police protection is available through the local police department, in Burrell Boom 225-9095; Private alarm systems are permitted.
 

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Are there schools in the area?
 

The private and public schools or public school buses that may serve the current subdivision of the development are:

Academy of Office Arts - 223-5448

Belize Elementary School - 223-5765

Belize Institute of Management - 223-3055

Belize Medical College - 223-5560

Burrell Boom Methodist School

Calvary Temple School - 227-1676

Catholic Public Schools - 227-7040

Ebenezer Primary School - 224-4558

Excelsior High School - 227-3448

Holy Redeemer Middle School - 224-5389

Holy Redeemer Upper School - 224-5675

Lady Evangelical School - 205-2223

Muffles Junior College - 322-1016

Nazarene High School - 223-2248

Pilgrim Fellowship School - 225-6011

St Ignatius Middle School - 227-3750

St John Vianney R C School - 227-4844

St John's College - 223-3732

St John's Primary School - 227-3410

St Joseph School - 203-4623

St Mary's Primary School - 227-3352

Trinity Methodist School - 223-2096

Wesley College - 227-6302

It is your responsibility to contact the above schools to determine eligibility, tuition/costs, transportation costs and availability.
 

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Where are there hospitals or medical clinics?
 

There is a well staffed public operated hospital and several private hospitals in Belize City. The district towns also have private and government operated hospitals or clinics.

Please see the Belize Telemedia Limited Phone Directory for Physicians sorted by specialty of service and very serious medical problems are cared for in Belize City at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital 223-1548 or 223-1564
 

Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital

Belize City

223-1548 or 223-1564

Belize Diagnostic Center
Leslie Street
Belize City, BELIZE
TEL: + 501-224-5778
Email: belizerad@btl.net
Http://www.belizediagnostic.com

Belize Medical Associates
5791 St. Thomas Street, Kings Park
Belize City, BELIZE
TEL: + 501-223-0302, 0303, 0304

501-223-0303

501-223-0304
Email: bzemedasso@btl.net
Http://www.belizemedical.com

24 hour emergency services

Universal Health Center
Corner of Chancellor Ave. & Blue Marlin Ave.
Belize City, BELIZE
TEL: + 501-224-5537, 223-7870, 7873, 5865
Email: univhs@btl.net

http://www.universalhealthbelize.com

La Loma Luz Hospital
Santa Elena
Cayo District, Belize
Tel: 501-804-2985/824-2087

primary care and 24 hour emergency services

Northern Medical Specialty Plaza
Orchid Street
Orange Walk Town
Orange Walk District
Belize
Tel: 501-302-3708
Fax: 501-322-2320

Belize Medical Arts and Ambulatory Surgi Center, Chancellor Avenue, Belize City 224-5537,8

Zuniga Harold Physical Therapy, 85 Amara Avenue, Belize City 227-1638

Integral Health Care Southside Health Center, Gibnut/Curassow Street, Belize City 227-6722

Myo'on Clinics Ltd, 40 Eve Street, Belize City, 224-5616 or 223-1537

Please also note that there are numerous medical facilities in Chetumal, Mexico.

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Are there dentists nearby?
 

The nearest facilities for dentists are:
Dr. Christopher Bennett - 223-0404

Family Dental Center - 322-0732

Dr. Jorge Habet - 227-5390

Dr. Leroy C. Heusner - 227-2583

Sinai Dental Center - 223-7376

Dr. Douglas Smith - 822-3795

The Family Dental Clinic - 224-5654

Dr. Wayne Usher - 227-4999

Osbert Usher Dental Clinic - 227-3415

Dr. Bertram Moldauer - 227-3576

Dr. Rosela E. Cuellar - 223-0570

Dr. Maria Gamero - 224-5616

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Where are there shopping facilities?
 

Shopping facilities are available in Burrell Boom and in Ladyville.

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How do I get mail service?
 

Mail service will not be provided by home delivery by the Belize Postal Service, rather you must obtain a post office box in Belize City in order to receive mail.
 

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Is there public transportation?
 

Public bus transportation is available in Flowers Bank, approximately one mile from the development to most towns in Belize such as Belize City, then from Belize City to points north, west and south.
 

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What about recreation?
 

Waterside will contain areas which have been preserved as open spaces or preserves, where traditional recreational activities will be permitted. A large percentage of the development is being preserved in its natural habitat, and many lots which do not abut water, are adjacent to a nature preserve. Traditional water-based activities are also permitted, and every lot will have access to the Belize River.
 

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Who is building Waterside?
 

The developer is responsible for the initial construction of the infrastructure in Waterside. You will not be obligated to pay for any of the initial construction costs of this infrastructure. Except for the public open spaces and preserves, the property owners association is responsible for the maintenance of the common areas within the development.  The costs of such maintenance are included in the annual assessments of the association and paid by the lot owners in the development. The association has the power to adopt and promulgate rules and regulations pertaining to the common areas and may impose use fees if deemed appropriate or necessary to continue the proper care and upkeep of the facilities.
 

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Who may use Waterside development?
 

Only lot owners within all phases of the Waterside development and their guests will be permitted to use the development and common areas within the Waterside development, subject to the rules and regulations adopted by the Waterside Community Association.
 

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What is Waterside's topography?
 

The general topography of Waterside consists of property having elevations of approximately 40 feet above Caribbean sea level.  All dwellings to be erected  may not be higher than 40 feet.  In addition, parcel owners are required to preserve 60% of their lots as open space.
 

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Is Waterside prone to floods or excessive water coverage?
 

We are not aware of any unusual or excessive flood problems in Waterside. However, the Waterside development is located adjacent to the Belize River. Thus, although it is not designated as a flood plain by any Federal, State or local agency in the United States, certain lots may be located adjacent to significant bodies of water, and may carry the customary risks involved in being located near such features.

The developer has conducted its own studies, and drained and filled such lots as deemed necessary. We are not aware of any lots within the subdivisions, which currently require draining or fill prior to construction. If such lots are identified, we will fully disclose any impact such condition might have on proposed construction prior to closing the sale of any affected lot. However, the Developer cannot warranty that a given lot will or will not be in need of drainage and fill, regardless of whether the Developer has conducted its own surveys, and cannot guarantee that future climatalogical, topographical or geological changes will not alter a given lot�s need for drainage or fill. You are encouraged to conduct your own appropriate surveys on your given lot.
 

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Are there any natural conditions that could affect my use or enjoyment of my lot?
 

Other than nuisances associated with stagnant ponds, marshes and other bodies of water, to the best of our knowledge there are no nuisances that adversely affect the Waterside development. It should be noted that as Waterside is an ongoing project, temporary nuisances related to construction and development may be present. We are not aware of any unusual natural factors, which affect the subdivision or of any proposed plans for construction, which may create a future nuisance or safety hazard, other than those which may naturally be expected in the natural habitat in which Waterside is located.
 

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What is the climate like?
 

The climate of the area is subtropical, tempered by trade winds.  The average annual rainfall is approximately 60 inches. The temperature in Belize ranges from 50�F in the mountains to 95�F in the western districts with a mean annual temperature of 79�F. Traditionally, November to January are the coolest months having an average of 75�F. May to September are the warmest months averaging 81�F.
 

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How many people live at Waterside?
 

Lot owners are currently free to construct property on their lot, or reside on their lot, as they see fit. Some lot owners may choose never to build or live on their lot, and others may be there nearly year round. Because of this, the Seller cannot identify the number of homes or buildings in the subdivision, nor how many or to what extent they may be occupied.
 

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What is the property owners association?
 

Waterside Community Association Limited, a Belize corporation, is incorporated as the property owners association for the Waterside development.

The developer maintains the right to appoint the majority of the board of directors of the property owners association until the earlier of the date upon which 90% of the total Lots permitted by the approved Master Development Plan have been conveyed to persons other than the builder and have certificates of occupancy issued thereon or December 31, 2020 unless the developer relinquishes such right sooner in its discretion. Membership in the property owners association is mandatory.

As with any Community/Homeowners Association, the Association may alter, amend, change or promulgate rules, regulations and assessments, in conformance with the Declaration.

The property owners association has powers and duties which include, but are not limited to, preparation and adoption of annual budgets, levying and collecting assessments, providing for the operation and maintenance of the common properties, hiring and firing personnel, making and amending rules and regulations, enforcing the provisions of the restrictive covenants, the by-laws, and the rules and regulations of the association, as well as, keeping books and records. The current annual assessment imposed by the property owners association is set forth in these Frequently Asked Questions is US$396. The rate of assessment is subject to change in accordance with the applicable restrictive covenants and by-laws of the property owners associations and those documents also prescribe the method for special assessments, if any. The property owners association exercises architectural and environmental control within the development through the Architectural Review Board. Special assessments may be imposed to subsidize the property owners associations, as necessary.
 

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Are there taxes on my lot?
 

We will be responsible for payment of all real estate taxes and assessments until closing.  At closing and thereafter, you will be obligated to pay the Government of Belize Stamp Tax and annual real estate taxes.  The Stamp Tax equals five percent (5%) of the parcel purchase price amount over US$10,000 and is paid to the Government of Belize. The annual taxes on an unimproved lot after the sale to a purchaser equals approximately one percent (1%) of the fair market value of the raw land as assessed by the valuation department of the Government of Belize. All tax rates are subject to change based on inflation, local laws, and other factors out of the developer�s control. There are currently no special taxes or tax assessments which affect the development.
 

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Can I resell my lot?
 

Yes, there are currently no restrictions on the resale of your lot. We currently have no program to assist you in the resale of your lot, but you may sell your lot whenever you wish.

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Equal Opportunity in Lot Sales
 

We are in compliance with Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968. We have not and will not discriminate against you because of your race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Furthermore, we will not indicate a preference for or a rejection of any particular group in our advertising, in our rendering services to lots, in requiring terms and conditions on lot sales and leases, or in any other manner.
 

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Will I make a profit if I resell my lot?
 

Many people purchase land with the intention of making a profit or with the intention of it otherwise operating as an investment for them. Certainly, purchases of land and property can be a very profitable and beneficial investment for those who are purchasing for this reason. The rate and extent of an increase in value, if any, is not something that can be predicted. Many factors, may have an impact on the rate and extent of any increase in such value, and you should research what factors could potentially increase or decrease the value of land. Doing your homework and diligently researching all relevant factors are vital for anyone who purchases land, but even more so for those with the intention of making a profit, reselling, or using the land as an investment.
 

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Other than my purchase price, what other costs are involved in purchasing a lot?
 

In addition to the purchase price of your lot, there are other expenditures, which must be made. Listed below are the major costs. All costs are subject to change.

Cash Price of Lot

Estimated One-Time Charges

1.  Water/connection fee -$300.00*

2.  Electric connection fee -$500.00*

3.  Telephone connection fee $300.00*

4.  Architectural Review fee $200.00*

5.  Yearly maintenance (prorated portion of $396 yearly fee)

6.  Belize Stamp Duty (5% of purchase price amount over US$10,000)

 *These fees are not due and payable at closing. The purchase of land will not require payment of these fees. However, these fees may be incurred upon the building of a structure on your lot, if and when a lot owner so desires to do so.

Estimated annual charges, exclusive of utility use fees

1. Taxes -- Average unimproved lot after sale to purchaser approximately 1% of the lot purchase price or assessed value of your land by the Valuation Section of the Government of Belize).

2. Assessments by Property Owners Association (prorated share through the end of calendar year of the yearly maintenance assessment; US $396 per parcel.

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Disclaimer: Waterside Limited makes no warranty as to the quality of the goods or services or the reliability of the products or services listed above. We have made every attempt to keep the list up to date, but we will not be responsible for errors or omissions.