Why Invest in Utila?

There has never been a better time to invest in the Bay Islands of Honduras. Many factors have combined at this time to make Utila one of the most exciting investment opportunities in the entire Caribbean. We have summarized some great reasons that we feel make this the ideal place to invest your hard-earned money right now.

1. Fantastic value for money:
Land prices have been rising steadily in the Bay Islands throughout the 1990s. As the climate for investment has improved, the prices have gone up. However, it is the strong opinion of many observers that land prices here have yet to reach a level that accurately reflects their potential. The vast majority of the Bay Islands have yet to be touched by developers and their are hundreds of bargains to be found.

2. Low cost of living and wonderful lifestyle:
The growing size of the ex-pat community in Utila stands as a clear testimony to the popularity of the island lifestyle. Easy-going, relaxed and friendly are commonly used descriptions. The climate, the lush gardens, the Caribbean Ocean and clean air are also popular. Another very popular aspect to life here is the low cost of living. Eating out, having an evening cocktail in a local bar, taxi rides, shopping and other living expenses are very low. Many ex-pats value the fact that they can afford full time home help and a gardener at a fraction of the cost in the West. Construction is also cheap, with a good carpenter working for as little as $25 a day.

3. Stable government and secure environment:
Honduras has been safely under the wing of the US for many years now. The central government has been very stable for 30 years and the President, an American educated intellectual who is married to an American first lady, is very popular. The Bay Islands themselves have their own local Governor and municipal structure seeing to it that the islands are ever improving. Crime on Utila is virtually non-existent, and local laws work to keep the communities stable and happy.

4. Booming local economy and excellent long term prospects:
The huge popularity of scuba diving combined with the creation of reef protection zones around the islands means that the long-term prospects for the area are excellent. Fishing is still a major source of revenue for the local economy but tourism is fast catching up as the divers, fishing tourists, sailors and other adventurers keep on coming.

5. Ease of residency:
It has never been easier to live and work completely legally in Honduras. Unlike many Caribbean islands, you can move to the Bay Islands to live and work with relative ease. Residencies are easy to come by and foreign nationals can own and operate businesses without any trouble.

6. Utila's new airport:
The construction of Utila's new fully equipped airport is almost completed. The runway will be large enough to accommodate small jets and will make it even easier to get to Utila. Utila is just a couple of hours flight from Miami or Houston but land prices do not reflect this.

7. Improved infrastructure and amenities:
In conjunction with the new airport, Utila now has good roads linking town with the North side and East end of the island. The latest news is the arrival of the Utila Power Company (UPCO) which is installing a brand new electrical system that will service the entire island as well as the Cays. With well-stocked supermarkets, wonderful new restaurants opening all the time and the arrival of satellite TV, life for the ex-pat is becoming increasingly comfortable. Working via the internet is now a popular option for ex-pats who wish to earn money while living in paradise at a fraction of the cost of a western life.

8. Land law reform:
Reform of the land ownership laws in Honduras in recent years has created a much safer environment for investment in real estate. Central registration of deeds mean that you can now invest with absolute confidence.

9. Tax free status:
Decree 98-93 of Honduran law allows for the creation of special tax-free status or ZOLT status for a wide range of business activities. The ZOLT status allows businesses to operate with tax-free imports and zero sales tax as well as a total income tax exemption for a period of 20 years.

10. Fantastic Weather:
Warm and sunny but with the trade winds keeping the edge off the heat, the Bay Islands is famed for its outstanding climate. The short rainy season runs from October to January, otherwise its blue skies during the day and star packed skies at night.

Where can one find prime beachfront land only two hours from Miami in a wonderful tropical paradise with secure title, a stable safe and friendly environment, excellent infra-structure and a booming local economy. Add to the mix a tax free business environment, English speaking locals, an easy going lifestyle with a very low cost of living and it becomes clear that Utila offers some of the best investment opportunities to be found anywhere in the Caribbean at this time.