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Roatan island is situated in the Caribbean about 30 miles off the northern coast of Honduras.
Many foreigners and vacationers are attracted to the Bay islands of Honduras because of the pristine beauty, clear blue waters and mild year round temperatures. Daytime temperatures average between 80°F to 88°F and the nights between 70°F to 76°F. Roatan has a large Expat community that are either retired or own and operate businesses across the island.
Hotels, Resorts and Vacation Rentals
Now days Roatan offers a number of hotels, resorts and vacation rentals available on this tropical island. If you are planning a vacation during the high season or holidays it is advisable to book in advance.
Utilities
Most of the water on the Caribbean island either comes from rain water stored in cisterns or from private or community wells. Casa Bonita has 60,000 gallons of water stored in its cisterns on the property. As a general rule we advise anybody thinking of building a home on Roatan to build a cistern to collect rain water. Roatan Electric Company (RECO) provides electricity and it is available to the majority of the island with the exception of remote places like Port Royal. That is why at Casa Bonita we generate our own electricity using a combination of wind, sun and diesel. For more information on our electrical system please click here. Sewage is handled by private septic systems on the property.
Schooling
On Roatan island there are now a number of private bilingual schools many with American teachers. There is also a Spanish public school system.
Honduras Medical Care
Health care in Honduras is very affordable. Many physicians were trained in the United States, so they speak English and keep up-to-date. A visit to the doctor costs between USD $5 and USD $20, and a private hospital room costs USD $30 to USD $40 a day.
Roatan Travel Documents
A valid passport is needed to enter the country of Honduras. In order to leave Honduras, you must also return the entry papers you are given. There is an approximately $32.00 USD departure tax upon exiting the country.
Living on Roatan
Foreigners live on Roatan in all seasons although many local residents and expats actually prefer the cooler rainy season. Americans have found an island they love in the Caribbean which is only a 1 hour flight away from Miami. Roatan real estate is still the most affordable of all the Caribbean islands we know about.
Many foreigners have already purchased Roatan real estate and have watched it increase in value quickly as more people are discovering Roatan on cruise ships, or because it is so easy to get to and provides a relatively inexpensive vacation. Wonderful lodging is readily available, the food is delightful and varied, and there are a lot of outdoor activities to do. For a small Caribbean island, Roatan feels very large.
Roatan offer many different types of real estate, from pristine untouched jungle to beachfront or waterfront land, and from condos and homes to building sites in very special planned communities with community beaches, gardens and more, you have a lot of real estate options available on Roatan. You can find land parcels ranging from small lots to large acreages.
Property Taxes
Property taxes are very affordable on Roatan and you can expect to pay about $ 3.50 per $1000.00. For example: property taxes for Roatan real estate valued at $50,000.00 would be assessed about $175.00.
Building on Roatan
Depending on what you wish to do with you property in Honduras, you will probably have to apply for a building permit. This could be as simple as a building permit for a house or condo, to something more complicated like a resort. With a house, the main concerns are sewage treatment, height restrictions, and structural integrity. If you plan on building a resort or doing a housing development, you will need to do an environmental study.
Building Costs on Roatan
Wood construction in Roatan starts at about $65 per square foot with concrete being about $85 per square foot. These are averages and will vary with your home design and the options you choose. Building materials are available both on the island and on the mainland. Some specific or special items may not be available but these can be ordered from the United States and shipped to the island of Roatan on one of two main freight carriers, at a fairly reasonable price.
Honduras Political Climate
Honduras has a democratically elected government that encourages island tourism. The municipal governments on Roatan island also encourage tourism. There is a large U.S. presence on the mainland of Honduras and on the Caribbean islands of Roatan and Utila.
Insurance
Insurance for hurricanes, flooding, and many other acts of God is available through two companies on Roatan. Car insurance runs about $600 per year.
Honduras Residency
You do not need a Residency number to own property or real estate in Honduras. You may want to apply for residency for various reasons including allowances for bringing in some items duty free or if you plan to spend more than 90 days at a time in Honduras.
Obtaining a Residency number is a lengthy process and should be started from your country of residence before you move to the island. Information on what is required can be obtained from the Honduran consulate nearest to you. It is also advisable to only deal with a select few reputable attorneys for this process.
Roatan Crime
Much like in many towns and cities in North America, it is not advisable to leave valuables in unlocked, unsupervised vehicles. Nor is it a good idea to leave a house vacant with valuables in it for extended periods, unless it is in a secure community. Children hitch rides with strangers on the small winding main road. Use caution when walking in isolated, dark places and on the street in evenings.
Money and Banking on Roatan
American dollars are taken everywhere on Roatan, but it would probably be wise to have some Lempiras, as the exchange rate may vary and you might get a better buy with Honduran currency. Real estate transactions are generally made using wire transfers from banks in your native country to a real estate escrow account. There are several banks to choose from on the island, with several in French Harbor. Some have automatic teller machines, but all offer checking accounts and savings accounts and most offer Visa advances and Traveler's Check cashing.
Groceries
Shrimp and lobster are Roatan’s largest industry and are readily available and very fresh. There are three larger modern grocery stores on the Island, two in Coxen Hole and one just off the main road in French Harbor. There is also a new mall in French Harbour that offeres prices that are difficult to beat at the other shops.
There are also small neighborhood stores all over the island. Availability of quality products is getting better all of the time and you can find good cheeses, meats, baked goods, and fresh fish and vegetables. There are fruit and vegetable trucks and seafood trucks on the roadside in West End where prices and quality are usually very good.
A new bakery at French Harbor has whole grain breads, bagels, and wonderful desserts. Don’t worry about satisfying your sweet tooth. The only problem is what to choose- Coconut Pie, Key Lime Pie, New York Cheesecake, or Chocolate Delights like only a true chocolate lover can imagine!
Roatan Restaurants
There are several fine restaurants on Roatan and many places to enjoy excellent food. Shrimp and lobster are plentiful, fresh and clean. Most people find the problem is overeating since prices are definitely some of the best in the Caribbean. An average dinner price at a good restaurant ranges from $8-$15 per person.
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