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Turneffe Estates Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who owns the property currently known as Turneffe Estates?

The land is currently held in corporation by Villas del Norte LLC.

2. Is the current owner a Belizean National?

Villas del Norte is jointly owned by Court Roberson (Belizean-American), Mark Wingler (Belizean-American) and Jason Waller (Canadian)

3. Will the profits generated by the sale of this land benefit Belize and native Belizeans?

Mark Wingler has 15 years of development experience in Belize. The Robersons are one of the most respected families in the country. They too have many years of experience developing properties in Belize. Every effort has been and will be made to employ native Belizeans in the development and building of Turneffe Estates. The use of local materials, products and resources will be encouraged whenever possible.

4. What is the ownership history of this land?

The property known as Turneffe Estates is currently comprised of four separately titled parcels of land. Each parcel has a second or third generation “Registered Title”.

5. Who executed the subdivision of this land?

Villas del Norte LLC.

6. Who will be charged with installing the infrastructure for the development known as Turneffe Estates?

10mex Developments which is owned by Villas del Norte

7. Who, if anyone, currently resides on and cares for the land to be used for Turneffe Estates?

A Belizean National family has been contracted to reside on the property during the sale process. They will be retained as onsite care takers for Turneffe Estates and will be charged with the maintenance of the common areas and marina.

8. Is the property currently known as Turneffe Estates titled?

Currently the property is comprised of four parcels, each titled individually.

9. In whose name is the property currently titled?

Villas del Norte LLC

10. Are the individual lots titled?

Not yet.

11. If not, will they be individually titled?

Yes.

12. In whose name will the titles be?

Title can be held In the name of the purchaser or his/her assignee(s).

13. How long will the process take to obtain titles?

Title can be obtained at time of transfer of the property assuming the property has been paid in full.

14. Please describe the process by which a foreigner may purchase property in Belize.

The process of purchasing property in Belize is not unlike that in the United States or Canada. Visit our “How to Buy” page for detailed information about the purchase process.

15. Please describe the rights and limitations of foreign ownership in Belize.

Foreign owners enjoy the same rights and privileges as Belizean Nationals. There are no restrictions or limitations of property ownership.

16. What are the plans for waste removal and water treatment?

Solid waste and garbage will be transferred by barge to waste facilities on the mainland. Recycling programs will be implemented for Turneffe Estates and all materials transferred to a recycling station on the mainland. Each home will have its own independent closed liquid waste system. All systems will be in accordance with the Effluent Regulations of 1995 under the Environmental Protection Act and the recommendations of local public health bureaus.

17. Are there mangroves or other apparent environmental issues to consider?

No. There are no areas containing mangrove on Turneffe Estates. In accordance with the Mangrove Act of 1989, the clearing of vegetation will be kept to a minimum and valuable forest preserved where ever possible.

18. What is the percentage of buildable space on each lot?

35%

19. What building guidelines will be implemented for the development of Turneffe Estates?

Each proposal will be evaluated by the board of directors of Villas del Norte (Turneffe Estates) on an individual basis. Plans and materials must be approved before construction can commence.

20. Will these building guidelines maintain a plan for "sustainable development"?

Construction on each lot is allowed to include one main residence and one “guesthouse” or “carriage house”. The Buyers are encouraged to use as many local materials as possible in the design and construction of these homes. Energy to power each home will be generated by sun or wind power. Diesel generators will be permitted but must comply with current environmental standards and be soundproofed. Rain water catch and filtration systems will be required for each home. Closed liquid waste storage and processing systems will be required for each home. All systems will be in accordance with the Effluent Regulations of 1995 under the Environmental Protection Act and the recommendations of local public health bureaus. Recycling programs will be implemented for Turneffe Estates and all materials transferred to a recycling station on the mainland.

21. What building materials will be permitted?

All materials will be considered on a project by project basis.

22. Will there be a maximum height limit for the structures in Turneffe Estates?

The building height restrictions will be as follows:
1st Row Beachfront – 1 level of construction permitted (max. 5 meters)
2nd Row – 1.5 levels of construction permitted. 50% of the roof top of the home may rise 2 levels. (max. 8 meters)
3rd Row – 2 Full levels of construction permitted
4th Row – 3 Full levels of construction permitted (max. 12 meters)
No structure may be over 12 meters tall.

23. Will the developers of Turneffe Estates also be building these homes?

No

24. If not, will a list of preferred builders be supplied?

Yes.

25. By what process will these builders be selected?

Builders will be recommended based on a track record of excellent past performance and references from past clients.

26. What do you anticipate will be the average cost per square foot of construction?

Depending on the level of finish and the materials used, homeowners can expect to spend from $120 - $200 usd per square foot of construction.

27. Will these properties be eligible for insurance (hurricane etc.)?

Yes. A list of insurers will be made available. Public spaces, structures and the marina will be insured by Villas del Norte LLC.

28. What are the anticipated monthly HOA/Maintenance fees for Turneffe Estates?

Blank Lot: $120 usd/month
Lot with Home: $250 usd/month

29. What do the HOA/Maintenance fees cover?

Garbage collection and removal from the island, security, maintenance of gardens and green spaces, street cleaning, maintenance and operation (partial) of the *Turneffe Estates Water Ferry, maintenance and operation (partial) of the *Turneffe Estates Cesna 172.

30. Is there any private financing available for Turneffe Estates?

If a Buyer puts down 30%, the developers, Villas del Norte, will finance the remaining 70% at a rate of 10% annually.

*Turneffe Estates will own and operate its own water ferry and small aircraft for the use of the owners and their guests. The ferry, a 38’ Bradley, will run several times a day, back and forth from Belize City. Passengers will be required to cover the cost of fuel. The Cesna 172 will be able to fly from the atoll to any airstrip/airport on mainland Belize or the Cayes. Owners will have access to this service at a considerably reduced rate, again, basically to cover the cost of fuel.

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