If you are purchasing a property less than ¾ acres, you are entitled to purchase and own the land in your own name. If you are purchasing a property larger than ¾ acres, you will need to form a Honduran corporation through which to purchase it. This is a very simple procedure and is easily handled by a Roatan Realty Agent and a local lawyer.

The best way to handle your purchase is to interview two or three recommended lawyers and find the one that best suits you. Roatan Realty will assist you by recommending lawyers for you. The lawyer will research all the documents to ensure that the titles are valid and up-to-date and to check that the property is registered at the relevant municipality.

Your legal property deed is called an 'Escritura Publica', which you will receive once the purchase has been approved.

There are a number of reputable and efficient banking institutions in Honduras , and most of these are represented on the Islands .

Although behind international banking standards, more-and-more banks are introducing computerized banking and most offer services including US dollar accounts, credit cards, credit card transactions and wire transactions. It would be wise to check the rates at the various banks, as these may vary from institution to institution.

If you are visiting Honduras, you may stay for up to 30-days without a visa if you are a citizen of the US, UK , most European countries and Australia. You may extend your stay for up to six months with a simple Visa extension procedure handled at any immigration office. After which you will need to leave Honduras for three days before reentering.

Becoming a resident is a little more complex, but can be done with the help of a Honduran lawyer. Start by contacting the Honduran Embassy or Consular Office closest to where you live, and ask them for some information on becoming a Honduran resident - remember to ask for a list of incentives offered!

Your investment is bound to result in a substantial return because the property market on Roatan is about to skyrocket, according to the media and those in the know.

Honduras has the second largest barrier reef system after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, which means great diving and snorkeling, great fishing and great eating!

Honduras has installed a government that is passionate about making a success of the country, and the islands specifically (elections were in November, 2001).

Fox television, the makers of Temptation Island , selected Roatan out of five Caribbean locations to film the next series; meaning massive publicity in Europe and the US .

Airlines are increasing their presence in Honduras , which will increase competition and decrease the cost of flying to Honduras.

The private sector is increasing its marketing efforts to international markets, so more people will be introduced to the splendor of Roatan.

Retiring to Honduras is fantastic. Medical help and prescription medication is a fraction of the cost of the US and other countries.

There are approximately 81 million baby-boomers retiring in the US in the next five to ten years, which translates into a huge property investment market, and a greater resale value for you.

Roatan offers 100% Caribbean lifestyle at a fraction of the cost, it is relatively unknown and therefore still inexpensive.

Roatan is an easy, and fun place to live. People are friendly, the nature is superb and the quality of life increases daily…. Come and join us!