Belize's Placencia Pennisula Projects Move Forward

---

Progress continues on the Placencia Penninsula, the main center for second home development on Belize's mainland.

Construction is underway on a new international airport on the north end of the peninsula, local developer Boris Mannsfeld notes. And after 10 years of delays, the majority of the narrow 23-mile dirt road on the peninsula has been paved.

The road project is scheduled for completion in the next few months, says Mannsfeld, who is among the locals who believe the paved road will spur a new round of businesses and projects. Placencia is home to one of the few stretches of white sand beach on the mainland, which has attracted a steady flow of developers in recent years.

Mannsfeld is building Villas at Cocoplum, a collection of 36 units in six low-rise buildings on a secluded stretch of beach. The project is part of the larger Cocoplum, a 224-acre master-planned development, which include a marina and a hotel.

After four deals in April, Mannsfeld says he has sold 8 of the 12 completed units in the project, and plans to start construction on the second building "soon." A 2-bedroom, 2-bath unit with 1,100-square-feet of interior space and a 300-square-foot deck sells for between $300,000 and $400,000.

Having completed units has helped spur sales, Mannsfeld said. He lives on the property with his family, which has helped smooth the development process, as well as sales. (Mannsfeld has also started a local real estate company.)

All the recent buyers in Villas at Cocoplum have been "second, third or fourth home buyers" from the U.S., Mannsfeld says. Although different amenities resonate with shoppers these days, the project's seclusion has been a big selling point, he said.

Buyers "appreciate the fact that we are not on the main road, so it is very tranquil and private here," Mannsfeld said.

---