Whether you are a seasoned visitor to the island or living in the Caribbean has always been a dream, if you are considering moving to Roatan, you should rent before you buy. 

While it may seem a little odd that a real estate company here on Roatan would not try to immediately convince you to buy a property, we know that island life isn’t for everyone. And we want our clients going into a purchase with the knowledge they need to make the right decision for their family and lifestyle. 

Why should you first be searching for homes to rent in Roatan, Honduras before selling off all your belongings and making a permanent move? Well, for one living here is quite different than a 1-2 week vacation here. This is pretty much true about anywhere in the world – when you are on vacation, you are typically surrounded by comfort and convenience and not partaking in everyday life activities like banking, grocery shopping or paying taxes. 

While our infrastructure has made great strides in recent years, it is very different from the United States or other first-world countries. Our legal system also has many differences and things tend to not happen nearly as quickly here as many foreigners are accustomed to. Many people have made the mistake of purchasing land and assuming that they can build their dream home overnight without any hassle provided they have the budget. That just isn’t the case here. Being on an island can make it difficult or more expensive to acquire certain materials, most laborers operate on the infamous ‘island time’, and there can be delays with permits and papers…just as a start. 

So we do highly recommend that you make a ‘soft’ move here first. Look at Roatan homes for rent and choose a long-term rental for at least 6 months in a neighborhood that you are considering buying in. If you have a couple of areas of the island in mind, rent a home for several months in each community. Also, make sure that your trial period includes at least a part of the rainy season here. Roads can quickly deteriorate and boredom can rise throughout these months, so it important to experience it before relocating here full-time.

There are many fantastic homes for rent in Roatan, Honduras and these are typically offered at a much more affordable rate when rented long-term versus a week or two. Whether you’re looking for a full house, cabin on the beach, or to invest in a vacation home or resort – there are plenty of options. Below are some tips for finding a rental here.

Finding Homes for Rent in Roatan 

Instead of booking something for six months that you have not seen in person, book a short term vacation rental and then scout out your options once you arrive. This allows you to get familiar with the island, meet your potential landlords personally, see the surrounding area and confirm what amenities are nearby. 

Often, when looking at a map of Roatan – two locations can seem close distance-wise. If you’re planning in working in one area and living in another, don’t commit to a rental until you have experienced life ‘commuting’ on our island! Once you are here, you’ll quickly realize that ‘just 25km’ can mean a long, windy, dusty, one-lane road filled with crazy drivers, resulting in a nerve-racking chunk of your day. 

Searching Online Roatan Rentals

While it can be exciting to browse rentals online, again, don’t book one long term until you arrive. While the house may look perfect, you may not know that taxis do not frequent that area, or that there are no streetlights or there is a disco-bar next door that will keep you awake until 4 am. 

Homes for Rent in Roatan, Honduras

The majority of long term rentals here are furnished so you won’t need to worry about bringing small appliances, dishes or even wall decor. While typically short, power outages are common (especially in rainy season) so if your livelihood depends on an online connection, you may want to ensure that your rental home as a backup generator. Speaking of power outages, another question to ask before renting a home here is if the water runs on an electric pump. Many here do but keep in mind that when the power does go out, you won’t have running water. 

Ask Our Real Estate Agents

As real estate agents on Roatan, we are familiar with many local rental companies and would be happy to help you get in contact with some great property managers. Feel free to contact us and let us know what your checklist is for homes to rent in Roatan and we’ll be in touch! 

Once you have truly lived like a local on Roatan for a while, you’ll know if our island is the right choice and exactly what your ‘must-have’ features will be for your dream home. As with many things here, going slowly can pay off in the long run!

Have you always dreamed of owning a home on a gorgeous tropical island? You’re not alone. Many people dream away but only a small percent actually end up owning property in the Caribbean. Buying a home in the Caribbean can be quite different than what you are used to in the States, Canada or Europe.

There are a number of common mistakes that are made when buying Caribbean Real Estate. Here is what you need to know so that your real estate journey here on Roatan is headache and hassle free.

First Mistake: Trusting any ‘Agent’

Like many other tropical islands, Roatan has attracted a number of fortune seekers from abroad. Because entering the real estate market here is fairly simple unfortunately, this means that pretty much anyone can call themselves a real estate agent. Many inexperienced agents fail quite quickly but often not before they have convinced several buyers to make an ill-informed or bad decision. Therefore, it is essential that you look for an agent that is a high-standing member of recognized accredited organizations like the RRA (Roatan Realtors Association) and follow the NAR (National Association of Realtors) code of ethics. Choosing a reputable agent that belongs to these organizations will also help give you peace of mind that they are up to date with all new laws and industry changes.

Be sure to do a background check on an agent you are considering working with, even if they are part of a franchise firm. Ask around and get advice from other people that have bought homes on Roatan and what their experience was dealing with their agent. A bit of upfront effort into choosing the right real estate agent can save a ton of hassle or even avoid disaster down the road.

Second Mistake: Believing Photos

Looking online only, it may appear that you have found your dream home. But that gorgeous, sprawling ocean villa with a rock bottom sale price may just be too good to be true. The beach in the photo may actually be a ten-minute walk down the road. Or, there may not even be a road or amenities at all. Desperate agents and sellers can make something look like something it is not when they are anxious to sell.

Never just buy a property without seeing it in person. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Find out why it is being listed so low or why it hasn’t already sold.

Third Mistake: Assuming all Caribbean Islands are the Same

Sandy beaches and being surrounded by turquoise water is about all that most Caribbean islands have in common. If you’ve spent a lot of time in Cayman but are attracted to Roatan real estate because of the prices, don’t assume that the lifestyle is the same. Before buying any Caribbean real estate, you should spend a certain period of time where you are considering buying. Rent a short-term home for a few months and get familiar with the healthcare access, internet stability, shopping options and what daily life is like.

Also, on an island like Roatan, different areas of the island offer very different lifestyles. It helps to explore different communities and find which one suits you best.

Fourth Mistake: Forgetting About the Weather

Roatan in March is sunny and beautiful – the perfect escape for many snowbirds seeking warmth. But the summers can be scorching hot and the fall becomes rainy season. When looking at a home, make sure it has a cooling breeze. Having a pool may be what helps you keep your cool in July and a screened patio can make a rainy stretch of days more enjoyable to be outdoors.

Also be aware that living in close proximity to the ocean can have an impact on your home. The excess salt in the air can cause rust and damage so it’s important to ensure that your house is constructed with durable and appropriate materials for this region. The weather can also cause lengthy power disruptions, you may want to make it a must-have feature for your Caribbean home to have a backup generator.

Fifth Mistake: Assuming Building is Cheaper

If you do not live on Roatan and know much about building processes here, building a home can be a long and frustrating process. Many people assume that it can always be done cheaper but that’s not always the case. It pretty much always takes more time and money than you expected and if you are not living on the island it becomes incredibly difficult to control the process.

Materials often have to be imported, which can be expensive and subject to delays. Rain delays can increase construction costs and good project managers are not always easy to find. There is a lot available on the current Roatan real estate market, chances are there is a home that is pretty much exactly what you’ve been dreaming of.

If you just can’t stop dreaming about finally buying Caribbean real estate, start by connecting with a trusted real estate firm. At Roatan Executive Realty, we have a mix of knowledgeable islanders and expats on our team that can help you make informed, smart real estate decisions. After all, real estate is our passion and we want you to be passionate about your new home and have a great experience in the process!