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!