The Agency Expands to Belize, Its 4th Central American Hub

Lucía Torres · 2026-06-16

The Agency is thrilled to announce the opening of its newest office in Belize, marking the fourth location in Central America alongside established offices in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. This expansion reflects the growing demand for luxury real estate in one of the region's most promising emerging markets. ### Who's Leading the Charge? The Agency Belize will be led by Managing Partners Dean Astren and Kim Astren, a dynamic duo with over 27 years of combined experience. Dean brings deep expertise in engineering, construction, and development, while Kim is a recognized top producer across the Caribbean and Central America. Together, they offer a rare blend of technical know-how, local insight, and genuine care for the region. "When Kim and I first visited Belize, we had no idea it would become our home," says Dean Astren. "What followed was five years of exploring every corner of this country before we finally put down roots. That journey gave us something no credential can replicate: a genuine understanding of what makes Belize special and what buyers need to know before they make the leap." ### Why Belize Stands Out Belize occupies a unique position in the global real estate landscape. As an English-speaking, Common Law country with no capital gains tax and no foreign ownership restrictions, it's a magnet for international buyers. The country enjoys nearly 300 days of sunshine, 240 miles of Caribbean coastline, and the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere just offshore. - **Tax advantages:** No capital gains tax and no restrictions on foreign property ownership. - **Climate:** Nearly 300 sunny days per year, with average temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F year-round. - **Natural beauty:** Pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and the second-largest barrier reef in the world. - **Lifestyle:** Authentic, unhurried living that draws retirees, second-home seekers, and investors from North America and beyond. "Belize is a market that the world is just beginning to pay attention to, and the timing couldn't be better," says Mauricio Umansky, CEO and Founder of The Agency. "What draws buyers here is something you can't manufacture: pristine coastline, incredible biodiversity, a favorable investment climate, and a quality of life that is genuinely hard to find anywhere else in the region, let alone the world." ### The Right Partners for the Market Finding the right local partners was critical to entering this market. James Ramsay, EVP of The Agency's Franchise Division, explains: "In Dean and Kim, we found two people who don't just understand this market; they've lived it, built a life in it, and earned the trust of the community in a meaningful way. That combination of local credibility, technical expertise, and proven production made this an easy decision." Kim Astren adds: "What Dean and I have built here is rooted in something deeply personal. We didn't come to Belize as real estate professionals; we came as people who fell in love with a place and never looked back. That experience shapes everything about how we work with our clients, because we've been exactly where they are." ### What This Means for Buyers The Agency Belize offers buyers the best of both worlds: the intimacy of local expertise combined with the reach of a world-class global brand. Whether you're looking for a beachfront villa, a jungle retreat, or an investment property, the team's deep knowledge of the market ensures you'll find the right opportunity. ### Location and Contact The Agency Belize is located at #4 Tipsy Strip, Placencia, Stann Creek, Belize. This prime location puts the team right in the heart of one of the country's most sought-after coastal destinations. As international buyers continue to look beyond traditional luxury destinations for opportunity and lifestyle, Belize keeps rising to the top of that conversation. The Agency is proud to bring its standard of service to this remarkable market.