central america

Which Countries In Central America Are Getting All The Real Estate Attention?

Some shrewd property developers and investors have spotted a fresh area for profit potential in Nicaragua. They’ve managed to get a foot hill early, before the rest of the world catches on to the country’s magnificent beaches, great surf, secret coves, lush country side and rich biodiversity. Nicaragua is fast turning into a sought after tourist destination with visitors reaching the one million mark. And we all know that where tourists go, property investors tend to follow. Investment possibilities are all around in this region with beach houses and cliff-top homes being top picks for vacationers and ‘lifestyle buyers’ alike. San Juan del Sur property is a popular spot as is the Tola and Popoyo areas on the Pacific, the crater lake Apoyo and the colonial town of Granada.

Being the only English speaking country in Central America and taking note of its status as an exceptional travel location Belize is also worth considering for a real estate investment. Beach front property, particular places overlooking it’s great barrier reef offers the classic Caribbean setting that savvy investors look for. The area is internationally renowned for scuba diving particularly from the beautiful island of Ambergris Caye. Placencia and Corozal on the mainland are two other purchasing destinations attracting strong buying interest. Both offer property at lower prices than Ambergris Caye and are growing as important tourism spots in their own right.

Costa Rica has the largest US expatriate population in Central America and offers a unique combination of modern living (all the amenities and services of a mature location are present) mixed in with a bit of old world Latin charm. The boom years saw hundreds of real estate developments, resort projects, condo towers and master planned communities open across the nation. Major hospitality brands such as the Four Seasons and big golfing names have set up shop in the country. Things slowed considerably in 2009 as the economic crisis started to bite but Costa Rica property looks to be bouncing back strongly. Top areas for property investing on the coast are the northern Guanacaste area, Jaco Beach, Quepos, Dominical. In the interior, the Central Valley area around San Jose stands out for expatriate living.

The compact country of Panama lies at the most southern part of the Central America isthmus. Given it’s close history with the US (due primarily to the Panama canal), Panama is emerging as a top spot for international investors and US buyers in particular. But Panama is not just about the canal. It’s a small country but packs a great deal of culture and biodiversity within its borders. Investors take comfort from the fact the the US dollar is the prime currency in the country and that there are no restrictions on capital flows. Panama is currently beating regional economic indicators and with President Martinelli at it’s helm is attracting record levels of foreign direct investment (and not just for the canal expansion). Definitely a country to watch if you’re considering Central America.

Right now it’s a buyers market in Central America so you should find some great deals to be had. Ask for discounts and incentives from sellers and negotiate hard. You could end up with a property for 30-40% less than the boom highs.

These two articles focus in on the Belize investment market and investment opportunities in Costa Rica. This article, Which Countries In Central America Are Getting All The Real Estate Attention? is available for free reprint.

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Cultural Benefits of Buying Real Estate in Nicaragua

All year round there are some wonderful cultural events in Nicaragua. In my opinion, once of the most important perks that comes with buying real estate in Nicaragua is the opportunity to become exposed to the rich cultural heritage of Nicaragua. There seem to be cultural celebrations in Nicaragua every month. Many are dance related while many are more related to horses.

The months around Christmas have a number of colourful celebrations and offer a wonderful glimpse into this rich and wonderfully warm and welcoming cultural heritage. The celebrations of December most often reflect Nicaragua’s deep Catholic heritage,

‘La Pursima’ is celebrated in primarily in the month of December and is likely the most widespread of all Nicaraguan celebrations. The festivities begin on November 28th when the Virgins image (statue or picture) is taken from the church so that she may visit the different communities in town served by the church. From November 29th until December 13th, the Virgin is carried into different communities by groups of people or on the beds of pick-up trucks. The procession is accompanied by singing, decorations, a small marching band and plenty of bombas (firecrackers). During this same period many families decorate alters in their homes and different neighborhoods decorate parade floats in tribute to various themes related to the Virgin Mary.

The daily masses provide the beginning of each day’s journey to a new barrio. A rosary is read at the barrio in the late afternoon. After the rosary is read a traditional sweet drink made out of maiz and sweets are distributed to the children. Once the sweets are consumed, the Virgin makes the journey back to the Church.

On December 7th, La Griteria is celebrated. December 7th is the day before Dia de la Virgin Maria. La Griteria literally means “the outcry”. “What causes so much joy?” is chanted by people walking from home to home in the streets of their neighborhoods. People inside their homes shout out “The Conception of Mary” in reply. On each and every December 7th, a loud, happy, joyful and at times boisterous “crying out” for the Virgin can be heard at all hours of the day in cities and villages all over Nicaragua. Although it originated in the colonial city of Leon, the celebration of La Griteria has spread to Masaya, Jinotega, Managua, San Juan del Sur and Granada and eventually spread across all the cities and villages of Nicaragua. No matter where you might decide to purchase real estate in Nicaragua you will be exposed to the joyful celebration of La Griteria.

Nicaragua is a great place to retire. It’s beautiful landscape and low cost of living are two reasons to consider it as a retirement destination. However, if are attracted to a sunny warm climate but also enjoy the enriching experience of exploring new and exciting cultures then a retirement in Nicaragua might be perfect for you. There are currently some compelling and attractive opportunities to own real estate in Nicaragua.

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Vacation Houses And Real Estate In Nicaragua

Vacation Homes in Nicaragua are poised to be the hot buy of 2009. The Nicaragua real estate market has been maturing over the past decade and it is ready to explode. Baby boomers are getting set to retire and they have just started to discover Nicaragua.

Nicaragua is located in the heart of Central America. Historically associated with civil war, it is now associated with charming villages and beautiful beaches. Direct flights into the capital Managua are now available from a number of U.S. airports. In the past five years, the tourism industry in Nicaragua has experienced impressive double digit growth.

Nicaragua has a stunning natural beauty and wonderful tourism related activities. Such attractions and activities include exploring historic colonial cities, relaxing on one of the gorgeous beaches, golf, hiking or kayaking along fresh water lakes and rivers, world class surfing and sport fishing, volcano watching, canopy tours, bird and turtle watching, exploring the wonderful open air local markets or visiting a coffee plantation in the cooler mountainous regions.

Nicaragua has a wonderfully interesting history and culture and has excellent world class health care. Therefore it is no surprise that Nicaraguan property has become a popular purchase amongst baby boomers seeking to diversify a balanced real estate investment portfolio or looking for retirement homes or vacation homes. In addition to the other perks of owning Nicaragua real estate, you may also be eligible to receive some compelling tax incentives as an investor or developer under Nicaragua Law 306. Law 306 allows a purchaser certain attractive tax incentives for a period of10 years.

Foreigner investors are entitled to hold fee simple title to Nicaragua property in their own names. Title insurance is also available from some of the most reputable American title insurers to further ensure your peace of mind. Nicaraguan real estate is a very safe investment.

Because the Nicaragua real estate market remains relatively undiscovered, as compared to other Latin American markets such as Costa Rica and Mexico, many exciting and very affordable opportunities still exist. There are a number of opportunities to purchase complete turnkey vacations homes for less than 150,000.00US. And when you consider that the cost of living in Nicaragua is roughly 50% less than the cost of living in North America, the case for shopping for vacation homes in Nicaragua, and buying Nicaraguan Real Estate becomes even more compelling.

Look for more information about cheap vacation homes in nicaragua at real estate nicaragua.

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