Are you curious about the ins and outs of buying real estate in San Juan Del Sur and Tola, Nicaragua? You’re in the right place. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions to give you the clarity and confidence you need to make informed decisions. Our Frequently Asked Questions cover everything from property acquisition to legal considerations. Explore the answers you seek and embark on your real estate journey with confidence.
We are a full-service licensed real estate agency that helps our clients achieve their unique property goals in the San Juan del Sur & Tola, Nicaragua, real estate markets. We focus on sales, assisting buyers in acquiring property and sellers with selling their property. As your on-the-ground advisors, we provide expert insight into the local real estate market. We help you navigate the purchase process, identify the correct property based on your criteria, negotiate on your behalf, and ultimately complete your transaction to acquire your slice of paradise. In this process, we connect our clients with the best lawyers, architects, designers, tradespeople, property & rental managers, and all other parties necessary before, during, and after a transaction. We also act as consultants and investment advisors for more complex transactions such as land development, new-builds, remodels, multi-unit housing, mix-use projects, marketing & branding, buying with crypto, and lending. Every agent on our team lives in San Juan del Sur or Tola full-time and is an active investor in the market.
Fortunately, buying real estate in Nicaragua is exceptionally straightforward. There are no special requirements for foreigners who want to purchase real estate, and likewise, Nicaraguans do not receive any unique benefits when buying real estate here. Anyone can purchase property in Nicaragua, regardless of their country of origin, and you do not need to be a resident of Nicaragua to own property here. As simple as it sounds, the only things you need to buy property in Nicaragua are the money to purchase and a passport. Yes, that’s it!
Check out our First Time Buyer’s Guide video/article, which goes through the step-by-step process of purchasing property in Nicaragua, for more details.
Technically, yes, banks in Nicaragua do offer financing. However, in practice, it is rare to see a bank approve a foreign or national buyer for a real estate purchase in the markets of San Juan del Sur & Tola. In 2024, we are not seeing local banks provide loans for property purchases in our markets. The exceptions to this are specific projects typically outside of San Juan del Sur & Tola, where the bank is financing the developer and existing bank clients with a very long history with their Nicaraguan bank.
Similarly, we have not seen foreign banks provide loans for properties in Nicaragua as they cannot repossess assets outside of their home country in the case of default. An exception to this may be a personal loan against an existing asset in the same country as the bank.
With the above in mind, San Juan del Sur and Tola are cash markets. On a case-by-case basis, certain owners may entertain owner financing. In this scenario, owners typically look for a minimum 50% downpayment and a 1-2 year maximum for the balance.
Check out our straightforward free tool that lets you see your budget for an owner financing structure here: owner financing calculator.
Investors, retirees, individuals, and families from North America and Europe make up the bulk of buyers entering the real estate markets of San Juan del Sur & Tola. Whether an individual who works remotely, an investor looking to capitalize on the strong growth occurring in the country, or a retiree just looking to enjoy the pristine beaches, Nicaragua seems to be on everyone’s radar. Recently, we’ve seen vast waves of families relocating to San Juan del Sur & Tola to take advantage of excellent international schools and many activities.
Don’t wait any longer; plan your trip immediately.
Fortunately, Nicaragua’s cost of living is extremely low compared to neighboring countries, North America and Europe. Besides very affordable real estate prices, everyday items such as groceries, gas, and entertainment are also cheaper. Clearly, depending on one’s lifestyle, the cost of living will vary; family vs individual, cooking at home vs dining out every night, etc.
We’ve compiled a comprehensive Guide to the Cost of Living, which can help you determine your budget if you plan to relocate or spend time here.
Traveling to Nicaragua is very straightforward. Most tourists from North America, Europe, and Latin America are automatically granted a 90-day visa, which can be renewed.
Please read our detailed guide to learn How to Travel to Nicaragua if you are beginning to plan your trip.
No worries, an investment or relocation overseas can feel overwhelming. However, we are here to make the process as seamless and painless as possible!
Watch our Nicaragua Real Estate Buyer’s Guide: 5 Expert Tips for Success for a great starting point to help navigate your property journey.
After that, contact us to discuss your unique property goals, and let us strategize a plan to help you achieve them!
Thank you for checking out our Frequently Asked Questions, and we can’t wait to see you at the beach!