By Coldwell Banker Nicaragua

Three key real estate “hotspots” are becoming apparent in Nicaragua’s investment landscape: beach real estate on Nicaragua’s southern Pacific Coast; colonial homes in Granada; and property on Laguna de Apoyo a crater lake close to Granada. See the map below map which shows areas of key investor focus.

On the Pacific coast, San Juan del Sur is the main investment hub, with the Popoyo area, a little further north, rapidly emerging as a second zone of interest. Across the Pacific coast residential lots offered fully serviced are, in absolute number, still the main product on the market, followed by condominium units. We have catalogued 70 real estate development projects on the Pacific coast and have found the average price per sq/m for turnkey homes is $1,500, and for condominiums slightly less at $1,300. When it comes to vacant serviced lots on the market, the price variance is much greater with beachfront or oceanfront property in prime real estate zones at times passing $150 sq/m. The price per sq/m falls with distance from the ocean, with certain developments marketing long ocean view lots at $10-15 per sq/m

There are 855 colonial properties in Granada’s historical centre and most can still be classified as “un-restored” properties. There are more restored properties on our books than a year ago and demand is certainly growing for turnkey property with a good rental record. The Granada market, specifically the 10 block area that makes up the historic centre, is quite bounded making it possible to identify properties that are undervalued and good candidates for capital appreciation in the short term.

Laguna de Apoyo in particular has been attracting a great deal of interest in recent months with the release of new listings of beautiful view and waterfront property only minutes away from Granada. We are really very excited about these new listings and further details are provided below. Laguna de Apoyo, we feel, is finally on the map as a key investment destination. An increasing number of commercial investors are considering the opportunities for using the therapeutic quality of the mineralized thermal water of the lake to develop medical spas and treatment centres.

At Coldwell Banker Nicaragua Real Estate, we believe market intelligence is vital in assisting our clients in making their investment decisions. It can make the difference between a good investment and a great one. We look forward to keeping you updated on current market conditions here in Nicaragua and likely future trends.

Please do contact us if you are planning a visit to Nicaragua in the near future as we would be delighted to discuss your investment goals in detail and take you on a tour of properties that we think offer the right combination of location/price/quality.

More than just world class surf
Take a closer look at Popoyo

Popoyo is no longer just an area for the adventurous surfer, it now boasts infrastructure that is rapidly approaching levels seen elsewhere in the country. By December two of the main real estate development projects in the area will offer high speed Internet and cell service. Hacienda Iguana will have all nine holes open on the golf course and will have broken ground on a commercial plaza that will include a surf shop, hotel, restaurant and bar. We have exclusive listings at Iguana and across the area and a resident specialist – Seth Robertson – who will show you that its not just the surf that sets the Popoyo area apart but also the rapidly improving quality of local infrastructure, amenities and services.

Hacienda Iguana is home to Nicaragua's most famous surf break

A colonial gem in Granada
Modern colonial living in historic Granada

This colonial property has been designed with great flair and attention to detail. The owner followed every step of the construction process and then furnished the property to give it a “modern colonial” feel. Used to running luxury hotels throughout the world, the owner knows what it takes to create a comfortable living space and stimulating environment. This property has recently been put on the rental market in Granada and is set to attract great rental yields. Santa Lucia is growing into one of the prime residential streets in Granada, some of the earliest restoration projects were started here with a number of high quality colonial homes located a stone’s throw away. The property presents an example of an emerging "modern colonial" style.

Plunge into crystal clear waters
Laguna de Apoyo is now on the map

Laguna de Apoyo is more connected to Granada than ever before. Drive 10 minutes west of Granada and a breathtaking setting awaits you. Laguna de Apoyo is a magical place boasting crystal clear waters, verdant slopes and million dollar views. The area has abundant natural fauna and flora including howler and white faced monkeys, sloth, iguanas, armadillos, blue jays, toucans and a rich aquatic life including an endemic fish species as well as old growth trees, some over 100 years old. It is no wonder that it has been proposed as a World Heritage site. The Granada side of the lake is now being developed and we have a range of listings of both view and waterfront property.

Ocean view lots in Popoyo
No need to "bet on the infrastructure"

A new release of serviced "estate lots" in Nicaragua’s first exclusive gated community on the Pacific coast has come onto the market. Located on a ridge that runs parallel to the ocean, the estates offer sweeping views of the ocean and inland hills. Here we are not looking at a developers dream of the future; everything is already in place including clubhouse, restaurant, underground utilities, high-speed Internet service, fresh water plant, health clinic and a new swimming pool looking out on to the beach. Its not just the world-class surfing that will keep you coming back to the Popoyo area!

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