Real Estate in Nicaragua

"I would stay in different parts of the town each time I came to get a feel for the different sights, sounds etc," explained one expat living in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.

"One way to find a place to live in Nicaragua is by researching online. There are several websites dedicated to helping people find accommodation in Nicaragua, such as Encuentra24, Encuentra Viviendas and CercaCasa. These websites allow you to search for properties in different cities and regions in Nicaragua. Additionally, you can use websites like Airbnb where you can find apartments, houses, and villas for rent in Nicaragua. If you prefer to look for an accommodation in person, the best way to do so is to ask around in the city or towns you are interested in; many people rent or let out rooms or apartments through word-of-mouth. Facebook groups can also be a great way to find a place to live; many Nicaraguans join such groups in order to list properties for sale or rent," said one person in Nicaragua.

"A large old Colonial house, right on the main street in town, just across the street from the ocean. This house is one of only 2 in this town. Most of the expats live either on the hillside or just out of town," said one person in San Juan del Sur.

"A typical expat home or apartment in Nicaragua is likely to have tiled floors throughout, as this is a common feature in Nicaraguan homes. The walls may also be painted in vibrant colors, as this is a popular decorating aesthetic in Nicaragua. Furniture usually consists of wood framed sofas and chairs, with bright and cheery fabric to embrace the local aesthetic. Many homes also have built-in wardrobes and cupboards in their bedrooms, which make it easy to store clothing, linens, and other personal items. Additionally, a typical expat home or apartment in Nicaragua typically has a generous amount of outdoor space in the form of terraces, balconies, gardens, or verandas. This extra space is often used for relaxation or entertainment, and makes for a wonderful place to sit and enjoy the fresh air of the tropical country," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Nicaragua.

"The cost of housing in Nicaragua varies greatly depending on the size and location, but generally speaking, the average price of a one-bedroom apartment in the city is around $200 to $400 per month. Renting a room in a shared flat is even cheaper and most rural accommodations can be found for less than $100 per month," explained one expat living in Nicaragua.

"In comparison, the housing is less expensive than in the US New construction is around $40.00 a sq. ft. Upscale, 3 bedrooms with a view and pool are renting for $500-700.00 per month. Smaller local houses rent for $200-300.00," said one person in San Juan del Sur.

"I doubt that a typical home purchase in Leon, or anywhere in Nica, is a good investment at this time (2/2023), That is unless you really know what you are doing. However, due to the ongoing "issues" in Nica, you may be able to find real estate at discount prices if you know where to look. Stuff you see after a 2 minute google search will not be in this category. Prices online seem to have been set when the market was much better and conditions were good, and remain sticky at unrealistic levels. These online listings I see don't seem to reflect the new reality on the ground. If you're looking to buy in a gringo area from another gringo, go online. If you want a good deal, better to network extensively in the area you have targeted. The market is local, word of mouth, and fragmented, you will need a lot of contacts to get access to the best properties. Many properties never appear online, and searchable databases/sites are not the default sales method. I doubt there will be price growth for years or until there is dramatic political change," remarked one member in Leon.

"The decision of whether to buy or rent a home in Nicaragua depends on a variety of factors. It is important to research housing costs, local neighbourhoods and taxes in any location before making a decision. It is also important to consider how long you plan to stay in the area and how easily you can move if necessary. Buying a home can be beneficial for people who plan to stay longterm and want the security of owning their own property. However, renting can be a more economical option for those who plan to be in Nicaragua for a shorter period of time and want the flexibility of moving when needed. Ultimately, it is a personal decision that should be considered carefully before committing to a purchase or lease," explained one expat living in Nicaragua.

"We bought a home but I recommend you rent first for at least six months. Not everyone likes it here. You do not have to be a resident to buy a home or own a business in Nicaragua. It is fairly easy to buy a home but be careful! Everyone will try to sell you property and many of them are not stellar examples of character. Work with a known real estate agency. It is easy to forget to do the normal due diligence when you are looking from your potential property watching the sun set over the ocean," said one person in Granada.

"EVERYWHERE: rent for a year, be sure you are in the right country, the right state, the right city, &, most importantly, the right state of mind. This is not Las Vegas. Princesses need not apply," said one person in Jinotepe and Diriamba, state of Carazo.

"First, it is important to thoroughly research the local market and understand the applicable laws in Nicaragua. It is also important to use a registered and legal real estate professional or lawyer with local expertise when purchasing property in Nicaragua. Understanding the local customs and culture is also essential when moving forward with the purchase of property. Additionally, it is important to obtain a property valuation from a qualified expert as well as consider the current political and economic stability of the area. Lastly, due diligence should always be conducted to ensure that there are no outstanding tax obligations associated with the property prior to finalizing the purchase," wrote one expat who made the move to Nicaragua.

"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in Nicaragua. The Nicaraguan government has established a legal framework that allows foreign citizens to purchase and own real estate in the country. Foreigners can purchase property in their own name, or through a Nicaraguan corporation. In order to purchase property, foreigners must obtain a residency visa, which can be done through the Nicaraguan Immigration Department. Once the residency visa is obtained, foreigners can purchase property in Nicaragua without any restrictions," wrote one expat who made the move to Nicaragua.

"Rental properties in Nicaragua may typically include basic appliances like a refrigerator, oven, and washing machine. The property may also feature an air conditioning unit and a television in some cases. It is important to confirm what appliances are included before signing a rental agreement," explained one expat in Nicaragua.

"No MLS, of course. Visit the town, talk to the folks for info about everything. Search websites," explained one foreigner living in Jinotepe and Diriamba, state of Carazo, Nicaragua.

"Expats can search for homes in Nicaragua by looking online for real estate listings, contacting local real estate agents, and networking with other expats who have already settled in the country. Additionally, expats can look for rental listings in newspapers, online forums, and social media groups. It is also possible to find homes for sale or rent by word of mouth, as many Nicaraguans are willing to help expats find a place to live," said one in Nicaragua.