Booming Real Estate Market in Puerto Vallarta for 2018

With so much uncertainty going on in the world, many people are flocking to Mexico to invest south of the border. 2018 looks to be a great year for real estate market in Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay. Find out why.

Buyer’s Market

It’s a buyers’ market right now in Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay; and 2018 looks like it will continue the trend. You will find a host of great quality, high value properties available for purchase.

US Dollar

The US dollar has a big bang for its buck against the peso right now. When purchasing property in Mexico, you will find you can afford something much more luxurious. The exchange rate will certainly be in your favor when spending US or Canadia dollars as well as Euros.

Quality of life

Speaking of dollars, the quality of life in Mexico is very appealing. Domestic staff is affordable, handymen are abundant and services and product are very reasonably priced allowing you to live at a more luxurious level than that you are accustomed to.

Buy to rent

If you are not ready to move for the 365 days a year, you can market your property easily on sites like AirBnB and VRBO or local rental agencies. This brings in a nice income that can help pay expenses like maintenance fees or a mortgage if you have one.

For all budgets

For all budgets there is a property to suit! Build a house; buy a small house or mansion, loft-like condo? low rise high rise, on the beach, off the beach. We have it all in the Bay of Banderas. A good real estate professional will show you all the options.

Happy investing!

Why Own a Residence with 5-Star hotel Services?

Why Own a Residence with 5-Star hotel Services? The benefits of owning a second home in the sunshine are many, but did you know that there are specific benefits which come with homes on hotel grounds? At the Villa La Estancia in Riviera Nayarit or Cabo San Lucas, when you opt to purchase real estate you also have access to all of the resorts’ 5-star amenities and services. This means that you can use the spa, the tennis courts, the pool, and make use of the activities program if you wish!

We’ve listed below the benefits you get when you own a residence with 5-star hotel services:

Guaranteed Quality

Not only do you get the familiar feeling of home when you return to a vacation property, but you have the same quality assurances as you would if you were staying with the hotel itself. You can expect the best in terms of architectural design, construction, finishings and fittings, furnishings, and appliances
 and, of course, the very best service from the staff on site!

VIP Living

When you buy a property from a 5-star hotel you’re buying into a lifestyle which will see you being treated like a VIP every day of your stay. When you stay at your home at Villa La Estancia, the staff will know your name and can be called upon to help with anything you may require (even if you’re living here full time!). It’s like an endless, luxury vacation.

Professional Homeowners Association

Amongst the other benefits of the 5-star services and amenities, you will have access to is the fact that you will be represented by a team of professionals. They will make sure that your voice as a homeowner is heard, and to ensure that you can be certain of the standards you will experience in both common areas and your home.

Luxury pools and beach with waiter service

That’s right when you own a residence that has hotel services you can enjoy poolside waiter service and snacks at one of the resort’s pools, and you can even have waiter service while you’re on the beach!

Spa, Gym and tennis courts

When you own a residence with hotel services you don’t need to worry about joining a fitness club or gym; you can make use of the basketball and squash courts, the pools, and the gym for free!

Room service and private chef

What might surprise you, however, is that you can also enjoy room service as an owner! If that doesn’t take your fancy, or you have a special event to celebrate, you can also hire the hotels private chef to make you a special meal.

Activities

The resorts activities program is open to owners and guests alike.

24-Hour Security

You need never worry about your property or safety; this area is within a gated community with 24-hour security.

If you want information about how to own a residence with 5-Star hotel services at Villa La Estancia please call:
Villa La Estancia Cabo – 1 877 499 1901
Villa La Estancia Riviera Nayarit – 1 866 843 7005

Is it possible to Purchase Real Estate Legally in Mexico?

You might have heard that there is no way for a foreign national to legally purchase real estate within Mexico. This is largely due to the constitutional limitations put upon the ownership of land and real estate by foreign nationals within 50 km (31 miles) of the coast and 100km (62 miles) of the international borders. Nonetheless, it is more than possible to purchase real estate legally in Mexico as a foreign national; you simply need to have the land held in trust through a fideicomiso. Thankfully, this process is very simple and straightforward since there are plenty of top Mexican banks willing to get involved these days.

Fideicomisos and Bank Trust Institutions

If you wish to purchase real estate in the restricted zones around Mexico (such as in Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit or Cabo) you will need to establish a fideicomiso, or trust deed, through a bank. The bank will then act as a trustee on your behalf; they will manage and oversee the trust in question, but you will retain all of the rights of ownership to the property in question. This means that you will be able to occupy, rent, transfer, sell, or bequeath in a will the property. The requirement to have a fideicomiso in place for property around the coasts and borders of Mexico does not, however, make it illegal for foreign nationals to own land or property in these area.

Renewable Bank Trusts

The initial life of a fideicomiso bank trust is fifty years, and at the end of this term the trust can be renewed for another fifty years, and so on in perpetuity. If you choose to sell your property at a later date to another foreign national the fideicomiso can be transferred, or cancelled so that they can set up their own, and if you sell to a Mexican national the fideicomiso can be terminated.

Appointing Beneficiaries

When you purchase land through a fideicomiso in Mexico you will be required to appoint substitute beneficiaries when the trust is finalized so that if the worst should happen and you pass on before the fifty year lifespan of the fideicomiso, your heirs will be given all ownership rights to the property. This means that your heirs will not need to follow any probate proceedings with the Mexican courts, thereby saving them time, money, and stress in already stressful times.

If you wish to know more about the legality of buying real estate as a foreign national in Mexico, contact us on 1 877 499 1901 or 1 866 843 7005.

Related article: Are Foreigners Allowed to Purchase Real Estate in Mexico?

Interesting Facts about Banderas Bay

Banderas Bay is one of the most stunning and desirable vacation spots in Mexico, and there is no doubt that Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit provides the best base from which to sample all the delights of this region. If you read on you’ll find out some really interesting facts about Banderas Bay with which to impress your friends when you get together again.

Los Muertos Beach

Los Muertos beach is one of the most beloved beaches around Banderas Bay, but many people are a little put off when they realise that the name translates, literally, to The Beach of the Dead. Legend has it that, centuries ago, locals fought off a pirate raid on this beach, and did so with such ferocity that many pirates died on the sands. If you talk to locals in the bars they’ll happily tell you about how many skeletons were found when the first hotels were being built on the beach! Nonetheless, any party you have here is sure to be lively so don’t give Los Muertos the swerve!

Banderas Bay

Banderas Bay is the biggest bay in Mexico, but it’s also one of the deepest and largest bays in the world as a whole! Sitting at over 900 meters it is practically fathomless, and at 42 kilometres wide it is in amongst the 10 largest in the world. The name Banderas, too, has significance as it is based on the Spanish word for flag! It is said that the Spanish Conquistadores, upon arrival, faced 20,000 armed natives with feathered flags, ready to defend their territory!

Las Peñas

The town of Puerto Vallarta, that sites at the heart of Banderas Bay, used to be called Las Peñas, in the 1800s, but was renamed after state governor Ignacio Vallarta in the 1900s.

Source of Income

Today, Puerto Vallarta’s 9 billion peso economy is based most upon tourism and the service industry, but before it became such a hotspot the town was a fishing centre. In those days the main source of revenue for Puerto Vallarta was the export of Corn, Coconuts, Beans, and Bananas to the USA (and, of course, feeding the local market).

The Movie Industry

Many famous faces have graced the shores of Banderas Bay for business and pleasure, and Puerto Vallarta, arguably, became what it is today because of one special movie. The Night of the Iguana, starring Richard Burton, put Puerto Vallarta on the map and the romance of Burton and Elizabeth Taylor made it infamous! This is, arguably, why so many big budget films (like 2011’s Limitless) have been filmed here since. These sands have seen the likes of Robert De Niro and Arnold Schwarzenegger!

Population

In the 1880s Puerto Vallarta had a population of around 1,500 people; today there are over 300, 000 inhabitants in Puerto Vallarta. The population boom was sudden and exponential. In the last 20 years the population has grown by a staggering average of 7.5% each year!

Mariachi Music

If you’ve been to Mexico before you’ll know that this is a culture which loves to party, and mariachi music is a key part of this! The state of Jalisco, where you can find Banderas Bay and Puerto Vallarta, is the epicentre of mariachi and in Puerto Vallarta alone you will find dozens of talented groups. There’s even a kids mariachi band in the city!

Recommended article: Top Tips for Finding the Best Real Estate in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit

Why Mexico Tops the List for Happiness

In recent years, as well as being one of the top vacation destinations in the world, Mexico has become a retirement hotspot, which draws in tens of thousands of people year on year. It’s more than just the pristine beaches, crystalline waters, and sun-soaked promises of adventure that keep people choosing the country, however; Mexico is now considered one of the happiest places in the world!

Top for happiness

Mexico News Daily broke this story while citing information gathered by Gallup, the Happy Planet Index, New Economics Foundation, and the World Happiness Report, and places Mexico second in the world, beaten only by Costa Rica. What’s interesting about this is that despite having an economy five times smaller than the USA, Mexico ranked higher for happiness. Money clearly isn’t everything, then, but what is it that makes Mexico and its residents so happy?

Wellbeing and happiness

Wellbeing is somewhat of a catch-all term that can be used to describe an overall feeling of satisfaction with one’s life and choices; it can be defined as “the state of being comfortable, happy, and/or healthy”. While pretty much everyone on earth has room for improvement in their lives, it would seem that the people in Mexico who were surveyed have certainly found a way to enjoy life despite any shortcomings. Perhaps this high level of happiness comes from appreciating the little things and focusing on the positives rather than the negatives, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Long Life Expectancy

The average life expectancy is 76.4 years old, so long and healthy lives are very much the norm. This, no doubt, has something to do with the affordable private and national healthcare which can be found across the country, but the lifestyle has its part to play, too. The pace here is slower than in places like the US, and the relaxed outlook is definitely part of the smaller number of stress related issues.

Affordability

Though most people would agree that having enough to get by with is a priority, the pressure to become wealthy isn’t the necessarily the same in Mexico. According to the article, the lower cost of living that can be found in Mexico allows people to have a good standard of life on relatively little money; people can live quite well on even modest incomes. In fact, everything from healthcare to housing and food is cheaper here.

A Slower-Paced Lifestyle

The lifestyle, as we have mentioned before, is much slower, too, and we feel that this is one of the most appealing things about living here. The laid back atmosphere is really great, and though it may get on your nerves if you’re in a rush it’s still very easy to appreciate how good it must be for the people who really get into it. Less chaos, less stress, and a happier, healthier life.

This difference in attitude can be seen in the work life balance; while most people in Mexico work six days a week this does not stop them from living life to the fullest!

So, how would you feel about making Mexico your home away from home? For more information about buying real estate in the second happiest country in the world explore the rest of this website or give us a call to find out about real estate in Cabo San Lucas or the Riviera Nayarit.

Villa La Estancia Cabo San Lucas: 1 877 499 1901
Villa La Estancia Riviera Nayarit: 1 866 843 7005

Rent or Buy in Mexico?

Many foreigners who choose to make Mexico their home for an extended period of time will most probably ask themselves the question as to whether it is better to rent or buy in Mexico. The personal circumstances of each individual or family will have an impact on the answer to this question, depending on finances, long term goals and experience of the country. Here are some pointers to help you decide whether to rent or buy in Mexico.

Benefits of Buying Real Estate in Mexico

There are a number of benefits of buying real estate in Mexico, which is why it has become popular amongst foreign investors and retirees as well as young families and couples looking for a new pace of life. Here are the top benefits of buying real estate in Mexico:

  • A sound investment
  • You can’t deny that buying real estate is one of the most secure forms of investment, especially if you are looking at buying real estate in Mexico’s top tourist destinations that do not look to be going out of fashion anytime soon.

  • More stable
  • Owning your own home gives you greater stability than renting a property as you are not at the mercy of the whims of your landlord/lady, who could at any minute decide to sell the property that you are living in or decide that it is time for you to leave. Likewise, the death of your landlord/lady can leave you in a difficult situation and vulnerable to being asked to vacate the property that you call home.

  • Potential for appreciation
  • Real estate has the potential for appreciation and therefore you might stand to make money on your property should you choose to sell it at a later date, keeping your money safe.

  • Freedom
  • Owning your own home gives you the freedom to decorate, make enhancements and change your home as you wish. Any improvements that you choose to invest in will add value to your property. Likewise, you can rent your property when you are not using it should you need extra income or decide to return to your home country.

Benefits of Renting

Depending on your financial circumstances, it may be necessary for you to rent a property in Mexico rather than purchase real estate. Some people even choose to rent for a period of time before committing to buying real estate to see if life in Mexico is really suitable. Here are some of the benefits of renting in Mexico:

  • No need for a large investment
  • Perhaps the most obvious advantage of renting a property in Mexico is that you do not need to invest large sums of money. Usually with a couple of months’ deposit and your first month covered you can start renting a property in Mexico.

  • Less Responsibility
  • Renting means that you can hand over the responsibility of repairs and maintenance to your landlord/lady. If the boiler stops working, it’s not your responsibility (or cost), or if you need a new roof, your landlord/lady will have to cover the expense.

  • No long-term commitment
  • Rental contracts can range from one month to one year contracts, with some landlords offering two year contracts, with the possibility of terminating your contract when giving sufficient notice. This means that you have more freedom of movement.

Has this article helped to you decide whether to rent or buy in Mexico? Leave your comments.

Mexico’s Villa La Estancia Mentioned on US News’ Lists of Top Hotels

We are proud to share with residents and potential clients that both Villa La Estancia in Cabo San Lucas and Villa La Estancia in Riviera Nayarit featured on more than one of the prestigious lists released last month by US News naming the top hotels around the world for 2016. US News have gained a lot of credibility over the years as the media outlet ranks hotels independently based on user reviews and the feedback from unbiased travel experts.

Villa La Estancia in Cabo San Lucas enjoyed the #16 position for Best Hotel in Cabo San Lucas; #17 for Best Baja California Hotel and #20 for Preferred Lifestyle Collection Hotels worldwide.
In Riviera Nayarit on the Pacific Coast, Villa La Estancia Riviera Nayarit came in #8 position for Best All Inclusive in Puerto Vallarta; #8 in Best Puerto Vallarta hotels; #17 in Best Pacific Coast Hotels and # 8 in Preferred Lifestyle Collection Hotels worldwide.

US News releases its eagerly awaited league tables every year around this time ranking resorts and hotels around the world. The lists provide an important source of information for consumers who can trust the rankings because they are based on the independent opinions of guests and reports from industry experts.

Villas for Sale at Villa La Estancia Cabo San Lucas

If experiencing the luxury and comfort of an ocean-front home in Cabo San Lucas has always been a dream of yours, make it a reality at the spectacular Villa La Estancia Cabo San Lucas. The prime Cabo property boasts 156 luxury-appointed villas designed in a rich colonial-hacienda style combined with contemporary amenities such as fully equipped gourmet kitchens featuring stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. With a selection of penthouses, 3 bedroom and 2 bedroom villas to consider, you will certainly find the perfect fit for your needs and lifestyle.

Villa for Sale at Villa La Estancia Cabo

Just imagine the scene 
 a welcoming hacienda-style gate leads you to a handsomely designed front door made from maple wood. The magnificent feel of the lavish interiors, which include a stately living room in addition to grand dining and entertainment areas, is taken to new heights with ten foot ceilings. To ensure you find your new home in Cabo as comfortable as possible, there is high-speed internet satellite TV, a washer/dryer and climate control with central air-conditioning.

The breathtaking views of the ocean will amaze you, even when you catch a glimpse through sliding doors and windows with double-glazed tempered glass which lead out to your palatial balcony or terrace. The gorgeous cabinetry throughout is made from hardwood maple and you will feel like a king with marble flooring. Bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms boast opulent extras like spacious walk-in closets, large travertine marble showers, whirlpool tubs, dual vanities and marble countertops. Once you get a taste of these features when you check out our villas for sale, you will be spoiled forever!

Penthouse Villas for Sale in Cabo

The sensational Penthouse Suites give you ample room to stretch out, with 4,326 square feet of amazing space to treasure. With two master suites, each with a king size bed and en-suite bathroom, and a guest bedroom with two double beds, you can be sure there is a quiet escape for everyone when they are ready for some downtime. While the sumptuous indoor areas are splendid in their own right, the outdoor living space of the Penthouses is an absolute highlight, featuring a top of the line grill, a Jacuzzi and a fire pit upon a vast terrace which will allow you to soak in the immense beauty nature has to offer.

Three-Bedroom Villas for Sale in Cabo

The Three-Bedroom Suites have 2,769 square feet of masterfully designed comfort, with two master bedrooms each with generous spa bathrooms. The indoor areas open to a large terrace where you will find a wet bar to make any occasion just a bit more festive and you can enjoy the outdoors any time of the year.

Two-Bedroom Villas for Sale in Cabo

You will find everything your heart could desire within the 2,166 square feet of the opulent Two-Bedroom Suites. The master bedroom has a king size bed with an en-suite spa bathroom, while a second bedroom has two queen size beds. Of course, you’ll want to spend some time on your terrace to take advantage of the outdoors, too. Who can resist those Cabo sunsets.

Want to find out more about Villas for sale at Villa La Estancia Cabo San Lucas? Call us on: 1 877 499 1901< or arrange a try and buy trip to see for yourself.

Can Foreigners get a Mortgage in Mexico?

Mexico is a growing market for long-term mortgage loans and is in its relative infancy when compared to the USA, Canada and Europe. As such, there is a great potential for financing sources, although interest rates are high when compared to fully developed nations. However, whether or not you, as a foreigner, are eligible for a Mexican mortgage depends on a number of factors, as will be discussed herein.

Mortgages in Mexico

The mortgage industry in Mexico is blossoming but remains well behind the leading world economies. Loans are now readily available for Mexican nationals in pesos with an average fixed rate of 10-12% per annum, which is much higher than the USA, Canada or Europe, but is nevertheless accessible. Mortgages can also be offered for up to 90% of the property value meaning that with just 10% deposit plus fees (which usually amount to around 5%), you can purchase a home to be repaid over 20-25 years.

Can foreigners get a Mortgage in Mexico?

It is not so easy for foreigners to get a Mortgage in Mexico, although not impossible. Foreigners who have permanent residency in Mexico, particularly those who are employed by a company in Mexico and pay Mexican taxes, will find there are a number of banks who will lend to foreigners. Likewise, permanent residents who can prove regular foreign income may also be eligible for a mortgage in Mexico.

Other options include private developer financing, which is sometimes available on new builds, or to negotiate an agreement with the seller to pay back the value of the property over a period of time. These types of mortgage loans tend to be short term loans and usually require a large deposit, which could be as much as 50%. Private loans are also a possibility but will face much high interest rates and risks.

    Minimum Requirements for a Mortgage in Mexico

  • 6 months of statements from a Mexican bank.
  • 6 months of bank statements from your foreign bank or 6 months of payslips from legitimate employment in Mexico.
  • Temporary or permanent residency.
  • Birth Certificate.
  • RFC Tax Number.
  • Medical certificate to prove eligibility for life insurance.
  • Good credit rating in Mexico or a good credit report issued from an authorized foreign credit service.
  • Proof of address.

Developer financing with Villa La Estancia Real Estate

Developer financing is available for a limited time only for those who wish to purchase a property at Villa La Estancia in Riviera Nayarit and Cabo San Lucas. Developer financing is available over 10 years and depends on 25% deposit, fees and eligibility.

Fractional Ownership at Villa La Estancia

What is Fractional Ownership at Villa La Estancia?

Fractional ownership at Villa La Estancia simply does for unrelated peoples what friends and relatives have been doing for decades to save money on vacation home ownership; it allows you to buy a fraction of a wonderful vacation home in Cabo San Lucas or Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. All the benefits with a fraction of the costs!

At Villa La Estancia you can buy your second home in of 1/4 (13 weeks) or 1/8 (6 weeks) fraction for life. You get the same amenities, gorgeous home, privileges, and great lifestyle, but you only have to pay for the time you can realistically use. What’s not to love? This is the perfect system for all kinds of seasonal residents!

How the Fractional Ownership schedule works

Fractional property owners will be given their first residence schedule at the time of purchase; this will tell them what time they have at the villa for their first year, and from then on the schedule will rotate and be delivered each year. This means that everyone will get their shot at the “prime” slots. You will be free to exchange your time slots with other owners, or through the Fractional Trade Program for time at other resorts.

Fractional Ownership is Cost effective

Fractional ownership at the Villa La Estancia is a sensible and cost-effective way to invest in a vacation home as you only pay for the time that you can realistically spend there. Not being responsible for all the time your Villa might sit empty is rather freeing.

Fee Simple Real Estate in Cabo San Lucas or Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

Fractional ownership gives you all the privileges of full ownership. You can rent, sell, use, loan, and will your share if you choose to do so. If you can’t make use of it one year you can always let friends and family do so.

Great investment on vacation homes in Mexico

Vacation homes are a good, solid investment, and so too is fractional ownership at Villa La Estancia. As a property accrues value so too does your share of the property. This means a fractional ownership programs still allows you a “bricks & mortar” investment for the future, simply at a lower cost.

Rental income on fractionally owned villas

If you wish, the team at Villa La Estancia can help you to rent the time when you are unable to make use of your fractional investment, meaning that your second home will never sit idle.