By Ronan McMahon
For International Living

Eight months ago I recommended a pre-construction opportunity on Nicaragua’s south Pacific coast to members of Real Estate Trend Alert. To some, this may have seemed like a brave move. I was sticking my neck out on a deal in Nicaragua. The world was gripped by recession. Surely real estate in Nicaragua was the last thing on anyone’s mind!

I had my reasons…the fact that Nicaragua has drifted off the radar was one of them. Mostly I was attracted by incredible values in the #1 project on one of the world’s most beautiful coasts. Today, as the units I recommended near completion, I believe that buyers did well. Really well, in fact.

Today, you can still buy half-acre ocean view lots for less than $50,000 and condos for less than $300,000.

You cannot ignore the intrinsic value of Nicaragua’s south Pacific coast. It is special. Unique. Here, you’ll find rocky outcrops, world-class surf, and some of the most jaw-dropping views in the world. The coast is more awesome than Northern Costa Rica directly to the south…or southern California, a four-hour flight to the north. Yet prices are a fraction of what they are in Northern Costa Rica…let alone California.

This was a market that rightly had my attention. Caution however was required. Recession in the U.S. has caused the real estate markets in Nicaragua to stall. This means that there are deals to be done. It also means however that we need to be extra wary when considering pre-construction or buying in a project. If a developer doesn’t sell as much as he expected will he run out of money…and take your investment with it? Buying in the right project is key.

Following this analysis, the recommendation became easy. Rancho Santana is a “stunning” (to quote Forbes magazine) 3,000-acre Pacific seaside ranch: five distinct beaches…amenities…security…title insurance. It’s a 10-year-old project. Set in its ways. And financially solid. The investors themselves have built their own homes there. I know because I’ve stayed in them. Investors and homeowners here include International Living’s Founding Publisher Bill Bonner and most of Agora’s (International Living’s parent company) Executive Committee.

I had the inside track on their commitment to Rancho Santana and the construction of these condos. Irrespective of the market they would move forward. They would use their own funds, not borrowed money. Every detail and touch would be to the highest standard. This came straight from the top. No one was going to cut corners.

There is no project along this coast that can compare with Rancho Santana. It’s there, it’s real and it’s buzzing. When you drive around this property it’s hard to believe you can buy anything here for less than $1 million. The homes here are awesome. Yet you can buy stunning half-acre ocean view lots for less than $50,000…and condos for less than $300,000. A mere eight months since I wrote to members of Real Estate Trend Alert about this opportunity the folks at Rancho Santana are preparing for the grand opening of the first two condo buildings. This is the view owners will have:

View at Rancho Santana, Nicaragua

Construction has been ahead of schedule. The first units will complete in November. Twelve of the 24 units were sold pre-completion. The remaining 12 will be sold as fully finished units. Construction quality is top class. See for yourself.

Construction at Rancho Santana, Nicaragua

Only the mega wealthy have a retirement or second home like this in Northern Costa Rica or California. With half-acre ocean view lots for less than $50,000 and condos for less than $300,000 this lifestyle is within your grasp.

Only this coast is nicer.

This is my favorite place in Central America to spend time. It’s special…you should see for yourself.