Should I buy or rent a home in Nicaragua?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Nicaragua, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision...

"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 another expat in Leon, Nicaragua.

"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," said a member in Nicaragua.

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Should I buy or rent a home in Nicaragua?

If you live in Nicaragua, newcomers to Nicaragua would love to hear your answer to this question.

About the Author

Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.