Everyone has a different view of Los Cabos. For many it’s a quiet retreat by the sea. Others are drawn to a fashionable penthouse steps from Cabo’s famous nightlife. While some dream of a retirement haven with an ocean view from the garden. And, of course, there are buyers who look for a prime investment property they can rent out when not enjoying it themselves.
The beauty of Los Cabos is that the area is so varied that, no matter your dream home, you can find it somewhere in the region.
Working with your AMPI-member real estate agent (AMPI, or the Asociación Mexicana de Profesionales Inmobiliarios, is our national real estate organization) you can explore Los Cabos and discover a diverse abundance of homes.
Although Los Cabos is rightfully known as a high-end luxury destination, there are plenty of affordable properties, many much nicer than their price tag would have you believe. Let’s take a tour of Southern Baja neighborhoods, traveling from the Pacific south and back up the Sea of Cortés. Your dream home does exist, and here are some of the places where you might find it in Los Cabos.
Pacific Side North of Cabo San Lucas along the Pacific Ocean, there is a sprawling area real estate agents have given the accurate, if uninspired, name Pacific Side. This neighborhood stretches all the way to the nearby community of Todos Santos, about an hour’s drive north of Cabo San Lucas. Here the pace of life is peaceful, and the living is easy. Much of the land is agricultural, and in many cases you’ll be living off the grid: using well water and solar energy. One plus to the Pacific Side is that the breezes keep it cool even during summer months, in some cases eliminating the need for air-conditioning. If a serene, eco-friendly home is what you’re after, the Pacific side may well be your best choice.
Working with your AMPI-member real estate agent (AMPI, or the Asociación Mexicana de Profesionales Inmobiliarios, is our national real estate organization) you can explore Los Cabos and discover a diverse abundance of homes.
Although Los Cabos is rightfully known as a high-end luxury destination, there are plenty of affordable properties, many much nicer than their price tag would have you believe. Let’s take a tour of Southern Baja neighborhoods, traveling from the Pacific south and back up the Sea of Cortés. Your dream home does exist, and here are some of the places where you might find it in Los Cabos.
There are still-affordable options in the Cerritos area and in the village of Pescadero. Closer to Cabo San Lucas there are several very large high-end developments under construction, including one built around a polo center, one that will feature Formula One racing, and, of course golf-centric options. A recent search of active listings in the FLEX-MLS system showed 96 building lots available on the Pacific Side ranging in price from $15,000 U.S. to $4 million U.S.
One beautiful beachfront lot in the tiny settlement of Elias Calles has 50 meters of ocean frontage, with clean title, and nearby services for $599,000 U.S. Obviously, as the huge range of prices would indicate, there is a world of difference in the offerings; you’ll want to be sure to work with an experienced real estate agent to navigate the possibilities and, just as with rural land anywhere, you should be sure to insist on title insurance.
Cabo San Lucas North
Coming into Cabo San Lucas from Pacific Side on México Route 19 you see a neighborhood that is quickly becoming the economic and civic heart of the city. Variously called Cabo San Lucas North or Brisas del Pacífico (Pacific Breezes) this area is anchored by the Delegation, a sort of city hall with large recreational facilities adjacent to it. Banks, hospitals, shopping, and cinemas are all conveniently located here. It is also home to a large number of newer housing developments. These homes are generally in the 2,000-square-foot, three-bedroom category, and, although most are on small lots, they generally have a garden of some sort and often have surprisingly upscale finishes. With starting prices sometimes less than $100,000 U.S., these homes are proof there is affordable housing in Los Cabos. If you’re looking for a bit more space, consider one of the old, original homesteads in the area. Although the house itself might require updating, these homesteads boast expansive lots and beautiful ocean views as well as the refreshing breezes that gave this area its name.
Capella Pedregal Capella Pedregal is located on the Pacific, mere steps from the marina and Cabo’s nightlife. It is one of the few truly deeded fractional developments. These luxury three- and four-bedroom homes epitomize elegance in a privileged environment. Capella Pedregal is tucked into a secluded beach on the Pacific just north of Land’s End and is accessed through a tunnel under the mountain. The homes come not only fully furnished but also include the use of a fleet of yachts and your own majordomo. These lifestyle investment homes are purchased in shares with other buyers but do come with an actual legal title with prices starting at just $225,000 U.S. for a one-eighth share in the home.
Photo above right:
Capella Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas offers oceanfront luxury.
This form of ownership makes a great deal of sense for those who want the benefits of a vacation home but can only use it for a few weeks at a time. Owners of the fractional homes enjoy privileges at the exclusive boutique Capella hotel with which they share the site. El Pedregal de Cabo San Lucas, the iconic custom-home development on the mountainside in downtown Cabo San Lucas, is a popular choice for both vacation homes and full-time residences. Although most visitors associate Pedregal with expansive mansions, there are also plenty of homes there suitable for year-round living at prices starting as low as $500,000 U.S. Condominiums and townhomes here start in the mid-$200,000 U.S. range. The residents have the strong sense of community that comes with a long-established neighborhood, and Pedregal remains the only gated residential community within the city limits of Cabo San Lucas.
Médano Beach If downtown is more to your taste, there are a number of options including the ultra-luxurious Hacienda Residences, right on Médano Beach. In addition to a fabulous location on the bay and near the marina, this new enclave includes a spa, clubhouse, and gourmet restaurant. With all the nightlife so close, you can stroll to a different restaurant every night without ever needing to drive. Two older but well maintained and convenient downtown locations include Plaza Nautica and Marina Sol; resales in these buildings start at about $170,000 U.S. for a one-bedroom condo.
Photo on the right: Hacienda Residences, on Médano Beach, are perfect for those who love the water and want to enjoy the excitement of a happening downtown Cabo San Lucas.
Tourist Corridor
The stretch of land between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo is referred to as the Tourist Corridor. It is bisected by México Route 1 (the Transpeninsular Highway) and is the site of many luxurious resort hotels, golf courses, and fascinating housing options. Some say the only difference between the real estate on the ocean side of the highway and that on the uphill side is a couple of zeros. There is a great deal of truth to this quip, although there are a few places on the ocean side where homes can be found for less than $1 million U.S. Ironically, if an ocean view is important to you, the more affordable “up” side of the highway provides some of the best vistas of the Sea of Cortés, Cabo San Lucas Bay, and even the iconic arch.
The section of the corridor known as Tezal is just minutes from downtown Cabo, stretching approximately three miles from the edge of town into the Corridor on the “up” side of the highway.
Here you’ll find a number of comfortable areas popular not only with the expat community but also with Mexican professionals. In addition to phenomenal views, the newer homes include high-end finishes and amenities, sometimes at surprisingly affordable prices. Real estate agents are extremely fond of Ventanas Residential, developed by Portus. Now building phase two of the project, Portus proved itself by delivering phase one not only as promised but in some opinions better than promised. Phase one features stylish homes with private gardens on wide boulevards. Each home has a rooftop terrace (accessed from inside the home) that provides incredible panoramic views of the bay and sunsets. The clubhouse complex includes pools, hot tubs, fire pits, a gym, conference rooms, restaurant, minimarket, concierge center, and even a nondenominational chapel. Inside the homes there are marble flooring, granite counters, Bosch appliances, and alder cabinetry. Each owner decides on the landscaping choices for his own yard, and the home owners’ association maintains those plants. Maid service is also available. With an eye to the worldwide economic situation, Portus has tweaked phase two to respond to the need for more affordable options by limiting the number of floor plans and concentrating on slightly smaller yet still quite roomy single-family homes with a separate clubhouse area comparable to that in phase one. Prices start in the low $200,000 U.S. range, and it is no wonder this project is selling more quickly than others in the area. The first homes were delivered to the happy new owners starting in November of last year. Resale homes are also available in phase one, with prices ranging from the low $200,000s to just under $500,000 U.S.
Ciruelas and Misiones
Nearby noteworthy communities include Ciruelas and Misiones. The “executive” homes in Ciruelas are slightly larger than those typically built in newer projects and include gourmet kitchens, maid’s quarters, and TV-game rooms starting at about $450,000 U.S. If you’re looking for a more Mexican feel, you will appreciate the architecture at Misiones; prices here start at about $350,000 U.S. Casa Mexicana, Punta Arena, Puerta Hierro, San Luciano, and other developments here have sold out, but resale homes are an excellent choice at prices starting at $170,000 U.S. for a two-bedroom single-family home in San Luciano.
Punta Ballena
If over-the-top luxury, service, and privacy are priorities for you, check out the Punta Ballena development just a bit farther away from town on the ocean side of the highway. Anchored by the Auberge hotel, this exclusive development includes condominiums, townhomes, single-family homes, and custom building lots with prices starting at about $1.5 million U.S. In addition to their own beach club, owners here have access to the Auberge resort’s facilities.
For golf aficionados, who simply must have a golf course in their backyard, the luxury homes within Cabo del Sol are a sure thing. Also good ideas: the condos and homes in Cabo Real at the center of the Corridor.
El Dorado Golf
Perhaps the most exclusive development in Los Cabos is El Dorado Golf and Beach Club with its signature 18-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course, exquisite beach club, and Outdoor Pursuits lifestyle and recreational club. A new sports park was just completed, adding tennis, basketball, children’s play center, event lawn, and gardens. A product of the well-respected Discovery Land Company, this resort sets the bar for überposh in an area known for exclusive, truly high-end living. Although sales in El Dorado continue to be brisk, the developer has remaining inventory in both condominiums and custom home sites starting at $2.8 million U.S. for a two-bedroom condominium and $3 million U.S. for a building lot, which will provide incredible ocean views. Your local real estate agent can arrange a tour of this spectacular property with advance notice to the developer.
Palmilla
Palmilla, one of the developments that put Los Cabos on the luxury real estate map, is located between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. It features another of Jack Nicklaus’s finest golf courses, as well as condominiums, finished homes, and custom home sites for a discerning clientele. Although most think of Palmilla real estate as being in the multimillion-dollar category, there are actually affordable properties sharing this prestigious address; in the just-sold-out Las Villas de Oro subcommunity, there are resales of elegant townhomes starting at just under $500,000 U.S.; your real estate agent can advise you on the many options in Palmilla.
Querencia
On the mountain side of the highway but with a beach club under construction (your agent can explain that) is the very private and very elegant community of Querencia. This is a golf community pure and simple; the Tom Fazio-designed course is challenging and beautiful, and life here is centered on it. Custom homes, villas, and condominiums are available at prices starting just shy of $2 million U.S.
Club Campestre One of the newer master-planned communities lies where the toll road to the airport intersects Route 1 at the west end of San José del Cabo. Club Campestre is a large resort featuring an expansive beach club, Jack Nicklaus golf, a plethora of pools, community centers, tennis courts, and a private school. Shopping is nearby with more planned in the community itself. A variety of subdivisions exist within Club Campestre, including Villas de Mexico; your agent can help you find the one that will match your lifestyle and budget—including Hacienda Campestre, a collection of one- and two-story homes.
Photo on the right: Las Villas de Mexico is a new subdivision of the popular Club Campestre in San José.
San José del Cabo Back when I was learning the trade, I was puzzled by a curious phenomenon: Most of San José del Cabo’s inventory was condominiums, whereas in Cabo San Lucas single-family homes dominated. Both communities have since diversified, but it is still true you’ll find a greater selection of condos on that side of the Corridor. From the elegant Tortuga Bay, Alegranza, and El Zalate projects to the more affordable Cabo del Mar and El Mirador developments, there is a condominium project in San José to please everyone. Las Ma ñanitas is another popular option.
Photo on the right: San José del Cabo has an abundance of condominiums, including Las Mañanitas, which overlooks the Sea of Cortés.
Elegant, spacious and located right on the beach in the hotel zone, Tortuga Bay has the high-end finishes that epitomize luxury living: a concierge, spa, and rental program are just a few of the amenities. Prices here start just under $1 million U.S. for a two-bedroom. Single-family homes can be found in the Finisterra and Gringo Hills areas. Finisterra borders the Mayan palace golf course; Gringo Hills overlooks the Costa Azul surf break.
East Cape
East of the estuary bordering San José del Cabo stretching nearly all the way to our state capital of La Paz is a vast area known to locals as the East Cape. Here are found some of the most varied and interesting real estate options in the area. Puerto Los Cabos, located immediately east of the estuary, is a 2,000-acre community. One of its many unique features is that its two golf courses were designed separately: one by Jack Nicklaus and the other by Greg Norman. It is rare for a community to offer golf courses by different designers, and this combination has gained notice from the golfing press. Both courses fan out from the marina, which has dry storage that will anchor the community’s social life. Each of the three subdivisions within Puerto Los Cabos has its own beach club, and a number of other amenities are planned. At press time, the absolute best deals in Puerto Los Cabos were resale lots in the most exclusive Fundadores section; evidently a number of speculators put their lots on the market simultaneously, pushing everyone’s prices well below market.
Much of the rest of the East Cape is sparsely developed, making it perfect for someone who wants to get away from the madding crowd. Solar power is common, and electricity is available in some portions, including the town of Las Barriles. There are plenty of affordable homes and building lots here, as well as some surprisingly upscale properties. East Capers enjoy the toes-in-the-sand coastal lifestyle that defines the Southern Baja experience. Developers have noticed the natural beauty of the East Cape, and it is fast becoming the focus of international attention.
Changing the face of the East Cape is the ambitious new resort of Cabo Riviera. Upscale golf course living can be found many places; Los Cabos is one of the few points on earth where love of golf can be combined with love of the ocean.
Yet even in Los Cabos no one has managed to bring those two elements quite so close together as Cabo Riviera; a golf community in which you can park your yacht in your front yard. This unique development located in the town of La Ribera on the East Cape is the brainchild of the Grumar, S.A. de C.V. corporation, which has built more 52 resorts in México. Cabo Riviera, which spans more than 900 acres, will be home to a 285-slip marina, world-class spa, yacht club, artists’ village with casual restaurants, and a boutique hotel. The plan is that water taxis will transport residents and guests between the elements of the harbor village. Of course, no upscale community would be complete without a golf course: Pete Dye designed an 18-hole course at Cabo Riviera, and there is land set aside for an additional nine-hole course. But the Marina Harbor Island building lots are what truly set this development apart. The marina area is being built to create “fingers” of land within the marina, and each of the home sites on these man-made islands will have its own front yard slip. An additional 42 beachfront lots will have slips at the rear of the property. Construction of Cabo Riviera is well under way, and sales for phase one are proceeding rapidly. The developer is offering substantial discounts for sales during construction as well as attractive financing packages making it possible to lock in one of the harbor island lots with slip for approximately $400,000 U.S.
These are only a few of the many communities that make up the large area we call Los Cabos. Whatever your dream—be it a full-time residence, vacation, or investment property—there is something here that’s perfect for you. Remember, though, that real estate transactions are different in México. Because it is within 50 kilometers of the ocean, as a foreigner you will need to hold title in a special trust known as a fideicomiso. Mexican law recognizes this trust, and Article 27 of the Constitution of the United Mexican States guarantees the beneficiaries of the fideicomiso all the rights, privileges, and benefits of a Mexican citizen as pertain to that property. Work with a reputable real estate agent who is a member of AMPI to be sure your transaction is handled properly, your trust recorded, and your investment safe. Whether you’re coming for vacation or a lifetime you’ll see the ideal spot for you is here, you only need to find it. And when you do, you’ll find that life truly is better here at Land’s End.
Carol S. Billups is broker-owner of REALTY EXECUTIVES Los Cabos, a full-service brokerage based in Cabo San Lucas. She is frequently covers the Los Cabos real estate market for Los Cabos Magazine and the radio station CaboMil. Her blog about real estate and living in Los Cabos can be found at www.caborealtor.wordpress.com. Billups urges readers to work with AMPI-member real estate agents who are bound by a code of ethics to be sure their investment is safe and the trust recorded properly. Billups can be reached at loscabos@realtyexecutives.com or by phone at 044-624-147-7541.
REAL ESTATE IN CABO SAN LUCAS, SAN JOSE DEL CABO, LOS CABOS, MEXICO
