Exploring Property Options in Guatemala: What You Can Buy for $250K, $500K, $750K, and $1M

Exploring Property Options in Guatemala: What You Can Buy for $250K, $500K, $750K, and $1M

I recently came across several posts about real estate in various cities around the globe and thought I’d share my experience in Guatemala. This country has a unique market, largely because it’s small and there are only a few desirable places for expats to live. While some foreigners rough it in basic huts, most come here for an improved lifestyle on a comparable budget to what they’d have back home.

In Guatemala, property prices can be comparable or even higher than what’s found in affordable areas in the U.S. or Europe, but the buildings are sturdier (thanks to post-1976 earthquake construction standards) and often come with more amenities. A typical 2,000 square foot house is considered small here and usually includes perks like private baths, walk-in closets, maid quarters, laundry rooms, studies, and family rooms.

What Does $250,000 Buy in Guatemala?

In prime areas of Guatemala City or the popular expat town of Antigua, $250,000 won’t go very far. You might get a small, 1,500 square foot apartment that includes parking and maid quarters. For example, there’s an apartment where you get 1,600 square feet and two parking spots in a pleasant and safe neighborhood.

Another option is our house, which we’ve just listed for sale. It has three units: two brand new ones with private bathrooms and another thatched unit with two smaller bedrooms, a bathroom, and a kitchen. Plus, it comes with 30 meters of private beach on Lake Petén Itzá.

What Does $500,000 Buy in Guatemala?

With half a million dollars, you can purchase a decent house in a gated community in Guatemala City with 3-4 bedrooms or a modern penthouse in a high-end building equipped with amenities like a gym, swimming pool, social areas, and impressive city views. For instance, you can find a 2,300 square foot apartment priced at $480,000 with a rooftop pool, a gym, and gardens, though expect to pay around $400 a month for maintenance.

A colonial-style home in Antigua might cost around $475,000, but genuine colonial homes fetch prices in the multi-million dollar range. Lake Atitlán is another favorite expat spot; for $495,000, you could own a 3-bedroom house with a private cove, though you’ll need a boat to reach it.

What Does $750,000 Buy in Guatemala?

With $750,000, you could live in a luxurious 7,000 square foot house in one of Guatemala City’s most exclusive gated communities, near embassies and upscale shops. In Antigua, this amount allows you to live in the heart of the charming colonial town in a small yet well-located house.

What Does $1,000,000 Buy in Guatemala?

A million dollars can buy you a modern, 4-bedroom, 6,000 square foot house (including six garage spaces) with stunning city views. Alternatively, you could purchase a 10,000 square foot beach house on the Pacific coast with a water slide, or a colonial-style house near Antigua in a gated community. For such high-budget properties, many potential buyers prefer custom builds, making these homes harder to sell. High-end properties can rent for as low as $2,000 a month, providing a cost-effective way to test the market without the commitment of a mortgage.

I’ll save the detailed specifics of Guatemalan real estate for another post, so stay tuned!

What About Real Estate Where You Live?

Did you expect Guatemalan real estate to be so pricey? What kind of properties do you get for similar budgets in your area?