Popular cities and towns in Guatemala for Investing in Real Estate
Guatemala is country that is located in Central American, south of Mexico, north of El Salvador and Honduras, as well as having borders to the east with Belize and the Caribbean Sea, and on the west and southwest by the Pacific Ocean.
The largest urban area is Guatemala City, the capital city of Guatemala one of the region's largest urban centers.
As a country tourism is very important economically to Guatemala, and benefits from being one of Central America's most visited destinations.
Guatemala receives ongoing year-round tourism traffic due to the country having a fascinating history, with Antigua Guatemala being a UNESCO World Heritage city, Tikal having world-famous Mayan ruins, all combining to provide real estate investment opportunities focusing on vacation rentals or hotels.
Long- and short-term rental returns, especially in areas of Guatemala that include Antigua, Lake Atitlán and Guatemala City, where tourism, together with international business staff, and foreign professionals can provide steady occupation levels.
Guatemala has one of the largest economies in Central America, and a fast growing young population that creates long-term real estate demand, which supports an upward trend towards the luxury real estate market end.
With a very wide range of property types, from urban style luxury real estate in Guatemala City, high-rise condos, resorts and gated communities in tourism areas, villas and waterfront properties, there are many investment choices available.
International buyers can own 100% of the property in Guatemala accept within 3 km of coastlines or borders, which like many countries with coastlines is normal.
Buy serious buyers and investors can access the restricted areas by forming a Guatemalan Corporation, a Guatemalan legal entity (Sociedad Anónima or S.A.) which can allow purchasing any property without restrictions, a popular option and may offer tax advantages.
Plus using a Bank Trust (Fideicomiso), where the bank holds the title in trust, while the foreigner retains all rights to use, benefit from, sell, or pass on the property to heirs.
Lastly a long-term lease (50+ years) is another alternative, particularly for retail or commercial style properties.
Areas in Guatemala to consider if looking for luxury properties or real estate investments include, Guatemala City (Zones 10, 14, 15), Antigua Guatemala, Lake Atitlán and the Pacific Coastline.
