Buying Ajijic and Lake Chapala Real Estate – What you can Expect
Homes at Lake Chapala are built similarly to commercial construction in the U.S. and Canada, using brick, rebar and concrete. Ceilings tend to be high, floors are tile and walls are thick stucco. Homes often have a Spanish flair with lovely wrought-iron scroll work over the windows that are both decorative and secure.
“You’re not in Kansas anymore, Dorothy!”
If you have ever wanted to paint a wall teal, lime or fuchsia, this is the place to go for it! In fact, you’ll fit right in.
Of course, if you choose to leave the loud colors to the plants and birds until you become more accustomed to it, that’s okay, too! I’ll never forget the first time I saw an orange and cobalt blue house and thought, “Ewww…!” A couple of years later I looked at the same house, utterly charmed. The house hadn’t changed at all. I had!
Beautiful homes in Ajijic starting at $150,000
What about the Quality of Construction?
Many of the better developers have started to cater to the growing foreign community in the Lake Chapala area putting in all the modern conveniences and construction specifications we are used to. Things that we take for granted in Canada or the U.S…. like grounded wiring, underground electrical, pressurized and purified water systems (so you can have a dishwasher and drink water right from the tap).
And amazing interiors–you’ll see fabulous features you’d only expect to find in designer Better Homes and Gardens. Mexican architecture is so unique. Exposed red brick boveda ceilings and cupolas, handcrafted mouldings and expertly laid tiles in a variety of different patterns done by skilled craftsmen who take pride in their work. Typically it takes about six to ten months to build a home.
Outdoor Living in the Land of Eternal Spring
One of the things I can promise you is you are going to love outdoor living. Picture it this way: Hawaii meets Denver. Lake Chapala’s latitude is roughly that of Hawaii’s and it is a mile high, on par with Denver’s elevation. Imagine eating most of your meals on the terrace! Our temperate climate (average 74 o F), sunshine almost every day of the year and virtually no humidity keeps us wanting to be outside in the fresh air. Almost all the restaurants offer outdoor dining and in fact, some only have “under the stars” al fresco dining.
Because we spend so much time outdoors, our gardens are extremely important to us. Household plants back home are full-grown trees here. Just about everyone has a gardener. And, why not when it’s so affordable? Your garden quickly grows into your own private park! Poinsettia plants at Lake Chapala can grow to be trees here! There is something very therapeutic about living in the sunshine, surrounded by so much color. Here in Lake Chapala, you can have the home of your dreams and live in paradise.
If you decide to build instead of buying a home, we know the good (and some of the bad) developers and can also advise on the various locations and which ones are more popular and which ones we see are up and coming. We can recommend real estate agents we have had good experiences with in town. If you are thinking of retiring to Lake Chapala, Mexico, your dream home awaits you!
My husband are traveling to the Chapala region to look for a full time retirement home. We will also be looking at San Miguel de Allende. However, because a pool is a must, we’re not sure SMA will be warm enough. Can you recommend a real estate agent/company? Can you recommend good pool contractors? We will be arriving at Guadalajuara airport Monday September 28th. Thank you. We have found your website to be very helpful.
Hello Denise, glad you are finding the Focus website of value! Both the Lake Chapala and San Miguel areas have cooler periods where the pool-time may not seem so inviting. SMA is cooler for sure, so fewer pool days vs Chapala. If you are building a home, pool construction is very common so I don’t think finding qualified pool construction will be problem. Solar heating your pool is also an option to extend your using time. Finding real estate that fits your needs is the key and a good real estate company & agent can help you find the right fit. I would be happy to make a specific recommendation for the Lake Chapala area – so please send me an email to give me a little bit more on what type of property you might be looking for. Email me at Michael@FocusOnMexico.com
Hi,
We love your website, so much useful information.
We are currently selling our home in Montrose Colorado and want to retire to Mexico. The Lake Chapala area has always been on our list but since we are avid pickleball players we have been researching other areas. However the other day I saw where the Raquet Club in San Juan Cosala has six new pickleball courts, so I think we are coming your way!!
We are looking to rent a nice place somewhere in the vicinity and was wanting to contact a real estate management firm.
Any help you could provide would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Jerry & Denise
Hello Jerry & Denise,
There is indeed an active and growing Pickleball crowd here – and yes – Raquet Club has the most courts (so far). Even my wife and I have gotten into it and bought rackets and balls. There is another Pickleball facility on the drawing board on the other side of town – but just in planning stages now…
We will send you a private email with info on rental companies we recommend. Check your in-box shortly! And consider joining us in one one of our 6-Day Program for a thorough intro to moving to and living in Mexico.
Abrazos!
Michael
Hi I would like to know more on 6 day tours this March for maybe moving there from Texas
Hello Lance;
We are currently in a holding pattern re holding more 6-Day Live group programs given the pandemic risks. We are working on an online course Plus live, one-on-one support at Lakeside until a group approach is again possible. Let us know if you are interested in being on the waiting list for the Online Course, and we will send you detailed info when ready.
Cheers!
Michael
I would be shocked to find a property like you pictured in Ajijic for $150,000. My understanding is that real estate prices are burgeoning in the area.
Hi Joy,
The market is getting tighter as the number of properties on the market is gradually reducing, but prices have not risen all that much – yet. Given the strong US Dollar, the cost of living actually keeps going down (in USD$ terms). Still a place where people can find great homes to buy, and it also helps to know, the average property taxes each YEAR are about $200 US.
Michael
FYI, here is one I found in 30 seconds – currently listed at $160,000
http://choosechapala.com/property/los-mezquites-16/
So yes, some nice properties exist, but the market is definitely more active lately!
Michael