Rentals
Nicaragua’s rental market, especially in the colonial city of Granada, is smaller than rental markets in Costa Rica and other countries. This is because until recently there has not been much of a demand for rentals; tourists stayed in hotels, and expats living here were looking to take advantage of affordable realestate prices by purchasing homes or lots.
But as the expat community has grown, and real-estate prices increased, there has emerged a greater need for rental properties. And while they are not abundant, they do exist.
In Granada, homes for rent usually range from $350 to $1,500/month, mostly furnished. Several of the homes are beautiful and spacious old colonials complete with swimming pool, gardened courtyards and all the amenities.
Some families also rent out rooms in their homes (usually furnished with a private entrance and private bath) for around $200/ month. Some places also do nightly rentals, starting around $40.
Granada Property Management (owners speak English) is a special rental service in Granada that is operated by the owners of Casa Clarita Guesthouse and Spa (www.casaclarita.com). The webpage features photos and information on all their homes for rent.
Several of the larger real-estate companies, such as Discover (tel. 505-270-4000, www.discovernica.com), also offer rental services in Granada.
In Managua there are more homes for rent, as well as several newer apartment building complexes that rent rooms by the week or month, from around $600 to $1,500/month. Futuros Real Estate (tel. 505-265-8068, futurosbienesyraices @yahoo.com) offers condos furnish and unfurnished for $500-$700 a month.
Rental properties are also available on the beach. The best way to locate properties for rent is to contact local real-estate agencies.
Several things to consider before renting:
1) Security. Make sure you are NOT moving into a bad neighborhood with gangs/crime (note: some neighborhoods LOOK nice during the day, and are another story at night). Make sure all the locks work.
A fixer-upper in a prime Granada location
2) Noise levels. Find out what decibel levels it gets outside your bedroom before moving in. Check to see if there are bars/cantinas nearby, dogs barking, etc.
3) Location and accessibility to transportation. If you are not living near the central park, or near places you are going to frequent, make sure you are near a bus stop or on a street where taxis pass.
4) Street lighting. Many streets in Nicaragua are poorly lit. It’s not a great idea to move into a home on the darkest street in town, especially if you are going to be walking home at night.
5) Water and electricity. Make sure you have both.
6) Cleanliness. During the dry season, especially Jan-March, it gets very windy. If you move in next to a construction site, dry river bed, or pile of dirt, you will be spend half they day sweeping and moping your house. Dirt + wind = dirtdrifts in your living room.
7) Mosquitoes. If you live near a river, lake or any wetland, find out how bad the mosquito problem is before moving in. Dengue and Malaria aren’t fun.
When it comes to contracts, don’t sign anything you don’t understand based on the landlord’s word of honor.
Before deciding to live in Nicaragua permanently, it is a good idea to rent a place first or find a real estate agent who can show you around and guide you through the buying process. As a gringo, prices sometimes may be higher. If you speak Spanish you may be able to find a better deal.
When reading the ads in the Spanish newspapers you should be familiar with the following words: Se Alquila-for rent, agua caliente-hot water, alfombrado-carpeted, amueblado-furnished, sin muebles-unfurnished, baño-bathroom, cocina-kitchen, cochera or garaje-garage, contrato-contract, depósito-deposit, dormitoriobedroom, guarda-guard, jardín-garden, seguro-safe, patio-patio, parqueo-parking, verjas-bars, zona verde-grassy area, córdobas (Nicaraguan money).
Rental space for commercial use is available in Nicaragua. Rates vary widely depending on location, age of buildings, telecommunications availability, parking space and quality of security services. |
