Real Estate in Lake Chapala, Mexico

"We made a discovery trip here in July. Loved the place and stayed a month... We toured the entire area and eliminated those areas that were a bit far out or did not meet our needs. We sold our home in the states in three days which spurred us to find a home... We have a dog and two cats that made renting a bit of a hassle so we decided to buy. I made another trip in September and we decided on one of the homes we had previewed earlier. It is a smaller gated community (7 homes) and we are quite delighted," explained one expat living in Ajijic , Mexico.

"Expat homes and apartments in Lake Chapala offer a desirable blend of comfort and convenience. They typically feature modern comforts such as spacious kitchens, ample storage, and comfortable bedrooms. Balconies and terraces provide extra space to relax and soak in the picturesque views. Expats usually enjoy easy access to grocery stores, restaurants, and shopping areas, as well as nearby outdoor recreational activities. The beautiful environment and sunny climate make for an inviting atmosphere for expats to live and call home," said one person in Lake Chapala.

"We live in a single family dwelling that shares side walls with my neighbors. It is 2 story with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Houses are made with brick or cider block with a skin coat of concrete. Many houses have beautiful, lush gardens with indoor/outdoor living. We chose not to have one. Many people have maids and gardeners but it was not in our budget. Square footage of houses include covered porches so be aware of that. We looked at one house that a porch was 1/3 of the square footage which left very little living space," said one expat who made the move to Lake Chapala.

"We have a large home, 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, jacuzzi, sauna, washer dryer fridge stove and completely furnished. Mexican style home with 12 foot ceilings and a huge yars. It is typical of this area. It is much better than what we had in Canada and less expensive. $600 a month," explained one foreigner living in Lake Chapala, Mexico.

"The cost of housing in Lake Chapala varies depending on the type of housing that you are looking for. On average, you can find basic living accommodations such as a one or two bedroom apartment for around 600-1,000 USD a month. For larger homes, the cost can climb up to around 2,500 to 4,000 USD a month," remarked one member in Lake Chapala.

"Much lower. We pay our property taxes and water yearly. Our taxes are $699 MX and water is $1000 MX per year. Electricity is expensive in Mexico but still less than the US and is paid every other month. We have our propane tank filled on the off month and runs about $1600 MX for 2 months. Phone and internet is $600 MX per month and that is with unlimited long distanse. We have satelite which comes out of Canada. They have grocery stores that carry US products but it is imported and therefore expensive. Produce, eggs, meat, chicken and fish is amazing and reasonable. You can pay as much as you want or as little as you have for a house and find something to fit your needs," explained one expat living in Lake Chapala, Mexico.

"Much lower than in Washington state. Taxes are minimal but utilities (electricity) is rather expensive... Based on the former occupant's usage, we opted to install solar. This was a significant amount but with a 3-4 year pay back...We are able to have a maid, gardener and pool guy which we certainly couldn't afford up north... Eating out is inexpensive and about 1/2 of what it would cost NOB. The average cost of housing depends a lot on the area one chooses. The closer to Ajijic center the more expensive. Houses with views (which we have) command a higher price tag... We were looking in the $3-400,000 range and there is a good supply at these prices," said one person in Ajijic .

"I continue to housesit in the same home I have for the past 10 years. There are many housesitting opportunities here for people considering moving to Lake Chapala," said one person in Lake Chapala.

"When buying property in Lake Chapala, it's important to understand Mexican real estate law as it relates to foreign buyers. It's important to make sure that the title to the property is valid, and to research whether the seller has all valid permits and documents in order, such as construction permits, zoning permits, and deed registration. Before making the purchase, it's critical to understand the property tax system, which is different from the tax system in the U.S. It's also important to ensure that you understand the exchange rate between the Mexican peso and your currency. Additionally, it's important to have a thorough understanding of any applicable homeowner association fees, or other fees and charges associated with owning the property. Lastly, it's wise to consult a lawyer familiar with real estate in Mexico prior to making a purchase," explained one foreigner living in Lake Chapala, Mexico.

"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in Lake Chapala. Foreigners can purchase property in Mexico through a fideicomiso, which is a bank trust that allows a foreign buyer to own property in Mexico. The fideicomiso is held in the name of a Mexican bank, and the foreign buyer is the beneficiary of the trust. The fideicomiso is renewable every 50 years, and the foreign buyer can sell, rent, or pass on the property to their heirs," explained one person living in Lake Chapala, Mexico.

"Many rental properties in Lake Chapala have a refrigerator and stove as standard appliances. Washing machines and dryers may also be included depending on the property. Other common appliances in rental properties in Lake Chapala include ovens, dishwashers, and microwave ovens. Further amenities such as air conditioning and hot water heating may also be included in the rental," wrote one expat who made the move to Lake Chapala.

"Expats can search for homes in Lake Chapala by looking online for real estate listings, contacting local real estate agents, and networking with other expats who have already settled in the area. Additionally, expats can attend local expat events and meet-ups to learn more about the area and find out about potential housing opportunities," said one person in Lake Chapala.