Life Between Ocean and Sea: Owning Paradise in Los Cabos

By Mike Schaible

There is an amazing range of properties throughout Los Cabos that offer more than a difference in architectural styles; there, you can also find unique experiences. This is Baja. In all of its natural wonder, it features diversity. In Los Cabos, an area of about 200 square miles, the places you will want to become familiar with stretch a bit west beyond Cabo San Lucas, the Pacific side. East of San José del Cabo is the East Cape, which nestles the shoreline all the way to Los Barriles and everything in between.

Los Cabos is not a secret anymore, and most visitors know the difference between spicy Cabo San Lucas and epicurean San José del Cabo. Famous for our ultra-luxurious properties and world-class beach and golf resorts, the area commonly known as The Corridor is anything but common. It encompasses about 15 miles of beachfront that joins Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.

The Pacific side of Cabo San Lucas takes you from Land’s End to Todos Santos while being bathed in the glorious blaze of the setting sun. Recently named as only one of a few “Pueblos mágicos” in Mexico due to its historic significance, Todos Santos offers a unique step back in Baja’s history. Sandy beaches are met by the tranquil Sea of Cortés on the East Cape. From the luxurious golf and marina resort of Puerto Los Cabos to blissfully laid-back Los Barriles in the East Cape region of Los Cabos. It’s home to the most sought-after beachfront property in Los Cabos.

Throughout Los Cabos, the possibilities are endless for your ideal vacation property. Each area in Los Cabos offers something unique. The price ranges and availability information provided were current at press time, but to be realistic some properties or pricing may no longer be available. Be sure to visit a local real estate office for a current list of available properties.

Cabo San Lucas. It’s an exciting time to look at properties in Cabo San Lucas. If your thirst for high-energy entertainment, world-class fishing and golf, and sophisticated luxuries is begging to be quenched, Cabo San Lucas is the place you want to be. The town’s facelift welcomes new upscale properties such as the Hacienda and One Médano Beach Resort. Each luxurious resort offers custom properties and amenities that are new in Cabo San Lucas and highly in demand. The modernization of Cabo’s infrastructure and beautification also provides added value to many of the established properties surrounding the marina and town. The condominium market has always been strong in Cabo San Lucas. Arch views, beachfront or the all-inclusive resort-like atmosphere are the most popular choices. Only 10 percent of the available condominiums throughout Cabo San Lucas are priced below US$200,000, and they can be found within smaller developments surrounding the Marina and town.

Private residences available in Cabo San Lucas are fewer in numbers than condominiums and include an entire spectrum of choices. Architectural masterpieces offer dramatic vistas from the spectacular Pedregal to the sophisticated private beachfront development of Punta Ballena and surrounding the renowned links of Cabo del Sol. Entering town is the established community of Cabo Bello and on the hillsides, El Tezal, where excellent values in single-family homes can be found. On the Pacific shores of Cabo is an eclectic choice of homes within the communities of Brisas del Pacífico and Lomas del Pacífico. Forty percent of the homes available in Cabo San Lucas are priced above US$1 million.

In Cabo San Lucas is where you will find the fewest number of available residential lots or vacant properties for development in all of Los Cabos. Land is in high demand in Cabo. There are only three available properties priced below US$100,000 at press time.

San José del Cabo. The real estate market in San José is best described like a new bottle of old wine; historically rich, with care taken to preserve its natural flavor. The timing could not be better to look at available properties in San José del Cabo. Choices for condominiums in San José are mainly surrounding Punta Sur Golf Course (formerly Grupo Mayan Course), in developments such as Club La Costa and Las Quintas. Many condominiums offer views both of the golf course and the sea. The newest upscale condominiums on the hills above the course are available at Alegranza. On the expansive beaches of San José are the newest, the luxury condominiums at Tortuga Bay. The prime beachfront properties will continue to increase in demand and value, as there are very few lots for condominium development available in San José. Highly sought after are condominiums at Las Mañanitas offering many amenities and along the beaches at El Zalate, Mykonos and Las Olas. The choices are few for beachfront condominiums. Approximately 10 percent of the beachfront condominiums are priced above US$1 million.

Vacation home ownership is ideal in San José del Cabo. There are several established residential communities that offer a variety of amenities. The newest golf community of Club Campestre with its Jack Nicklaus–designed course and private beach club is open. Individual lots and custom-built homes are available, offering an ideal location with lovely views of the San José Bay. The most luxurious existing and preconstruction homes to recently become available in San José are located in Puerto Los Cabos Marina & Golf Resort, which has two nine-hole courses open, designed by Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman. The marina is open and ready for your boat. Just beyond PLC is El Encanto, a smaller beach community offering existing and preconstruction homes. Approximately 45 percent of the homes in San José are priced above US$1 million, with 30 percent priced below $500,000.

Residential lots in San José are mainly on or around the golf courses or within surrounding residential communities. There are two residential beachfront lots only; they’re priced above US$3 million and located in Puerto Los Cabos. About 30 percent of non-beachfront lots are priced below US$200,000. At the highest scale are commercial development properties that continue to be in demand surrounding the growing airport and communities.

The Corridor. The Corridor is very special — it’s undeniably the most luxurious real estate in all of Mexico. With a combination of dramatic coastlines and beaches, world-class golf and luxurious resorts that rival any in the world, it’s no surprise the real estate market in The Corridor continues on its steady path. The strikingly low number of available condominiums defines its market. The places available are located just where you want to be, within the prestigious resorts of Palmilla, Cabo Real, Cabo del Sol and Querencia. Closer to San José, 53 percent of the condominiums are priced above US$1 million, and there is one condominium priced below $300,000. As you approach Cabo San Lucas, 40 percent of the available condominiums are priced above US$1 million. Luxurious condominiums can be found within Punta Ballena at Esperanza, also offering high-end fractional programs, and in Cabo del Sol. There is one condominium in The Corridor available below US$200,000.

Private homes are available in The Corridor, closest to San José, with 30 percent priced above US$4 million and located within the ultraposh developments of Villas del Mar, Querencia, Cabo Real and in smaller private communities throughout the area. As you approach Cabo San Lucas, the price ranges vary a bit in that more than 50 percent are priced below US$500,000. Much of this is due to the increased availability of homes in smaller private communities.

Residential lots are available both in the posh golf and beach resorts of The Corridor but also in many smaller residential/resort communities. Lot sizes vary and pricing depends on views, amenities and infrastructure. As you approach San José, 30 percent of the available lots are priced above US$1 million. Along the hillsides and closer to town, a small percentage of properties are priced below US$200,000. As you approach Cabo San Lucas, the number of available lots reduces dramatically and as a result pricing is higher, with more than 10 percent priced above US$2 million.

The Pacific. With the impressive Cabo Pacífica Beach and Golf mega-project leading the way, the Baja boom continues to head along the beaches of the Pacific from Cabo San Lucas to Todos Santos. In last year’s edition, we announced that there was one available condominium on the Pacific but this year welcomes the newest condominium development on the famous Cerritos beach. The availability of properties along the Pacific offer investors the chance to get in on ground floor pricing and choice availability in all aspects of the market.

There are only 10 beachfront homes available from Cabo San Lucas to Todos Santos. They can be found from Cabo Pacífica to the famous surfing beaches of Pescadero and Cerritos as you approach Todos Santos. About 20 percent of the homes on the Pacific side are priced above US$1 million. Twenty-five percent of the available homes are priced below US$200,000 and offer charming qualities that you can only find on the Pacific side of Los Cabos.

Considering all areas throughout Los Cabos, the Pacific coast offers the greatest amount of available land both on the beach and off. Savvy investors have purchased development sites and created both beachfront and non-beachfront communities that now offer individual lots and development sites. Offering a more rural experience, less than 5 percent of the available lots throughout the Pacific region are priced above US$1 million. An enticing 50 percent of properties are priced below US$100,000, mainly non-beachfront and the in-town lots of Pescadero and Todos Santos.

The East Cape. The East Cape region of Los Cabos is remarkable. It offers tranquil shores, secluded sandy beaches and undeniable opportunity. The future of Los Cabos is very strong on the East Cape. The area is so beautiful, yet considered too remote for some, which somehow makes owning property on the East Cape that much more desirable. Many investors on the East Cape are looking for land, and the area is most definitely not defined by the number of condominiums available. There are only five small condominium developments on the East Cape, and they are located in Los Barriles and Buena Vista. With less than 15 total units available, 60 percent are priced below US$400,000, and one very special unit is priced at the top of the scale. It must be pointed out that all but one condominium are located on the beach. Yes, these are beachfront condominium prices! Half of what you would find in other areas of Los Cabos.

A select number of beachfront homes are available throughout the East Cape region, some of which are more remote than others, with some offering substantial property sizes. Surrounding the relaxed but undeniably burgeoning town of Los Barriles, homes are available within short walking distances to the beach — and some of the newer homes are on the hillsides that offer commanding views of the Las Palmas Bay. About 30 percent of the homes on the East Cape are priced over US$1 million. Their quintessential beachfront locations offer an ideal Baja experience. Many feature modern luxuries you would expect only in The Corridor, with the added value of much larger sites. Approximately 40 percent of the homes are priced below US$500,000, many of which are closer to the town of Los Barriles or offer just-off-the-beach locations.

Beachfront lots on the East Cape are the most sought-after properties in Los Cabos. The East Cape region offers unbelievable privacy, larger property sizes and unparalleled beauty. As you approach Los Barriles, smaller, in-town lots are available. Less than 5 percent of the beach properties available on the East Cape are large enough for mega-developments. They’re priced from US$20 to $142 million. At press time, the lowest priced beachfront lot on the East Cape was US$259,000. Fifty percent of the properties on the East Cape are priced below US$100,000. These lots are smaller, non-beachfront. Some are more remote than others and some offer in-town locations, primarily in Los Barriles and Buena Vista.

Where to Get Started. Buying property in Los Cabos is simple. For most it begins with a bit of curiosity or a feeling a bit stronger than that — and perhaps a slow stroll looking at the postings on the windows of a real estate company. There are many knowledgeable professionals in real estate throughout Los Cabos; they’re members of the Los Cabos MLS and AMPI regulatory agencies. Most likely you will have seen the logos for the agencies in the windows of member offices. If you don’t see them, be sure and ask once you walk in. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about a photo that piques your curiosity. Los Cabos’ appeal is as diverse as its nature.

Today there are many different long-term financing options in Los Cabos. It’s a great opportunity to be able to make buying your dream property in Los Cabos possible with 15-, 20-  and 30-year loans at about 7 to 8 percent. You will not waste your time looking at a property that does not fit your budget. Your MLS agent can easily assist you with a prequalification form. The stability of the Los Cabos real estate market is a testament to its undeniable natural beauty. Los Cabos is an ideal location for a vacation property. In terms of the real estate market itself, stability in values is also attributed to the beginning of the boom. As it was for the most part an all-cash market, property owners are not struggling to make payments on their property in Baja. It’s not surprising that most owners are enjoying, perhaps now more than ever, their special place in Los Cabos.

You may wish to own the very best in luxury, amenities and access to entertainment; or perhaps your best place in the sun will be off the grid. A member of the Los Cabos MLS has access to all the properties throughout Los Cabos. There is most definitely something for everyone. By letting your professional know what your interests are, they can quickly show you the possibilities and you can be on your way to take a look. Over 80 percent of purchasers acquire on their first visit to Los Cabos, while on vacation. It’s that simple. I encourage you to explore the possibilities for you and your family in Los Cabos today.

Owning Property in Mexico. Property ownership in Los Cabos is a bit different than in the United States or Canada. Los Cabos is located in what is referred to as the prohibited zone in Mexico, as are all properties that are within about 30 miles of any coastline or within approximately 30 miles of any border. This definition is a result of the revolution in 1914. In 1971, President Luis Echeverría Álvarez delivered a presidential decree allowing Mexican banks to hold property in trust for foreigners. Called the Fideicomiso (the Spanish name of this beneficial trust), it is as ironclad as the deed to any home in the United States or Canada. Today as purchaser of a property, you have full ownership rights. You may use and enjoy, build, rent, will or sell the beneficial rights in the trust anytime, conforming only to the general laws of the country. The term of the trust is 50 years, and it’s automatically renewable by law. In other words, title to the property may rest in one beneficiary indefinitely, provided that it’s renewed within the terms established by the law.

U.S. Title Insurance. Real estate in Los Cabos continues to be in demand. Subdivided properties, master-planned luxury developments, condominiums and homes are for sale along Los Cabos’ 200-mile stretch. In part, that demand is a result of the availability of U.S. title insurance — new within the past 10 years. Buyers are fully protected in Los Cabos as they are at home. Owning a vacation property in Los Cabos is secure and worry-free. In 1998, U.S. title insurance companies began offering title insurance for Trust Deed ownership in Mexico. U.S. title insurance can be purchased for properties throughout Los Cabos, protecting buyers just like title insurance in the United States. This means that today’s buyers have ultimate and definitive confidence in the security of their purchase. A title commitment can be provided prior to closing; however, the actual insurance policy is issued to the purchaser when they receive their Trust Deed in their name at the time of closing. Your Los Cabos MLS real estate professional can answer any questions you may have regarding U.S. title insurance and property ownership. Feel free to stop by any member offices today.

Michael Schaible is a broker and owner of Baja Properties Real Estate Company. Along with his team of professionals, he has led the Los Cabos real estate community since 1986. He can be reached at (624) 142-0988.

What You Can Buy In

CONDOMINIUMS.........$85,000-$7,500,000
HOUSES.....................$55,000-$21,000,000
LAND..........................$52,500-$6,570,000<

CONDOMINIUMS.........$95,000-$1,750,000
HOUSES.....................$120,000-$8,500,000
LAND..........................$30,000-$24,720,000

CONDOMINIUMS.........$95,500-$7,875,000
HOUSES.....................$120,000-$19,500,000
LAND..........................$40,000-$6,500,000

CONDOMINIUMS.........$525,000-$891,000
HOUSES.....................$45,000-$1,850,000
LAND..........................$18,000-$28,500,000

CONDOMINIUMS.........$125,000-$2,500,000
HOUSES.....................$79,000-$5,995,000
LAND..........................$23,100-$142,000,000

REAL ESTATE AGENCIES

Baja Properties. Baja Properties is a general real estate company offering beach and golf lots, private homes, condominiums and commercial development opportunities. The company’s team of professionals will find the perfect property for your individual needs in the location that is just right for you. With more than 20 years of experience, Baja Properties represents properties for sale in the five distinct areas that comprise Los Cabos: San José, The Corridor, Cabo San Lucas, East Cape and Los Barriles. Baja Properties has a staff of 30 associates who are very knowledgeable professionals, recognized as the best in the business. The hottest properties are the prime pre-construction developments, offering the best in location, modern amenities and appreciation.

If you’re serious about investing in Los Cabos, stop by Tortuga Bay on the beach in San José, one of Baja Properties’ newest offerings (www.tortugabay.com). These beachfront luxury condominiums and villas feature several layouts and floor plans, are in the pre-construction phase with brisk sales and offer everything you would want in an exclusive beachfront residential condominium. In addition to its eight offices and regular offering of Baja Properties News, the company has loads of information on its website at www.bajaproperties.com.

Coldwell Banker Riveras. Coldwell Banker Riveras is the No. 1 Coldwell Banker franchise in Mexico for the past six years, offering a full-service real estate approach comprised of real estate consulting, financing coordination, closing services and property management and vacation rentals. Owned by the Díaz Rivera family, pioneers in the local real estate industry with more than 35 years of experience in real estate sales and development, Coldwell Banker Riveras and their professionally trained realtors have been successfully servicing Baja California Sur’s comprehensive real estate needs for years. Their customers experience the benefits of global systems and solutions tailored to local, market-specific needs. With more than 30 distinguished sales associates and the successful real estate legacy of the Díaz Rivera family, Coldwell Banker Riveras is committed to helping you find your dream home and making the buying or selling process easy. www.cbriveras.com

Ehrenberg & Associates/Pisces Real Estate. Pisces Real Estate specializes in new home communities that have been serving the greater Los Cabos region for two decades. As members of the Los Cabos Chamber of Commerce and Multi-List Los Cabos, Pisces Real Estate has more than a thousand listings available at any given time. Company representatives take a different approach to customer service, because they strongly believe that high-pressure tactics are a thing of the past. Instead, they listen to clients and offer investment opportunities that will suit their needs. “Service to the client is the key to satisfaction, and we are willing to go to any length to make sure our clients are truly satisfied with their investment decision,” says Marco Ehrenberg, head of Ehrenberg & Associates and Pisces Real Estate. www.piscesrealestate.com.

Building Paradise
Sun-drenched Los Cabos is home to many spectacular beach and golf resorts, and real estate opportunities for all desires abound. The very best of luxury, amenities and location are what the following properties offer. They are not for everyone, as their high-end status implies, but they may just be what you are looking for. Each property is unique but shares a philosophy of solidarity and commitment to their stunning landscapes and community of Los Cabos.

Cabo San Lucas is where you will most likely find yourself fishing, dancing and enjoying fine dining and unique shopping. One of the most impressive new properties in Cabo San Lucas is the redevelopment of the historic Hacienda Hotel. More than 90 villas and resort residences have been purchased — totaling over $220 million in sales and making Hacienda one of the most successful real estate projects in Mexico's history.

Accessed via a private mountain tunnel linking downtown Cabo San Lucas is Capella Pedregal. The 66-room Capella Resort & Spa will serve as the flagship beach resort and will be complemented by 31 shared-ownership Capella Residences and 20 private, full-ownership Capella Casonas. The highlight of Capella Pedregal will be the resort's 10,000-square-foot, sea-to-summit Auriga Spa and fitness facility.

The beaches of the Pacific Ocean from Cabo San Lucas to Todos Santos can be called the Pacific Corridor. Whales frolic and a fiery sun sets in amber glory; this is where the Baja boom is headed. Mega resort developments include Quivira Los Cabos, which is well beyond the planning stages for the proposed 15 new hotels and condominiums, a mall and up to eight new golf courses on a 5,750-acre tract of land. A new four-lane highway, expanding the Corridor between San José del Cabo International Airport and Cabo San Lucas, will provide greater access to the Pacific Corridor along with another new four-lane highway from Cabo San Lucas to La Paz.

The end of the Pacific Corridor is Todos Santos. Recently named as one of only 24 Magic Towns in Mexico for its historic and cultural importance, the government will now invest funds for preservation of its history and development of its infrastructure. A drive along the Pacific Corridor is about an hour each way, but should time permit, spend the night in Todos Santos. The Hotel California, The Todos Santos Inn and Posada La Poza are truly unique and special places to visit.

In San José del Cabo, you will find a quieter atmosphere with a historic downtown appeal offering a gourmet's palate many choices for intimate meals and art collecting. The town is protecting its charm by investing in the redevelopment of the downtown area, creating a pedestrian village. World-class golfing is no longer exclusive to the Corridor; with the opening of the all-inclusive community at Club Campestre, golfers can now play on a new 18-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course in San José. There are also golf courses at Puerto Los Cabos designed by Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman. Buyers now have more choices than ever to own individual building sites as well as luxurious new homes, condominiums and fractional ownership along the magnificent new courses.

The condominium market is exciting in and around San José, with many new developments offering spectacular views from the hills of the Mayan Golf Course. The expansive beaches of San José have witnessed the demolition of the Aquamarina Hotel, and the area is now complete with the opening of the upscale privately owned condominiums and villas at Tortuga Bay. The elegant property's first phase was 95 percent sold out within the first few months of presales, giving testimony to the demands of luxury real estate buyers in Los Cabos.

Locals called the area between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas the Corridor. Its humble beginnings gave no warning of its current opulence. Palmilla, Cabo Real and Cabo del Sol are the world-class resorts that have made the Corridor famous for golf and luxury. But it was more than 40 years ago when luxury on the beaches began at the Hotel Cabo San Lucas in Chileno Bay and the Twin Dolphin Hotel at Santa María Bay. Today these unique properties are being developed into modern-day resorts befitting their spectacular environments. A private marina and yacht club will be featured at Chileno Bay, along with its two Tom Fazio-designed golf courses. At Santa María Bay, the developers have included 36 holes of golf, which will undoubtedly put Los Cabos at the top of the list of any golfer's dream vacation.

The two newest communities within Palmilla, developed by Del Mar Developments, include Oasis Palmilla and Espíritu Del Mar. Oasis Palmilla is the first gated community in Los Cabos to offer expansive home sites of approximately one acre or larger. The home sites are situated on a 240-acre slope overlooking a Jack Nicklaus 27-hole championship golf course. Espíritu Del Mar, a private mountain escape with beach access and sweeping ocean views, boasts a family fitness and activities complex, 28 acres of open space, 3.3 miles of walking trails and a hilltop meditation sanctuary.

The East Cape region from San José del Cabo to Los Barriles is idyllic. With the Coral Reef at Cabo Pulmo setting the stage for the cape, it is a nirvana for the lucky few. The demand for individual lots is at an all-time high — and that's not going to change. It's just that nice on the cape. Investors who have acquired the largest parcels, and developers who have bought more than 25,000 acres, are planning on sharing the beauty of the area with exclusive beach and golf resorts. The East Cape will be home to the newest and most luxurious real estate on the beaches of Los Cabos.

Los Barriles is unlike Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo — or anywhere in between. It is a sandy, laid-back beach town nestled in a calm bay, with a tremendous array of outdoor activities at your doorstep. It is ideal for the adventurous, families and passionate fishermen. The real estate market is explosive in Los Barriles. The unprecedented demand for properties shows no sign of slowing down. With prices a fraction of those in the Corridor, beachfront and residential land is in high demand, and if there were more finished homes, those would be too! Developers and smart investors are taking advantage of the land prices, and it won't be long before the options for real estate in Los Barriles will include new condominiums and hotels.

It is without a doubt that Los Cabos offers something for everyone. It is an opportune time to invest in Los Cabos. Should you wish to explore the possibilities, be sure to visit with a local real estate agent. Make sure to ask if they are members of the Los Cabos MLS and AMPI, our regulatory agencies that have access to all available properties throughout Los Cabos.

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