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Antigua, Guatemala is one of the hottest spots for foreigners to buy real estate right now. It’s a touristic town, with a colonial feel and a large base of expats. Before you jump into buying a home in Antigua’s historic center, however, there are a few things you should know.

The Downsides of Living in Antigua

Antigua is an old town, as evidenced by the rustic facades of its buildings. What that means, however, is that many of these buildings need some TLC before they’re ready for you to move in. And that can be a problem.

Real estate in Antigua is often in need of repairs. If you want to repair the building, you have to be ready for a lot of permits and permissions. Renovations are under very strict rules to prevent the buildings from being modernized too much and losing their colonial appeal.

Everything from putting in a door to painting your new home falls under strict regulations. Exteriors can only be painted in one of a handful of approved colors for the city. And you’ll need permission if you plan to add a wall or change the interior layout in any way . . . something that is often not permitted at all. If you do get permission, be prepared to pay dearly for it.

The Pros of Antigua Real Estate

Of course, Antigua real estate isn’t all doom and gloom. There are plenty of homes that have already been built or renovated to fit the regulations and are ready for you to move in. These homes tend to be quite pricy, though beautiful.

Living in Antigua means you are close to everything, from Semana Santa processions to New Year’s fireworks. It’s a vibrant city and living in the middle of it all can be exhilarating. You’ll also be within walking distance of supermarkets, the market, and anything else within Antigua. There are now shopping centers just a short tuk-tuk ride away.

If you want easy access and don’t want to use a car, then living in Antigua proper is great. Your home will only appreciate in value over the years, as well.

Living Outside of Antigua

If you don’t want to be caught up in the many issues that surround the city of Antigua, but don’t want to give up convenience, look at real estate in neighboring towns. There are a large number of nearby places to live that are close enough to enjoy Antigua’s charm . . . but only when you want to.

Santa Ana: This village is located on the outskirts of Antigua and is essentially a part of it. Prices tend to be high here, but it’s a quiet little community.

San Pedro Las Huertas: San Pedro is a bustling town with a road that runs through it, so there’s plenty of commerce and action. There’s no supermarket here, but everything else is within easy reach. It also has several gated communities for those looking for more security.

San Juan del Obispo: This picturesque village is roughly 10 minutes from Antigua, in the foothills of Volcan Agua. It’s a quiet, peaceful town with very little commerce. San Juan is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its historical church, chocolate factory, and nispero museum. It also has fantastic views of Antigua and the volcanoes.

San Felipe de Jesus: Located to the north of Antigua, this town is where the local public hospital is. The area can be a little rough, depending on what part you live in, but features a sprawling artisan’s market and a unique church in the center. You’re also within walking distance of Antigua.

Jocotenango: Blending into Antigua’s northwest edge, Jocotenango is a rather large town. It’s a bit more rustic than Antigua, but features plenty of gated communities where foreigners will be right at home. It’s technically within walking distance of Antigua, but you’ll probably want a car or take the bus.

Pastores: This tiny town just past Jocotenango is known for its leatherworkers. This is the place to go if you want custom cowboy boots or shoes, a leather hat, or a fancy belt. There usually aren’t a lot of homes available here, just because it is so small, but it’s a nice peaceful place to live and is off the RN-14, so you can easily bypass Antigua to get anywhere you like.

San Miguel Escobar: Just beyond San Pedro, this town is home to one of the first shopping centers in the Antigua area. It’s a pleasant town with steep streets and friendly people. The highway runs just below it, for easy access to other areas.

Ciudad Vieja: This town was the second location of Guatemala’s capital city. Today, it’s a charming place to live, with supermarkets and a gas station, as well as plenty of local businesses. It’s a good spot to choose if you don’t mind driving 5 minutes to Antigua and want a lot of options for shopping nearby.

San Miguel Dueñas: Further out from Cuidad Vieja is San Miguel, a flat town with a busy atmosphere. It’s essentially at the end of the road, so traffic is lower here, but there’s plenty of commerce. It’s also home to some very nice gated communities.

San Antonio Aguas Calientes: This lovely, quaint village is known for its textiles made by the women who live here. You’ll find plenty of them selling in the artisan’s market near the park. The streets are narrow and there aren’t as many stores here as in Antigua, but it’s a pleasant place to live, outside the rat race.

Santa Lucia Milpas Altas: Heading in the direction of Guatemala City, you’ll find Santa Lucia just a 10-minute drive away. The town is bigger than it looks and connects with both highways so you can either drive to the city or head down to Antigua. The climate is cooler here and quite pleasant. You’re also close to stores and it’s not a heavy expat area.

If you’re still looking for the perfect Antigua real estate, consider checking out one or more of these nearby towns. You may find your dream house for a lot less than you thought was possible. Contact Jacaranda Properties for more information.