Top Real Estate Markets with Comfortable, Spring-like Climates: Your Questions Answered

◼ Dave says: We’re RETA members and have purchased a condo in Samsara in Tulum. Although we are very happy and excited about spending time in Tulum, we prefer a cooler climate. Would you ever consider looking for RETA deals in places like Boquete, Panama; San Miguel de Allende or Lake Chapala, Mexico; or Coimbra, Portugal?

◼ Ronan says: First, let me offer you a big congratulations for getting in on our RETA-only deal in the Samsara community in Tulum along Mexico’s stunning Caribbean coast.

Samsara is set to be among the most breathtaking of Tulum’s best-in-class communities… and our RETA-only price of $198,600 was exceptional. In similar high-end luxury communities in Tulum, two-bed condos now list in excess of $400,000. That means members like you are already sitting on massive capital appreciation.

Now, to address your question… let me say I’m very much aligned with your preference for cooler climates. I’ve made it my goal to live a life free of extreme temperatures. No heating or air conditioning. No sweating or shivering.

I spend spring in my home base on Portugal’s Silver Coast. Then for high summer, I hop over to my home country of Ireland, where I make time to catch up with family and friends. When the temperatures in Ireland start to drop, it’s back to Portugal’s Silver Coast for the fall. And once the colder weather begins to arrive in Portugal, I head to Latin America, where I often spend some time at my condo in Cabo. This way, I enjoy perfect temperatures year-round.

Of the markets you mentioned, San Miguel and Lake Chapala are particularly excellent destinations for those who favor a comfortable climate… and they’re firm fixtures on the RETA beat.

In 2021, I brought members the chance to own two-bed, two-bath condos in a next-level community in San Miguel de Allende. These condos retailed for $211,966. Our RETA-only price? $166,300. And recently, I saw a two-bed, two-bath condo in this community listed for $259,000—$92,700 more than our RETA-only price.

Deals like this in San Miguel are rare, but my team and I are constantly monitoring the market for future potential opportunities.

I’m working on a potential deal—three years in the making—in a new community in Lake Chapala. The community enjoys lake views and a golf course, among many other planned amenities. There are still details to be ironed out, but if it meets my strict requirements for a RETA deal, I’ll be bringing the deal to RETA members.

The best way to buy in smaller markets, such as Boquete and Coimbra, is through individual resales. My team and I regularly scout for these opportunities. I recently returned to Porto to examine the latest developments in Portugal’s second city, and before that I scouted the small town of Caminha on Portugal’s border with Spain. (You can read more about Caminha later in this issue.)

If I find something worthy of your attention, I’ll share all the details in RETA.

◼ Laura says: Hi Ronan, a while back you mentioned that Estepona, Spain might be the next big thing. We visited there last spring and loved it! How do you feel about investing there now?

◼ Ronan says: Hi Laura, I’m so glad you enjoyed your trip to Estepona. It’s one of my favorite destinations on Spain’s Costa del Sol.

I’m still extremely positive about investing in Estepona. In fact, later in this issue, I’ll reveal Real Estate Trend Alert’s inaugural International Real Estate Index…and Estepona ties for third place globally.

This is a destination that I strongly believe in. And I’ve worked to bring RETA members killer deals in the Estepona region.

In November 2022, members had the chance to buy luxury condos just 15 minutes from Estepona within the prestigious Finca Cortesin golf resort.

Our RETA price was unbelievable, starting from just €368,000 ($389,500) in a resort where two-bedroom condos sell from €1.6 million and three-beds go for €3.2 million. (That gives you an idea of how high-end this place is.)

Back in 2022, I figured we could see gains of €132,000 within three years of delivery on these condos. But now that’s looking like an underestimate.

Other markets along this stretch of the Costa del Sol, such as Marbella and Puerto Banús, are basically maxed out. There’s limited room for new development, so I predict the region further west along the coast to Estepona will experience a long-term uptrend.