Setting the Budget: How Far Your Real Estate Dollars Go in Cabo San Lucas

So you’ve fallen in love with the sun and the surf, the siestas and the fiestas, the dazzling white sand beaches and the majestic seaside cliffs. The next step? Getting a place of your own in Cabo San Lucas. Luckily for you, the real estate business has fallen in love with Cabo as well, and there’s no shortage of ownership options in the area.

The last 15 years have seen a veritable explosion of development up and down Cabo’s so-called tourist corridor. While some may lament the region’s passing from a sleepy seaside retreat to a large-scale resort destination, Cabo now boasts a wealth of ownership alternatives; everything from shoe-box condo units in high rise hotels to palatial villas. So whether you are looking for a place to spend a few weeks out of the year, or a home to retire in, we’ve taken a look at the real estate market in Cabo San Lucas to see what’s available at every price point.

Under $200,000

What you get: It’s slightly slim pickings in this price range, but there are a number of fractional developments with small (think less than one-sixteenth) interests available for under $200,000.
Best options: One twenty-fourth fractions of homes go for $150,000 at the elegant Esperanza Resort. While that will only get you two weeks out the year, it’s probably the best luxury proposition at this price point. You might also consider a membership to High Country Club, whose 2,166 square foot condo features ocean views and spa access. Its 35-night membership plans go for $70,000.
Watch out for: Shady time-share properties abound in Cabo, many with buy-ins south of the $100,000 mark. The price may be right, but you’ll get what you pay for.

$200,000 to $500,000

What you get: Most fractional developments offer shares in this price range, but destination clubs are a good bet here as well.
Best options: With Cabo San Lucas ranking as the number one location for destination club properties, and with so many membership plans falling in this price range, a club membership is a strong buy at these price points. Lusso Collection members at the $425,000 deposit level have unlimited use of the club’s two Cabo del Sol residences. Exclusive Resorts has bought property in bulk in Cabo, with 35 residences at Esperanza Resort. The club’s highest-level plan will net you 45 days of travel for $495,000.
Watch out for: Getting the home when you want it. Cabo is a popular place, especially during the holidays and prime school vacations. If a club has just one or two homes in Cabo, don’t count on being able to book them every year during peak travel times.

$500,000 to $1 million

What you get: Upwards of $500,000 you’ll get larger fractions at fractional residences and can even start to think about whole ownership.
Best options: Two-bedroom units at the Villas Las Estancia start at $550,000. The Residences at Esperanza is selling villas that begin at $660,000 and include full access to all of the hotel’s amenities.
Watch out for: High annual dues at fractional residences. In addition to the fractional share cost, you’ll shell out yearly dues that will likely top $10,000 a year.

$1 million +

What you get: The sky’s the limit here. Pamper yourself in a private poolside palapa. Stroll out the backdoor onto pristine white sand beaches. Toast the setting sun over the Pacific from your villa’s rooftop garden. If your wallet can take the hit, Cabo’s high-end offers anything your heart desires.
Best options: Capella Pedregal’s three- and four-bedroom homes, opening in 2008, don’t come cheap. The development’s smallest units begin at $2.8 million. But the sprawling hilltop homes offer residents just about every conceivable resort amenity, stunning ocean views and some of the most outstanding design in all of Baja.
Watch out for: In short, the house. As a whole ownership owner, as opposed to a PRC member, you will likely have to think about (and pay for) a property manager to keep an eye on the home when you aren’t in town.

» Learn More. Read the Guide.