We built our house in Nicaragua
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2025
- Hear about our experience building a house in Nicaragua and see a photo reel of our project that took only 11 months to build.
We don't rent our house out...but here is a recommendation if you are interested in visiting this area...
airbnb.com/h/l...
Be sure to tell them Laura sent you :)
#expatlife #livinginnicaragua #nicaragualiving #ranchosantana #nicaragua
#buildahouseinnicaragua
Musical credits:
Frankie and Dobby by Burnt
The Bandy Tract by Perro Bravo
HI LAURA!👋🏼😊 JUST ENJOY YOUR NEW LIFE IN NICARAGUA WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND DON'T PAY ATTENTION TO ANY NEGATIVE PEOPLE IN AND OUT NICARAGUA; BE YOU ALWAYS (NATURAL, SPONTANEOUS, ORGANIC, KIND, FRIENDLY BECAUSE NICARAGUA PEOPLE LOVE THAT LAURA) ☺️💙🤍💙
This is so helpful and inspiring! Congrats on building a beautiful home of your dreams in Nica! Well done! 👏🏻
@tanyasalah I agree. I think we should move there and not tell Laura and Jim. Just show up in their pool one day.
Beautiful, comfortable, simple but elegant and spacious rooms, I love all the glass sliding doors, looks like impact even tho in Nicaragua at the pacific coast there hurricane 🌀 are almost never seen, they go very seldom only through the Caribbean part of the country; like Blue field, big corn island 🏝️or little corn (Islas del maíz 🌽.) I love 💕 the views looks like Rivas San Juan del Sur/St. John surrounding areas in the South south pacific part of Nicaragua boarding Costa Rica ! Nicaragua 🇳🇮 is so beautiful, it has a lots of water, two huge Lakes, full volcanoes 🌋, gorgeous lagoons, rain forests at Mombacho at Granada natural forests in the North starting at Boaco and Matagalpa, Murra you get stunning mountains 🏔️ views, it like Hawaii but little bit more tropical 🐠 🌴 .! I absolutamente me encanta= I love ❤️ it so much.! Good 👍 choice, congratulations 🎉🎈🍾.!! Enjoy
👍🏼👍🏼 WOOOOW!,SO BEAUTIFUL HOUSE 🏠🤗 VERY MODERN ARQUITETURE ( VERY CLEAR, CLEAN, QUIET AND PEACEFUL PLACE) CONGRATULATIONS 🎉🎉🎉👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 WELCOME TO NICARAGUA!!!💙🤍💙
Lots of great tips. Thank you for sharing .
Welcome to Nicaragua the best country in Central America, enjoy the fresh air and the kind people 😀
Thank you! You are so right...the people are so kind!
@@LivingInNicaragua All Americans are welcome in Nicaragua 😀👍
Wow, it seems like you found a great contractor. The house looks well built. Welcome to Nicaragua.
@@madhuhadas15370 Thank you!
So beautiful
Dios los bendiga y proteja siempre en su nueva casa. ❤
I love it. Thanks for sharing. Greetings from a Nicaraguan living in California for 45 years.
Rosie!!❤🐾
Amazing, a dream come true. A nicaraguan
No doubt the super star of this beautiful story is your beautiful doggy. ❤❤❤lots of love to the three of you! from a Salvadorean living in New York 😘
Thank you!
Sharing your experience takes a lot of the mystery out of such a potentially daunting project. Thank you!! Great video.
Please verify electrical grounding especially pool and bathroom. Mexico / Nicaragua... substandard pool electrical ,bath your house is beautiful ! And love had courage to build. Welcome to Nicaragua!
Felicidades x tan bonita y hermosa casa. Sueño cumplido. 🎉
Gracias!
Please up load more and more! 🙏🏽
I’m very interested in moving to Nicaragua with my boyfriend. Nicaragua is his country. I am American. It’s will be a blessing if I could receive more information .
Do it! I’m from Nicaragua and my American North Dakota wife and I are moving to Nicaragua. More like snow birds. My parents just sold everything in Chicago and moving to Leon.
Ohhh wow that is so awesome!!! Okay!!
Thanks for this reply it just gave me some motivation and insight!
Your House It's so pretty❤
Thank you!
So beautiful, congratulations!
Wow,what a awesome home 👍👍
Amazing place!! Great video! So happy for you both.
Thank you!
Awesomeness, inspirational. Thanks for sharing.
Love it. absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
I love this video, because my husband and me, planning to build in El Salvador and we don’t know where to start. Thank you
I'm so glad you found it to be helpful!
well,you could start by staying put. As a citizen of the wealthy/developed global north you have the moral responsibility to help developing countries by visiting, paying for services, and then leaving. You know, being the good ol' average tourist. If you buy land, whether you want it or not, you gentrify. 😥
@@CarlosPrats-fn6fo”Moral responsibility”?! GTFOOH.
@@BadCompany214lol!
Lovely video, you have a beautiful house. Thank you for the information.
Love your house, what Department you live in? Love your doggy :)
your house its gorgeous
What a great and informative video! I’ve been visiting Nicaragua since 2015, and will be looking at land early next year around SJDS to have a house built on. If you’re in the area, i’d love if I could meet you and your husband to gain some further insight from your experience!
Hola preciosa soy de Nicaragua y talvez pondrías poner subtitulo a tus videos en español para todo público. Gracias por escoger nuestro país.
Congratulations for n your new home it looks beautiful !!! We are from New York & we built our house in Granada. Did you built in san Juan del sur ?
Congratulations on your home in Granada. We are in Rancho Santana.
🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽 awesome.
Great taste! Beautiful design!!! Dies the total cost of $350k includes the land cost?
Congratulations! Beautiful peace of heaven. Would you please share the builder you used for your gorgeous home. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sure! It's Horizon Group Nicaragua
www.nicaraguarealestatehorizon.com/
I like your taste, very nice house.
Thank you!
what a beautiful house. Felicidades!
Gracias!
Good morning, How much was the total cost of that house ?
Can you tell me more about having your dog with you in Nica. How's his/her life down there? Did you fence in your property? I feel the only thing holding us back to moving there is our dog.
@@914Porsche209 she's doing great! We don't have a fence. Fortunately, she is not a roamer and definitely an indoor dog. She gets walked in the morning, is quite content to be inside during the hot part of the day, then gets more exercise in the evening.
Lots of people bring their dogs.
Do you have a particular concern?
Is it risky building house in place that have dictators and they could take your house?
I live in Belize, which has become expensive in the last three years. I am planning to move to Nicaragua with my wife and two daughters, and maybe we could also build our own house-not a bad idea. I even found info for expats on properly completing residency papers and getting taxes removed from construction materials.
How much cost to built the house I have land in masachapa at the pacific of Nicaragua
We paid about $115 per square foot. It's possible to pay less and a lot more😜
@@LivingInNicaraguaMay I ask what your lot dimensions are and what price you paid for that?
@@terraGaliciaXXIV the lit is 1.25 acres. We paid $35,000. We are also in a gated community.
@@LivingInNicaragua is there any financing available for Europeans or North Americans? That’s quite a price considering I can buy in southern France, Spain, Italy, or Portugal
@@terraGaliciaXXIV I don't know but will ask when I interview my real estate friend
What was to total cost and a break down if you don't mind sharing please
Total for house was +/- $350k.
I want to say design was about $3k
Engineering/permits maybe $3k
@@LivingInNicaragua thank you!
Welcome.
Congratulations 😊!!!
Just wondering,
How you foreigners get to build outside your country of origin?
I’m a Nicaraguan living in Canada my wife is a Cota Rican national, we decided to build a house for our retirement in Grecia CR , the Costa Rican banking bureaucracy makes it impossible to wire money from Canadian bank to Costa Rican bank took over year to finish the house , even though we speak Spanish and the builder and architect happen to be my wife’s cousins still makes no difference as the cousin explain that all monies coming from foreign banks go through the same process, Really annoying we have to show and declare how much are our earnings and what we are doing for our living. The house was built in 2018 , this year 2024 , we decided to upgrade our bathrooms 2 of them cost us 35000 $ Canadian dollars, again. Because of the banking system took 5 months to upgrade two bathrooms Costa Rican bank returns the money twice because the amount of ten thousand dollar is a lot of money according to the bank in Costa Rica., again, I like to know you guys get it done .,
Hello from Panama. Short question for all Americans. As a German, I translate English in my head. If someone says in English: WE DID BUILT. If you hire a company, isn’t that wrong to say we did build our house? I had already big discussions in Germany 35 years ago with some of my neighbors. They never touched a shovel or materials of their construction with their own hands. On the other side, you had a handful of us who actually did build our houses. Every single BBQ or wine fest we got together. And yes. We “handy guys” always joked about our “fancy” neighbors. “The only hard work you guys did was signing the paperwork with your contractors!” 😂. Looking at your pictures, I did see one issue I had, looking in Panama at constructions, they did the same. I was told in the municipal office from the civil engineer that most workers can’t get the corners right. That’s why they let space on each corner. Later they put wood boards on it and fill it with concrete. They do the same, constructing the walls. Every 3-4 meters a space. Wood boards and filling it with concrete. Inside walls are not properly connected to the outside walls like it should. In the end, you see cracks right where the walls and concrete columns are. Everywhere in Panama. - I did build my walls and foundation like in Germany. Foundation stripes, all piping in the ground and a 6 inch concrete slab on top. On top of that slab came my walls. In Latin America, they just make foundation stripes and start the outside walls on top of the stripes. Then they dig out the ground for the inside walls. Foundation stripes and “glue” the inside walls to the outside walls. After the walls are done, they pour 2 inches of concrete in every room on top of the dirt. - When the building inspector did check on my construction, they had only one complaint. “You using a lot of concrete.” The inspector came only one time. And yes. I had locals coming to see my construction. They asked if I could build their house. Because I am a retired old guy, I refused. I like to enjoy my house and the time I have left. I’m not starting a construction company. And no. Construction is not my trade. But I really know how to do it. 😊 $120 a sqft??? WOW. You guys are millionaires! That’s $1,080 a m2!! Seriously. There we go. The sky is the limit. Sorry. That just shocked me.
Beautiful place. Congratulations!! I am thinking of retiring abroad and like to do a lot of research and one thing that I would try to avoid is moving to a dictatorship country. How did you get over that fear?
@@JaySJay
I totally understand and it does live in the back of our minds...things can change at anytime. For that reason we haven't put "all our eggs in one basket" and have a plan b and c.
In addition to your research I recommend spending a good amount of time in multiple places before committing to anywhere.
House tour please💕
Can you tell me here or in video the cost of the design. Architect and engineers.
@@rola4721 good question. The design cost was $1 per square foot. I don't remember the breakdown for engineering and permits but It was all around $3000
@LivingInNicaragua great thank so much for the information. Do you have a POC?
How do I get in touch with you. Planning to visit there. How much to build something like that over there.
There is a wide range depending on what is important to you. We paid approximately $115 USD per square foot.
@@LivingInNicaragua thanks if I come there do you provide Airbnb? I would be interested for me and my husband. I showed him your video he loved your home. Beautiful. We are in Canada.
We live in our house full time so it's not for rent but I can recommend some others
@@LivingInNicaragua ok not problem please do I appreciate and keep making videos.
@@cliasta9614 here is a rental that I highly recommend in our area.
airbnb.com/h/la-sombra-fantastic-location-ranchosantana-nicaragua
going there too but in the pacific probably a cave or a van.
Can you say how much you spent for the whole thing?
Approx $350k in total
How much was the grand total to finish it?
approx $350k
Hi thanks for your video. Who was the builder ?
@@adrienluccisano637 Horizon Group Nicaragua
@@LivingInNicaragua thanks a lot!
@@LivingInNicaragua Any phone number to contact them, can not find them in the usual platforms, Facebook, instagram etc.
@@bertfern www.nicaraguarealestatehorizon.com/
I am working with a guy from California and he thinks than Nicaragua is a Great place to visit or live ...
Who is your California Friend? I was born in San Francisco and lived all over the entire state as I owned 12 California Homes and 3 in Nevada all at one time. I live in Nueva Guinea, Nicaragua, and am retired living here and I develop land and sell land lots for construction. And I love my life in California.
It is HOT. Like 90 EVERY DAY. At 70% + humidity. That is brutal. How do you live in that heat?
Some days I wonder if I can..lol...fortunately it's only about 2 months of the year that are really uncomfortable. Also, we live on a hill in the trees with a nice breeze.
That house cost at least $400.000 in Nicaragua
I imagine it would now as prices have risen across the board.
Here in Costa Rica it could easily go for 800 k to a million $ depending on the area, the contempt of the locals is free though :)
That is because they got ripped off by an American contractor. You can build a house like that for less than 100k. You can buy a small basic house in middle class Nicaraguan community for $15k
What development did u build in ?
@@bradthom22 Ranch Santana
Congratulations on building your dream home in Nicaragua. Does it make sense to build a beautiful home in an unstable political country? The reason for my questions is because, I do want to build or purchase land down there as well and I keep asking myself the same question.
Thank you!
This is an important question only you can answer for yourself. It's important to be comfortable with your decision knowing what possibilities exist.
👍
Thanks. I may use that info someday. Right now, my apologies for posing an off topic question. No worries if you don't have time to respond.
How are you with noise there? You're lovely residence looks fairly secluded. So I'm talking about to the extent you're in the town or city.
My needs are fairly simple and as a child and young adult I lived in some other countries (incl in Latin America). Nevertheless, noise levels are my biggest concern re moving from my small city in Northern CA.
Noise is not a problem in our little area as we are not in a busy town. Closer to more activity would have more noise but there is a lot of space to find a nice quiet spot :)
@@LivingInNicaragua Thanks!
Are mortgages available for Europeans or North Americans wanting to build?
Great question. The development we built in...Rancho Santana...does offer financing.
After Allison’s Journey Nicaragua story….id be scared to drive and get into an accident. No due process in that country.
Hi Laura, could you please explain, if you would be so kind, if either you or your husband consider yourselves gentrifiers? We're facing a LOT of issues with locals here in Costa Rica being displaced by "expats", who buy land, destroy our forests, and build obscene villas which consume massive amounts of fresh water, an already scarce resource in the Guanacaste province ...I just found your video and it's pretty sad to see that Nicaragua might be facing the same issues.
As an American living in Nica who owns property, I grapple with this every day. I am fully aware of the hypocrisy of me being a gringo and hoping that Nicaragua doesn’t end up like Costa Rica. There are relatively few expats living here and there isn’t an issue with displacement of Nicas on the horizon, but I’m certainly aware of the possibility of it becoming a real problem in a few decades. Nicas, for the most part, love expats and welcome us into their communities. I find myself spending way more time among Nicas than expats. It certainly helps that I made the effort to learn Spanish, respect their customs and am very much interested in their lives. I employ two Nicas with full time salaries and pay them far above the minimum wage while limiting their hours to around 20 per week. I volunteer my time and money in their communities and they are very thankful for that. My family has been welcomed with open arms and we are extremely grateful to have been able to assimilate so easily. At the same time, I know that it’s entirely possible that I may be the tip of the spear of gentrification or neocolonialism and it is something that is always at the forefront of my mind and always colors my actions. I know that not every gringo shares my mindset and I worry that TH-cam videos like these might be an advertisement for people who want to make Nicaragua an extension of the place they came from rather than allowing the country and the people to change them for the better. Nicaragua deserves to be shown in a good light and yet it can be a double edged sword. I just ask that anyone who comes to this country to live, to remember why they left their country and not try to mold their environment and instead, allow this beautiful country and its people to change you. I’m not in any way passing judgement on Laura. She seems like a nice lady and she has a lovely home. I understand that people will make content about their own lives and I don’t fault her for that. I just worry that we will overrun this beautiful country someday and attempt to change what makes it so special. Once again, I realize my hypocrisy and understand any judgement I might receive from others.
It is always on my mind. I don't really see locals being displaced by expats, in our area, as of now. We make a real effort to utilize the local services as much as possible, patronize local businesses, pay well when we hire help and volunteer at various opportunities.
Growth and change is inevitable around the world. Trying our best to be good humans.
C'mon people, some of you are overreacting, there's not gentrification from american, buildings their homes in beautiful SJDS, people don't have a clue of the mansions, that local Nicaraguans had built around that area, that being said, Nicaraguans are pretty much accustomed of those great developments around SJDS, its not like the locals never seen wealthy Nicaraguans that by any standart own tremendous mansions all over SJDS, so leave the americans who want to build something beautiful, alone, and keep posting Laura; don't feel bad from these ridiculous coments.
Hi who was your builder or contractor and how much it cost it in total? thank you
Horizon Group NIcaragua built our house. It was approximately $115 per square foot.
@@LivingInNicaragua Great video I love your Doggie lol so cute! I'm wondering aren't you not worried about the government seizing property? I was considering Nicaragua but I'm worried about expropriation by the government. Thanks
How bad are the mosquitoes? There is an outbreak of Dengue fever in El Salvador right now. The Govt. there is airspraying to control it.
@@HermanFickewirth they were really bad in June😜
Did I miss how much this cost 💲 you??
It was approx $350k in total
@@LivingInNicaragua thanks for your reply
we just moved from Nicaragua, Madares beach area back in May. Fantastic place, absolutely beautiful. But we had issues with our contractor, so we didn't have a choice but to sell and move out of the country. Lost many many thousands of dollars. Glad yours went well, ours was a nightmare. Be careful who you hire if moving to Madares area.
I'm so sorry you had that experience. You are so right that it is important to spend the time digging for info and getting the references.
@@LivingInNicaragua thank you. Yes please do your research when choosing a contractor
You are so beautiful. I love you.
You are so kind
Not the choice I would like to live. If someone from the regime like your place they will find any excuse to steal it and there are not law you can go to complain.
ahah stop dreaming! that's not happening here. Take care of your own country's issues which are way too worst.
Maybe you should learn to speak Spanish...???
@@charlielima9855 yes working on it😃👍🏼
I’m afraid to tell you that you made a big mistake, some day you will remember this comment. Good luck anyway.
Well, how much was it in total??