As more and more well-developed overseas property markets reach saturation point, British property investors are starting to look further and further afield in the search for likely investment opportunities. South America, despite some political and social issues still to deal with, offers those opportunities. South America, like many other emerging markets sees the benefits of foreign investment and the governments are taking steps towards creating a more hospitable investment environment.

Now that Nicaragua has achieved almost 20 years as a functioning democracy and with a vibrant tourist industry it is beginning to attract the attention of property investors. The leading tourist attractions – Granada, Leon, San Juan del Sur, the Corn Islands – give pointers to property opportunities within the country.Leon and Granada used to be the important centres in colonial times but are now dwarfed by the compromise capital, Managua, with its population of 1.6m. Available real estate tends to be relatively cheap but in need of complete renovation. Much is written about the charm of Granada but less about the attractions of living there for a longer period of time. It is estimated that the city has a 1,000 strong community of American expatriates.

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