Most people have heard of Nicaragua even if they do not know exactly where it is. Its reputation precedes it. Trouble is, most associate the country with dictatorships, a revolution, the Sandinista-Contra war in the 1980s and land confiscations. But this is not the reality in present day Nicaragua.

Granted the current president is kicking up some controversy due to his grandstanding and close relationship with Hugo Chavez, the leader of Venezuela. But when you look at the recent developments that have taken place on the ground, you’ll quickly realize that Nicaragua is a very misunderstood country that offers a positive investment environment.

Here a few examples:

• Following improvements in 2009, Nicaragua’s retiree program is now as good as any you’ll find in the region. A wide range of tax benefits and deductions are available to all who qualify for the program. The income requirement is low and eligibility starts at only 45 years of age.
• A new coastal law has been passed following decades of stagnation in the National Assembly. It is effectively a zoning regulation, which will result in improved management of the coastline.
• According to figures released by Reveal Real Estate, Nicaragua property is lower priced than equivalent property in Costa Rica, Panama or Belize.
• The country boasts the lowest cost of living in Central America. It’s possible to live luxuriously with a full time maid and a generous budget for entertainment and going out for well under US $1,000 a month

Added to this Nicaragua is beautiful. Its volcanoes soar out of the lakes, the waves on the Pacific break on white sand, and its colonial towns are steeped in history.

The word is getting out about Nicaragua as an attractive option for retirement and overseas property investing. The fact that it is still a misunderstood country represents an opportunity for those in the know.

Prices remain low, but as more people begin to read behind the headlines and get to know the countries the market will start to move. Anyone interested in an ‘early in’ investment opportunity should take notice.

About Reveal Real Estate: The goal of Reveal Real Estate is to improve the transparency of overseas property in Central America by providing the data buyers and sellers need for informed investing. Just released is data on Nicaragua real estate.