How I Purchased Property in Baja: Things to Consider When Buying
Hi, I’m Karina Campos, your travel expert and designer in the Baja Wine Country. For those new to the area, the Baja Wine Country is Mexico’s largest wine region, just 90 minutes south of San Diego, home to over 150 wineries and 50+ acclaimed restaurants, 5 of them award winning.
In this blog, I'll share my journey of acquiring land at Natal, located in this beautiful region in a vibrant community at the entrance of Valle de Guadalupe. This platform not only connects you with the best travel experiences but now also guides you on how to invest in property here.
During the pandemic, I discovered “Forest Meditation” in a secret forest at Natal located at the entrance of Valle de Guadalupe, which led me to a transformative experience and a deep connection with the land. I met the developers and architects and began hosting unique events like private speakeasies and wine safaris, integrating nature and community.
Photo credit @Wine Eat and Travel at Natal Bosque
Photo credit @Wine Eat and Travel at Casita Natal Speakeasy
Picnic experience at Natal by Wine Eat and Travel
My experiences at Natal have been profoundly enriching. From forest bathing under ancient oak trees to enjoying rustic meals with locally produced wine, I’ve seen firsthand how this region can soothe the soul and ignite a passion for nature and sustainability. The vibrant community here, with its blend of traditional and modern influences, offers a unique lifestyle that is both tranquil and invigorating.
Private speakeasy at Natal Bosque by Wine Eat and Travel
Picnic experience at Natal by Wine Eat and Travel
Why my investment in The Baja Wine Country?
Within this four-year journey that led me to discover this development, I decided to start investing in my land, which will eventually become my future home. With an investment that made sense for me and my wallet, starting from a 5,900 USD deposit and monthly payments of 600 USD for a 12,000 sq ft land. It will also support my adventurous traveler lifestyle, as living in a touristic area will allow me to rent out my future home while I travel and explore.
The day I discovered Natal and started envisioned my future
Here, I feel perfectly located, surrounded by what I love most: mountains with amazing waterfalls, hiking trails to walk with my dog (Petunia) and the ocean breeze. Additionally, I am near wineries, restaurants, and the vibrant city of Ensenada, where I can get the most delicious and freshest seafood and favorite fish tacos , just 30 minutes south, offering all the services of a big city without the buzz of it. Not to mention, we are surrounded by activities like spas, wineries, restaurants, golf, surf spots on the Pacific side up north between Rosarito and Valle within a 30-minute radius, and international airports like San Diego 90 minutes north and Tijuana to fly away around the world.
Hosting friends in Valle
Ensenada, my favorite gem for fresh seafood and local vibes (30 min from Valle)
The Pacific Scenic Road that leads you to the Baja Wine Country
Me and Petunia doing a morning walk around the vineyards at Natal during spring
Things to consider when buying property in Baja
Buying property in Mexico as an American is an exciting venture that blends legal complexities with cultural discovery. You'll navigate unique concepts and adapt to different regulations and business practices. With patience and proper guidance, you can successfully own a piece of Mexico's beauty, opening the door to rich experiences and a new way of life. The three most important aspects to consider are:
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Understanding and utilizing the fideicomiso (bank trust) system for properties in restricted zones near coasts and borders.
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Thoroughly researching property history, ensuring clear titles, and verifying compliance with local zoning laws and permits.
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Embracing the different pace of business, community rules, and lifestyle while integrating into your new Mexican environment.
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The best option is to consider direct financing with the developer that fits your budget, rather than using a bank. This is especially important if you are considering a U.S. bank, as they typically do not offer financing for land, only for building properties like homes, and usually up to a certain amount (usually $350,000+), which will vary depending on your credit score. Additionally, most banks, whether Mexican or American, do not offer credit if the development does not have paved roads or direct connections to water and electricity.
Most properties in Valle are eco-friendly, sourcing water from their own wells and electricity through solar panels. The streets are usually gravel, not paved. For these reasons, financing the land through a bank is often not an option, making it necessary to finance directly with the developer, provided they are reputable.
As a Mexican American born and raised in Guadalajara, my land requirements were different from those of Americans. However, many Americans buy land around here with a very smooth, though different, process.
The Building Process
In my current stage, I’m starting with acquiring the land and building the back house. What I liked the most about this countryside residential community was the guidance and options available, depending on your financial situation. You can start with a terrace and an RV port option, guest house studio or opt for a larger 3+ bedroom villa.
Guest House Studio Option
RV Port Option
Three Bedroom Villa Construction Option
Render of Natal Country Side Residential Community
Photos of the current constructions and neighbors
Location of Natal 90 minutes south of San Diego
The Vision of My Project
Since the pandemic, my perspective on living has changed. I now enjoy residing in a place surrounded by nature, where I can have my own orchard for fresh produce and chickens for morning eggs. Despite being in a prime location, I feel connected to nature while remaining close to everything I love. Eventually, I plan to build a main house with extra rooms to host guests.
I’ve been inspired by Eugenia Diaz on her YouTube channel and by the show "Anne with an E" on Netflix, which taught me that there's a future in the past. This vision not only provides a safe space in case of another pandemic but also allows me to have my own sustainable space and food supply.
Follow my new ranch adventures at @slowliferanch
Connecting with Local Experts
As we always do, we have curated all the connections to ensure that you have a smooth process when acquiring your property. From booking consultations with regional experts to obtaining permits for land and zoning for your specific project, or connecting with architects, interior designers, and property managers—all from safe and reliable local companies.
Events and Tours
We are providing property tours run by Wine Eat and Travel. We have planned a full itinerary so you can get the best sources for your land, home, or commercial property. Discover this amazing development and connect with all the reliable sources while also enjoying the scenic beauty of Valle. Click here for more information.
FAQ Section
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Zoning permits in Valle de Guadalupe are mainly for agricultural purposes, which is why you need to be careful when buying properties there. In this case, the Natal development is located at the entrance of Valle de Guadalupe, within the El Tigre entity, which has rules and regulations allowing for residential and commercial use. Additionally, the land for sale needs to be at least 12,000 square feet in surface area; smaller parcels are not allowed.
Property Tours
Join our property tours for seamless site visits. Service fees reimbursed upon property purchase.
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If you want to join our upcoming free webinar with the developers of the project to learn more, submit the form below with your information to receive the invite via email.