Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Colombia Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Cartagena's property market is included in our pack
Cartagena is capturing the attention of savvy investors looking for the next big opportunity in Colombia. Known for its stunning colonial architecture and vibrant culture, this coastal city is more than just a tourist hotspot. It's becoming a prime real estate market with promising returns. Whether you're a local or a foreign investor, Cartagena offers unique advantages that make it a compelling choice for your portfolio.
In this article, we’ll explore the most attractive neighborhoods and developments in Cartagena. We’ll explain why these areas are gaining traction and what makes them stand out in 2025. Our insights are based on direct interactions with real estate professionals and clients actively investing in the region.
If you have any questions or want more detailed information about a specific area in Cartagena, feel free to reach out. Send us an email, and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
1) Getsemaní is gaining attention for its vibrant cultural scene and growing boutique hotel and Airbnb rental market
Getsemaní is buzzing with culture and charm, making it a hot spot for travelers.
In 2023, the area saw a 25% jump in boutique hotel openings, with many popping up in Getsemaní. This shows how much people love the unique and personal touch these places offer. The neighborhood is a magnet for those looking for something different and memorable.
Airbnb's 2024 report highlights that Getsemaní's short-term rentals boast an 80% occupancy rate, outshining the 60% average in other parts of Cartagena. This means more visitors are choosing Getsemaní, likely drawn by its vibrant cultural scene and lively vibe.
Travelers are willing to pay more for the experience here. In 2023, Booking.com found that the average daily rate in Getsemaní was about $150, higher than the city's average. This premium pricing reflects the area's appeal and the unique experiences it offers.
Getsemaní's charm isn't just in its accommodations. The neighborhood is alive with music, art, and local festivals, making it a cultural hub. Visitors often find themselves immersed in the local scene, enjoying everything from street performances to art galleries.
For those considering a property investment, Getsemaní's popularity and cultural richness make it an attractive option. The area's growth in boutique hotels and high occupancy rates suggest a thriving market, perfect for those looking to tap into the tourism boom.
Sources: Colliers International, Airbnb, Booking.com
2) Pie de la Popa is gaining interest for its affordable homes and closeness to major commercial areas
Pie de la Popa is catching the eye of homebuyers thanks to its affordable housing options and prime location.
In Cartagena, the property market is buzzing, and Pie de la Popa is a hotspot, especially for digital nomads and remote professionals. The neighborhood's charm lies in its competitive accommodation prices, with rates averaging $75 per night in 2023. This affordability is a big draw for those looking to settle in a vibrant area without breaking the bank.
What makes Pie de la Popa even more appealing is its proximity to major commercial areas and historical sites. It's just a stone's throw from Caribe Plaza Centro Comercial and a short walk to the Sanctuary of Saint Peter Claver. This means residents can enjoy both modern conveniences and rich cultural experiences right at their doorstep.
Cartagena is also seeing major infrastructure upgrades, which are boosting the city's overall appeal. These improvements are making Pie de la Popa a more attractive option for those who want to live near emerging tech corridors and enjoy a high quality of life.
The neighborhood's growing popularity is also fueled by the rise in short-term rentals, making it a smart choice for investors and homeowners alike. With its strategic location and ongoing developments, Pie de la Popa is becoming a desirable hub for convenience and culture.
For anyone considering a move, Pie de la Popa offers a unique blend of affordability, accessibility, and cultural richness, making it a top contender in Cartagena's real estate scene.
Source: Cartagena Columbia Hotels
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Colombia versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
3) La Boquilla is attracting interest with its beachfront properties and rising demand for vacation rentals
La Boquilla is catching eyes for its beachfront properties and the buzz around vacation rentals.
Property values here are climbing, making it a hot spot for investment. This uptick shows the area is becoming more desirable, drawing in both tourists and investors. On Airbnb, there are now over 400 beachfront properties available, many of which are family-friendly and highly rated, showing a strong demand for vacation rentals.
Cartagena, the city that hosts La Boquilla, is seeing more tourists each year. This rise in tourism is expected to keep pushing the demand for vacation rentals. Many Airbnb listings in La Boquilla boast an average rating of 4.9 out of 5, with some properties hitting 100% occupancy rates, underscoring its popularity.
New developments are popping up, offering beachfront properties and resorts with amenities like pools, gyms, and direct beach access. These features make them perfect for vacation rentals. Infrastructure improvements, such as better transportation links, are also making the area more accessible and appealing, boosting the vacation rental market.
La Boquilla's charm is not just in its properties but also in its growing reputation as a tourist-friendly destination. The combination of high ratings and occupancy rates on platforms like Airbnb highlights its appeal. The area is becoming a go-to spot for those looking to invest in vacation rentals.
With ongoing developments and a steady rise in tourism, La Boquilla is poised to become a prime location for beachfront property investments. The area's growth is supported by its increasing accessibility and the allure of its vacation rentals.
Sources: Airbnb, Rental Scale-Up, Properstar
4) El Cabrero is gaining interest for its historic charm and potential property value growth
El Cabrero is quickly becoming one of Cartagena's most sought-after neighborhoods.
One major reason is the dramatic rise in property values, with some homes seeing price jumps of up to 600% in just a few years. This surge is largely thanks to the restoration of colonial homes, which enhances the area's historic charm. Imagine walking through streets lined with beautifully restored buildings that whisper stories of the past.
International buyers are also flocking to El Cabrero. They're captivated by Colombia's historic homes, especially those that have been meticulously restored. This growing interest is driving up property values in Cartagena's heritage-rich areas, making El Cabrero a prime spot for investment. It's not just about owning a home; it's about owning a piece of history.
Cartagena itself is making waves with its commitment to heritage preservation. The city is investing heavily in blending public policy with urban design, which fuels both social and economic growth. This approach positions Cartagena as a leader in sustainable heritage management, drawing in buyers who value cultural and historical significance.
The local government's initiatives are turning heads globally. By preserving and promoting historic neighborhoods, they're creating a cultural hub that appeals to potential buyers. El Cabrero, with its unique blend of history and modernity, is at the heart of this transformation.
For those considering a property purchase, El Cabrero offers not just a home, but a chance to be part of a vibrant, evolving community. The neighborhood's historic charm and potential for property value increases make it an attractive option for savvy investors.
Source: Medellin Advisors
5) San Diego is booming with its colonial architecture and rising demand for heritage property renovations
San Diego's real estate market is booming, largely due to its stunning colonial architecture.
In places like Balboa Park, the Spanish Colonial Revival buildings are not just eye-catching; they are a key part of the city's charm. Originally constructed for historical expositions, these buildings have become integral to San Diego's identity, drawing both locals and tourists alike.
There's a growing trend in heritage property renovations, especially in neighborhoods like Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. These areas are experiencing a wave of revitalization, reflecting a strong desire to preserve these architectural treasures. It's not just locals who are interested; international buyers are also keen on these properties, further fueling demand.
The media plays a significant role in this trend, often highlighting San Diego's colonial architecture as a must-see for history and design enthusiasts. Social media platforms are filled with images of beautifully renovated colonial homes, which only adds to the allure. Local real estate agents confirm that interest in these properties is robust, with inquiries coming from both domestic and international buyers.
Sources: The Luxury Playbook, San Diego.org, American Essence
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6) Marbella is gaining popularity for its oceanfront apartments and high rental income potential
Marbella is becoming a hotspot for oceanfront apartments, attracting both local and international buyers.
In 2023, property sales in Marbella saw a 24.55% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels, highlighting a strong interest in the area. The average asking price for properties also rose by 13.7% from June 2023 to June 2024, reaching €4,812 per square meter. This indicates a growing demand and rising property values, making it an attractive market for potential buyers.
Marbella's luxury apartment market is a major draw, with prices starting at €6,000 per square meter and going beyond €30,000 per square meter in prime beachfront areas like the Golden Mile. This shows a significant interest in luxury living, especially in oceanfront locations, which are highly sought after.
The city's appeal is further boosted by its popularity among tourists and expatriates. Marbella ranked 13th in Knight Frank's 2024 Wealth Report, underscoring its status as a desirable location for property investment. The combination of rising property values and luxury market appeal creates a promising environment for high rental income potential.
While specific data on high occupancy rates for vacation rentals isn't available, the trend of high demand for luxury properties suggests numerous successful case studies. Investors often target properties that can be rented out to tourists, aligning with the high demand for oceanfront properties in Marbella.
Sources: Marbella Club Hills
7) Bocagrande is gaining attention with its luxury condo developments, appealing to high-end real estate investors
Bocagrande is booming with luxury condo developments, making it a prime spot for high-end real estate investments.
What's driving this trend? It's the rising property values, thanks to the stunning coastal views and top-notch amenities. In the past, Bocagrande's beachfront properties saw double-digit annual price growth, largely due to foreign interest.
New luxury condo projects are popping up everywhere. For instance, the Hyatt Regency Hotel and Plaza Bocagrande Shopping Mall are either announced or under construction. A standout is the Portomarine Luxury Residences, a 41-floor marvel designed by the famous architect Carlos Ott, complete with a luxury penthouse.
Real estate agencies are buzzing about Bocagrande, calling it a hotspot for luxury investments. The area is not just about beautiful properties; it's also known for its vibrant nightlife and upscale amenities.
International buyers, especially from the US and Canada, are flocking here. They're drawn by Cartagena's vibrant culture and breathtaking coastal views, adding to the area's allure.
Source: Cartagena First American Realty
8) Manga is gaining interest for its waterfront views and high property appreciation potential
Manga's stunning waterfront views are drawing in investors eager for high property appreciation.
In 2024, the real estate market in Cartagena, especially in prime spots like Manga, kept climbing due to high demand and limited supply. Properties with those coveted waterfront views are in hot demand, fetching premium prices.
The charm of Manga's waterfront properties is undeniable, blending modern amenities with the city's colonial vibe. This appeal is boosted by the rise of remote work and a focus on sustainability, not to mention the breathtaking coastline that Manga boasts. Investors are eyeing these properties for their promising appreciation potential.
Back in 2023, Manga was on track to achieve high rental yields, even outpacing similar coastal cities like Murcia, Spain. Its prime location and the strong demand for waterfront properties are key factors.
The local government is also playing a part, investing in infrastructure improvements like transportation and public amenities. These enhancements are expected to boost Manga's appeal and drive up property values.
With all these factors in play, Manga is becoming a hotspot for investors looking to capitalize on its unique offerings and potential for growth.
Source: Airbtics
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Colombia. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
9) Zona Norte is growing with new infrastructure and gated community developments
Zona Norte in Cartagena is booming, thanks to new infrastructure projects and the rise of gated communities.
These infrastructure projects are transforming the city by enhancing connectivity and accessibility, making Zona Norte a hot spot for both locals and investors. Imagine living in a place where getting around is a breeze, thanks to improved roads and public transport. This is what’s happening in Zona Norte, and it’s drawing people in.
Gated communities are popping up all over the North Zone, and they’re not just any communities. We’re talking about places like Marbella Terrazas de San Sebastian and Parke 475 Bocagrande Bay Front Luxury Living, which offer exclusive living spaces with top-notch amenities. These developments are perfect for those who value comfort and security, and they’re selling fast.
The demand for properties in Zona Norte is skyrocketing, and it’s not just locals who are interested. International buyers are also eyeing this area, attracted by the rising property values and the lifestyle these gated communities offer. It’s a clear sign that Zona Norte is becoming a desirable place to live.
What’s driving this demand? It’s the combination of modern amenities and the peace of mind that comes with living in a secure environment. People are increasingly looking for homes that offer both, and Zona Norte is delivering. This trend is backed by demographic studies showing a growing preference for gated living.
So, if you’re considering buying property in Cartagena, Zona Norte should be on your radar. With its ongoing development and increasing appeal, it’s a place where you can enjoy a high quality of life and potentially see your investment grow.
Sources: World Population Review, Cartagena First American Realty, World Bank Document
While this article provides thoughtful analysis and insights based on credible and carefully selected sources, it is not, and should never be considered, financial advice. We put significant effort into researching, aggregating, and analyzing data to present you with an informed perspective. However, every analysis reflects subjective choices, such as the selection of sources and methodologies, and no single piece can encompass the full complexity of the market. Always conduct your own research, seek professional advice, and make decisions based on your own judgment. Any financial risks or losses remain your responsibility.
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- Overview of the current state of the real estate market in Cartagena