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Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Guatemala Property Pack
Real estate costs in Guatemala City vary significantly depending on location, with luxury zones commanding $1,500-2,000 per square meter while outskirt areas start around $900-1,070 per square meter. As of September 2025, the Guatemala City property market shows steady growth with prices increasing 22-30% over the past five years, making it an increasingly attractive market for both investors and residents looking to purchase property.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Guatemala, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
Property prices in Guatemala City range from $900 per square meter in developing areas to over $2,000 per square meter in luxury zones, with city center apartments averaging $1,425-1,500 per square meter.
Additional costs when purchasing property typically add 4.5-5% to the total purchase price, including transfer taxes, legal fees, and registration costs.
| Property Type | Location | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| One-bedroom apartment | City center | $90,000-140,000 |
| One-bedroom apartment | Outside center | $55,000-85,000 |
| Three-bedroom house | Prime neighborhoods | $220,000-400,000 |
| Three-bedroom house | Mid-range areas | $130,000-220,000 |
| Land per m² | Central areas | $1,000-1,500 |
| Land per m² | Suburban areas | $400-700 |
| Renovation costs | Per m² (older properties) | $700-900 |
What's the average price per square meter for apartments in Guatemala City right now?
The average price per square meter for apartments in Guatemala City varies significantly by location as of September 2025.
In the city center, apartments cost between $1,425-1,500 per square meter. Luxury zones like Zona 10, 14, and 15 command higher prices at $1,500-2,000 per square meter.
Mid-range suburban areas offer more affordable options at $1,000-1,400 per square meter, while properties on the outskirts of the city start from $915-1,070 per square meter. These price differences reflect the significant variation in neighborhood quality, infrastructure, and proximity to business districts.
The premium locations in zones 15 and 16 represent the highest-priced segments of the market, often exceeding $1,800 per square meter for newly constructed luxury apartments.
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How much does a typical one-bedroom apartment cost in the city center compared to outside the center?
A typical one-bedroom apartment in Guatemala City's center costs between $90,000-140,000, assuming a standard size of 60-80 square meters.
Outside the center, the same one-bedroom apartment costs significantly less at $55,000-85,000. This represents a cost difference of approximately 35-65% between central and suburban locations.
The price difference reflects the premium associated with central location benefits including proximity to business districts, restaurants, entertainment venues, and better public transportation access. Central apartments also tend to have better building amenities and security features.
Suburban one-bedroom apartments offer better value for money, especially for buyers prioritizing space over location convenience.
What is the price range for a three-bedroom house in popular residential neighborhoods?
Three-bedroom houses in Guatemala City's popular residential neighborhoods show substantial price variation depending on the specific area and property quality.
In prime neighborhoods such as Zona 15, 16, and parts of Zona 10 and 14, three-bedroom houses typically cost $220,000-400,000. Some luxury new builds in these areas can exceed $400,000.
Mid-range and outer neighborhoods offer three-bedroom houses in the $130,000-220,000 range. These areas still provide good quality housing with decent amenities but lack the prestige and premium location benefits of the top-tier zones.
The significant price difference between prime and mid-range neighborhoods reflects factors like security, infrastructure quality, proximity to international schools, and access to high-end shopping and dining.
How much would a newly built apartment in a high-end area typically cost compared to an older property in the same location?
Newly built apartments in high-end areas of Guatemala City command a significant premium over older properties in the same locations.
| Property Age | Price per m² (High-End Zones) | Price Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Newly built luxury apartment | $1,800-2,000 | Base reference |
| Older property (same zone) | $1,200-1,400 | 35-40% discount |
| Premium new development | $2,000+ | 60% premium over older |
| Renovated older property | $1,500-1,700 | 15-25% discount vs new |
| Standard older building | $1,200-1,300 | 40-50% discount vs new |
The premium for new construction reflects modern amenities, updated building codes, energy efficiency, contemporary design, and the absence of immediate maintenance needs that often come with older properties.
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What are the average monthly mortgage payments for a $100,000, $200,000, and $300,000 property with current interest rates?
Monthly mortgage payments in Guatemala City vary significantly based on the loan amount and interest rate, which typically range from 6-10% for qualified borrowers.
| Property Value | 6% Interest Rate | 8% Interest Rate | 10% Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | $716/month | $836/month | $965/month |
| $200,000 | $1,432/month | $1,672/month | $1,930/month |
| $300,000 | $2,148/month | $2,508/month | $2,895/month |
| $400,000 | $2,864/month | $3,344/month | $3,860/month |
| $500,000 | $3,580/month | $4,180/month | $4,825/month |
These calculations assume a 20-year loan term, which is standard in Guatemala. Actual rates depend on borrower credit profile, down payment amount, and lender policies.
How much do property prices vary between the most expensive and least expensive zones of the city?
Property price variation across Guatemala City zones shows dramatic differences, with premium areas costing roughly double the price of developing neighborhoods.
The most expensive zones, including premium areas of the center and luxury gated communities, reach $1,800-2,000+ per square meter. These areas include parts of Zona 10, 14, 15, and 16, which offer the best security, infrastructure, and amenities.
The least expensive zones, typically on the outskirts or in less desirable suburbs, start around $900-1,000 per square meter. These areas may lack some infrastructure advantages but still provide reasonable housing options.
This means that luxury zone properties cost approximately 80-120% more than properties in the most affordable areas, representing a substantial premium for location and amenities.
The price gap reflects significant differences in security levels, infrastructure quality, proximity to business centers, and access to international schools and premium services.
What is the average cost of land per square meter in central areas versus suburban or developing areas?
Land prices in Guatemala City show substantial variation between central and suburban locations, reflecting the premium associated with prime real estate positioning.
Central areas and premium locations command $1,000-1,500 per square meter for land. These areas offer the best infrastructure, proximity to business districts, and established neighborhoods with full utilities and services.
Developing suburban areas offer more affordable land options at $400-700 per square meter. While these areas may lack some infrastructure or require additional development, they present opportunities for future appreciation as the city expands.
The price difference means that central land costs roughly 2-3 times more than suburban alternatives, making suburban areas attractive for buyers seeking larger plots or development opportunities.
It's something we develop in our Guatemala property pack.
How much has the average real estate price increased or decreased over the past five years in percentage terms?
Guatemala City real estate prices have shown consistent growth over the past five years from 2020 to 2025.
Average property prices increased by 22-30% total over this period, representing an annual growth rate of approximately 4-6% per year. This steady appreciation reflects the market's stability and growing demand for quality housing in the capital.
Luxury properties and new construction in prime areas experienced higher appreciation rates, often exceeding the average growth. Properties in developing areas showed more modest but still positive price increases.
The price growth has been driven by increased urbanization, foreign investment interest, and improvements in infrastructure and security in key neighborhoods. Economic stability and growing middle-class purchasing power have also contributed to sustained demand.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Guatemala 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.
What are the common additional costs when buying a property, such as taxes, legal fees, and closing costs, and how much do they total in dollars?
Additional costs when purchasing property in Guatemala City typically add 4.5-5% to the total purchase price, making them a significant factor in budget planning.
The main additional costs include:
- Legal fees: 1-1.5% of the sale price
- Transfer tax: 3% of property value
- Registration and cadastral fees: 0.5% of property value
- Notary, document, and miscellaneous fees: $2,000-3,000 typically
- Property inspection and survey costs: $500-1,000
For a $100,000 property, buyers should budget approximately $4,500-5,000 in additional costs. For a $200,000 property, these costs would reach $9,000-10,000.
These costs are generally paid during the closing process and cannot be financed as part of the mortgage, requiring buyers to have additional cash beyond their down payment.
How much does renting an equivalent property cost per month compared to buying it?
Rental costs in Guatemala City center range from $650-1,150 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, making renting slightly more affordable than buying on a monthly cash flow basis.
For comparison, the monthly mortgage payment on a similar apartment (assuming 80 square meters, $115,000 purchase price, 20-year loan at 8% interest) would be approximately $700-950 per month.
While renting appears cheaper in terms of monthly outflow, buying builds equity and provides ownership benefits. The rent-to-buy ratio in Guatemala City typically ranges from 15-20 years, which is considered reasonable for property investment.
Rental prices vary significantly by neighborhood, with luxury areas commanding $1,200-2,000+ per month for premium apartments, while suburban areas offer rentals from $400-800 per month.
The decision between renting and buying should consider factors beyond monthly payments, including property appreciation potential, tax benefits, and personal lifestyle preferences.
What's the expected annual property tax on a $150,000 and a $300,000 property in Guatemala City?
Property taxes in Guatemala City are notably low compared to many international markets, making property ownership more affordable from a carrying cost perspective.
The annual property tax rate (IUSI - Impuesto Único Sobre Inmuebles) is 0.2% of the property's assessed value. This rate applies uniformly across all property types and locations within the city.
For a $150,000 property, the annual property tax would be $300 per year, or $25 per month. For a $300,000 property, the annual tax would be $600 per year, or $50 per month.
These low property tax rates make Guatemala City attractive for property investors, as carrying costs remain minimal compared to potential rental income and property appreciation.
Property taxes are typically paid annually, though some municipalities allow quarterly payments. The low tax burden is one factor that makes Guatemala City real estate attractive for both residential and investment purposes.
How much can buyers expect to spend on renovations for older properties, on average, per square meter?
Renovation costs for older properties in Guatemala City average $700-900 per square meter for moderate to good quality improvements as of September 2025.
For a typical 90-square-meter apartment, buyers should budget $63,000-81,000 for a full renovation. This includes updating kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, electrical systems, and painting throughout the property.
Basic renovations focusing on cosmetic improvements like painting, minor repairs, and fixture updates typically cost $400-600 per square meter. Luxury renovations with high-end materials and custom features can reach $1,200-1,500 per square meter.
Major structural work, plumbing, or electrical system overhauls add significant costs and may require specialized contractors and permits. These factors should be carefully evaluated when considering older properties.
It's something we develop in our Guatemala property pack.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Guatemala City real estate offers diverse price points from $900 per square meter in developing areas to over $2,000 in luxury zones, providing options for various budgets and investment strategies.
With consistent 4-6% annual price appreciation and low property taxes at 0.2%, the market presents stable investment opportunities for both local and international buyers.
Sources
- The Latinvestor - Guatemala City Price Forecasts
- The Latinvestor - Guatemala Price Forecasts
- Properstar - Guatemala City Land Prices
- The Latinvestor - Average House Price in Guatemala
- Biz Latin Hub - Buying Property in Guatemala
- Global Property Guide - Guatemala Taxes and Costs
- Global Property Guide - Guatemala Rent
- Expatistan - Cost of Living in Guatemala
- The Latinvestor - Guatemala City Real Estate Market
- Studio by Clikalia - House Renovation Costs Guide