Baja Property Index

San José del Cabo Real Estate

The San José del Cabo Real Estate Market

San José del Cabo sits at the eastern end of the Los Cabos municipality, about 20 miles up the Corridor from Cabo San Lucas. It’s the older, quieter half of the pair — a colonial town built around a 1730 mission, known for its walled historic center, the Thursday-night Art Walk gallery district, and a freshwater estuary that draws migratory birds. It pairs that traditional character with a modern marina, beachfront hotels, and an international airport just north of town. The area draws buyers and renters from across the U.S. and Canada, and prices and leases are commonly quoted in U.S. dollars. Because the city sits inside Mexico’s “restricted zone” (within 50 km of the coast), foreign buyers typically hold property through a bank trust called a fideicomiso or through a Mexican corporation.

Demand splits into two clear lanes. Long-term rentals serve a growing community of expats, remote workers, and snowbirds — usually furnished, on 6- to 12-month leases — and the town’s slower pace and walkable center make it popular with those wanting a year-round home base rather than a party town. Short-term vacation rentals ride the area’s year-round tourism, with peak occupancy from roughly November through April; well-placed condos near the historic center, the marina, and the Zona Hotelera beachfront can post strong nightly returns. Most owners who rent short-term lean on a local property manager to handle bookings, cleaning, guest services, and lodging-tax compliance.

  • Foreign ownership: coastal property is held via a fideicomiso (bank trust) or Mexican corporation.
  • Pricing: most sales listings and leases are quoted in USD; generally a step below the Corridor’s premium tier, with a mix of historic-center homes, condos, and beachfront developments.
  • High season: roughly November–April drives peak rental demand and rates.
  • Sought-after areas: the historic Centro & Art District, the Zona Hotelera beachfront, Puerto Los Cabos & the marina, and Fonatur.
  • Budget for: HOA/condo dues, property management (often ~20–30% for full-service short-term), and closing costs (~5–7%).

General overview only — confirm current figures, taxes, and regulations with a licensed local agent or attorney.

Sunset over the beach at San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur

Property Managers

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Long Term Rentals

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Short Term Rentals

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New Development

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