As global interest grows, Los Cabos is increasingly seen as a prime opportunity for European investors. John E. Kaye spoke to Vanessa Fukunaga, the powerhouse CEO behind the region’s top brokerage, about the growing momentum and what’s driving European interest
It’s surprising that Los Cabos remains a best-kept secret — at least in European investment circles. Long established as a playground for Hollywood A-listers like George Clooney, Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Aniston, this stunning stretch of México’s Baja California peninsula offers ultra-prime real estate in a setting that rivals any in the Mediterranean.
Despite its dramatic setting on the Sea of Cortez, world-class amenities, and strong appeal among North American elites, Los Cabos remains a relatively untapped opportunity for European investors.
Vanessa Fukunaga is looking to change that. As Owner, President and CEO of Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate, the region’s leading brokerage for ultra-luxury property, she has spent more than a decade firmly establishing Los Cabos among high-net-worth buyers from the U.S., Canada, and regional Mexico—and is now setting the stage for greater visibility in Europe.
“Luxury is a service, not a price point,” she says. “Delivering a luxury real estate experience is a true art—it takes skill, global connections, and being attuned to the marketplace.”
And if anyone has mastered that art, it’s Fukunaga. Since acquiring the business in 2012 and establishing the first Engel & Völkers franchise in Mexico, she has led the company to nearly $3.6 billion USD in sales.
Now, with international demand rising and the region’s credentials firmly established, Fukunaga sees this as a timely moment to amplify Los Cabos’ presence among European investors. Her firm is uniquely positioned to open that door, offering a trusted route into a high-end market that’s maturing quickly while staying well clear of mass tourism and speculation.
Backed by the Engel & Völkers global network—with nearly 1,000 offices in over 35 countries and a very strong presence across Europe—Fukunaga and her team are proud to be part of an international brand that provides the strategic foundation for delivering world-class service in every market.
Properties in Los Cabos range from hillside haciendas and gated golf villas to beachside estates, luxury resort residences, exclusive beachfront retreats, phenomenal developer and land opportunities, and a diverse array of commercial holdings.
“There’s an authenticity here,” Fukunaga adds. “What we’ve built is not just about homes. It’s about experience, legacy, and lifestyle. When a client steps off the plane in Los Cabos, they’re not just looking to buy a property—they’re looking to feel something they can’t get anywhere else.”
What sets the brokerage apart, she believes, is a culture of consistency and a commitment to white-glove service. Backed by a team of more than 60 advisors and staff, Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate delivers what Fukunaga calls “curated property experiences”—tailored from first contact to closing and beyond. Its core services include luxury property sales, marketing of exclusive developments, strategic investment advisory, and personalised client support throughout the entire journey. Buyers range from first-time second-homers to institutional investors.
Every new project begins with detailed consultation and market analysis. “We take time to understand the client’s vision,” says Fukunaga. “Then we design a plan that aligns with the unique positioning of the property or the individual’s goals. It’s never off the shelf.”
That approach has kept Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate at the top of the Los Cabos market since 1997. While other firms have come and gone with economic tides, Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate has continued to post record-breaking sales. “We’re very intentional about how we work,” she says. “Clear communication, attention to detail, and intelligent guidance at every stage. That’s what drives long-term value.”
Fukunaga attributes the company’s staying power to its people. “The internal culture we’ve built is one of excellence, collaboration and a genuine passion for luxury real estate,” she explains. “When we recruit new team members, we look for professionalism, integrity, and a global mindset. But most of all, we look for individuals who understand that luxury isn’t just a product—it’s a standard of service.”
That culture is, she says, reinforced by a strong set of core values that underpin the firm’s transactions and relationships: excellence, integrity, passion, innovation, collaboration, and vision. It’s what the company refers to as a culture of collaboration, and it runs throughout the firm’s leadership, staff and strategic partnerships.
Looking ahead, Fukunaga says the next five years will focus on deepening the firm’s market leadership, expanding its global reach—including Europe—and elevating the international visibility of Los Cabos. “We’re committed to staying ahead of the trends, but also shaping them,” she says. “That means embracing innovation, growing our footprint in a meaningful way, raising the bar for luxury real estate service, and ensuring we play a positive role in the communities we serve.”
Further information
www.snellrealestate.com
Main Image: Legacy Estates, Diamante Cabo San Lucas
