Aliso Viejo Real Estate: Orange County Condos and Family Homes

Aliso Viejo was developed as a master-planned community with parks, trails and business parks, and it is next to Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. Neighbouring cities on the list include Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Laguna Beach, Mission Viejo and Ladera Ranch. Laguna Beach is the priciest of these because of its oceanfront setting.

Foreign nationals can buy US property without a visa. Lenders may require large deposits and documentation, and cash purchases are common. In California, you will use escrow and title insurance, and property tax is roughly 1% of the purchase price plus any community-district levies. Condos in older complexes may have significant reserve shortfalls, so request the HOA's financial statements. Consider a US tax adviser for rental income and estate-tax exposure.

See our US buying guide and financing guide.

Most condos and many houses here belong to HOAs with monthly dues that cover landscaping, pools and insurance. Request the budget, reserve study and minutes, and ask whether any special assessments are planned. Some communities restrict short-term rentals or the number of rented units, which affects an investor's plans. Orange County sits in wildfire and earthquake zones to varying degrees, so ask about insurance availability before you commit to an offer.