After years working in the United States housing sector, Paraguayan-American entrepreneur Patricia Narvaez has returned to her roots in Asunción to create LUX Development. The new property and construction company focused on building residential homes for locals and newcomers in Paraguay. Founded in June 2026, LUX Development aims to make the process of building a home in Paraguay more accessible and transparent. Particularly, for new residents who may feel uncertain navigating the country’s construction and property sectors.
“The purpose of LUX Development is to serve both newcomers and locals,” Narvaez begins. “My main goal is to build residential homes, affordable residential homes for locals; because right now there are lots of opportunities for them to get home loans through banks. That is my focus.”
The company assists clients through different stages, including documentation, legal paperwork, municipal requirements, construction and banking processes.
What makes LUX Development unique?
Narvaez says the idea behind LUX Development came from identifying a gap in the market. While Paraguay’s property sector has experienced significant growth in recent years, she believes many still hesitate to work with local construction companies due to concerns about transparency and communication.
“I feel like my company is different because there are not, as far as I know of, lots of expats who are building homes at the moment. I felt like there was a need for expats to also feel comfortable working with construction companies. Because it is usually the case that newcomers do not feel comfortable going to Paraguayan companies because of the fear of getting scammed or getting overcharged for things.”
Narvaez adds that these concerns are based on personal experience. “I myself went through this during my journey before I decided to start this LUX Development.”
Her goal is to create “a safe space for expats to feel comfortable and to feel trusted”, offering clients someone who understands “where they are coming from”, and recognises the differences between doing business abroad and in Paraguay.
Combining US experience with Paraguayan roots
Born and raised in Queens, New York, Narvaez grew up connected to Paraguay through her family. “I am Paraguayan-American. Both my parents are Paraguayan. Since I was little, I would come to Paraguay often. So I was raised with the Paraguayan culture, but in New York.”
Before entering the construction sector, she worked in education as a high school teacher, teaching English and Spanish. She also gained experience in the US real estate market, particularly during one of the country’s most challenging housing periods. “As far as the real estate market goes, I used to work for mortgage companies. I used to help families get mortgages.”
She later worked as a short sale negotiator during the 2008 US housing crisis. She helped families facing financial difficulties communicate with banks and avoid foreclosure.
“It was a very critical moment because a lot of families were losing money because they could not afford their mortgages. I would be the negotiator between the banks and the families, so at least they would leave without any type of debts instead of going to foreclosure.”
That experience continues to influence the way she approaches LUX Development today. “It is important to know how to do the numbers, the math, especially when you are working with people. You want to make sure that they understand exactly what it is that they are paying for, how much they will be paying, and will lead to something that is a home for them.”
Building homes with a personal approach
LUX Development currently specialises in residential projects, particularly duplexes and chalets. Narvaez says each project begins by understanding the client’s lifestyle and priorities.
“It depends on the client. If I have a client who wants to build a home and, already has property, then we just go ahead and build their home. I always listen to the customers. And I want to know exactly what it is that they are looking for.”
Some clients may prefer to live close to supermarkets, shopping centres, and urban areas, while others may want more space and distance from the city. According to Patricia Narvaez, some of the areas with the greatest potential include Asunción and its surrounding cities, such as Fernando de la Mora, Luque, and Villa Elisa.
Overcoming challenges in Paraguay’s construction sector
Narvaez highlights several challenges currently affecting property development in Paraguay.
“Typically, challenges are the amount of time that it takes to construct. Usually, in Paraguay, this process is very long and delayed. A reason could be the lack of construction workers, because it is not easy to find dependable construction workers. With the mentality I bring from New York, I make sure that everything runs on time, smoothly and efficiently. Everything, from beginning to end.”
She also wants clients to be involved in the design process, something she believes sets LUX Development apart.
“What we offer, which a lot of developments do not, is that we are open to giving the buyers the opportunity to be a part of the design. Usually in development companies, what they do is having the floor plan and that is how they are going to sell it to you. And that is it.”
Instead, at LUX Development, buyers can personalise details such as tiles, kitchen islands, or cabinet colours. “There are little details in home designs that the owner wants to be a part of.”
A bridge between cultures
For Narvaez, one of the main purposes of LUX Development is to guide clients through what can often feel like a complicated process. “That is exactly why I created LUX. I want to make it a seamless experience for the client, because I will be the one doing all the hard work.”
The company assists clients through different stages, including documentation, legal paperwork, municipal requirements, construction and banking processes. Looking ahead, Narvaez hopes LUX Development will become one of Paraguay’s most trusted real estate development companies. Although the company currently focuses on duplexes and chalets, she hopes to expand in the future. “In five years, it would be nice to see that we can make buildings all over Paraguay.”
“There is a lot of information thrown at us as expats. What I want them to know is that there is somebody like them here in Paraguay. That she is currently building homes, understands the process, and understands how it is in both the US, Europe and Paraguay.”
More information about LUX Development, including current projects and contact details, is available through the LUX official website.
