Why Buyers Are Considering Real Estate in Mexico

Mexico keeps drawing buyers... retirees, remote workers, investors and second-home seekers and for a few good reasons. 

1) Value and lower cost of ownership
Many buyers are drawn to Mexico because the total cost of owning and maintaining a home is often lower than in the U.S. or Canada: lower property taxes, cheaper construction and maintenance, and a generally lower cost of living that stretches retirement income or rental cash flow further

2) Retirement, healthcare and residency friendliness
Mexico is repeatedly ranked as a top retirement destination thanks to affordable living, good private healthcare options, and relatively straightforward residency pathways for retirees and those qualifying on income or savings. That makes buying here attractive for people who want to move (or split time) south of the border. 

3) Tourism + short-term rental income potential
Coastal hotspots and the Rivera Maya continue to attract international visitors creating ongoing demand for vacation rentals and resale buyers seeking income or future appreciation. That tourism engine is a big reason investors look at beach towns and resort corridors. (Caveat: local market cycles and overbuilding have affected some micro-markets, so do local due diligence. Also, know what the rules are here pertaining to Fideicomiso.

4) Proximity and connectivity to U.S./Canada
Short flights, established expat communities, and cultural familiarity make Mexico an easy choice for Americans and Canadians who want convenience without the expense of long international moves. 

Popular places buyers are choosing (and why)

Playa del Carmen & Riviera Maya (Playa/Tulum/Cancún corridor) — strong tourism demand, modern condos, lots of new development and a big short-term rental market. Great for buyers seeking a beach lifestyle or rental income though some submarkets are cooling and require careful analysis. 

Tulum — marketed as a boutique/nature-focused destination and popular with younger buyers and creatives; high demand has prompted rapid development (and more recent market corrections in parts), so buyers should be selective. 

Los Cabos (Cabo San Lucas / San José del Cabo) — luxury market, high demand from U.S. buyers for second homes and high-end tourism-driven properties.

Puerto Vallarta — long-standing expat community, a mix of traditional town charm and modern amenities; known for safety perceptions, established services and tourism.

Mérida — inland colonial city prized for culture, safety, affordable healthcare and a comfortable urban lifestyle for retirees and families. 

San Miguel de Allende & Lake Chapala — classic retiree/arts communities with strong international networks and proven long-term appeal.

Quick cautions for buyers

• Local rules (coastal “restricted zone” purchases), taxes, title searches and HOA practices vary by state — always use local legal/title experts.

• Market dynamics differ widely between micro-markets (e.g., some areas are oversupplied). Due diligence and on-the-ground intel matter.

If this sparked a few questions or you’re curious about what buying in Mexico actually looks like on the ground, I can connect you with fully vetted local professionals who know these markets inside out. Just reach out and I’ll point you in the right direction.