All you need to know about investing in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is one of the treasures of the Riviera Maya and one of the favorite places for investing in Mexico real estate. Its wide range of possibilities, its beaches and unique landscapes have turned this jewel of the Yucatan Peninsula into one of the favorite destinations for digital nomads and those looking for a place of comfort. Playa del Carmen’s demographics and real estate offer are great attractions for different types of investors and at Jaguar Tulum we help you find the ideal property for you.

Is Playa del Carmen a good place to invest? 

Owning a property in Playa del Carmen has become a priority for many real estate investors. Especially since 2018, when the city emerged as the No. 1 destination in Latin America. From that moment on, Playa del Carmen catapulted as one of the best performing beach cities in rentals in the world in terms of return on investment. An aspect that is evident if we look at the stock market.

The profits obtained from luxury condos in Playa del Carmen are well above average, exceeding between 8 and 13% of the return on investment in the stock market. According to several reports made during the last few years, the average return on this type of investment in other cities is 5.43%. This return on investment has caused many foreigners, especially Americans, to choose to buy pre-sale properties and turn this investment into their retirement. 

Main reasons to invest in Playa del Carmen 

1. The development and constant evolution of the Riviera Maya. After the pandemic, the state of Quintana Roo emerged as one of the engines of Mexico’s economic recovery, with Playa del Carmen as one of its greatest exponents. The Mexican government, aware for years of the area’s potential, has been providing the Riviera Maya with major infrastructures. Cancun airport is a good example of this, since with 15 million passengers a year it has become the fourth busiest airport in Latin America, behind only Mexico City, Bogota and Sao Paulo.

   In this sense, the commitment to the Tren Maya is also a declaration of intent. It is a long-distance railway system that connects the Mexican southeast, linking Cancun with the rest of the southern coast and the Yucatan. Playa del Carmen is an essential enclave in this new transportation system, facilitating millions of people’s movement. In addition, with the recent inauguration of the Tulum International Airport, Playa del Carmen is only one hour away from two of the country’s main airports. 

2. The boom in domestic tourism. While it is true that foreign tourism is the main economic engine of the city, it is expected that the infrastructures as mentioned above will mark a before and after in terms of Mexican domestic tourism. The Mayan Train and the new airports will attract a new public to Playa de Carmen. 
3. The cost of living. Playa del Carmen has emerged as an excellent option for people tired of the abusive prices of everyday life, especially for those who come from North American countries such as the United States or Canada. Retirees and people fed up with the fiscal policies of their countries find the Riviera Maya the ideal place to put down roots. Many Europeans are also opting for this option due to the latent international conflicts that are emerging in recent times and the constant inflation.
4. Accessible without the need for transportation. One of the key points for those who visit Playa del Carmen or stay to live, is that it is a city where you can reach all the key points on foot or through a pleasant bike ride. At a time when gas prices are skyrocketing and air pollution is the order of the day, Playa del Carmen presents itself as a modern, flexible, and sustainable option.
5. An ideal place for digital nomads. Those who practice this lifestyle, so popular among young people, find in Playa del Carmen an idyllic environment where they can get away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. A city where to live with a higher quality of life for less money and be surrounded by unparalleled landscapes. 

How is the real estate market in Playa del Carmen?

Buying a property in Playa del Carmen is a very interesting decision in the long term. Prices can be high when compared to the cost of a home in other cities in Mexico or Latin America. This is because prices are more similar to the North American market, as many of the buyers come from the United States or Canada. However, if we compare prices with Western markets, it is an option to consider.

In addition, the current political stability of the country and the expected economic growth make Playa del Carmen an attractive place both to live and to generate passive income through rentals. However, when investing, it is important to thoroughly research the different neighborhoods available beforehand, as there may be variations in terms of ownership restrictions for foreigners.

Main types of properties in Playa del Carmen 

In Playa del Carmen we can find different types of properties depending on the preferences and needs of each client. Among them, spectacular beachfront condominiums, residential homes in cozy neighborhoods or avant-garde apartments isolated from the city’s neuralgic points stand out. It should be noted that all these properties enjoy modern amenities and maximum security. From Jaguar Tulum, we recommend the following.

• Singular Dream. This project offers a unique and luxurious living experience in one of the most sought-after destinations on the Riviera Maya. Singular Dream features a collection of meticulously designed residences combining modern aesthetics and functionality. From stylish apartments to spacious penthouses, each unit is crafted to provide comfort, elegance, and breathtaking views of the surrounding natural beauty.

• Costa Residence Corasol. Is a real estate project made up of spacious and luxurious apartments located in the heart of Corasol, an exclusive residential area in Playa del Carmen that is creating its own city. In the surroundings of these extraordinary residences, you can find amenities with everything you need such as a gourmet store, restaurant, juice bar, and cafeteria, clubhouse, an area with different shops.

• Palm Villas. Is an exclusive residential project located in the stunning community of Corasol. Nestled alongside the picturesque golf course, this development offers exquisite four to five-bedroom villas that epitomize luxury living.  Palm Villas benefits from its proximity to essential amenities such as schools, healthcare facilities, shopping centers, and entertainment options. The vibrant neighborhood provides a diverse range of dining experiences, retail outlets, and cultural attractions.

Average property prices in Playa del Carmen 

There can be many factors that make the price of a property vary: the square meters, the neighborhood, the number of rooms or the amenities are some of them. However, if we stick to the data provided by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), buying a property in Playa del Carmen costs an average $4,200 per square meter. A one-bedroom property of 60 square meters can cost around $250,000, while one with two bedrooms and 85 square meters would cost just over $350,000. 

If these numbers don’t help you get an idea, we can also tell you that buying a property in Playa del Carmen is three times cheaper than buying in New York. Even in the most expensive neighborhoods of the city, which are Playacar and El Cielo. 

Region’s economy 

It is no secret that Playa del Carmen bases most of its economic growth on tourism and the wide range of real estate it offers. The hotel industry, beaches, landscapes and nightlife have become a powerful attraction for foreign investment. The easy access to health care due to the increase of clinics and hospitals is also an argument in favor of investors.  

How to find investment property in Playa del Carmen? 

We advise you, first of all, to consult different sources of information about the neighborhood where you want to invest. Do not focus only on what you read in a blog, what you see in a YouTube video or what a friend tells you. 

Once you are clear about what type of property you need and where you want to buy it, you should seek professional advice from real estate specialists who know the area perfectly. At Jaguar Tulum we give you the option of scheduling a free consultation to resolve any doubts and guide you on what options may be more interesting for you.

What you should consider when looking for a property to invest in Playa del Carmen?

In general, investing in Playa del Carmen is a smart option if you want a change of scenery that combines luxury and tranquility, if you are looking for a second home or if you want to make a long-term investment. If you are looking for high capital gains in the short term, we recommend other options. Playa del Carmen is a bet that combines an attractive lifestyle with fluctuating benefits over the years. 

Should you invest in Playa del Carmen? 

As we have mentioned in the previous section, the perfect combination for investors interested in Playa del Carmen, is that they want to spend part of the year in Mexico and rent the property the rest of the time they are not in the country. It is perfectly compatible to enjoy the beautiful beaches of the city for a few months while renting the residence for the rest of the year. In this scenario, the Airbnb platform can become your best ally to achieve a greater return on investment. 

Why is Playa del Carmen preferred by Western investors?

The Riviera Maya and, specifically, Playa del Carmen, has become a kind of refuge for people coming from Western countries for two essential reasons. Although Playa del Carmen is not the cheapest destination in Mexico, luxury properties can be purchased for a much lower price than in other countries. 

On the other hand, Mexico is a country with political stability far from any international conflict or war. In recent years, several European countries have been involved in major armed conflicts. Therefore, Playa del Carmen offers security and a calm climate that avoids all these problems.

Do you need help investing in Playa del Carmen real estate? Schedule a free consultation call with us

At Jaguar Tulum we help you find the ideal property for you in Playa del Carmen based on your preferences or needs. Whether they are pre-sale or sale properties or of different sizes. We offer you the option to schedule a free meeting with one of our specialists to answer all your questions and advise you on what are the best options on the market.