If you dreamt of owning a piece of the sunny Riviera Maya, you would be in good company. Many foreign investors are hedging their bets on this little corner of paradise, with the real estate market growing by around 20% every year, according to Mexico News Daily. While it may be profitable, were you aware that it may take extra steps as a foreign investor to claim a location like this in Mexico?
This guide will walk you through how to buy vacation rental property in this sun-drenched haven. Together we’ll explore how best to:
Discover how support from Azul Mexico Realty can help you manage the perfect vacation rental in Playa del Carmen or beyond and turn this dream into reality.
Stretching along the Mexico coastline, the Riviera Maya is a tropical paradise and is a haven for many tourists demanding rentals in the country’s sun, sea, and sand. As such, it is a perfect opportunity for anyone wanting to make a good vacation rental investment. As such, you will want to find locations as close as possible to tourist hotspots to make the most of their proximity to such places.
You will want to search for high-growth areas within the Riviera Maya to ensure you have the greatest return on what you invest. The Rio Times Online, for example, lists several great investment areas, including Playa del Carmen and Tulum, where hoteliers are making the most of these opportunities alongside the region’s turquoise waters. So, look into locations such as Tulum’s Aldea Zama or Puerto Aventuras to pinpoint future potential.
It would also benefit you to research whether the local government plans to invest in infrastructure projects soon. Improved roads and public transportation systems often boost nearby property values and make the locations better rentals for tourists looking to explore the coast, allowing you to charge higher rent.
Of course, Playa del Carmen is well-known for its:
As such, it attracts a wide range of travelers. If you are looking for a vacation rental, this may be the perfect opportunity to get the most out of your purchase.
While most realtors will understand the law, a local realtor like Azul Mexico Reality can more easily match your unique investment criteria with the location itself. With better local knowledge, they often have information to help you:
They are also likely to have information for you on a wide range of topics to guide you in where to invest, such as seasonal renting fluctuations, or data on upcoming developments.
Mexico’s “restricted zones” demand that foreign investors run through a specific series of steps to purchase property close to Mexico’s coastline or borders. These steps include setting up a “fideicomiso,” or trust, with a bank holding the property title for you.
A good realtor can also put you in contact with a reliable attorney who can help you through this process. Simultaneously, the realtor will also do their own due diligence to ensure you comply with Mexican real estate law. Such guidance helps prevent delays or legal issues as you close on the property, allowing you to rent it out as soon as possible.
Alongside the local realtor, we recommend you prepare all your documents to make the process of owning a perfect property as smooth as possible. The realtor will be able to inform you of the full extent of what these entail, but they will include:
You can then review the purchase contract in detail alongside your aforementioned attorney. You will want to check that the following are clearly stated:
The attorney can also inform you of any terms you would want to be aware of that could cause issues later on and ensure the property title is free from disputes or liens. Then, along with us at Azul Mexico Realty, we can help you understand all of the costs involved.
Before you sign for the property, hire a professional and certified home inspector to look over it. They will be able to inform you of issues related to:
Using all this information, you can speak to your realtor about possibly getting a better deal during negotiations. For example, if you find that the property does not comply with local building codes, you may be able to get the owner to resolve them before the purchase. Or, if you feel you can handle such steps, you could ask them to lower the price instead.
After negotiation, you can start finalizing and signing off on the deal, buying a vacation home while knowing everything is in place.
Success in the Riviera Maya rental market depends on you making informed decisions with the best data available. At the same time, understanding how to buy vacation rental property can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth process.
At Azul Mexico Realty, we can help you find a property that aligns with your goals and connect you with others who can help you continue your journey in vacation rental management once you make the purchase. Reach out for personalized guidance and to enjoy a new investment in a sun-kissed, world-class destination.