Posted on July 1, 2021
Pros & Cons of living in Playa del Carmen
- Digital Nomads
- Poker Players
- Retired Folks
- You will find The 5th Avenue which is full of stores, street stores, restaurants, and nightlife.
- Public access to the beach.
- Internet wifi, which is solid and fast.
- If you live downtown you could arrive at the beach by a short walk
- There is no need to have a car to move around the city as it is super easy to move around by bike or walk
- All is close by, restaurants, supermarkets, and shopping centers
- Local and Multicultural atmosphere
- You will find the best yoga and diving instructors multiple activities to do such as Golf, Parasailing, Paddleboarding, Skydiving, etc
- Nearby you will find different kinds of cenotes worth visiting
- As in most cities, downtown could get a little bit noisy
- If you are looking to live near the beach and downtown, you will find only condo apartments.
- If you are looking to own a house you will need a car, as properties “house type” are not located downtown nor near the beach by walk.
You could find very good options, however, you need to be careful of the different neighborhoods in the city.
Updated on January 25, 2021
Covid Information for visiting the Riviera Maya
Hello. I write to you today to give you information about what we are doing here in the Riviera Maya to make it easier for Americans to comply with the new order to have a COVID viral test done before entering the U.S.
As you may be aware, effective January 26, 2021 the CDC is requiring all air passengers 2 years or older to show a negative COVID-19 viral test within 3 days before their flight to the U.S. departs. (or proof that they have had the virus within the past three months and have recovered)
We want to help you by giving you all the information you will need about having this procedure done while you are here in Playa del Carmen or Tulum before you depart on your flight back to the U.S.
You will be required to provide written documentation of your negative lab test result to the airline before boarding your flight back to the U.S. The document will include your name and birthdate. It must be a PCR or antigen test.
Even if you have had a COVID-19 vaccine you will still be required to get the viral test before boarding a flight to the U.S.
I want to assure you that having this test performed in Playa del Carmen is a very safe, simple, and inexpensive procedure. We’re providing a list below of some of the clinics and hospitals in the area where you may go to have one of these tests performed. However, if you prefer, they also provide medical professionals who will come to your hotel to perform the test for a small fee. Almost all of the larger resorts here have medical professionals to administer the test on-site at this time at no additional cost to their guests. I’m sure that in the days/ weeks ahead this service will be available at most hotels in the area. We do recommend you confirm this service with your hotel at the time you make your reservation. We are also told that soon they will be providing testing at the airport as well.
In the event that your test result comes back positive, most of the larger hotels/resorts are allowing their guests to remain in the hotel for another 14 days free of charge or at a 50% discount. Then, before your flight, you will need to show a letter from a licensed health professional stating that you can fly. Again, these hotels are prepared to assist you with this procedure.
Below is a list of some of the clinics with phone number and the prices in Playa del Carmen where you may get your test done:
You will find that having a procedure such as a COVID-19 PCR or antigen test done in Mexico is quite safe and inexpensive. It will only take a short time (about 10-15 min.) to have the test done and you will usually have the results within 24 /48 hours or less, so you will be able to get back to enjoying your remaining time in the beautiful Riviera Maya before boarding your flight back to the U.S.
While you are visiting the Riviera Maya we recommend that you follow all the COVID safety guidelines as you would at home such as wearing a mask at all times in public places, practicing social distancing, and frequent hand washing as well as using hand sanitizer.
We will stay current and inform you of any updates to this information as soon as possible.
I hope this information has been helpful to you and we hope to see you soon!
Nora Moreno
Updated on August 20, 2020
Good news. Our beaches are open again!!
I am happy to announce some good news for you! Today Playa del Carmen’s beaches will reopen! The Playa del Carmen City Council announced this as part of a heavily monitored test run when social distancing and other protocols will be implemented.
Playa del Carmen is now open and welcoming tourists. Currently, all establishments such as hotels, restaurants, and attractions have implemented health measures and a strict sanitary protocol that includes around 150 different measures.
Open hotels, restaurants, and attractions are operating at a 30% capacity to promote social distancing.
If you are planning to come soon, please notify me so I can give you specific details regarding the COVID situation in the area.
Updated on August 6, 2020
My top 3 affordable properties in Tulum
This time I’m writing to tell you about my top 3 most affordable 1 bedroom apartments in Tulum. You will love these options:
The best amenities such a 3 floor gym, pools in roof top, spa, cinema a full market and more.
Located in the main avenue of the city giving access to the hotel zone and the beach.
The unit is fully furnished and equipped .Click here for more info
Located in the best residencial area in Tulum, is located close to the beach and also downtown.
This luxury apartment is an unique opportunity don´t let it pass.
The unit is fully furnished and ready to move in. Click here for more info.
Located in La Veleta is surrounded of nature and perfect to experience the multicultural lifestyle of Tulum.
If you are looking for a small project surrounded of green areas this is a perfect option.
The unit have a private jacuzzi in terrace. Click here for more info.
Let’s talk and tell me what’s important to you. I’m sure we can find the property that best suites your needs.
Updated on August 5, 2020
How can I buy a residential property in México as a foreigner? Part two.
Do you remember my last email about the process of buying real estate in the Riviera Maya?
You can review part one of the buying process by clicking here
In part two I explain the closing process as well as which documents are required.

It normally takes 20 to 30 business days from the date that starts the paperwork until you are able to take title. It is very important that both the buyer and the seller supply all the necessary documents in a timely manner in order to close on time.
The ideal scenario is that, the following items or events, happen at the same time all together:
1. You are purchasing residential property held in a private deed.
2.You are assigned with a certain delivery date in your sales agreement and the developer / seller honors such obligation strictly.
3.The developer / seller has a Condo Regime Deed, Property´s ID and Property Tax Payments fully processed and available at least 3 weeks before you are called to take formal possession of the unit.
If the above-mentioned items cannot match in time, you will be free to take physical possession of the unit first and to initiate the procedures to take title at a later stage and when point 2 is fully accomplished.
The time frame that might elapse between taking possession and taking title, is a subject that must be always discussed with your sales agent / developer or seller and preferably to be consigned in your sales agreement so you can be fully aware and certain of your rights as a purchaser of property in México.
What documents do I need?
Passport (front page)
Drivers’ license
Copy of a recent utility bill showing your home address (preferably showing your name also)
After closing
After closing (once your closing deed is signed by all parties, Seller, Buyer and Trustee Manager), the Public Notary will issue a notarized copy of the closing deed. This document will be your first proof of ownership. You can use this document to change your utility accounts.
The final bank trust deed containing an electronic folio and copy of all certificates and exhibits, will be issued by the Public Registry within three months after your closing date. Please, consider that, this final step, will depend on the internal schedule of the government office known as Public Registry.
Posted on June 25, 2020
How can I buy a residential property in México as a foreigner?
The process to adquisite a Residential Property in Mexico is as follow:
In order to buy a residential property in México as a foreigner is mandatory to set up a Real Estate Bank Trust.
- Allows the property owner to hold the property in perpetuity.
- You can enjoy, use, rent out, improve upon the property, expand, build and sell the Mexico Real Estate and reap 100% of the profit.
- It´s written on the Mexican constitution that the bank trust is a 50-year trust agreement that is renewable every 50 years by you or your heirs by simple request. The renewal procedure is an automatic administrative task.
- The Bank Trust can be held by one or more individuals of foreign citizenship.
- You can transfer your rights in the bank trust to another foreign buyer.
- Your property cannot be taken from you for any reason as long as you use it for residential purposes, and you can treat the property as if you held the title yourself.
- The bank trust will act as a safeguard for your property ownership. Renting out your property and generate profit is 100% authorized and you are very welcome to do it.
Updated on May 12, 2020
How to buy your first investment property in the Riviera Maya?
Due to the recent increase in tourist activity, the Riviera Maya has become the ideal option for those seeking to invest in real estate. In order to fulfill the demand for residential-tourist housing, the availability of real estate has increased to such an extent that it is sometimes confusing for the investor to know where to begin the purchase decision process. I have outlined the following 5 points to help you through this process:
2.- Location of the property
Once you have decided how you would like to use your property, we can go on to select your best location. The top two places in the Riviera Maya where most people purchase real estate are Playa del Carmen and Tulum. However, Puerto Aventuras and Akumal also have their own particular charm.
Another factor to consider is whether you want a condo or house facing the sea, in the center of town (near the beach) or a residential property (a little further from the sea but close to services such as schools, banks, hospitals)
3.- Units per project
This is another important point to consider. There are properties available in smaller projects which offer basic amenities such as a pool or green areas. But there are also larger properties which offer a wide variety of amenities that may include multiple pools, restaurants, gym and cinema. The latter having more of a resort- like atmosphere.
4.- Evaluate the Developer
It is very important to choose a developer with extensive experience, broad financial strength and a good reputation for completing real estate projects. It’s also important that the amenities and finishes are stipulated in the contract. It is equally important that the developer have a good record of after-sales service. In short, being familiar with the developer is vital to avoiding long-term issues.
5.- Finished or Under Construction?
Each of these options has advantages and disadvantages to consider. The first step is to define the following: When do we want to use the property? Is it useful for us to defer payment? Can we visualize the property from the plans? Does the developer offer a guarantee for fulfillment of obligation in the purchase contract?
As you can see there are a wide variety of options to consider when making your first investment in the Riviera Maya- These are some primary considerations, but if you have any further questions please write to me or send me a WhatsApp and I will gladly answer you .
What did you think of this information? , I’d love to know your opinion.
If you want to know about a specific topic, let me know and I can answer your questions in the following posts.
Updated on September 18, 2018
Debriefing: So you want to buy a home in the Riviera Maya
Information from Riviera Maya Real Estate specialists and insiders. Complete bases and guidelines to buying the perfect home. From figuring out the place of your dreams, to get the best ROI.
A boom was taking place in The Riviera Maya housing market, with Playa del Carmen and Tulum, which was in the early stages of rentals increase and valuations rise in 2015.
Any internet user can access an infinite number of property listings, however, there is a severe lack of information based on experience and market knowledge:
- Sectors/Locations and features
- Well-qualified and experienced home builders
- Customer satisfaction measurement and after-sale service
- ROI and the realities of the rental property business in The Riviera Maya
The brief uncovers relevant data for you to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of your decision making process.
Sectors/Locations and features
The House Price index is the most important variable during this stage that began two years ago. We’ve all heard the phrase “location, location, location” but what does this mean in practical terms when it comes to property prices? Economists encapsulate “location” in something called “hedonic pricing” – for most homes in the Riviera Maya, this translates to some key factors that impact your life and your lifestyle: The distance from the beach, proximity to social, shopping and recreational spots, safety and trend.
The first step of the home buying process in the Riviera Maya is to determine the location. The report begins with the most searched destinations around the Riviera Maya.
Playa del Carmen / Coco Beach
Highlights: Within walking distance of the beach – the new 5th. Avenue – modern and contemporary architecture – casual beach lifestyle.
Playa del Carmen / Mamita’s Beach
Highlights: The hippest area of 5th. Avenue – the most renowned beach clubs in the Riviera and best party venues – cosmopolitan ambiance and a casual beach lifestyle.
Playa del Carmen / Quinta Alegría
Highlights: Shopping Malls – the best restaurants and clubs – nightlife area
Playa del Carmen / Downtown
Highlights: Near to absolutely EVERYTHING you could need.
Playa del Carmen / Downtown II / Aviación
Highlights: A taste of the original Playa at its best – near to everything you could need.
Playa del Carmen / Old Downtown
Highlights: “The eye of a Hurricane”… Quiet area near the effervescence of the tourist attractions
Playa del Carmen / Downtown, Highway 307
Highlights: “The eye of a Hurricane”… Quiet area near the effervescence of the tourist attractions.
Playa del Carmen / Zazil-Ha
Highlights: A neighborhood to watch in 2019. According to the experts it’s and area that buyers, renters and sellers should keep their eye on for increased interest and rising prices.
Playa del Carmen / Selvamar
Highlights: Gated community – safe – 10 acres central park
Playa del Carmen / El Cielo
Highlights: Gated community – safe – modern and contemporary architecture.
Playa del Carmen / Playa Magna
Highlights: Gated community – single family residences – safe – two tennis courts
Playa del Carmen / Grand Coral
Highlights: Gated community – safe – golf course – private beach club.
Playa del Carmen / Centro Maya
Highlights: Shopping centers – grocery stores – department store – warehouse clubs – theme parks
Playacar
Highlights: Gated community – safe – the best beach in town – golf course – shopping centers and mall – archaeological site
Puerto Aventuras
Highlights: Gated community – safe – marina – golf course – aquarium – shopping center – hotels and restaurants – casual beach lifestyle.
Akumal
Highlights: Beautiful beach with coral reef – marine life including sea turtles – lagoon and natural park.
Bahía Príncipe
Highlights: Gated community – safe – golf course – private beach club – hotel services.
Tulum / Aldea Zamá
Highlights: Gated community – within walking distance of the beach – bike path – safe – shopping center and restaurants. 182 acres
Tulum / La Veleta
Highlights: Surrounded by rainforest – the flavor of an old Mexican town – near downtown. A neighborhood to watch in 2019. According to the experts it’s and area that buyers, renters and sellers should keep their eye on for increased interest and rising prices.
Tulum / Downtown
Highlights: Mostly known as “Tulum Pueblo”, here you can find affordable restaurants and shopping.
The report is a result of very extensive research work, graphs and tables are updated around the end of every month using current data. This post partially illustrates only the first bullet point. I’d like to share only specific and relevant information to you, please contact me and let me know about your sectors/locations of interest, you’ll be able to start the first nodes of your decision tree that eventually will show the final outcome of your dream home.
Updated on September 27, 2018
Reporte de inmuebles Riviera Maya, de Playa del Carmen a Tulum
Reporte con información privilegiada de infiltrados en el mercado inmobiliario y especialistas en la Riviera Maya desde Playa del Carmen hasta Tulum.
Conocimiento fundamental e instrucciones para compradores de un hogar de vacaciones o retiro, así como para los inversionistas en inmuebles interesados en el destino turístico por su solidez y confirmadas expectativas de crecimiento.
El mercado inmobiliario de la Riviera Maya está en una fase de auge y alta volatilidad, la oferta de casas y departamentos nuevos se esfuerza en crecer cada trimestre a la par de la cantidad de consumidores. El mayor cambio demográfico se registra en el corredor de Playa del Carmen a Tulum, donde los servicios públicos, privados y turísticos han contribuido al crecimiento.
Cualquier persona “online” puede accesar a una cantidad infinita de propiedades disponibles a la venta, sin embargo, hay escasez o nula información de los siguientes puntos clave:
- Las distintas ubicaciones/sectores y sus cualidades.
- Antecedentes y desempeño de los constructores de vivienda,
- Niveles de satisfacción de compradores y atención post venta.
- ROI’s y la realidad del negocio de arrendamiento.
El reporte desvela los datos relevantes sobre estos puntos para un proceso de decisión de compra de vivienda eficiente y bien informado.
Las distintas ubicaciones/sectores
La condición más delicada en esta fase es la tasa de cambio en los precios de las viviendas en los últimos 2 años. En la escala de precios por ubicación se considera principalmente la cercanía al mar, los servicios, las amenidades, la seguridad y la moda.
El primer paso en el proceso de decisión para un comprador de inmuebles es definir la ubicación. Por esta razón el reporte inicia con las ubicaciones/sectores más solicitados en las búsquedas “online”:
Playa del Carmen / Coco Beach
Lo destacado: La nueva 5a. Avenida, arquitectura contemporánea y acceso fácil a la playa.
Playa del Carmen / Mamita’s Beach
Lo destacado: La zona más chic de la 5a. Avenida, los beach clubs más famosos de la Riviera y sede de espectáculos en la playa.
Playa del Carmen / Quinta Alegría
Lo destacado: Modernos shopping centers, los mejores restaurantes y clubs de la ciudad.
Playa del Carmen / Centro
Lo destacado: A pasos de absolutamente TODO lo que puedas necesitar.
Playa del Carmen / Centro II / Aviación
Lo destacado: Tiene el sabor de aquel Playa original y la conveniencia de todos los servicios.
Playa del Carmen / Centro Antiguo
Lo destacado: “El ojo del huracán”… Tranquilidad a pocas cuadras de la efervescencia de la zona turística.
Playa del Carmen / Centro, Carretera 307
Lo destacado: “El ojo del huracán”… Tranquilidad a pocas cuadras de la efervescencia de la zona turística.
Playa del Carmen / Zazil-Ha
Lo destacado: Un vecindario para tener en cuenta este 2019. Los expertos opinan que es el área donde compradores, arrendatarios y vendedores deberían tener su atención por el aumento de interés y alza de precios.
Playa del Carmen / Selvamar
Lo destacado: Complejo residencial cerrado, seguridad y parque de 40 mil metros cuadrados.
Playa del Carmen / El Cielo
Lo destacado: Complejo residencial cerrado, seguridad, arquitectura moderna y contemporánea.
Playa del Carmen / Playa Magna
Lo destacado: Complejo residencial uni-familiar cerrado, seguridad y canchas de tenis.
Playa del Carmen / Grand Coral
Lo destacado: Complejo residencial cerrado, seguridad, campo de golf y beach club privado.
Playa del Carmen / Centro Maya
Lo destacado: Plazas comerciales, tiendas de autoservicio y clubs de precios, tienda departamental y parques recreativos.
Playacar
Lo destacado: Complejo residencial cerrado, seguridad, la mejor playa de Playa del Carmen, club de golf, shopping center, plazas comerciales y zona arqueólogica.
Puerto Aventuras
Lo destacado: Complejo residencial cerrado, seguridad, marina, club de golf, acuario, plaza comercial y restaurantes.
Akumal
Lo destacado: Hermosa playa con arrecife de coral y vida marina incluyendo tortugas, laguna y parque natural.
Bahía Príncipe
Lo destacado: Complejo residencial cerrado, seguridad, club de golf, club de playa privado y servicios hoteleros disponibles.
Tulum / Aldea Zamá
Lo destacado: Complejo residencial cerrado y el mejor acceso a la playa con ciclopista, seguridad, zona comercial y restaurantes. 78 hectáreas
Tulum / La Veleta
Lo destacado: Rodeado de selva, conserva el sabor de Tulum pueblo y de fácil acceso al centro. Un vecindario para tener en cuenta este 2019. Los expertos opinan que es el área donde compradores, arrendatarios y vendedores deberían tener su atención por el aumento de interés y alza de precios.
Tulum / Centro
Lo destacado: Conveniencia de servicios, corredor de tiendas y restaurantes.
El reporte es extenso, cada mes los datos se actualizan y se agrega más información relevante, esta publicación presenta de forma parcial el primer punto clave. Mi interés es entregarte únicamente las secciones del reporte importantes para ti y enviarte periódicamente las actualizaciones; indícame el sector o sectores de tu preferencia y comienza de inmediato a extender y precisar tu “árbol de decisión mental”.
Posted on October 2, 2016
Playa del Carmen ¿Por qué comprar tu nuevo hogar en pre venta?
Las invitaciones en anuncios espectaculares a comprar tu nuevo hogar en pre venta están por todas las calles principales del centro de Playa del Carmen y en los accesos a la playa.
Este fenómeno es el indicador de una ciudad en crecimiento, los locales y visitantes frecuentes por simple observación opinan que desde finales del 2012 el desarrollo es acelarado, y tiene como motor la demanda compuesta de visitantes, turistas y nuevos locales, todos ellos fascinados por la belleza y el ambiente único del lugar. No importa tu nacionalidad o de donde vengas, Playa del Carmen te hace sentir aún mejor que en casa, y no es un cliché, solo basta con notar que los anuncios de “PRE VENTA” de ayer son los “VENDIDO” de hoy.
Desde mi punto de vista y experiencia como profesional inmobiliario, estas son las ventajas y lo más destacado de comprar en pre venta:
- El precio, las listas de precio de lanzamiento presentan valores hasta de un 30% menor a los precios de unidades terminadas.
- Selección, la oportunidad de elegir la unidad dentro del proyecto según tus gustos y preferencias, como nivel, vista interior o exterior, terrazas, balcones, acceso a la alberca, etc.
- Descuentos y promociones, obten hasta el 15% de descuento del precio de lanzamiento por pagos adelantados superiores al 30% de enganche (mínimo para firmar contrato de promesa de compra-venta). Recibe paquete de muebles y/o equipo que se ofrece en algunos casos solo por tiempo limitado.
- Tipo de cambio preferencial, ante la volatilidad en el mercado cambiario se ha implementado una práctica de tipo de cambio especial USDMXN.
- Financiamiento, el período de duración de obra te permite diferir o programar el pago hasta el 70% del valor del inmueble.
- Modificaciones, la oportunidad de hacer cambios al plano de planta, acabados, pintura y accesorios.
- Seguridad, en este ciclo de expansión hay un selecto grupo de desarrolladores exitosos de gran experiencia y renombre en la zona que cuentan con un gran número de proyectos terminados y vendios. Estos antecedentes dan mayor certeza al inversionista.
- Ubicación, este es un momento histórico clave y único dentro del proceso de vida de la ciudad, encontrar espacios nuevos disponibles en el área de la playa y el centro.
- Ganancia de capital, si tu situación financiera cambia o simplemente decides vender justo a la entrega del proyecto, tendrás garantizadas varias ofertas de compra y una ganancia al cierre de la operación.
Espero que estos comentarios te sean de utilidad, contáctame para recibir más información o asesoría. Te deseo como simpre experiencias maravillosas en la Riviera Maya.
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