If you’re interested in investing in the Riviera Maya, you’ve probably narrowed down your options to Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Although there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to real estate investment, there are a few things about each city that might help you make an educated decision.
Whether you want to retire, vacation, or invest in property on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, you can’t go wrong with either Tulum or Playa del Carmen. These young towns have only seen their real estate peak in the past decade, but what exponential growth they’ve had! From condos to single-family homes, the real estate market in both has exploded.
Tulum and Playa del Carmen are both popular destinations for those looking to retire, buy a vacation home, or make an investment property. These towns have seen tremendous growth in their real estate markets over the past decade or so. They both offer incredible opportunities for anyone wanting to invest in Mexico’s Caribbean coast.
Tulum Real Estate Market: Where luxury meets sustainable living.
When you hear the word “Tulum,” what do you think of? Incredible beaches? Ancient Mayan ruins? An amazing nightlife scene? The list of things that make Tulum wonderful goes on and on. But Tulum is also an incredible place to invest in affordable real estate.
As the number of tourists visiting Tulum continues to explode, developers are finding new ways to protect the environment while still giving their tenants amazing, comfortable accommodations.
If you’re looking for a relaxing place to spend the holiday season, Tulum has you covered. Tulum’s developers have been committed to sustainable construction for years now, so you can enjoy your stay in comfort and style without feeling like you’re harming the environment.
Tulum has become an investor’s favorite over the past few years. It’s seen incredible tourism growth and now boasts some of the best infrastructures in the region, so if you’re thinking about investing in a property while vacationing, this is a great place to start.
Tulum is on the rise. It’s not just a vacation destination or a place to visit when you want to get away from it all. No, Tulum is quickly becoming a hub for those who want to live near the beach, but also be able to work remotely and enjoy the beautiful landscape.
If you’re looking to live in paradise and still have access to the best services and real estate options, Tulum is the place for you. The region is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and there’s no sign of it slowing down—in fact, according to Forbes Magazine there was a 76% growth in tourism between 2016 and 2017.
Tulum’s master-planned communities such as Luum Zama preserve 60% of the vegetation while offering high-end services and great real estate options.
Considering buying property in Tulum? You’re not alone. Thousands of foreigners have already purchased homes in the region, and now it’s easier than ever to do, thanks to some recent regulations that make the process more certain.
In the past, there was no legal certainty when it came to titling properties—making that process a bit of a risky one for buyers. But today, regularizations in the processes have helped create a safer environment for home buying in Tulum.
If you’re thinking about purchasing property here, you can feel confident knowing that you’ll be able to do so safely and legally.
Tulum has been a leading vacation rental destination because of its eco-sustainable approach. Tulum’s revenue is always projected to be very favorable and the historic income from our clients has proved that investing in Tulum for vacation rentals is a smart choice.
Although Tulum is super-trendy right now, it isn’t quite as established as Playa del Carmen. However, you shouldn’t let that stop you from investing! Nightly rates for vacation rentals are higher than in Playa del Carmen in certain areas, and the amenities are starting to equal or surpass those of luxury hotels.
Playa del Carmen Real Estate Market: Steady, Safe and Trustworthy
Playa del Carmen has long sought to rival Cancun’s popularity as the top tourism destination in the Riviera Maya. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in Mexico, and government infrastructure funding has helped it keep up with its booming population and influx of tourists.
There’s something about this city that’s hard to put your finger on. Is it the incredible beaches? The incredible nightlife? The incredible culture? It’s hard not to get caught up in the hype.
This once-small-fishing-town is now a bustling city attracting tourists from all over the world—and housing them in very unique ways.
One thing to keep in mind: competition is slightly tougher than it is in Tulum—after all, Playa is a bigger city. That means your prices need to be more competitive, but the 80% year-round occupation rate for accommodation is reason enough to truly consider investing here.
Tulum vs Playa del Carmen
Which as better beaches? Playa del Carmen or Tulum?
It’s tough to compare two white-sand beaches. The truth is, there are no losers when you’re comparing two of the most beautiful beaches in the world. And this is the case with both Playa del Carmen and Tulum, which sit side by side on the southern tip of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
If you’re thinking about beach accessibility, Playa del Carmen has slightly more for tourists, but both have similarly stunning sand.
Sea proximity
While both Playa del Carmen and Tulum are great places to invest in real estate, they have very different characteristics when it comes to proximity to the beach.
In Playa, you can find condos that are half of a block away from the beach, and if you are further away than that, five blocks is the maximum distance. Whereas in Tulum, many hotels and resorts occupy the beach strip.
However, there are some privileged communities like Aldea Zama and Luum Zama that are just minutes away from the beach by bicycle. Many developments offer alliances with some of the best beach clubs for residents to enjoy.
Pre-Construction vs. Re-Sale Real Estate: What’s the difference between Tulum and Playa del Carmen?
In Tulum, you’ll find that most of the properties are pre-construction and in the Playa del Carmen area, there’s a much larger offering in re-sale.
However, you’ll find both options in each city. This is because the real estate market in Tulum is developing rapidly, which means there are more developers building from scratch there.
In Playa del Carmen, there are many new developments with amazing amenities. Although, if you want a property that is ready to be rented out and requires little work, you might want to look at re-sale options, which are abundant.
What’s better as an investment: Playa del Carmen or Tulum?
If you’re on the fence about whether to buy a home in Playa del Carmen or Tulum, consider this: Playa del Carmen has been developing for longer than Tulum, which means there’s more inventory.
And more inventory means you can find some homes and condos that are being sold due to moving or investing in other things at much more affordable prices than you would in Tulum.
You might also be able to find larger options, such as single-family homes, duplexes, penthouses, and studios—not just condos.
So, what is it going to be? Playa del Carmen or Tulum?
In both cities, you’ll find anything from studios to 4-bedroom condos at an average cost of $120,000 USD to $500,000 USD.
If you’re interested in a place with more amenities and a bit more space, the prices will be higher, but you’ll have more to choose from. In Tulum, the real estate options range from $180,000 to $560,000 USD. That’s much less than you’d pay for a studio apartment in NYC.
If you’re deciding between the two cities, we recommend that you take into consideration what your lifestyle is like.
Are you someone who likes their things clean and organized? Maybe Playa del Carmen is right for you! Are you looking for something a bit more laid-back? Maybe Tulum is right for you!
You may also want to consider factors like the amount of time that residents spend there versus the size of their houses and how close they are to the beach versus the restaurants and bars in their neighborhood.
Whether you’re looking in Tulum or Playa del Carmen, both of these vacation destinations can provide you with a range of real estate options. You can find master-planned communities, gated residential areas, or stand-alone properties close to the main downtown area.
Each option has its own pros and cons, and the decision ultimately comes down to your personal preferences, the way you plan on using your property, and your budget.
If you are looking at both these locations as a place to buy a property for an investment or as a place to live then we recommend talking to a real estate agent who can help you find the right property for you.
Click here to contact our qualified real estate agents who can help you find the property you want at no cost and at no obligation.
