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Merida, Mexico

Real Estate in Mexico

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Mar 03, 2024

Summary: An expat should begin their search for a home to buy in Mexico by researching the different areas of the country and determining which one best suits their needs. They should also consider their budget and the type of property they are looking for. It is also important to research the local real estate market and the availability of properties in the area. Foreigners are allowed to purchase property in Mexico, however, there are restrictions on the type of property they can purchase. Foreigners are not allowed to purchase property within the restricted zone, which is a 50-kilometer zone along the coast and a 100-kilometer zone along the borders. Houses in Mexico typically include amenities such as air conditioning, a kitchen, a living room, and a bathroom. Some houses may also include a pool, a garden, and a terrace.

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How do I find a place to live in Mexico?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"When we started looking at the money we would have to live on after retirement, I realized that I would never be able to quit work and live comfortably. We started looking at places we could live. We wanted to be close enough to hop up to the states to see family but be able to afford to retire. Mexico was the obvious answer. After much internet research, I stumbled on Lake Chapala. My husband and I knew nothing about Mexico. His vision was from the old westerns. There is a group that provides a week long seminar that will answer all of your questions and also show you the fun side of the area. We booked a trip 3 months away. I used the time to look at real estate offerings. I had limited funds. This is a cash economy so it had to be a house I could afford. They have an MLS listings here so I could check out everything. I contacted a realtor and he helped weed out houses that had issues or less than savory neighborhoods. I wanted city water, a pressurized/filtration water system and city sewer. Many houses are on septic so I knew that I might have to make a compromise there. We had 14 houses on the final list. We bought the second one we had looked at and we paid cash. And it is on city sewer," said one expat who made the move to Lake Chapala.

"We used a local realtor for a while but actually ended up renting a house through a private owner. The house was across the street from one of the properties we viewed with the realtor. My husband asked one of his Mexican co-workers who knew the area and she just happened to know the owner," explained one foreigner living in Comalcalco, Mexico.

"I asked around at work, drove around the neighborhoods by taxi and by chance while exploring a neighborhood on foot I saw a For Rent sign on a very appealing hacienda. I knocked on the door and the owner rented it to me on the spot," said one in Puebla.

"We had a company help us find housing. Only to find out that every place she took us was either her's or a friend. We moved 1 year later. We now live in an Apartment that is about 2500 sq foot. Great view, close to the shopping mal l, etc," explained one expat in Mexico City.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Mexico?

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About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

Merida, Mexico

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Welcome Home Mexico helps you find the perfect home in Mexico.
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Welcome Home MexicoWelcome Home Mexico

Welcome Home Mexico helps you find the perfect home in Mexico.
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