Real Estate in Manzanillo, Mexico
Last updated on Apr 02, 2023
Summary: The most desirable neighborhoods in Manzanillo, Mexico are Las Brisas, La Audiencia, and La Punta. On average, a nice 2 bedroom home in Manzanillo costs around $150,000 USD, while a nice 3 bedroom home costs around $200,000 USD. These properties typically include modern amenities such as air conditioning, swimming pools, and private gardens. Foreigners are allowed to own property in Manzanillo, however, they must obtain a permit from the Mexican government. When searching for a home to buy in Manzanillo, it is best to consult with a local real estate agent who is familiar with the area and can provide advice on the best neighborhoods and properties. Additionally, it is important to research the local market and compare prices to ensure that you are getting the best deal.
How do I find a place to live in Manzanillo?
We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"Manzanillo offers a variety of housing options for those looking to move in. The most popular and widely available option is renting an apartment or house. Renters can look for places through online platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo, or search for properties on Mexico-specific websites like Inmosiones that list both long-term rental and sales properties throughout the country. Additionally, visitors can also use a real estate agent or contact a local housing agency to find an up-to-date listing of available spaces. For those looking for more traditional housing options, Manzanillo offers multiple public and private condominiums, gated community developments, and beachfront villas at various price points," explained one person living in Manzanillo, Mexico.
"Neighborhood --- I had visited at a hotel at the bottom of the peninsula in front of the port so I knew that the Las Brisas area was safe, moderated by nearly daily breezes in summer. To my everlasting joy, I discovered that there are no scorpions in Las Brisas, a pest we had dealt with at Lake Chapala. As to a specific home here, all we needed was a 2B2B and there is a hotel with rentals for long term, including electricity in the rent. It has worked out very well," said one expat in Manzanillo.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Manzanillo?
"We live in a house on the beach. Ex-pats live in condos, houses, on the beach, in the hills, we are spread out depending on our tastes," said one expat who made the move to Manzanillo.
"I don't believe there is a "typical" home or apartment in Manzanillo. Choices are varied. Houses in the hills offer spectacular views, cool breezes and a variety of architectural plans. The tradeoff with the nice views is the multiple floors (steps). Flat areas close to or on the beaches offer one-level living, but you give up views and sometimes there's flooding in the rainy seasons, depending on location. Condominiums on or near beaches are varied, from "tired" to well maintained. HOA fees are not reasonable (i.e. Vida del Mar for a 2 bedroom averages $400+ per month). Living in a home on the beaches although beautiful, one should consider privacy and security - all beaches are open to the public. Areas around the resorts and hotels are noisy during holidays and weekends (loud music until wee hours of the morning). The variety of choices makes Manzanillo unique - there's something for everyone, just need to explore for a right fit," explained one foreigner living in Manzanillo, Mexico.
What is the average cost of housing in Manzanillo?
If you are thinking about moving to Manzanillo, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:
"Coming from Vancouver, BC, Canada, I was paying high rentals and when I owned, it was even higher for common facilities. Add utilities to that and Mexico seems very reasonable, indeed. My rent here is just over $6000 pesos and includes utilities. My only additional expense is for telecommunications with cable TV included, which is very reasonable since there is NO long distance charge anywhere in North America. Average costs vary widely, but most are significantly more than what I pay although there are some of us here on limited budgets who manage quite well with Mexican rental fees. I could not begin to live in either Canada or the USA on my pension, but here I have enough to save for "extraordinary expenses". And Mexican medical services cost zero, and the doctors and technical people are trained just like those in expensive hospitals. I've been quite well cared for," said one person in Manzanillo.
"Right now a condo on the beach with 2-3 bedrooms can be purchsed for as low as about 150,000.00 US dollars. This is a buying opportunity. We also have a beautiful house on the beach with 4 bedrooms for 869,000.00 US dollars. It is the perfect time to take advantage of our low prices," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Manzanillo.
"The cost of housing in Manzanillo varies depending on the type of housing and location. Generally, apartments and larger homes located close to the beach tend to be more expensive, while smaller homes on the outskirts of town may be available for cheaper prices. The average cost for housing in Manzanillo is usually between $200 and $800 USD per month," explained one person living in Manzanillo, Mexico.
"The average 3 bedroom condo on the beach is under 200,000.00 USD at this time. There are houses in gated communities from 140,000.00 USD to 2.5 million, depending on your taste," said one expat in Manzanillo.
Should I buy or rent a home in Manzanillo?
If you have not spent a lot of time in Manzanillo, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:
"When deciding whether to buy or rent a home in Manzanillo, it is important to think about your current lifestyle and future plans. Buying a home can provide stability and potential appreciation over time, while renting can provide more flexibility and freedom. Considering factors such as cost, quality of property and access to amenities is also important. If you are looking for more of an investment and are willing to stay in Manzanillo, Mexico for a while, then buying a home may be a better option. However, if you prefer more flexibility and want to move more often or stay for shorter periods of time, then renting a home would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision depends on your lifestyle and needs," remarked one member in Manzanillo.
"We bought a condo that we lived in for 9 years, then sold it and built our house. I is a very easy process, as long as you have a good realtor," explained one expat living in Manzanillo, Mexico.
What do I need to know when buying property in Manzanillo?
When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Manzanillo, they said:
"When buying property in Manzanillo, it is important to understand the local and national laws governing the sale and purchase of real estate, as well as any applicable restrictions and obligations. It is also wise to have any documents related to the property checked by an expert, to ensure the accuracy of the information provided in them. As a foreign buyer, you will need to obtain the required permits from the Mexican government, and take note of any taxes and fees associated with the purchase. Furthermore, you should evaluate the local infrastructure and amenities when weighing up where to purchase property and research the local market to ensure that you are making a sound long-term investment," said one foreigner living in Manzanillo, Mexico.
Are foreigners allowed to own property in Manzanillo?
When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Manzanillo, they said...
"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in Manzanillo. The Mexican Constitution grants foreigners the same rights as Mexican citizens to own property in Mexico. However, foreigners are not allowed to own property within the restricted zone, which is a 50-kilometer strip along the coast and a 100-kilometer strip along the borders. Foreigners must also obtain a permit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order to purchase property in Mexico," explained one expat in Manzanillo.
What appliances are typically included in a rental?
We asked foreigners in Manzanillo what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:
"Rental properties in Manzanillo typically include a stove, refrigerator, washer, and dryer. Depending on the property, additional appliances such as a microwave, dishwasher, and air conditioning may also be available," explained one person living in Manzanillo, Mexico.
Additional Information about Searching for a Home in Manzanillo:
We asked foreigners in Manzanillo what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included...
"Expats can search for homes in Manzanillo by looking online for real estate listings, contacting local real estate agents, and asking other expats for recommendations. They can also look for classified ads in local newspapers and online forums. Additionally, they can attend open houses and visit neighborhoods to get a better feel for the area," explained one expat in Manzanillo.
About the Author
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.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Manzanillo
- Best Markets in Manzanillo
- Retire in Manzanillo Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Manzanillo
- Pros & Cons of Living in Manzanillo
- Driving in Manzanillo
- Cost of Living in Manzanillo
- Health Care in Manzanillo
- Discovering the Best of Manzanillo
- 5 Tips for Living in Manzanillo, Mexico
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Mexico
- Best Places to Live in Mexico
- Banking Tips for Expats in Mexico
- What It's Like Living in Manzanillo
- Pros and Cons of Living in Mexico 2025
- 2025 Guide to Moving to Mexico
- Members Talk about the Cost of Living in Mexico