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Real Estate in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico | Expat Exchange
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Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Real Estate in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on May 04, 2024

Summary: The most desirable neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico are Marina Vallarta, Conchas Chinas, Mismaloya, and Nuevo Vallarta. The average cost to buy a nice 2 bedroom home in Puerto Vallarta is around $200,000 USD and a nice 3 bedroom home is around $300,000 USD. These properties typically include modern amenities such as air conditioning, swimming pools, and outdoor terraces. Foreigners are allowed to own property in Puerto Vallarta, however, they are not allowed to own land within 50 kilometers of the coast. The best way for an expat to search for a home to buy in Puerto Vallarta is to use a real estate agent who is familiar with the area and can help them find the best property for their needs. It is also important to research the area and the local market before making any decisions.

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Welcome Home Mexico
Welcome Home Mexico
Welcome Home Mexico

How do I find a place to live in Puerto Vallarta?

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

"My favorite area is 5 Diciembre with a more local atmosphere and more Mexican nationals full time occupants, than some of the others," explained one person living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

"I initially chose to move to the marina area which is quite nice and a bit pricey but far from downtown Puerto Vallarta. I then moved to the Southern area of Puerto Vallarta, Old Town. This is a very trendy area and the prices are often far higher than other neighborhoods, despite this being the less modern area," said one expat in Puerto Vallarta.

"Versalles, Aralias & Fluvial just to name a few. Rentals are found easy with boots on ground. You need to view in person and no deposits until you arrive. Otherwise, most likely, you will have a problem with your deposit and may never see it. In Zona Romantica (my opinion is that it’s for visitors/tourist) you will have fireworks almost every night, many tourist, road blocks for celebrations/water repairs, spring/winter breaks, flooding during the rainy season, and parties non-stop," remarked one member in Puerto Vallarta.

"One way to find a place to live in Puerto Vallarta is to browse online listings of available properties. Several real estate websites offer listings of apartments, condos and houses for rent in Puerto Vallarta. Additionally, a popular option is to use the services of a local real estate agent or company, who will be able to provide personalized advice and assistance. If necessary, it may also be possible to use local bulletin boards in the area to find available properties. Finally, it can be beneficial to speak to local business owners, as they may be able to point you towards suitable housing options," explained one expat living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

"I am currently happily settled in Puerto Vallarta, where I find there are more activities that I am comfortable joining than I found in Mazatlán. Though Vallarta is more "verticle" than Mazatlán (which is one of the features that appeals to former Vancouverites), there are also plenty of flat areas with nice homes and amenities and, personally, I rent 4 blocks from the beach (the last block before the hill)," said one person in Puerto Vallarta.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Puerto Vallarta?

"A typical expat home or apartment in Puerto Vallarta is typically surrounded by lush vegetation and is located in a tranquil neighborhood. The interiors vary greatly, but generally feature bright colors, tropical decor and open living areas. The balconies and terraces are often outfitted with balustrades and offer breathtaking views of the ocean or mountainous terrain. Modern amenities and convenience are often a priority for expats, including a fully-equipped kitchen, ample storage space and comfortable furniture," explained one person living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

"The 5 Diciembre neighborhood of Puerto Vallarta is charming and has many good restaurants. I stay in a 4th floor apartment in the Paramar Hotel, great breakfast, wonderful staff," said one expat in Puerto Vallarta.

"I live in an apartment/condo. This is typical housing when living in town. Condos were built around the older homes of the locals which are usually very poor, built for convenience rather than for comfort. If living out of town, or up on the hills surrounding Puerto Vallarta, villas and luxury condos are common and frequent. Some of latin America's most famous architects have designed villas in these areas," remarked one member in Puerto Vallarta.

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What is the average cost of housing in Puerto Vallarta?

If you are thinking about moving to Puerto Vallarta, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The cost of housing in Puerto Vallarta varies greatly depending on several factors, such as location, size of the home, and amenities. A basic one-bedroom apartment in the city center may range from 750 to 1,200 US dollars per month, while larger homes in more upscale areas may cost up to 5,000 US dollars or more. Additionally, renting a villa in the area can range from several thousand US dollars to over 10,000 US dollars per month depending on size and amenities," said one expat who made the move to Puerto Vallarta.

"Much lower. I moved here from New York where my rent was close to 3,000 USD for a loft. My rent now is around 700 USD for a very nice 1 bedroom. Inland, apartments start at $100-$300 USD for decent apartments. To be near the beach however, expect to pay no less than $600 for something decent, and around $1000 for something really nice. Utilities are unpredictable but inexpensive for the most part. I work for InsidePV.com so I have at least 2 computers running all day, and occasionally run the air conditioner. This runs me about $35 USD per month. If I run the air conditioner regularly, the bill can easily jump to double or triple," explained one foreigner living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Should I buy or rent a home in Puerto Vallarta?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Puerto Vallarta, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"Deciding whether to buy or rent a home in Puerto Vallarta depends on your individual needs, preferences and budget. Renting a home might suit those looking for short-term housing or those who enjoy variety in their living arrangements. Purchasing a home could be a great option for those looking for a long-term residence or those wanting the security of owning their own property. Before making your decision, consider your personal preferences, needs and budget, as well as the benefits and drawbacks associated with each option," explained one person living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

What do I need to know when buying property in Puerto Vallarta?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Puerto Vallarta, they said:

"When buying property in Puerto Vallarta, you should always consult with an experienced real estate lawyer who is familiar with local laws and regulations. Additionally, it's important to make sure that you are buying legitimate, registered property with a clear title, as there are sometimes scams in the area. You should also investigate the surrounding area and potential amenities, such as distance to the beach and local shopping, schools, and medical facilities. Researching the local housing market can also be beneficial to ensure that you are making a sound investment. Lastly, calculate your closing costs to ensure that they are in line with what is expected," said one foreigner living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Are foreigners allowed to own property in Puerto Vallarta?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Puerto Vallarta, they said...

"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in Puerto Vallarta. Foreigners can purchase property in Mexico through a fideicomiso, which is a bank trust that allows a foreign buyer to own property in Mexico. The fideicomiso is set up by a Mexican bank and the foreign buyer is the beneficiary of the trust. The bank acts as the trustee and holds the title to the property on behalf of the foreign buyer. The foreign buyer has the right to use, possess, and enjoy the property, but the bank holds the title to the property," explained one person living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Puerto Vallarta 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:

"In a typical rental property in Puerto Vallarta, renters will find basic kitchen appliances such as a refrigerator, range, and oven, as well as laundry appliances such as a washing machine and clothes dryer. Air conditioning is also a commonly included appliance in Puerto Vallarta rental homes, as well as other amenities such as a television, internet access, and a hot water heater. Many renters also find basic furniture and décor when renting a home in Puerto Vallarta," explained one foreigner living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Additional Information about Searching for a Home in Puerto Vallarta:

We asked foreigners in Puerto Vallarta 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 looking for homes in Puerto Vallarta can search online for real estate listings, contact local real estate agents, or attend open houses to find the perfect home. They can also search for rental properties, such as apartments, condos, and villas, and inquire about long-term leases. Additionally, expats can look for homes in popular expat neighborhoods, such as Marina Vallarta, Conchas Chinas, and El Centro, to find a home that fits their needs," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Puerto Vallarta.

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.

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