14 Things to Consider Before Buying a Property in Puerto Vallarta

Author: Marcel Vobejda

Senior Advisor 28 February, 2025

Properties in Puerto Vallarta are among the growing industries in Mexico. Puerto Vallarta has a broad choice of beachfront vacation houses, cottages, townhouses, apartments, condominiums, and vacant lots. The place offers many things, such as beaches with fine sand, excellent weather, and delicious cuisine. In addition, Properties in Puerto Vallarta are more affordable than in the United States. Puerto Vallarta’s unique characteristics have made way for one of the most popular beach real estate markets, particularly in Mexico. Property in Puerto Vallarta ranges from $100,000 to $9 million. Furthermore, the costs per square meter range from $1,000 to $13,000. It is essential to understand that there are things to consider before buying a property in Puerto Vallarta.

Listed below are the 12 things to consider before buying a property in Puerto Vallarta.

  • Expenses: Determining the payments is vital to the buyer. Costs must meet the buyer’s budget. Make sure to spend on a property that meets the budget.
  • Robust Infrastructure: The buyer subconsciously asks about access or connectivity with other parts of the city. Homebuyers have to get inclined toward a project with the correct infrastructure.
  • Good Environment: A good environment is the most important thing to consider before purchasing a property. Take an experience of the area by walking around. Pick a reliable real estate agent that is knowledgeable about the area. A real estate agent must have solid recommendations from around the area.
  • Safety and Security of the Place: The safety and security of the place are vital to prevent accidents and crimes. Safety and security are affected by the design of the property. It is better to avoid features inside a property that causes tripping, slipping, or burns to have a safe place.
  • Plans and Purpose of the Property: Figure out the objectives and purpose of the property before making any move to buy property. The goals and purpose must be aligned according to the desired property.
  • Tax Rates: The tax rates are essential to determine the expenses of buying a property in Puerto Vallarta. Property. Annual Property Tax rates usually cost $800 or less annually,
  • The Size of the Property: Consider a property that sustains all the buyer’s needs. The vast size of the property is for buyers that need more space. An extensive property has a lot of room to maintain. It has more utilities to pay and more things can go wrong.
  • Crime Rate: Knowing the rating of crime in the area is essential. It is to secure the stay in the property.
  • Property Inspection: Have a property visit for inspection. A property inspection helps the buyers uncover issues or damages to the property. Check every corner of the property. Inspect any issues or damages such as foundation problems, rot, pest issues, roof damage, mold, improper insulation, out-of-date wiring, and much more. These problems are severe and affect the value of the property.
  • State of the Neighborhood: Experience the state of the neighborhood by walking for a few blocks in every direction. Check if the community is being built up and refined.
  • Electricity and Appliances: Home appliances are expensive. Make sure that the machines are for long-term use. Consider a specific preference for home appliances and the age of the current devices in the home. Check all the electrical wires to see if they are all working and safe.
  • Quality of Construction: Construction quality is a hallmark of Puerto Vallarta real estate.Buyers check that the property can survive all forms of weather, making it an ideal alternative for any occasion.. Additionally, Puerto Vallarta’s construction rules ensure that every project is created with safety and stability in mind. Therefore, purchasers or investors are able to rest easy knowing that the property’s structure is trustworthy and secure.
  • Property Amenities: The establishments in Puerto Vallarta provide all the facilities required for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. As a consequence of exceptional craftsmanship and stringent safety regulations, each property’s foundations are built to withstand all weather situations. Numerous facilities, like swimming pools, outdoor cooking areas, patios, and balconies, are provided in residences. Additionally, some apartments for sale provide modern amenities like refrigerators, washers/dryers, dishwashers, and microwaves.
  • How easy it is to re-sell a property: Real estate in Puerto Vallarta is straightforward to sell due to its high-quality construction and strong security measures. Additionally, comforts like high-quality dishwashers and microwaves increase its attractiveness to prospective buyers. Resale properties in Puerto Vallarta is a wise decision with all these benefits.

1. Expenses

The buyer’s expenses must meet its budget. Make sure to spend on a property that meets the budget. Getting a pre-approval for a loan is not an instant lock. However, a pre-approval loan gives a good idea of what sort of mortgage the buyer can handle. The buyer’s mortgage approval numbers dictate how much the buyer needs to consider for a down payment. Usually, the down payment ranges around 20 percent.

2 . Robust Infrastructure

Homebuyers tend toward a project with proper infrastructure. The first thing that the buyer subconsciously asks about is the place’s connectivity with other parts of the city. It is essential when attempting to purchase a house. A good infrastructure near the property allows for an accessible route to other parts of the city. Generally, consider a property accessible to other parts of the city.

3 . Good Environment

One of the most vital considerations to consider when buying a property is having a good environment. Experience the people around the area. Choose a real estate agent with solid recommendations from around the neighborhood. An experienced real estate agent knows their stuff, so it is better to listen to them. Buying a property is a significant decision, which is the reason to consider having a good environment.

4 . Safety and Security of the Place

Safety means preventing accidents, while security means preventing crime. The design of a property or home affects its safety and security. Avoid features inside the house that cause tripping, slipping, or burns to have a safe place. The security of a home improves with design features that minimize access and opportunities to hide. Attention to exterior design, in particular, reduces the crime risk.

5 . Plans and Purpose for the Property

Determine the plans and purpose of the property. The buyer must have the goal and purpose of the property before purchasing a property. Then, align the objectives and drive according to the desired property. Align the objectives and drive according to the desired property. Puerto Vallarta offers different kinds of property, such as beachfront property, condominiums, apartments, houses, offices, warehouses, commercial farming, hotels, and new residential development. These properties are ideal for investors who want to build a business in Puerto Vallarta.

6. Tax Rates

The tax rates are essential to estimate the expenses of buying a property in Puerto Vallarta. Property taxes in Puerto Vallarta are meager. It is usual to have annual property taxes of $300 or less. Most of the time, property taxes in Puerto Vallarta often run higher than about $800. Property taxes must be paid yearly. Payments for property taxes go to Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT). Failure to pay Mexico Property Taxes and Tax Rates has consequences. Failure results in substantial fines, legal action, and even deportation

7. The Size of the Property

The size of properties in buying a property in Puerto Vallarta matters. An extensive property means there is more space to maintain. Big property has more utility bills to pay and more things that are able to lead wrong. Consider how much space a person or a family needs, including its previous belongings. Consider looking for a townhouse or condo if all the homes are more prominent than a person or a family requires.

8. Crime rate

The rating of the crime rate is essential to secure a stay on the property. Generally, the crime rate in Puerto Vallarta is low. The security and safety protocols are excellent in the places of Puerto Vallarta. Observe the surroundings to see if the people are friendly and respectful before buying a property. Carefully do some research on the site, which a lot of people prefer.

9. Property Inspection

Schedule a property visit for an inspection. A property inspection is not just a formality. Inspections frequently uncover severe issues with all types of properties. Serious issues include foundation problems, rot, pest, roof damage, mold, improper insulation, out-of-date wiring, and much more. Knowing about these kinds of problems is vital before making a final decision. On the other hand, the good news is that a concern or a problem often leads to a new offer. Most of the time, the seller offers a lower price if there are a lot of troubles. Sometimes, the seller has a condition where the seller pays to fix the issue before officially buying it.

1 0. State of the Neighborhood

Inspect the state of the neighborhood. Have a walk for a few blocks in every direction and see what is to see. Check if the community is being built up and refined. Additionally, observe the average age of the people in the neighborhood. Reconsider buying a house if the results make the buyer uneasy.

1 1. Electricity and Appliances

Home appliances are expensive to replace. Consider a specific preference for home appliances, as well as the age of the current appliances in the home. Upgraded appliances must be a requirement or a bonus for some homebuyers. However, it is not necessary for other people. Generally, if the appliance is more than ten years old, the time is coming for a replacement. Always ensure that the appliance can last longer and is of good quality. On the other hand, check all the electrical wires to see if all are working and safe. Electricity causes trouble, such as fires, when it is not secure.

12. Quality of Construction

Properties in Puerto Vallarta is renowned for superior construction. Buyers ensure that the property is able to withstand all types of weather, making it an excellent option for any circumstance. Additionally, Puerto Vallarta’s construction codes ensure that every structure is constructed with safety and stability in mind. Therefore, buyers or investors may rest easy knowing that the property construction is dependable and safe.

13. Property Amenities

The properties in Puerto Vallarta provide all the amenities necessary for a pleasant and pleasurable stay. Each property is designed with sturdy foundations to resist all weather conditions  due to superior craftsmanship and safety rules. Several amenities available in homes, including swimming pools, outdoor cooking areas, patios, and balconies. Additionally, some apartments feature contemporary conveniences such as refrigerators, washers/dryers, dishwashers, and microwaves.

14. How easy is it to re-sell a property

A property in Puerto Vallarta is simple to sell due to its high-quality construction and stringent security standards. Additionally, conveniences such as quality dishwashers and microwaves make it even more appealing to potential purchasers. Selling in Puerto Vallarta is an excellent choice with all of these advantages.

What are the Properties for Sale in Puerto Vallarta?

Properties for sale in Puerto Vallarta are among the growing industries in Mexico. Puerto Vallarta, amid Banderas Bay, is known for its beaches with beautiful sand, excellent weather, and delicious cuisine. The characteristics of Puerto Vallarta have made way for one of the most popular beach real estate markets, particularly in Mexico. Even in a post-pandemic environment, Puerto Vallarta real estate trends have been very positive. Puerto Vallarta has elevated itself to the status of a highly desired place. It is for both commercial and domestic endeavors because of the increasing acceptance of remote work Buyers, sellers, and investors are drawn to the property and real estate market in Puerto Vallarta for various reasons. Properties and real estate for sale in Puerto Vallarta include houses, apartments and condos, office spaces, warehouses, industrial spaces, commercial farms, hotels, and new residential developments. Currently, the most popular property for sale is the house. There  is enormous demand for houses with four bedrooms, three bedrooms, and two parking spaces in the real estate business. The homes with three bedrooms and two bathrooms cost around $447,069. On the other hand, homes with two bedrooms and a bathroom cost an average of $353,707. The average cost increases to $1,065,258 if the house is in a subdivision. Furthermore, in development or other housing complexes, the price decreases to $385,466. Houses in the tourist areas of Puerto Vallarta have an average sale cost of $1,260,267. The place and lot size matter in the price of the house for sale. A house with a more significant number of substantial square feet than a typical modest house costs more. Secondly, over 80% of apartment and condo sales fall in the $100,000-$450,000 price range, which is the most popular bracket. The average sales price of apartments and condos in Puerto Vallarta has increased significantly and steadily over the previous five years. Apartments and condos in Puerto Vallarta valued at $260,000 in 2016 and $340,000 in 2020. Investors and buyers are able to save a lot of money on pre-construction offers. Pre-constructions offer at least 66% of all sales in the apartment and condo market, and 50% of apartment and condo sales are 2-bedroom apartments. Thirdly, the demand for office space has shown a noticeable geographic shift over the past few years. It is from the popular western suburban markets back to more central locations closer to white-collar residential neighborhoods. The average sale cost of an office for sale in Puerto Vallarta is around $450,000-$1,500,000. However, higher commercial and retail office space prices are in highly urbanized areas. Fourthly, hotels for sale in Puerto Vallarta are among the real estate businesses that have gained popularity. The cost of hotels for sale varies depending on location, neighborhood, and the distance to the beach. Generally, hotels for sale in Puerto Vallarta are within the price range of $1,500,000-$2,050,000. The properties closer to tourist destinations and beaches cost higher than the other properties. Lastly, Puerto Vallarta has several construction alternatives for renters or investors searching for a turn-key holiday residential unit or retirement and relocation property. New residential development for sale is a fantastic choice for those wishing to invest in the area. A new residential development for sale in Puerto Vallarta is undergoing pre-construction. The properties are for pre-selling, which is around $150,000-$950,000. The properties for presale most of the time are homes and condos. The sizes of new residential development in Puerto Vallarta start at 1,000 square feet, and a 2,000 square feet unit is available. Nothing short of spectacular to describe the Property and Real Estate for Sale in Puerto Vallarta[1] .

What is the Average Cost of Property in Puerto Vallarta?

The average property price in Puerto Vallarta ranges from $100,000 to $9 million. Puerto Vallarta’s property and real estate prices per square meter range from $1,000 to $13,000. Homes with four bedrooms, three bedrooms, and two parking spaces are predominating in the real estate business. The average price of three bedrooms and two bathrooms is $447,069. On the other hand, the two bedrooms and a bathroom cost an average of $353,707. Moreover, the cost of owning a Property in Puerto Vallarta[1]  is different if the property is in a subdivision. The average cost increases to $1,065,258. However, in development or other kinds of housing complexes, the property costs decrease to $385,466. The houses in the tourist areas of Puerto Vallarta have an average price of $1,260,267.

How to Purchase Your Desired Property in Puerto Vallarta?

There are 6 main steps in purchasing the desired property in Puerto Vallarta and 5 supporting steps. The 6 main steps are determining the budget, finding a realtor or broker, finding an ideal property, negotiating the price and terms, submitting an offer to purchase, and checking the sale contract or agreement. Firstly, determine the amount for an ideal property in Puerto Vallarta. It is crucial to buy a property because it is a big purchase, and the money involved is enormous. It is necessary to determine the budget and stick to the decision on the generous amount to pay. Secondly, find a real estate agent that meets the buyer’s needs and demands. Having a reliable real estate agent is helpful for real estate transactions,  especially  for buyers who plan to buy a property in Puerto Vallarta. A realtor or broker specializes and represents the buyer or seller in real estate deals. Thirdly, find the ideal property that meets the budget and the buyer’s criteria. Finding an ideal property is easy with a real estate agent that listens to the buyer’s needs and desires. A real estate agent must show properties that match the buyer’s criteria. Fourthly, negotiate the Price and Terms through the help of property analysis. Run a current analysis to make sure that buyers pay the desired amount. Make sure not to overpay for the property. Fifthly, submit an offer to purchase with the help of a real estate agent. The real estate agent helps the buyer in submitting an offer to purchase. The offer to purchase includes terms and prices. It is going to process, once the buyer finds the ideal property. Lastly, check the sale contract or agreement to make sure everything is accurate. Check if all the agreement of both seller and buyer is written in the sale contract. It is time to draw up the final sales contract once everything is hashed out. Furthermore, the 5 supporting steps are, establishing a bank trust, issuance of the clear title of the property, closing notario, establishing an escrow account, and moving into the property. Firstly, establish a Bank Trust once everything has been hashed out, as well as the terms and price, have finally been agreed upon. Secondly, the issuance of a clear title to the property is important.It is to make sure the title is free and clear of any liens. Additionally, make sure that the property has no encumbrances before buying any property.Thirdly, a closing notario is essential for buying a property in Puerto Vallarta. The Notario Público or Notary Public is a licensed attorney. The attorney must be certified and appointed by the government. Fourthly, escrow is a legal agreement that permits a neutral third party. The purpose of an escrow account is to keep the money or the property until the buyer and seller satisfy the specific conditions. Escrow utilizes property buying in Mexico to protect the buyer and seller throughout the process. Lastly, moving into the property is the final step. The keys together with the legal documents must be handed to the buyer. The buyer must secure all the documents upon moving to the property. Make sure that all processes are done before moving into the property. Completing a real estate transaction includes managing the costs associated with the purchase. People are often asked “How to Buy Property in Puerto Vallarta?[1] ”, because investing in real estate in Puerto Vallarta is a growing industry in Mexico. Thus, being guided by the process of investing in a property in Puerto Vallarta is an advantage. How to buy Property in Puerto Vallarta.  

What are the Requirements Needed to Purchase a Property in Puerto Vallarta?

Listed below are the requirements needed to purchase a property in Puerto Vallarta.

  • Fideicomiso: Fideicomiso is a bank trust in Mexico, and it qualifies non-citizen investors to obtain any Mexican property within the restricted area. Fideicomiso or trust comes from the Latin word “fideicommissum” “Fides” means faith, and “commissus” means commission. Moreover, there are three parties involved with Fideicomiso. The three parties are the Trustee, the Purchaser, and the Seller. The Fideicomiso was instituted in 1973. It serves as a way for foreigners to have all the rights of residential property owners in the Restricted Zone without technically owning the real estate. Since its creation, the fideicomiso has become even more friendly and convenient for foreign investors. Generally, a Fideicomiso is one of the most important Mexico Real Estate Investment Requirements[1]  for foreigners.
  • Copy of real estate title: A real estate title is an essential document. It serves as proof of possession. A real estate title allows the holder to sell the property or transfer all or part of the interest in the property.  The title indicates who has the rights to the property. Property rights include the right of possession, control, exclusion, enjoyment, and disposition. . Non-citizen individuals, companies, or Mexican companies with foreign owners are able to purchase real estate property for residential purposes in a restricted area. However, it is through a bank trust .
  • Investor’s information: An investor is any individual or entity who engages in entrusting capital to have financial returns
  • . The investor’s information is essential. The information must contain the name, date of birth, social security number, and address.
  • Beneficiary information: A beneficiary is a person or entity who receives the benefits of the property owned by someone else. Moreover, a Fideicomiso is an arrangement where the trustee holds the property and has a beneficiary in acquiring a property in Puerto Vallarta. There are two beneficiaries involved in Fideicomiso. The two beneficiaries are the Primary and the Substitute. The primary beneficiary is the buyer and is able to enjoy all the rights and attributes of the possession. However, the substitute beneficiary is the one who receives the requests upon the death of the primary beneficiary. The beneficiary information must include the full names of the beneficiaries and the substitute beneficiaries. Additionally, the information must include the foreign addresses and phone numbers of the beneficiaries and the photo identification of the beneficiaries.
  • Signed contract of deal: A Signed Contract or Deal is a lawfully binding agreement. The signed contract shows a mutual understanding and agreement to the terms and conditions indicated in the contract. The purpose of signing a deal is to prove that the buyer voluntarily enters into the contract with the seller and is bound by that contract’s obligations.
  • Trust deed:  In real estate transactions that require financing, a deed of trust, often referred to as a trust deed, is a document that is occasionally used instead of a mortgage. When a borrower creates a deed of trust, the property’s legal title is handed over to a third party, such as a bank, an escrow business, or a title company, to be held in escrow until the borrower satisfies the terms of the loan. The trust deed is commonly known as the deed of trust. Furthermore, a trust deed is an agreement to transfer the property to a third party that keeps title to the property and manages the same in favor of specified beneficiaries. The trust deed has a necessary purpose. The purpose of the trust deed includes removing the property from future creditors and reaching certain or ex-family members; conditions to pass the property to beneficiaries, guarantee a private mortgage, and hold property in the restricted zone for the non-Mexican beneficiary. The deed of trust determines the management of the property trust as well as the distribution of property privileges.

How long is the process of buying a Property in Puerto Vallarta?

The duration of the process for buying a property in Puerto Vallarta usually takes 2–3 months or less. The length of purchasing a property still depends on the number of properties the investor views. The process is until deciding which one to purchase. Buying a real estate investment in Puerto Vallarta is straightforward. The length of finalizing a contract and taking possession of the property is about 45 to 90 days. However, it depends on factors such as if the property is still pre-owned or in the pre-selling stage. Additionally, there are some circumstances that affect the duration of the process. The factors include difficulties in certifying the title and the non-debt certificates; and the volume of work on the bank and notary.

Is Puerto Vallarta one of the best places in Mexico to live?

Yes, Puerto Vallarta is one of the best places in Mexico to live. Puerto Vallarta has made the list three times as the best place in Mexico to live. Puerto Vallarta ranks as the second-best place in the world to retire in the 2022 report, scoring an A+ or A in nine of the 13 categories. The 13 categories are the cost of living, healthcare, entertainment, recreation, English fluency, the expat community, infrastructure, access to North America, environmental factors, crime, real estate restrictions, residency, and taxes. Moreover, the living experience in Puerto Vallarta offers many benefits to the people settling in the place. Puerto Vallarta offers beautiful beaches and tourist spots. Staying in the area provides its people with a lively and fresh atmosphere from the ocean’s lovely ambiance and cool breeze. Living in Puerto Vallarta is significantly cheaper compared to other regions and countries. Budgeting is not something that people find concerning. Furthermore, the place has a lot of transportation systems to offer. The place has tons of taxis, buses, and Uber available depending on where the passengers choose to arrive. The transportation fee is cheap, affordable, and convenient for people without cars. Additionally, there are a lot of places to stay or live in Puerto Vallarta. The apartments are scattered around the city, with good deals. The available apartments are well-maintained and well-furnished. Generally, Puerto Vallarta has excellent security and safety protocols regarding serious matters. The healthcare facilities are good enough to compensate for the needs of the patients.

Is Puerto Vallarta Ideal for Retirement?

Yes, Puerto Vallarta is an ideal place for a retirement destination. Puerto Vallarta offers an exceptional stay because of its beautiful set of beaches and other tourist landmarks such as the Marietas Islands and Los Muertos Beach. Puerto Vallarta was known to be the best place to retire in the world in 2010. Furthermore, Puerto Vallarta is a great city in Mexico for retirement because living costs are cheaper compared to other cities and regions. The climate is not significantly harsh, which is perfect for older adults. Additionally, there are healthcare clinics and hospitals that are highly accessible for regular checkups. The clinics and hospitals treat common elderly diseases, which is great to have in a place for retirement. The security of the elderly is ensured in the city; Locals in Puerto Vallarta are nice and friendly. The locals are respectful towards their peers, especially foreigners and the elderly. The living experience in Puerto Vallarta is excellent and satisfying, especially for retirees. Generally, the city provides almost everything a retiree is looking for in terms of comfort and convenience,given that the cost of living is cheap and properties are not overpriced.

Is Puerto Vallarta have a lot of Properties up for Sale?

Yes, Puerto Vallarta has a lot of properties for sale. Properties in Puerto Vallarta have a wide range of choices for investors. The city offers properties such as beachfront vacation houses, haciendas, townhouses, apartments, condominiums, and vacant lots. Puerto Vallarta properties are more affordable compared to the United States. The buying process for a property in Puerto Vallarta starts with the preparation for shopping, followed by financing.

Marcel Vobejda

Senior Advisor

Based in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, México.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *