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Real Estate in Merida, Mexico | Expat Exchange
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Merida, Mexico

Real Estate in Merida, Mexico

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Jul 08, 2023

Summary: The most desirable neighborhoods in Merida, Mexico are Centro, Santiago, and Santa Ana. The average cost to buy a nice 2 bedroom home in Merida is around $150,000 USD and a nice 3 bedroom home is around $200,000 USD. These properties typically include modern amenities such as air conditioning, high-speed internet, and a private pool. Foreigners are allowed to own property in Merida, however, they must obtain a permit from the Mexican government. The best way for an expat to search for a home to buy in Merida is to use a real estate agent who is familiar with the area and can provide advice on the best neighborhoods and properties. Additionally, expats should research the local market and compare prices to ensure they are getting the best deal.

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Welcome Home Mexico
Welcome Home Mexico

How do I find a place to live in Merida?

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

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Merida is to search online on websites like Airbnb or Craigslist. Additionally, you can reach out to local real estate agents who specialize in housing in the Merida area to help you find the right place. Another option is to use online expat forums such as Expat-Merida.com, which can be helpful in connecting you with other expats who have experience living in the area, who may even be able to provide tips and advice on finding suitable housing. Finally, you can try personally asking around within the local community to see if there are any housing opportunities available," remarked one member in Merida.

"We wanted to be in the city, near the center. And we wanted a home that was old and renovated. We found lots of homes to choose from," explained one expat living in Merida, Mexico.

"After studyinng the market here for 2 1/2 years and debating renting or buying, we learned a lot about neighborhoods. And we learned the best way to figure out where you want to be is to come down and go airbnb for a while in different neighborhoods to figure out what you want. For those of us on a budget, Norte and Santiago are much too expensive and the father you go from Centro prices fall dramatically. We just bought a house and it was only after looking at very many and being ready to pounce on one that was significantly reduced in price and in excellent condition. Those go very quickly. Even renting, remember if you don't like the neighborhood, you're stuck for a year usually," said one person in Merida.

"Use spanish in your seaches. Casa y depas en PV, departamentos para rentar, etc. It is still better if you rent an airbnb and walk around the area that you are interested in just looking for places that are available. The ones that are real cheap tend not to be listed on the web. NEVER send money as a deposit. Don't hand over any money until you are actually inside of the apartment with the owner or an agent that you are 100% sure is authorized to be acting for the owner," said one expat who made the move to Merida.

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Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.

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Welcome Home MexicoWelcome Home Mexico

Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Merida?

"We rented a 3 BR/3 Bath home. It is very modern and has a small front yard and a beautiful back yard with a pool. It is 2 stories. We also have a terrace overlooking the back yard and a sunny roof top overlooking the front of the house. The house has a large wall around it and an electric gate in the front which is very nice for our 2 dogs and 2 cats. They can go in and out as they please," explained one expat living in Merida, Mexico.

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Welcome Home Mexico

Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.

Learn MoreConnect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Welcome Home Mexico

Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.

Learn MoreConnect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

What is the average cost of housing in Merida?

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

"We are paying $12,000 pesos/month, which is about $625 USD which is less than we paid in a mobile home community in Florida. Our TV/Internet/Home phone is approx. $70/mo. We have not gotten the electric or water bills yet, but we have been told that electric is about the same as the US and water is cheap. Trash pickup is about $3/mo," said one person in Merida.

"The cost of housing in Merida can vary depending on size, location and amenities. Generally, rent for an average one-bedroom apartment will range from about $300 to $500 USD a month, and three-bedroom apartments can start at around $500 USD a month. Prices for more upscale, luxurious housing can be higher," said one expat who made the move to Merida.

"My husband found a two bedroom one bath house in Pensiones neighborhood in Merida Yucatan for about $35,000 USD. It needs another $10k in upgrades or remodeling but it is a cute home and would be great. The rents here are all over the place. But a huge home with a lot of amenities unfurnished in my neighborhood (4 bedrooms or 5 with three bathrooms and so on? Goes for $14,000 Mexican pesos a month. About $675 or $700 USD give or take," explained one foreigner living in Mexico.

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Should I buy or rent a home in Merida?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Merida, 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 Merida, there are several factors to consider. If you are planning to stay in the city for an extended period of time, buying could be a more economical choice. In terms of home values, Merida offers some of the best prices in all of Mexico, meaning its real estate can offer an attractive return on investment. On the other hand, rental costs in Merida are typically very low and offer a range of housing options. This can be beneficial if you are looking for flexibility or prefer to live in more temporary accommodation. Ultimately, it is important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision," said one expat who made the move to Merida.

What do I need to know when buying property in Merida?

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

"When buying property in Merida, it is important to research the local market, understand the legal process, and factor in all associated costs. It is wise to work with a professional real estate agent with knowledge of the Merida area. Additionally, it is important to understand the zoning regulations, title registration process, and any potential title issues associated with the property. As with buying any property, extensive due diligence is recommended and a lawyer specializing in real estate should be consulted. Lastly, be aware that you may also need to obtain an FM3 visa or residency permit in order to purchase property in Mexico," said one expat in Merida.

Are foreigners allowed to own property in Merida?

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

"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in Merida. The Mexican Constitution guarantees the right of foreigners to own property in Mexico, as long as certain restrictions are followed. Foreigners are not allowed to own property within a restricted zone, which is within 100 kilometers of any international border or 50 kilometers of any coastline. However, foreigners can purchase property in the unrestricted zone, which is outside of the restricted zone. Additionally, foreigners must obtain a permit from the Foreign Affairs Ministry in order to purchase property in Mexico," wrote one expat who made the move to Merida.

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Merida 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:

"Most rental properties in Merida, include basic appliances such as a refrigerator, stove, oven, and washing machine. Some properties may also have additional amenities such as a dryer, microwave, dishwasher, cable/satellite TV, and air conditioning," explained one person living in Merida, Mexico.

Additional Information about Searching for a Home in Merida:

We asked foreigners in Merida 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 Merida by looking online for real estate listings, contacting local real estate agents, and searching for expat-specific resources such as expat forums and websites. Additionally, expats can look for rental listings in local newspapers and online classifieds, and ask other expats in the area for recommendations," said one person in Merida.

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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