These types of residences combine the exclusivity of recognized design brands — such as Armani, Nautica and Elie Saab, among others — with amenities and services equivalent to those of a five-star hotel. These properties are highly valued in the market and can fetch premiums of between 30% and 60% compared to non-branded developments.  

“The success of the branded residence model lies in achieving an optimal balance between a hotel with a globally prestigious brand, first-class residences with year-round hotel service, and a rental program that supports the investment of the parties,” Luis Ruiz, partner at Onirius Hospitality Advisors, told the news magazine Expansión.

These properties offer high-level services such as concierge, wellness experiences, specialized gastronomy and rental programs. 

Once concentrated in iconic luxury markets like Dubai and Miami, these types of residences now extend to other major cities worldwide. In Mexico, these cities include Mexico City, Los Cabos and beach destinations in Riviera Nayarit and the Mexican Caribbean.

Notably, Mexico is one of only two countries in Latin America (alongside Brazil) that are considered emerging powerhouses of branded residences. 

According to Ruiz, Mexico offers the ideal conditions for the sustained growth of this model, as it continues to see international demand, has an established tourism industry and is close to the United States. 

“The country offers unbeatable conditions for this type of development: connectivity, stable demand, and a consolidated offering of hotel brands that are now moving into the residential sector,” said Luis Ruiz, partner at Onirius.

With more than 50 projects in operation or development, Mexico is expected to exceed 50% growth in this real estate market by 2030, with the Caribbean as the main driver. The firm’s report revealed that the number of branded residences in the Riviera Maya is expected to grow a staggering 233% over the next five years. 

Mexico’s growth in branded residences is part of a global trend showing that the population of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI) is expected to increase by almost 30% by 2027.  

“High-net-worth buyers are no longer just looking for property. They’re investing in lifestyle, brand value and long-term growth,” Christopher Cina, Director of Sales at real estate agency Betterhomes, said. 

According to the luxury hotelier Four Seasons, “people now prioritize home offices, wellness areas and community-driven amenities. It also reinforces the importance of safety and thoughtful management.”

Leading the trend is Dubai, with a whopping 160% growth in these types of residences over the past 10 years, followed by Miami, New York and Phuket.

With reports from Real Estate Market, Obras Expansión and James Edition

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According to the latest World Tourism Barometer from the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Mexico, featuring some of the world’s busiest airports, is currently ranking as the seventh most visited country in 2025. So, if you’re thinking about buying a vacation property for yourself or to rent out as a business investment, one thing you’ll want to consider is how close your purchase is to an airport.

To give you an idea of the possibilities out there, let’s take a look at some examples of excellent real estate investment options you can find within an hour of an international airport in some of Mexico’s most popular destinations.

Baja California Sur

This two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment is an example of what’s available in the heart of San José del Cabo‘s desirable hotel zone, directly in front of stunning Costa Azul beach. It boasts the kind of tourist-friendly amenities you’ll want to look for in this sort of property, such as a common area with an exquisitely designed pool, breathtaking views, a gym and a tennis court. Spanning 158 square meters (1,700 square feet) in a prime location, this is a perfect example of an excellent investment property candidate you can rent out or resell easily.

A bit further out from the heart of the action, consider El Tezal, one of Cabo San Lucas’s most desirable residential areas. It’s a convenient half hour from Los Cabos International Airport. Here, there are properties like this competitively priced 128-square-meter (1,377 square feet), two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment with fantastic beach views.

Quintana Roo

Quintana Roo has the blockbuster tourist destination of Cancún, of course, but you might also consider Cozumel, where you can find beachfront apartments like this 190-square-meter (2,045 square feet) standout, located on Cozumel’s west side — which sees little sargassum — close to Cozumel International Airport. It offers stunning views, tennis courts and excellent common areas, including a dining room, a gym and a pool. Are you seeing a pattern? These are the amenities to find in a place you plan to rent out to vacationers.

In addition to having quick access to Cozumel International Airport, you can easily access Cancún International Airport from Cozumel as well, via a one-hour ferry ride.

Playa del Carmen, located an hour from Cancún International Airport, is one of the cities in the Mexican Caribbean with the highest added value. Property prices here can naturally get steep, so if you’re looking for something a bit more affordable, look outside the hotel zone for something like this two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment, located closer to where full-time residents live but still a taxi ride away from the heart of the party.

This modern property spans a more modest 89 square meters (957 square feet) but still includes a pool, gym and grill area in the complex. Located just 10 minutes from the beach and surrounded by picturesque, lush vegetation, this is the kind of destination popular with vacationers who want a quieter beach getaway not surrounded by partiers.

Yucatán

Situated in the heart of lovely, safe downtown Mérida, this sort of home has significant added value. With amenities like a lovely lap pool, high ceilings, a blend of colonial and modern architectural styles and a spacious living room, this two-bedroom property is an excellent option for investment, for living in yourself full-time or for use as a vacation home. It’s also located less than one hour from Mérida International Airport.

Have you heard of Chelem, a fishing village not far from Mérida that’s becoming a more popular destination with expats? For those who like a quieter vacation or retirement destination, Chelem’s beautiful beaches, friendly locals and chill vibe is still a place you can find an ample, reasonably priced apartment like this four-bedroom, four-bathroom, 185-square-meter beauty right in front of the beach. It also includes a jacuzzi, a garden, a large terrace and an infinity pool with sea views in the common areas. The property also offers 24-hour security and even a bar.

Chelem appeals to folks who like to rent a beach house rather than stay in a resort. The town provides the charm of interacting with locals, but you won’t lack basic everyday services like supermarkets. It’s an acceptable 48 minutes from Mérida International Airport.

Jalisco

It’s still possible to find affordable luxury in the charming beach town of Sayulita, like this exceptional though tinier 60-square-meter apartment (645 square feet) with a view of the ocean, yet just an hour from Puerto Vallarta International Airport.

Here you can still find spectacular views of the ocean and the surrounding jungle. This development, for example, features its own infinity pool and beautifully designed common areas, which include a pool, restaurant and bar.

In Puerto Vallarta, there are still opportunities to be found like Casa Muñeca, a 4,232-square meter (45,552 square feet) home in the downtown. This sort of property — which embodies rustic colonial Mexican charm with its traditional adobe walls, high ceilings and talavera tiles — is the kind of property that vacation renters looking for a traditional, more authentic Mexico experience will love.

Of course, you’ll pay a lot more for a property like this — closer to U.S. prices — but with three bedrooms and details like stunning views of the sea, a picturesque rooftop palapa, and a mother-in-law apartment on the ground floor, this property in PV’s Gringo Gulch neighborhood could be considered part of the city’s cultural heritage.

For more affordable options, there’s the town of San Juan Cosalá, just a half hour from the popular expat haven of Chapala and a mere 9 kilometers outside of Ajijic. Here you can find properties like Casa Trinidad, a 350-square meter (3,767 square feet), four-bedroom, five-bathroom home with a pool sited on a 717-square-meter (7,717 square feet) lot. Part of an exclusive development of eight luxury homes that share gardens and recreational areas, it’s a reasonable 50 minutes from Guadalajara International Airport.

Mexico City

And finally, yes, you can still find great properties in the heart of Mexico’s capital, for far less than you’d pay for a condo in many comparable U.S. or Canadian metropolitan hubs.

This 10-apartment development, for example, located in the iconic Santa María La Ribera neighborhood, features two- and three-bedroom apartments with a throwback California Mission-style facade but with updated, modern interiors. Located in the central Cuauhtémoc borough, one of Mexico City’s most valuable areas, it’s the kind of property that you’ll always be able to rent or simply enjoy whenever you visit.

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But anyone who’s been to Mexico City knows that it’s bigger and more complex than you’d think. I am always surprised by how many beautiful neighborhoods, monuments and parks I pass in the taxi on my way to my grandmother’s house. It’s not enough to love the vibes of Mexico City if you want to live there. You have to put in the time and effort to learn about what makes it unique and what boroughs and neighborhoods speak to you as a temporary or permanent resident.

After my conversation with Dr. Benjamin Bross, a local Mexican architect, I learned that it’s important to understand Mexico City architecture before you can dive into engaging with the real estate market.

Dr. Bross currently teaches at the University of Illinois and is the author of the 2022 book “Mexico City’s Zócalo: A History of a Constructed Spatial Identity.” He’s been a licensed architect for 30 years and has over 75 projects in eight countries under his belt. Not only is he a force in the Mexican architecture community, but his knowledge is invaluable. 

“Mexico City is built in the same pattern as many Latin American cities in that you can read the structure of various neighborhoods and understand the design philosophies of different generations that have come and gone,” Dr. Bross told me. “It’s polycentric from an architectural point of view, meaning every neighborhood in Mexico City functions as its own center. It evolves over time while maintaining its distinct identity and soul.”

A great example of this is Condesa, which is the product of Mexico City architects’ adherence to the garden city movement, which started in the late 19th century with the English Urban planner Ebenezer Howard. Howard’s idea was to create areas that had a good balance of housing, work opportunities and green spaces, and in Mexico, his movement led to the birth of Parque México, Parque España and similar places where life and businesses thrive. 

It’s a neighborhood that has a lot to offer and carries history at every corner. It’s personally where I like to stay whenever I find myself in Mexico City, and it turns out this is a mutual feeling I shared with Dr. Bross when we started diving into real estate. 

“Condesa would be my first choice in terms of places I’d live in because it is very walkable. It’s rich in experiences, restaurants, art galleries and culture,” Dr. Bross told me. 

“You see [that] the garden movement’s influence works well here if you look closely, and it’s the reason I believe [Condesa] attracts both locals and foreigners. You see old and young couples, corporate professionals and retirees inhabiting the same places. Small cafes, restaurants and food stalls are embraced by their community and give Condesa a little more color. It’s just a neighborhood that’s so alive.” 

Dr. Bross also noted that Contadero, in the borough of Cuajimalpa, would be another great choice for those looking for a quieter neighborhood to call home in Mexico City that’s less known among tourists. It’s a beautiful, rural area near the forest and the Sierra de las Cruces mountains. It feels like a small town within a big city, but it’s also quite accessible to modern areas like Parque La Mexicana and the Santa Fe shopping center.

The more I learn about Mexico City, the more I log onto real estate sites to dream about what kind of apartment or neighborhood I’d like to someday call my forever home. But as Dr. Bross informed me, it’s crucial to know what you’re signing up for beforehand. 

“Real estate can be complicated in Mexico for those who are not from there. It’s important that you try to understand how ownership works before you purchase anything. That’s my first piece of advice,” Dr. Bross said. “The good news is that it’s very possible to buy real estate successfully even if you don’t hold Mexican citizenship, but do your homework and be sure to seek insight from a real estate advisor or a lawyer.” 

“I’d also say not to buy a place in Mexico City thinking it’ll be a safe investment. The Mexican real estate market isn’t as predictable as the American one, where you can follow economic cycles and know how they work.” 

“Governments and laws can change really quickly, and if you’re not prepared for that reality, it can cause unwanted stress if you hope to make a good return with your investment in the event you want to rent out your apartment and gain passive income. If you’re going to buy an apartment or a house, be sure it’s primarily for you to have a place of residence and not a cash cow.” 

Now, with the recent protests in Mexico City against gentrification, Dr. Bross’s honest advice rings true. And he also argues that Mexico is a victim of its own success due to the way it built up neighborhoods like Condesa, Roma Norte and Coyoacán to be great places to call home, only to encounter unexpected issues due to the high costs of living that developed there.

However, Mexico City’s architecture community is still thriving in modern times and bringing forth new and exciting masterpieces that’ll likely continue to build on its polycentric reality and help maintain Mexico City’s creative heartbeat. 

Torre Monarca, Dr. Bross’s latest project in Mexico City, is a residential building in the Polanco neighborhood, located in front of the Canadian embassy. It’s designed to represent the monarch butterflies found in Chapultepec Park and to give each tenant their own unique sense of place in the capital, whether they live on the top or bottom floor. It’s also meant to integrate tenants with Chapultepec Park, one of Mexico City’s most important sites. 

Torre Monarca, which Dr. Bross hopes will become an urban landmark, is one of several projects being planned every day that aspire to feed into Mexico City’s cultural makeup. This constant aspiration is the reason I believe Mexico City is a notable standout in modern architecture and will continue to attract expats and inspire everyday people all over the world. 

Ian Ostroff is an indie author, journalist and copywriter from Montreal, Canada. You can find his work in various outlets, including Map Happy and The Suburban. When he’s not writing, you can find Ian at the gym, a café or somewhere in Mexico visiting family and friends.

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Her goal was to create art and artistic decor objects for different spaces using these traditional materials.

The result of her work toward this goal is the M.A Estudio initiative, a studio that brings sculptures, carpets and other art objects to life, celebrating modernism, Mexico’s traditions and design. 

“The magic of M.A. [Estudio] is that it was born intuitively, without overthinking, and evolved through exploration and experimentation,” Ávila told Mexico News Daily as she sat recently down to discuss her Mexico City studio.

One of Ávila’s primary objectives is to foster collaborative projects while preserving traditions and honoring artisanal heritage and processes. So M.A Estudio operates on a collaborative model based on building long-term relationships with traditional artisans. 

“To me, fair trade implies a 360-degree approach: It must be fair to those who create, produce, sell and buy it. It must be viable and functional for everyone,” Ávila said.

M.A Estudio emphasizes the value of handmade items and the traditions that produce them. 

“We love artisan processes, not just working with artisans. We cherish everything related to crafts, handmade work, artisan culture and traditional processes.” 

 

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For Ávila, handmade processes are intimately tied to the earth and to culture. They highlight identity, natural resources and the region in which they were created.

Long-term relationships with artisans

Since its inception in 2017, one of M.A Estudio’s strengths has been its long-term collaboration with five artisan families based in regions known for their rich artisanal traditions, including Oaxaca, Chiapas, Guerrero, Puebla, Michoacán and Mexico State.

When it comes to the creative process, Melissa maintains an open mind. While she designs most pieces, certain series are created in collaboration with artisans. 

“The studio is a space where I envision us all fitting together, so we are open to new collaborations and techniques. There is always a spirit of transformation, and we are adaptable to meet evolving needs,” she said.

The GEEL series is one such collaboration: It was designed with members of the Michoacán Purépecha community known as the Zipiajo. The series features a technique that smooths clay using materials like mud, fine black sand and red earth, known as charanda, for its final finishing touches. 

“Many other collections feature my designs, which artisans appreciate, allowing us to create prototypes together. Sometimes, I’m hired by associations, NGOs and other institutions to mentor artisan groups,” Ávila explained.

Values make the difference

It’s important to avoid generalizing or romanticizing Mexico’s artisan sector, Ávila said, while also  supporting the community and recognizing its complexities 

“Mexico has an abundance of talent. It is a vast country and we must continue to seek ways to promote this heritage,” she said.

M.A Estudio also provides opportunities for creators to design their own products and produce them with the handmade team, giving them access to a stable income. They can rely on M.A Estudio for the entire design and production process.

“For me, the future is collaborative at any level,” Ávila said. 

She is pleased to observe a growing public interest in understanding where products originate, she said. 

“The goal for us as consumers is to become more aware of our purchases, to comprehend their origins and to acknowledge their impact on the planet and the people who create them,” she said.

With its unique designs, created using ethical practices, M.A. Estudio departs from the common practice of merely reselling handicrafts, instead integrating a thoughtful design process that is deeply connected to communities. The result is a stunning collection that brings joy and elegance to spaces.

You can find full links to their work here.

Ana Paula de la Torre is a Mexican journalist and contributor for Milenio, Animal Político, Vice, Newsweek en Español, Televisa and Mexico News Daily.

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Real estate industry trade shows in Mexico have played a crucial role in this boom by providing investors with one-stop shopping for the essential information they need to make informed investing decisions.

Today, we share some of the most relevant real estate expos being held in Mexico each year, arranged from the oldest to the most recently established.

If you’re looking to invest in real estate in Mexico as a home for yourself or as a business opportunity — whether on the individual or large scale — attending one of these trade shows can give you a leg up on knowing the property investment landscape. In many cases, you can also network with the companies, banks and government figures you may need to know in order to invest in real estate in Mexico.  

The Real Estate Show

Considered one of the most important events in the real estate sector in Mexico and Latin America, this expo was established in 2004 and has served as a key meeting point for experts, investors and developers in Mexico for over 20 years. 

Created by ADI, it just had its 2025 event this month, featuring speakers including academics, government representatives and sector experts.

Smart City Expo LATAM

Recognized as the most important forum for promoting smart cities in Latin America, this annual event, while not strictly a real estate expo, is a great platform for discovering innovative real estate businesses promoting environmentally responsible solutions and efficient resource and waste management. It’s also good for networking with a wide array of key players throughout Mexico and internationally who are interested in building smart cities.  

This expo, which took place in Puebla earlier this month, brings together mayors and experts from over 300 cities worldwide, along with companies, institutions, academics and thought leaders. 

Expo Real Estate

This industry conference features insights from political analysts, bank directors, corporate executives, academics, politicians and urban planning experts and attracts 5,000 visitors each year. 

Typically a two-day intensive event, it features around 100 stands and over 400 investment opportunities in Mexico, the U.S., and Latin America. It also includes workshops and more than 100 speakers, usually held in February. 

Nuevo Leon Real Estate Summit 

One of the most important real estate events in the industrial center of northern Mexico, the NL Real Estate Summit brings together leaders and experts from academia, the private sector and public services, attended by the most important figures in housing development and industry promotion. 

Organized by the National Chamber of the Housing Development and Promotion Industry (CANADEVI) in Nuevo León, it’s a popular event within this sector. 

Expo Tu Casa Total

With over 80 exhibitors, this expo is targeted more toward individuals seeking to buy a home or apartment in Mexico to live in, or perhaps buy and rent out as a small business opportunity. It offers numerous opportunities to purchase houses, apartments or plots of land from real estate companies based in Mexican states with some of the highest projected capital gains opportunities. 

The event, being held this year at the World Trade Center in Mexico City in July, attracts at least 9,000 visitors annually.

Attendees can enjoy conferences led by experts, exclusive promotions and personalized consultations.

Expo Cihac

With 35 years of history, this annual event, taking place in October 2025 at Mexico City’s Banamex Center, covers the entire construction, architecture and interior design industry, hosting over 500 national and international exhibitors. If you’re planning to develop properties in Mexico, this is the ideal place to find all components involved in a construction project, as well as engaging conference events. 

Discover a variety of furniture, construction equipment, outdoor furnishings, appliances, and installations, among other offerings. 

Expo Invierte

2025 marks the Invest Expo’s ninth edition. This more intimate industry event will showcase over 30 exhibitors presenting information about the most promising real estate investment destinations in Mexico — locations promising annual capital gains of 11%, including Nuevo León, Jalisco and Mérida. 

Last year’s event in Monterrey, Nuevo León, attracted 2,500+ visitors. The next edition will be held this November 20 and 30 at the World Trade Center in Mexico City.

Expo Urbanismo 

Although relatively new, this event has quickly become a hotspot for industry figures and investors interested in southeastern Mexico.

Featuring more than 50 real estate developers, architects, builders, and materials suppliers, the Urbanism Expo is where investors can browse strategic opportunities for development in Mérida, Yucatán and the rest of southeastern Mexico. It also provides a valuable opportunity to learn about market trends, establish connections and discover new business prospects.

Expo Vivicon

This fair takes place in Guadalajara, Jalisco, focusing on housing, construction and design. Typically held in June, Vivicon is an excellent venue for those looking to build, remodel, decorate or purchase homes. This year saw the event’s fourth edition, with more than 120 exhibitors. 

The event is targeted mainly at residential development, with many of the major housing developers in Mexico represented. It’s an ideal location to find investment opportunities, expand your professional network, and attend workshops and conferences.

Expo Negocios Inmobiliarios 

The Real Estate Businesses Expo (EXNI), in its 12th consecutive year, is organized by the real estate magazine, Inmobiliare. Taking place in October 2025, this will be a proudly zero-emissions event taking place at the iconic Camino Real hotel in Mexico City. 

Why attend? This trade show is not only a hub for real estate offers in Mexico but also a forum for discussing and addressing challenges in the pursuit of a modern, sustainable real estate market. Workshops and over 60 exhibitors will also feature prominently.

Some other great events worth a mention:

• Expo Casa y Jardín, where you will find everything you need for the construction and design of your house and garden.
• The Real Estate Tech Expo, which focuses on real estate technology and showcases the latest innovations in as AI property valuation, e-contract systems, brokerage and marketing support, property management tools and more.

The post Want to buy property in Mexico? Check this guide to Mexico’s real estate expos first appeared first on Mexico News Daily

One of these men, José Cruz Gómez Corona, worked for the owner of La Aurora, Don Francisco Garay Sr., but he had different ambitions. In a glass shop that stood across from La Aurora, he learned to cut and etch and engrave glass, to bend and to shape it. He saw his newly acquired skill as the road to a better life, and in the back of one of the small houses built for Aurora’s workers, where he lived with his family, he made a studio. There, he invented a device that etched glass. 

In the interim, local artisans were trying to sell small glass jewelry boxes to tourists, but with little luck. José saw something in that box and changed the look by adding a door and etching the glass — and voila! They sold!

Then along came a guy, Maya, from the U.S. He ordered boxes — first a few, then hundreds and then thousands — selling them to U.S. stores like Sears and Pier One, changing José’s life forever. His days of working for Don Francisco were over. 

José taught his son Gustavo all he knew about glass, and when the boy was about 15, his uncle, Rafael, who worked for United Art Glass in Naperville, Illinois, asked if he’d like to come to the United States. He went. 

The company’s owner, Joe Freeze, asked him to demonstrate his ability in glass work by making a lampshade, which Gustavo did. This led to a full-time job, and within a few months’ time, Gustavo, despite speaking very little English, was the workshop’s manager, and his uncle, his employee.  

The company was known for its traditional leaded-glass windows, stained-glass repairs, and artistic workshops, catering to both hobbyists and professional artisans — and whenever Freeze had a job to install or to assess, he took Gustavo with him. Once he learned that Gustavo knew how to create shades in the Tiffany style, Gustavo’s horizons expanded, and so did his career. 

Never leaving Freeze behind, Gustavo also worked part-time for other prestigious companies in the area, including Amity Stained Glass and the legendary Norman Bourdage, as well as Curran-Glass, which specialized in leaded-glass restoration, custom beveled glass and bent glass and the production of stained glass windows and light fixtures.

Bourdage crafted bespoke stained-glass windows, lamps and decorative panels for residential and commercial clients and also restored church windows, but it was at United Art Glass that Gustavo learned lead canes — the art of making slender, grooved bars of lead alloy that join individual pieces of glass into a unified panel. This technique, dating back to medieval times, remains the foundation of creating durable stained-glass artworks, particularly for architectural installations — and now Gustavo was a master! 

In the early 20th century, Frank Lloyd Wright had made his mark in Oak Park, Illinois, which was not far from Naperville, and so there was a lot of his glass to be restored. Wright had designed and built about 38 structures in the Oak Park area, and that’s where Gustavo and Curran-Glass came into play. 

Gustavo had opened his own studio in 1991, in Wheaton, Illinois, aptly called, Wheaton Stained Glass. Buying an old Victorian home, perfectly suited to his trade, he worked on Frank Lloyd Wright restoration and repairs, along with Curran-Glass, while making his own objets d’art and teaching classes in stained-glass design. 

But alas, all good things must come to an end. Gustavo was an undocumented immigrant, and although he bought property legally and paid his taxes, the IRS felt differently, and Gustavo was given a year to exit the U.S. There was no choice but to return to San Miguel. He had not cut ties there. He had commuted back and forth over the years and had a wife and two sons, whom he rarely saw. But it was time to go.

Coming back was not easy, but he figured if he could do it in the U.S., he could do it in San Miguel, and 25 years ago, this fantastic business was born. 

Gustavo is an artist in stained glass, and glass of all kinds — from classic to modern, from windows and doors and to lighting and more. He worked and learned from top artists and architects in San Miguel along the way and became diverse in his knowledge of furniture and lighting, creating custom pieces for all facets of home décor. And these clients, knowing his talent and artistry — and his insatiable desire for perfection, happily gave him their trade. 

Working with his two sons, Carlos and Christian, Gustavo hopes to take the business to a new level of design, and to expand into real estate, architecture and construction. 

“We never saw COVID-19 coming,” he said, “so you can make plans, but you don’t know… It’s up to you to make it happen. When you fall down, you get up. When you fall down again, you get up again… It’s called persistence.”

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According to the Mexican Association of Tourism Developers (Amdetur), vacation property ownership in Mexico is expected to be one of the fastest-growing segments of tourism this year, with an estimated 6% increase. Mexico is expected to have around 785 vacation ownership developments by the end of 2025. 

So, where are the new and rising spots? The ideal places for a vacation home base and a smart investment? Read on to find out.

Compostela, Nayarit

This charming Pacific colonial town, about 30 kilometers from Tepic, is known for its beaches, but it is also home to the impressive lake, El Molino, which is an important ecological reserve home to wild boar, deer, chachalaca, chana, peacock and quail. It’s also a culinary destination for many Mexicans due to its fresh seafood and many food festivals throughout the year. Compostela offers scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, parachuting, paragliding, hang gliding, ultralight flying and zip-lining, as well as biking. 

In recent years, there has been an increasing real estate development activity, especially in the town of El Monteón around the popular lakeside La Mandarina resort area, which is also less than 5 kilometers from Nayarit’s beautiful beaches.

Valladolid, Yucatán

This charming colonial city, also known as “The Pearl of the East,” this Magical Town quickly becoming one of the most visited places in the state of Yucatán. Surrounded by countless attractions — pristine cenotes you can swim in, a colorful historic downtown filled with restaurants and colonial architecture, traditional Mayan beekeeping farms, nearby archaeological sites and the stunning Coloradas (a series of pools whose high salt content gives them an intense pink color). 

Valladolid is also one of the most important and fast-developing areas for real estate in Yucatán, thanks to its accessibility from the Cancún and Tulum international airports and its proximity to major archeological sites like Chichén Itzá. According to the report Forecast for the Real Estate Market in Valladolid, Yucatán (2024–2025), this location is set to become a leading destination for real estate investment in the coming years. 

Land in Valladolid will remain a cornerstone of this growth, thanks to factors such as rising land values and government incentives to build new eco-friendly tourism infrastructure between 2024 and 2027.

Cadereyta, Querétaro

This beautiful Magical Town is renowned for its gastronomy, particularly the Querétaro Wine and Cheese Route. In Cadereyta, you’ll find a wealth of traditional local dishes to sample, including barbacoa de carnero, nopal dishes, local versions of pulque — a traditional Mexican alcoholic beverage that dates back to the pre-Hispanic era — and local sweets.

Fans of outdoor activities can explore Cadereyta’s Grutas La Esperanza caves or hike to impressive waterfalls like Velo de Novia in the nearby community of Maconi. Caderetya also attracts mountain bikers and sky divers, thanks to its breathtaking scenic landscapes, and folks intersted in lesser-known Mexican archaeological sites nearby, such as the Ranas y Toluquilla archeological zone, believed by INAH to date back to A.D. 400. 

Luxury housing developments such as La Capilla Residencial offer a potential home base for repeat vacationers or a rental property for Cadereyta’s growing tourism. Located in the heart of Querétaro’s five Magical Towns, it offers promising capital appreciation, security and comfort. 

Orizaba, Veracruz 

Surrounded by forests and the spectacular snow-capped peak of Orizaba, this is one of the most colorful and picturesque cities in Mexico, with an iconic cable car that reaches the Ecoparque Cerro del Borrego, its botanical garden and the Iron Palace designed by Gustave Eiffel. 

According to real estate experts, a high demand for housing is expected in Veracruz, particularly in Orizaba, which has become one of the state’s most visited places in recent decades. It’s a perfect place for vacationers interested in outdoor activities like hiking.

Tlaxcala city, Tlaxcala

A few months ago, Mexico News Daily dedicated an entire article to discussing what makes Tlaxcala city one of the best places to live or invest in Mexico. Among its advantages is that the state of Tlaxcala has become one of the safest in the country. It’s also one of the cheapest. 

Tourists come to this capital city — only 90 kilometers from Mexico City — for its colonial ambiance and its historic and archeological sites, particularly Cacaxtla, known for its well-preserved murals. Tlaxcala city is also rapidly becoming a foodie haven for those interested in Mexico’s ancestral cuisine.

All these factors have driven tourism in Tlaxcala city up by 42% just between 2022 and 2023. And in 2024, the real estate sector grew by between 10% and 15%, according to Israel Moreno Carpinteyro, president of the Tlaxcala section of the Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals (AMPI). Property values in the state also registered an annual increase of 14.7% during the first quarter, making Tlaxcala city the place to invest in a vacation property while the prices are still low.

Sisal, Yucatán

Sisal, on the northwest coast of Yucatán, is a day trip’s ride from the more popular Mérida, with its own treasures to offer: Known for hosting the El Palmar Ecological Reserve, this area is famous for pink flamingo sightings and its turquoise waters and beautiful beaches. 

Thanks to its reserve, Sisal remains well preserved. It was officially named a Magical Town in 2020, which has generated significant interest from area real estate investors. It should be noted, however, that there is controversy among residents regarding the promotion of sustainable and orderly development. If you decide to invest in vacation property here, you’ll want to do so responsibly.

Atlixco, Puebla

Known as the “city of flowers” due to the richness of its fields, Atlixco is filled with tradition and history.  In recent years, it’s become the most visited city in Puebla, rated as one of the best tourist sites in Mexico in 2024, according to Booking.com. Located just 25 kilometers from the capital, Atlixco is also one of the most affordable of Mexico’s Magical Towns in which to buy property.

Atlixco has several water parks for family vacation fun in spring and summer, an abundance of flower markets famous across Mexico, the Indigenous Huey Atlixcáyotl harvest festival every September, and the Cerro San Miguel, where you can take in sweeping, panoramic views of Atlixco and its surrounding valleys. 

Thanks to these attractions and more, Atlixco’s Airbnb market in 2025 is stable and growing, with the city attracting 1.2 million tourists per year. According to the property investment site, airroi.com, the year-on-year revenue increase in Atlixco’s short-term rental market was 3% between June 2024 and May 2025, making this historic city a promising place to invest in vacation property.

Finally, special mentions go to:

• Mascota, Jalisco, a beautiful colonial town located near the Western Sierra
• Mineral de Pozos, Guanajuato, another gorgeous colonial town surrounded by old mines that got international attention in 2021 when it hosted the Mexico selection of the prestigious wine competition, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.
• El Oro, Hidalgo, also a colonial mining town that’s enveloped by a forest known for welcoming migrating monarch butterflies.

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“Our mission is to empower people with peace of mind,” MexEdge founder George Reavis said in a press release. “Buying property in Mexico should feel exciting, not stressful.”

MexEdge was created “to remove the financial guesswork and give our clients clarity, control and confidence in their investment.”

On its website, MexEdge says it provides “tailored solutions to fit the needs” of expats purchasing real estate or making other significant transfers.

“Through exclusive partnerships with leading [foreign exchange] banks, we offer corporate-level exchange rates, forward contracts to lock in your rate and personalized support every step of the way,” it says. 

With two years of experience in Mexico, MexEdge aims to help expats and international buyers save money and eliminate risks when exchanging US dollars, Canadian dollars or other currencies to Mexican pesos.

MexEdge says it can help clients make sense of “a global environment shaped by shifting trade policies, tariff talks and increasing market uncertainty.” 

The company has also published a handbook entitled: “The Ultimate Guide to Saving Money on Currency Exchange for Expats in Mexico.” The guide is available for free on its website.

MexEdge says “currency volatility has become a serious concern for foreign buyers,” driving demand for its brokerage services.

With the peso reaching new highs and the dollar losing strength, U.S. and Canadian buyers face greater exposure to unpredictable currency swings, which can add thousands of dollars to the final purchase price.

On his LinkedIn page, Reavis says his company works “alongside real estate professionals to simplify currency planning, reduce financial surprises and deliver smoother closings for international clients.”

Among his more than 25 years in real estate development, construction and finance, Reavis has spent seven years working in Mexico. 

He says he created MexEdge “as a direct response to challenges I faced in my own projects,” including the experience of watching promising deals nearly fall apart, or being undercut by sudden shifts in the dollar/peso exchange rate that added thousands more to the bottom line.

With reports from EIN Presswire

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Just one year after the prize was established, Mexican architect Luis Barragán was named as its second recipient. His acceptance speech, delivered at Dumbarton Oaks in Washington, D.C., is widely regarded as one of the most memorable in the history of the award. Architectural Digest described it as “a love letter to architecture.” Jay A. Pritzker, cofounder of the prize, told the press in 1980 that Barragán was chosen because his architecture embodied “a sublime act of the poetic imagination.”

Although no other Mexican architect has won the prize since, the country continues to host several significant works by laureates from around the world. These projects contribute to Mexico’s architectural heritage and reflect its openness to international collaboration. Below is a selection of Pritzker Prize-winning architects who have built in Mexico and the projects that exemplify their work.

Tadao Ando (1995)

Japanese architect Tadao Ando is renowned for his minimalist designs that balance natural light, materiality and harmony with the environment. In Mexico, he is responsible for two significant projects:

• The Roberto Garza Sada Center at the University of Monterrey. Housing the university’s art, architecture and design schools, the building has become an institutional icon. Its form resembles an open portal, framing the mountains of the nearby Cumbres de Monterrey National Park. “I began the design of the building by drawing a simple figure of a box,” Ando said. “By making a cut in the middle of this figure, I came up with the idea of transforming the box into a door.”

• Casa Wabi in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. Serving as the main headquarters for the Casa Wabi Foundation, this coastal retreat fosters dialogue between contemporary artists and local communities. “This is a very unique project where I used unusual materials that allowed me to create architecture and spaces that cannot be replicated anywhere else,” Ando said.

Toyo Ito (2013 Laureate)

Awarded the Pritzker Prize in 2013, Toyo Ito is known for fusing technological innovation with organic design. His only project in Mexico, the International Baroque Museum in Puebla (MIB), is a fluid structure composed of curved, paper-like walls and reflective water features. The building itself is considered a work of contemporary art.

Kenzo Tange (1987)

Kenzo Tange, a pioneer of modernist and Metabolist architecture, designed the former location of the Japanese Embassy in Mexico City in collaboration with Mexican architects Pedro Ramírez Vázquez and Manuel Rosen Morrison. Completed in 1976, the structure reflects elements of Japanese regionalism and features prominent horizontal lines and Brutalist characteristics.

Richard Meier (1984)

American architect Richard Meier is best known for his abstract white forms and extensive use of glass. In Mexico City, he designed the Cuarzo Tower, a 40-story complex equipped with more than 450 in-line friction dampers to mitigate earthquake impact. The tower includes office space, retail areas, restaurants and sports facilities, all connected by a shared base.

Luis Barragán (1980)

The only Mexican architect to win the Pritzker Prize, Luis Barragán remains one of the most influential figures in modern architecture. His iconic projects include Casa Gilardi, Fountain of the Lovers, Casa Luis Barragán, Satellite Towers, Cuadra San Cristóbal and Casa Egerstrom. Barragán’s work is known for its vibrant color, emotive spaces and a design language inspired by Mexican vernacular, colonial heritage and Moroccan influences.

David Chipperfield (2023)

British architect David Chipperfield designed the Museo Jumex in Mexico City, his first Latin American project. The museum’s minimalist travertine façade and monolithic form offer a moment of calm in the urban landscape. The museum promotes the production, discussion and dissemination of contemporary art.

Zaha Hadid (2004)

The late Zaha Hadid, the first woman to win the Pritzker Prize, developed several visionary projects for Mexico, although none were built. Her designs included the Bora Tower in Mexico City, Esfera City Center in Monterrey and Alai Towers in Cancún. The Bora Tower, inspired by Frida Kahlo and Mexican cultural motifs, was halted due to permitting issues.

Mexico continues to engage with the global architectural community through a dynamic blend of local and international talent. Though only one Mexican architect has won the Pritzker Prize to date, the country remains fertile ground for groundbreaking architecture. Figures such as Mario Pani, Ricardo Legorreta and a new generation of designers contribute to Mexico’s status as a hub for architectural innovation.

Ana Paula de la Torre is a Mexican journalist and collaborator for various outlets including Milenio, Animal Político, Vice, Newsweek en Español, Televisa and Mexico News Daily.

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The municipality of Juitepec belongs to the Cuernavaca metropolitan area but has somehow preserved part of its rich historical and cultural identity. It became particularly significant in the 1960s when it built one of the most organized industrial parks in Mexico, known as the Cuernavaca Valley Industrial City (CIVAC), which also became a residential neighborhood inside Jiutepec. 

But over time, residential areas of the CIVAC neighborhood near the industrial park turned abandoned and were perceived by residents as dark, isolated and even dangerous. Skateboarders, however, had turned the abandoned area into an informal skate park.

Revitalization came with the creation of the CIVAC Linear Park. 

The project was initiated in 2021 as part of the Urban Improvement Program (PMU 2021) of the Ministry of Agrarian, Territorial and Urban Development (SEDATU), which focuses on urban reconstruction in vulnerable areas. The design was created by the renowned Mexican architect Rozana Montiel Saucedo, in collaboration with Claudia Rodríguez, the coauthor of the project.

Today, the linear park connects two neighborhoods, enhancing mobility in the area, and serves as an integrated green space for government offices, community services and resident learning and recreation.

CIVAC Linear Park was conceived to renovate vulnerable urban areas while fostering a sense of belonging and community pride. It also aimed to incorporate green spaces, honoring the area’s existing natural spaces, and so one of the project’s main goals was to minimize the concrete footprint and adapt the design to the natural environment.

The result features intriguing paths shaded by original trees, achieving a unique balance between landscape, architecture and local materials.

For example, the park’s civic center — home to government offices and a wide range of municipal social and community services — was fragmented to fit into the clearings between endemic trees over 50 years old, using porches and platforms of Texcal stone and sand-colored pigmented concrete. Throughout the park, nature and architecture combine, and a series of platforms, terraces and galleries connect the buildings with courtyards, gardens and rest areas, harmonizing them with the natural environment.

“We found a large number of endemic trees in the area that were over 50 years old. The challenge was to incorporate all the existing trees into the design,” the project description explains.

Stretching 1.15 km, the linear park is a continuous pathway that respects the existing vegetation while expanding in certain areas to incorporate sports facilities and playgrounds and reclaim previously hostile spaces.

It culminates in a multipurpose circular forum built with Texcal stone steps, encouraging community interaction. The fountain’s seasonal activation as a public pool has stimulated local commerce, revitalized the surrounding area and provided a recreation alternative on the hottest days. 

An all-community hub

The CIVAC Linear Park has become a popular meeting place in Morelos, thanks to the civic complex containing spaces for a ceremonial hall, a first aid center, speech therapy and psychological care workshops and a children’s playground. The civic center includes a public library, a cafeteria and customer service areas. Outside, residents use a purpose-built skate park for either practicing their skate moves or BMX freestyle cycling.

In the civic center library, the primarily wooden design is aesthetically pleasing, featuring an entrance filled with natural light. The structure also utilizes sand-colored pigmented concrete, creating a serene atmosphere and serving as a gateway to culture for visitors. The skate park was built with sand-colored pigmented concrete.

Recognition

Since its opening in 2022, thousands of visitors have frequented the CIVAC Linear Park, a testament to its popularity. The project has also garnered attention in the architectural world, winning awards such as the ADUS LATAM 2023/2024 Award from the prestigious French Saint-Gobain foundation, which recognizes sustainable and innovative architecture. It also received the Obras Cemex 2023 International Edition Award in the Social Value category and was nominated by the National Biennial of Mexican Architecture (FCARM) in the Landscape Architecture, Parks, and Squares category at the Biennial XVIII 2024. 

Additionally, it has been nominated for the Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize at the Illinois Institute of Technology, a biennial established to honor excellence in built works of architecture across the Americas.

But perhaps one of the greatest things about the CIVAC Linear Park is how it seamlessly integrates governmental administrative offices with the life of the surrounding community. It serves as a connector for mobility in the city while creating a green oasis that respects and enhances the native environment. It is truly a source of life in numerous ways.

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