4 tips for moving to Mérida, Yucatán and buying a home

What you should know before buying your house and moving to Mérida

Moving to Mérida, Yucatán means benefits, and buying a home is one of them. There are affordable properties, and the cost of living in Mérida is much lower than in other states. That is why, every day, more foreigners and Mexicans choose to move to the capital of the Yucatán peninsula.

If you intend to move to Mérida, Yucatán and buy a house but have no experience in property purchases, here are 4 tips for buying a home in Mérida.

Identify your needs

The first step to living in Mérida and buying a house is identifying what you need. It sounds easy but it isn’t. Investing in a home is a big decision and shouldn’t be taken lightly. The first thing to do is find a real estate agent. These professionals know market prices, have experience and hold a wide portfolio of properties.

Then ask yourself what you need. A small or large home? With outdoor areas? What size? With or without a pool? How many parking spaces?

Next, think about the area you’d like to live in. Why that choice? How close is that neighbourhood to your work or to the things you usually do (going to the club, taking the children to school, etc.)?

Don’t make hasty decisions. Deciding and buying a property is not something done quickly.

Visiting and checking the property

If you’re at this step, you’ve selected several properties and will visit them with your agent. Pay attention to the building itself. If you don’t know much about it, try to go with an architect or a professional from the sector. It will help you make a good decision.

Invest in a legal adviser specialised in real estate

To feel safer with the contract, besides an agent, invest in a legal adviser. They can check that all legal aspects are in order before you buy. With the right advice there won’t be unfortunate surprises after the purchase, nor unexpected clauses in the agreements. Investing in a quality lawyer is vital for contract negotiations and closing the deal.

Hire a reputable real estate agency

If you’re moving to Mérida, Yucatán, real estate agencies have a good reputation. Still, it’s always better to use a firm with experience, recommendations and positive references.

What is the cost of buying a house and moving to Mérida?

Mérida’s real estate market is quite broad, with options for every budget. According to a report by the Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals (AMPI), a 220 m² house can be priced at 9,500 Mexican pesos per m². The same study shows home prices by category:

• Residential plus: houses over 225 m². Around 28,978 pesos per m².
• Residential housing: houses up to 225 m². 14,637 pesos per m².
• Mid-range housing: houses up to 145 m². About 9,000 pesos per m².
• Social-interest housing: houses up to 30 m². 7,085 pesos per m².

Deciding where your next home will be is always a decision that takes time. Living in Mérida has multiple benefits, and buying a home in one of the world’s best cities is reason enough.