Playa del Carmen is the most established place to buy property in the Riviera Maya. You will find condos a few steps from the beach, homes in gated communities like Playacar and land in newer neighborhoods on the west side of town. It sits about 45 minutes south of Cancún International Airport and an hour north of Tulum, so it works as a full-time home, a winter base or a rental property.
Below is a short guide to the main neighborhoods, the types of property on the market and how the buying process works for foreigners. Our current Playa del Carmen listings are further down this page.
Why buyers choose Playa del Carmen
- Easy access. Direct flights to Cancún from most of the US and Canada, a short drive on Highway 307 and a ferry to Cozumel from downtown.
- A walkable town center. Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida) runs parallel to the beach, with restaurants, shops and services within walking distance of many condo buildings.
- Daily life all year. Private hospitals, bilingual schools, supermarkets and a large community of foreign residents make it easy to live here full time.
- Vacation rental appeal. Condos near the beach and Fifth Avenue are popular with visitors throughout the year.
Best neighborhoods to buy in Playa del Carmen
Downtown and Fifth Avenue
The busiest part of town, between the beach and 10th Avenue. Expect studios, one- and two-bedroom condos and penthouses with rooftop pools. It suits buyers who want to walk everywhere and investors focused on vacation rentals. Gonzalo Guerrero sits just off the main strip.
Playacar
A gated community south of downtown with tree-lined streets and private security. Phase 1 is next to the beach, and Playacar Phase 2 surrounds a golf course with single-family homes and low-rise condos. It is popular with families and retirees who want quiet streets close to town.
Zazil-Ha
A small residential area between downtown and Playacar, close to the beach and the south end of Fifth Avenue. Its condo buildings are a short walk from the action but on calmer streets. See our Zazil-Ha listings.
Colosio
Luis Donaldo Colosio is a residential neighborhood in the north of town. Prices per square meter are usually lower than downtown, and new condo buildings keep opening. It is a good fit for long-term rentals and buyers with a tighter budget.
Ciudad Mayakoba and the west side
Ciudad Mayakoba is a master-planned community on the west side of the highway, with parks, walking paths and new homes. Nearby gated communities offer houses and residential lots for buyers who want more space.
Corasol
Corasol is a gated community south of Playacar, near Xcaret, with modern condos and homes and its own amenities.
Property for sale in Playa del Carmen
- Condos and penthouses: most of the listings in town, from studios to three-bedroom units, many with rooftop pools.
- Houses: mainly in Playacar and in gated communities on the west side.
- Beachfront property: a limited number of oceanfront condos along the downtown beach and north toward Punta Esmeralda.
- Land: residential lots in gated communities for buyers who want to build.
- Presale: new developments sold before or during construction, usually with payment plans.
Buying property in Playa del Carmen as a foreigner
Foreigners can buy property in Playa del Carmen. Because the city is within 50 km of the coast, the purchase is made through a bank trust called a fideicomiso. The bank holds title on your behalf and you keep every ownership right: you can live in, rent, sell or leave the property to your heirs. The trust lasts 50 years and can be renewed.
The usual steps are: you sign an offer and a promise-to-purchase agreement, pay a deposit, the notary runs the title checks and the trust permit is requested, and you close at the notary’s office. Closing costs include acquisition tax, notary fees and the trust setup; your agent will give you an itemized estimate before you sign. Read our full guide to buying and selling in Mexico.
Renting out your property
Many owners rent their condo to vacation guests when they are not using it. Before you buy, check the building’s rules on short-term rentals, the monthly maintenance (HOA) fee and who will handle bookings and cleaning. Ask our agents about the rental rules in any building you are considering.
Work with RE/MAX Maya in Playa del Carmen
Our office is in Playacar Phase 2, and our bilingual agents have helped buyers from the US, Canada and Mexico since 2011. We can show you properties in person and walk you through every step of the purchase. Contact us to talk to an agent.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners buy property in Playa del Carmen?
Yes. Foreign buyers use a bank trust (fideicomiso), which gives full rights to use, rent, sell and inherit the property for a renewable 50-year term.
How far is Playa del Carmen from Cancún Airport?
About 55 km, or roughly 45 minutes by car on Highway 307.
Which neighborhood is best for vacation rentals?
Downtown, near Fifth Avenue and the beach, usually has the most demand from short-term visitors. Playacar and Zazil-Ha appeal to guests who want a quieter stay.
Can I buy a property in presale?
Yes. Many new developments sell before completion with payment plans. Check the developer’s track record, permits and delivery date before you sign.
Do you only sell in Playa del Carmen?
No. We also list property in Tulum, Puerto Morelos, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal and Cancún.
