Editor’s note: This one is personal — not a real estate guide, but the story behind why I do what I do. I first wrote it years ago for my own blog, johnforget.com, and it has lived online since 2010. It recounts the leap my family took back in 2003, when my wife Christie, our four kids and I packed a 15-passenger van and moved to a country we had never even visited. I’ve moved it here to Mexico Life Realty and freshened up only the contact details — everything else is just as it happened, more than twenty years ago.

Sunset over Sylvan Lake, Alberta, on the family's last Canadian summer before moving to MexicoOur last Sylvan Lake sunset.

My journey to Mexico is a lot different than most. First of all, I had never been to Mexico before I moved here. Did I mention that I came with my wife? If you know me, you know Christie. We have been together…

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Editor's note: I originally wrote this article in 2006 or 2007, and it has been updated along the way as the rules and the market have changed. It first appeared as a blog article on my personal site, johnforget.com. The advice has held up remarkably well — the updates are in the details.

Aerial view of the Puerto Vallarta coastline and mountainsYour map to Mexico real estate.

I am often asked “Can foreigners really buy Mexico real estate?” The answer is a resounding yes — but only if you use the same common sense you would use in Canada or the U.S., work with a qualified real estate professional, and have competent legal representation. Follow this formula and you and your family will have a safe investment that you can enjoy and benefit from for many, many years.

There is no way to cover every intricacy…

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Executive Summary - Puerto Vallarta Housing Market October 2025

The Puerto Vallarta housing market in October 2025 demonstrates selective maturation with strong price appreciation despite extended sales cycles. Active listings: 640 (+9.2% YoY). Sold transactions: 21 (-19.2% YoY), yet YTD sales remain strong at 264 (+23.9%). Average sale price: $775,026 (+18.35% YoY). Median sale price: $434,196 (+23.18% YoY). Absorption rate: 24.46% (buyer-favoring territory). DOM: 277 days (+33.82% YoY)—extended negotiation windows for international buyers. This institutional report presents all 20 market visuals with full data integration and strategic analysis for buyers, sellers, and investors.

Quick Key Metrics

Active Listings 640 ↑ 9.2%…

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Buying Property in Mexico’s Restricted Zone – Complete FAQ

Last updated: August 11, 2025

Thinking about buying a home or investment property in Mexico’s breathtaking coastal or border regions? The rules for foreigners are different here, and it’s easy to get lost in half-truths and internet myths. We’ve been in Mexican real estate since 2004 and started Mexico Life Realty (originally Elements Realty Group) in 2007 to give buyers like you a full-service, start-to-finish experience. This guide is our no-nonsense, plain-English FAQ, designed to answer what you’re really asking and make you feel confident before you buy.

1. What exactly is the “restricted zone,” and is it still a thing?

Yes — the “restricted zone” is alive and well in 2025. It’s…

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Executive Summary

The Marina Vallarta condo market as of July 2025 presents a nuanced landscape for real estate enthusiasts. Year-to-date, sold listings have surged 30.3% compared to 2024, indicating robust overall demand. However, July itself saw only 3 condos sold, marking a -25% decline year-over-year and a sharp -70% drop month-over-month from June's 10 sales. Active listings stand at 118, reflecting a 15.7% increase YoY but a modest -4.07% decrease MoM. Strikingly, no new listings entered the market in July, a complete -100% halt both MoM and YoY, which could signal seller hesitation amid current conditions.

Pricing trends show strength, with the average sale price reaching $695,473 in July, up 56.37% YoY and 30% MoM. The median sale…

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Executive Summary

The Bucerias condos market in July 2025 shows signs of a cooling trend compared to the previous year, with active listings climbing significantly while sales remain steady. Active listings reached 447, marking a 43.7% year-over-year increase, indicating growing inventory. Sold listings held flat at 6 units, showing no change from July 2024, but year-to-date sales are up 17.5%. Median sale prices dropped sharply to $338,087.50, a -41.77% decline year-over-year, suggesting affordability improvements for buyers but potential challenges for sellers.

Absorption rate surged to 50.13 months, up 65.23% from last year, pointing to a strong buyer's market with ample supply. Average days on market (DOM) decreased to 341 days, a…

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Executive Summary

The condo market in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle is showing robust activity as of July 2025, with significant year-over-year improvements indicating a shift towards a stronger seller's market. Active listings have decreased by -14.3% compared to July 2024, now standing at 180 properties, while sold listings have surged 75.0% to 7 units. Year-to-date, sales have skyrocketed 212.5% to 50 condos, reflecting heightened buyer interest despite a -8.07% drop in the average sale price YTD to $618,320. The median sale price for July rose 23.98% to $455,000, though YTD it's down -22.46% to $527,277, suggesting some affordability adjustments in the mix.

Absorption rate, representing months of inventory, has dramatically improved, falling…

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Executive Summary

The Nuevo Vallarta West condo market in July 2025 shows signs of expansion and opportunity, particularly for buyers. Year-to-date, sold listings increased 9.4% to 58 units, while pending listings rose 15.3% to 68, indicating growing momentum. July saw 6 condos sold, a 100% YoY surge from 3, though flat MoM. Active listings jumped 71.3% YoY to 298, with YTD up 21.7%, reflecting abundant supply. New listings dipped -18.2% YoY to 9, and +12.5% MoM.

Pricing presents a mixed picture: average sale price in July climbed 71.01% YoY to $483,167, but YTD fell -23.43% to $513,262. Median sale price rose 35.69% YoY to $383,500, yet YTD declined -23.15%. Absorption rate at 31.10 months (+35.51% YoY) signals a strong buyer's market.…

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Executive Summary

The Romantic Zone condo market in Puerto Vallarta for July 2025 reflects a strengthening trend with reduced inventory and increased sales activity. Active listings decreased to 145, a -16.2% drop year-over-year, signaling tighter supply. New listings plummeted to 6, down -79.3% YoY, while sold listings reached 8, a -20% YoY decline but with a robust 32.8% YTD increase. Average sale prices fell to $502,804, down -21.81% YoY, and median sale prices dropped -14.73% to $438,717, making entry more affordable.

Absorption rate improved dramatically to 12.99 months, a -46.81% YoY reduction, indicating a shift toward balance though still favoring buyers. Average DOM rose to 211 days, up 74.38% YoY, suggesting some properties linger…

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Executive Summary

The Puerto Vallarta land market in July 2025 shows a mixed picture with increased inventory and modest sales growth. Active listings rose to 452, a 38.2% increase year-over-year, indicating more options for buyers. However, new listings dropped sharply by -82.2% to just 21, suggesting sellers are holding back. Sold listings increased to 6, up 50% from last July, while the average sale price climbed 13.31% to $305,346, though the median sale price fell -50.13% to $99,000, pointing to more affordable deals closing.

The absorption rate remains high at 54.24 months, nearly flat with a -0.48% change YoY, signaling a strong buyer's market with plenty of supply. Average days on market (DOM) decreased significantly by -46.15% to…

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