TULUM, México — When Ratchel Pinlac and her husband first visited Tulum in 2018, they were struck by the high cost of accommodations. Despite the luxury prices—up to $600 a night for a room—many hotels offered minimal amenities, such as no electricity, to provide a “rustic” experience. It didn’t take long for the couple to sense that Tulum was on the cusp of a significant real estate boom, with new construction projects rising near the beach. By the time they returned in 2021, their curiosity had turned into a desire to invest.
Today, the couple owns a stunning 2,600-square-foot vacation home in Tulum with three bedrooms, two pools, and personalized features for $350,000. The journey to owning this dream property, however, wasn’t without its challenges, and they have some critical advice for those considering a similar investment: Find a trustworthy local real estate agent who speaks Spanish.
Why Tulum?
Tulum’s appeal is undeniable. The turquoise waters, vibrant nightlife, and eco-conscious lifestyle have made it a prime vacation destination, attracting travelers from around the globe. However, the town’s rapid growth also means skyrocketing accommodation prices, especially near the beach. Pinlac and her husband quickly realized this during their first trip.
“We were paying $600 a night for a tiny room that didn’t even have electricity,” Pinlac shared. “It was supposed to be part of the charm, but we couldn’t help but feel like the value didn’t match the price.”
By their second visit in 2021, Tulum’s landscape had continued to transform. New vacation homes, condos, and developments dotted the coastline, creating a feeling of anticipation in the air. For the couple, the timing felt right. They began looking into local real estate, curious about what it would take to own a piece of paradise.
Entering the Tulum Market
Working with a local developer, they were introduced to Region 15, a growing neighborhood strategically located between Tulum’s bustling downtown and the coveted beach zone. The developer presented them with a plot of land that was part of a four-house project, each with a customizable design based on square footage. The couple opted for a three-story, 2,600-square-foot home and began customizing the layout to reflect their style and preferences.
With a budget of $350,000, which they had saved over the years, they embarked on the construction journey. While the developer had an initial design, Pinlac and her husband could modify many aspects of the house, including adding oversized windows, expanding the pool, and even incorporating a custom bathtub—all without additional fees. According to Pinlac, working with new developers eager to please and build their reputation worked in their favor.
“They were flexible with everything, which made the process much smoother,” she said. “We were able to make changes without worrying about inflated costs.”
The Challenges of Building in Tulum
Despite the smooth customization process, building a home in a foreign country, especially one like Tulum, where construction is booming, presented unique challenges. For starters, initially estimated to take one year, the project took a year and a half due to various delays.
Pinlac noted that the language barrier was one of the most stressful aspects of the project. Although her husband speaks Spanish, he sometimes finds it challenging to communicate with the builders, especially regarding technical details. Luckily, the couple had the support of their bilingual realtor, who played a crucial role in managing communications and keeping the project on track.
“There were times when things got lost in translation,” Pinlac explained. “For example, we chose a specific finish for the walls, and it ended up on the floors, which made them look dirty. We had to work through a lot of these misunderstandings.”
But despite these hiccups, Pinlac emphasized that they were pleased with the outcome overall. The ability to be hands-on and make significant customizations to their home, coupled with the fact that they got into the market early, made the effort worthwhile.
The Reality of Tulum’s Development
One downside the couple has noticed since completing their home is the sheer construction around their property. Tulum is rapidly developing, and with that comes noise and unfinished neighboring structures. While this hasn’t significantly impacted their enjoyment of the home, it has affected their plans to rent the property through Airbnb when they’re not there.
“We had hoped to maximize our rental potential, but because there’s still so much construction, we haven’t been able to rent it out as often as we’d like,” Pinlac noted. “We know that this will improve once the area develops further.”
For now, the couple is enjoying their time in their dream vacation home while waiting for the full potential of the Tulum real estate market to be realized.
Their Advice for Future Buyers
Pinlac and her husband have some advice for those considering building or buying in Tulum. First and foremost, find a local real estate agent who can speak Spanish. Building a home in a foreign country comes with a host of challenges, and having someone who can bridge the language gap is invaluable. Their realtor helped translate not just words but cultural and technical nuances that could have been easily misunderstood.
Second, be flexible and expect delays. Building in a fast-developing area means dealing with construction delays and other unforeseen obstacles. The couple’s experience of waiting six months for their home to be completed is not uncommon, but patience and adaptability go a long way.
Finally, they recommend getting into the market early. While Tulum’s real estate market is already on the rise, there are still opportunities to capitalize on its growth. Developers are often willing to negotiate and offer perks, especially when trying to build their reputation.
Tulum’s charm and potential continue to draw buyers from around the world, and for Pinlac and her husband, the dream of owning a vacation home in paradise has become a reality—one that they are eager to share with future guests.
