Vallarta · Nayarit: Attracting the Northeast as a Real Estate Investment Hotspot

In recent years, both Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit have established themselves as two of the most coveted tourist destinations in Mexico. With a diversity of natural attractions and growing infrastructure, among other factors, this part of the Mexican Pacific has evolved from a vacation resort destination to also be a prominent real estate investment hotspot.

In this special feature, the Vallarta Real Estate Guide editorial team, along with Victoria Pratt, director of the North Coast division of Timothy Real Estate Group and Aaron Fisher, co-founder of MexHome, explore the attributes that have made Vallarta · Nayarit (their unified tourism brand) an ideal option for investors from the northeast region of the country, especially from cities including Monterrey, Nuevo León and Saltillo, Coahuila, who are looking for a second home, a vacation retreat, or even a place to retire.

THE NORTHEAST INVESTOR IN VALLARTA · NAYARIT

Buyers from Monterrey, Nuevo León are becoming a significant demographic in the Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit real estate market.

“Historically, families in Monterrey chose to invest in vacation homes across the border in the United States, attracted by the proximity to Texas beaches and familiarity with popular American destinations. However, this trend has been changing as more direct and affordable flight routes have opened from the Monterrey International Airport to Puerto Vallarta, offering new investment possibilities for these discerning buyers,” comments Aaron Fisher, co-founder of MexHome.

Among other factors, this change can also be attributed to the increase in property costs in the United States, stricter immigration policies, and the perception of insecurity in certain areas of the neighboring country. Given this, both Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit offer an attractive alternative that combines luxury, security, natural landscapes and an enriching cultural experience right within Mexico.

CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN PVR AND MTY

Over the past few years, air connectivity between Puerto Vallarta and Monterrey has strengthened significantly, offering a growing range of direct and connecting flights to travelers looking to move between these two cities.

VivaAerobus is one of the airlines that offers direct flights between Monterrey International Airport (MTY) and Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR). Taking approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes, this direct route optimizes travel time and makes it easier for travelers to reach their destination faster and more efficiently.

Aeromexico, Volaris and TAR Aerolíneas also offer weekly flights with stopovers in cities like Guadalajara and Mexico City: “As the frequency of flights increases, so does the interest in our region as an ideal location for investors from the northeast part of the country who are looking to escape urban life. Mexico’s proud heritage and the appeal of enjoying a world-class destination like Vallarta · Nayarit make staying within our country a more attractive option than ever before. Why venture abroad when the natural beauty and luxury of a beach lifestyle await you in your own country, just a flight away?” says Victoria Pratt, director of the North Coast division of Timothy Real Estate Group.

Fisher adds: “In real estate, the old adage of ‘location, location, location’ is often quoted, but for today’s buyers it’s more about ‘accessibility, accessibility, accessibility’. The ongoing expansion of the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, which includes the construction of a new two-tier terminal that is projected to be completed by 2025, underscores this shift. As accessibility improves, so does Puerto Vallarta’s appeal to Monterrey buyers.”

Interest in Vallarta · Nayarit has been on the rise, driven by Mexico’s economic stability, the growing demand for luxury properties, and the perception of this region as a safe and accessible place to invest. This trend reflects a shift in the mindset of buyers in the Northeast part of the country, who are now looking not just for a place to vacation, but for a long-term investment that will provide both economic return and high quality of life.

THE DEMOGRAPHIC OF NORTHEASTERN BUYERS INVESTING IN VALLARTA · NAYARIT

Buyers from Monterrey are generally looking for investment properties to use as vacation rentals with the aim of generating extra income, as well as for occasional personal use. “A consolidated buyer has emerged in this equation, which is the professional entrepreneur, between 45 and 55, who is in prime earning circumstances. Their investment in our destination is driven by a desire to protect themselves against currency volatility by placing capital in our real estate market, which is mostly dollar-based again,” Pratt explains.

The typical Monterrey investor is looking for a turnkey property, often a condominium located near excellent restaurants and high-end amenities: “While it is true that quaint micro-destinations in Riviera Nayarit coast like Sayulita, San Pancho, and Lo De Marcos are highly regarded by many, they are not top of the list of options for the Monterrey or Saltillo buyers. Instead, areas like Bucerías, Nuevo Vallarta and Puerto Vallarta are more attractive, as they offer the luxury amenities and quality services that investors in the northeast of the country expect,” says Fisher.

There are also those buyers who foresee mostly personal use of properties in the future, but recognize that the popularity of our destination can provide constant vacation rental customers in the meantime. “In addition, there is always the plus of being able to resell at a much more attractive appreciation rate,” adds Pratt.

TYPES OF PROPERTIES MOST IN DEMAND BY INVESTORS FROM THE NORTHEAST

“A good number of buyers from the northeast of the country are making multiple investments in our region. In general, they prefer properties that start at 7.5 million pesos, with proximity to the ocean and resort-like amenities,” says Pratt, who adds: “The wide and varied pre-construction offer that exists throughout Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit allows them to purchase based on cash availability, obtain discounts according to the size of the downpayment they make, and be pay for the property in comfortable structured payments, while carefully maneuvering the current conditions of the peso-dollar parity.”

Monterrey is also at the forefront of Mexico’s nearshoring boom, with an increase in foreign investment flowing into the region due to its strong manufacturing sector: “This economic boost is providing them with surplus income to be able to invest in Vallarta · Nayarit, which further drives the demand for properties in our region,” shares Fisher.

OTHER FACTORS THAT DETERMINE THE DECISION TO INVEST IN VALLARTA · NAYARIT

Beyond air connectivity and real estate investment opportunities, buyers from Monterrey and Saltillo are also attracted by the quality of life that both Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit offer. “Our destination has excellent quality healthcare, education and entertainment services, which makes it an ideal place for families and professionals alike,” concludes Fisher.

“Climate and community also play an important role in the investment decision. With a series of culturally focused activities and a pleasant tropical climate for most of the year, both Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit offer an unbeatable living environment,” concludes Pratt.

In this way, Vallarta · Nayarit is positioned as an ideal destination for real estate investment for various reasons, including the dollarization of the market that provides greater stability and protection against inflation. In addition, the region has established itself as a stable haven for investment, supported by a trend of constant appreciation of properties spanning over 10 years. This is complemented by the fact that Puerto Vallarta is recognized as the safest medium-sized city in Mexico, only surpassed by the Benito Juárez delegation in Mexico City.