Here we go: we finally reached the topic of interest for many of you. The information I will provide you is updated with the information I have seen until October 2022.
I moved to Puerto Vallarta from Mexico City 2 years ago exactly, back then we were in the middle of the pandemic and the rent prices were still very affordable… but everything started to change the past year.
As you have seen we are all back to normal, in our jobs, traveling, etc. The past 8 months have been very active in tourism to Puerto Vallarta and after being enclosed for so long also many people from Canada and USA, are considering moving to live here.
Many foreigners, most of them retirees, taking the choice to buy a property, prefer to rent first to know the place and to determine what is the best option.
At least 60% of foreigners moving down to live here in Puerto Vallarta are retirees. Many did choose to sell their properties in the USA or Canada to buy a property here.
That is why you need to know what are the prices for rent and sale in the most popular zones in Puerto Vallarta.
But the high demand in the past months for properties for rent made the rents increase from 50% to 100% percent in certain cases.
Many foreigners think they may find cheap rent or buy to live comfortably in Puerto Vallarta with an incredible ocean view, nothing further from reality in most cases.
What requirements Do I need to meet, to rent a condo or a house in Puerto Vallarta
Usually is required you can be able to communicate at least a bit in Spanish or have some one who can accompany you during the negotiation process to translate, you may expect people to speak in English and start speaking in English no matter what, but no, that is rude and people do not like it, please try a bit at least and also remember you can have google translate in your phone as a useful tool to translate the communication basics.
If it is your first time and you really want a smooth and with no problems, i strongly recommend you to do all the process with a real estate agent.
To rent an condo in Puerto Vallarta you will be required of:
- Your ID
- Your income receipt or bank statements (required with real estate agents)
- Aval ( aval is someone who grants his/her property house or condo in Puerto Vallarta, in guarantee to your rent contract)
- One month of rent in advance
- One more month of guarantee deposit (usually they dont give this money back as is used for repairs after you leave the place)
- What do I do if I have no Aval? : I recommend in this case you do all the process with a real estate agent, and you may find a way:
- Paying a PAGARE: In this process, you sign a legal document that commits you to pay and where you accept some legal restrictions and also consequences in case you do not pay the rent. Landlords have to be sure they will be paid no matter what.
- Using an Obligado Solidario: This is a local person who signs the contract with you and has also the obligation to pay in case you don’t do it, this person does not have to own a property in Mexico City.
- Big Up Front Payment: Being a foreigner of course won’t be an option to know specifically someone to be your aval, then also you can find some landlords are willing to rent if you pay a bit extra, like 6 months in advance of rent. This may be directly negotiated with the real estate agent and the landlord.
Recommendations to look for a property for rent in Puerto Vallarta:
Web Pages:
- https://casas.trovit.com.mx/
- https://www.inmomexico.com/
- https://metroscubicos.com
- https://www.inmuebles24.com/
- https://homie.mx/ Homie is a very helpful site for foreigners without a deposit requirement or aval ( aval is someone who grants a property in guarantee to your rental contract, a bit heavy stuff) in this case Homie is like your Aval you only have to pay a fee monthly to them, is user-friendly and a good option for no long term rents.
Cost of a rent and popular zones for foreigners to live in Puerto Vallarta:
Zona Romantica:
Is the MOST desirable popular zone for many, is close to the Malecon and the ocean, has traditional vibes, and everything is close, but is not cheap.
Price of a small room with kitchen in this area: from 800 USD (honestly if you are super lucky…) to 1000 USD
Price to rent an apartment in this area: from 1200 to 3000 USD, it may depend on the condo amenities or if it is close or a bit more far from the ocean.
Fluvial Residential:
It is a very privileged residential zone, in the heart of Puerto Vallarta town. Is where Cody and I live, yes I Love it, and yes it is expensive. You have the walking distance of Costco, Comercial Mexicana, and The beach 10 minutes walking, and 3 malls around also within walking distance of course if you like to walk like me. Malecon is just 10 minutes by car/taxi and you have restaurants and convenience stores nearby. In comparison with the noise and movement of other zones, it is very quiet here despite being in the middle of the town.
- Rent Price of a condo in this area : from 1500 USD to 2000 USD
- Price to rent a house in this area: from 2000 USD to 4000 USD, it may depend on the house size and amenities.
Zona Marina:
Is the other MOST desirable popular zone for many foreigners, is close to the yacht pier, and has a lot of incredible restaurants all along the pier too. The zone is very calm and has this exclusivity vibe, most foreigners live here, is right by the main avenue in Puerto Vallarta that takes you everywhere called Francisco Medina, close you will also find within walking distance, convenience stores and big supermarkets, and Galleria Mall 5 min ride. Has also a big hotels complex and if you are in the mood for a day pass is an ideal location too.
- Price of a condo in this area: from 800 USD) to 1500 USD
- Price to rent a house in this area: from 2000 to 4000 USD, it may depend on the amenities.
Nuevo Vallarta:
A very popular zone for many foreigners is close to the ocean, and is about 20 min drive from Puerto Vallarta, in Nayarit state, close has a new theme park called Vidanta and is very close to Bucerias (about 5 minutes). To enter Nuevo Vallarta you need to cross a safe point and the residential zone is stunning, chosen by many, and of course, is exclusive..
- Price of a condo Nuevo Vallarta: from 1000 USD to 3000 USD
- Price to rent a house in this area: from 1000 to 6000 USD, it may depend on the amenities or if it is close or a bit more far from the ocean.
Camino a Mismaloya:
Very popular zone for many foreigners. I have to say this zone is the most beautiful, talking about ocean views. All condos and houses here have a privileged view of the ocean and the color is deep blue, stunning. The disadvantage I see is you need to cross half of the town to reach a supermarket.
- Price of a condo in this area: from 1000 USD to 3000 USD
- Price to rent a house in this area: from 1400 to 3000 USD, it may depend on the amenities or if it is close or a bit more far from the ocean.
Another zones to live in Puerto Vallarta Area Considered by foreigners:
Versalles
Versalles: Close to Fluvial, this district is a bit more middle class neighborhood, you can find a bit more affordable prices, also on the sight of foreigners:
- Price of a condo in this area: from 500 USD to 750 USD
- Price to rent a house in this area: from 1200 USD to 2000 USD, it may depend on the size and amenities.
Colonia Independencia
About 10 minutes from the Malecon area, this is a more locals area, very calm, and nice, has easy access and is good to live in, you can find different option in prices, also on the sight of foreigners:
- Price of a condo in this area: from 400 USD to 750 USD
- Price to rent a house in this area: from 700 to 1000 USD, it may depend on the size and amenities.
Palmar de Aramara:
Close Fluvial tool, this neighborhood is a bit of a mix you can find a bit of a fancy area but also a more simple environment. Is very calm and very close to the beach.
- Price of a condo in this area: from 500 USD to 900 USD
- Price to rent a house in this area: from 700 to 1500 USD, it may depend on the size and amenities.
Are there other zones to live, maybe not right in Puerto Vallarta but in Bahia Banderas?:
Yes, and the prices are very similar. What I have seen is that to rent or buy a house all Bahia Banderas has by the same price list.
The other close towns you may consider can be around 30 to 1 hr from Puerto Vallarta but still in Bahia Banderas: Bucerias, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, and Punta de Mita
Puerto Vallarta is a paradise, but to live in paradise now has its considerations, stay safe and I will keep posting more useful information about how is to live in Puerto Vallarta, Stay tuned!
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