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Renting in Mérida with cats? What to confirm before a video tour
An owner may accept one pet while the building sets a different limit. Here’s how to check both before you tour.

Gianfranco macchiavello
6 days ago2 min read


Temporary vs. Permanent Residency in Mexico: 2026 Income Requirements,
When deciding between Temporary vs Permanent Residency Mexico, expats must evaluate monthly income requirements, savings thresholds, and real estate investment options. Navigating the financial qualification thresholds, remote working rules, tax liabilities, real estate qualification paths, and required document checklists ensures a seamless transition. Direct Answer: Temporary vs. Permanent Residency at a Glance Temporary Residency (Residencia Temporal): Granted initially fo

Gianfranco macchiavello
Oct 94 min read


Residency First or Property First? The Correct Order for Renting or Buying in Mexico
Updated September 2026 You have decided that Mexico may be the right place for your next chapter. Now comes the question that causes a surprising amount of confusion: Should you obtain Mexican residency first, or should you find a property first? The short answer is that a foreigner does not normally need Mexican residency simply to rent or buy property. However, that does not mean immigration and real estate should be planned separately. Your intended length of stay, source

Gianfranco macchiavello
Sep 510 min read


The Mérida Property Test: 12 Things to Check Before You Rent or Buy
Mérida homes can be beautiful. High ceilings, colorful tile, tropical gardens and swimming pools make a strong first impression—but they do not tell you what the property will be like to live in. Before renting or buying a home in Mérida, check the electricity history, water pressure, air-conditioning equipment, humidity, afternoon heat, internet availability and street conditions. These details can affect your comfort and monthly expenses far more than decorative finishes. T

Gianfranco macchiavello
Aug 259 min read


Renting in Mexico as a Foreigner: Tenant Rights, Deposits & Contracts
A practical guide for foreign renters in Mérida and the Riviera Maya: contracts, security deposits, guarantors, repairs and the questions to ask before signing.

Gianfranco Macchiavello
Jul 237 min read


Demystifying the Fideicomiso: How Foreigners Can Safely Own Real Estate in Mexico
For many buyers, finding a dream home along the sweeping coastlines of the Riviera Maya or the Pacific is the easy part. The real confusion often begins when you encounter the paperwork—specifically, a legal structure known as the fideicomiso. There are many misconceptions surrounding real estate transactions for non-Mexicans. Some buyers worry that they won’t truly "own" their home, or that a bank could seize their investment. These fears are based on a misunderstanding of
Jonathan macchiavello
Jul 64 min read


Stop "Vacationing" and Start Living: Your 30-Day Relocation Trial in Mexico
Most people decide to move to Mexico after a four-day stay at an all-inclusive resort. They fall in love with the turquoise water, the evening breeze, and the feeling of never having to check an email. But let’s be honest: vacationing in a place and living there are two entirely different worlds. When you’re on holiday, you don’t worry about the noise of a delivery truck at 6:00 AM, the consistency of your Wi-Fi during a Zoom call, or the logistics of getting your dog to the
Jonathan macchiavello
Jun 304 min read


Renting in Mérida vs Riviera Maya: What You Need to Know Before Signing a Lease in Mexico
Renting a property in Mexico can seem straightforward at first, but once you begin the process, you quickly realize that Mérida and the Riviera Maya (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum) operate in completely different ways. For foreigners especially, the biggest surprises usually come from deposits, requirements, and how landlords structure agreements — not just the monthly rent. Understanding these differences before you start looking can prevent costly mistakes and unnecessary
Jonathan macchiavello
Jun 252 min read


HOA Fees in Riviera Maya and Mérida: What Buyers Need to Know Before Purchasing Property in Mexico
HOA Fees in Mexico Explained: Riviera Maya vs Mérida Costs and Rules Buying property in Mexico often feels straightforward at first glance. You find a beautiful condo, the price looks attractive, and the location seems ideal. But there is one factor that consistently surprises foreign buyers once they start the ownership process: homeowners association fees, known locally as cuotas de mantenimiento. These monthly costs are not just an administrative detail. They are a core pa
Jonathan macchiavello
Jun 244 min read


The Ultimate Riviera Maya Fideicomiso Guide for Foreign Buyers ( Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum)
Everything foreigners need to know about safely buying property in Riviera Maya as a foreigners -explained in simple terms. What Is a Fideicomiso? A fideicomiso is a Mexican bank trust used when foreigners buy property within Mexico’s restricted zone. That restricted zone includes: Properties within 50 km (31 miles) of the coastline Properties within 100 km (62 miles) of an international border Since the Riviera Maya sits directly along the Caribbean coast, foreign buyers use
Jonathan macchiavello
May 84 min read
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