Why Mexico?

In 2007, Mexico reached some important economic milestones as discussed on CNN's Glenn Beck Show, click here for details. 

Also in 2007, Mexico was named the
World’s #1 Retirement Haven
by the global real estate experts at International Living.

“When it comes down to an overall quality of lifestyle — things like an affordable cost of living, real estate opportunities to fit just about every lifestyle and budget, a strong sense of community and an Old World charm, with all the comforts and conveniences of modern living — Mexico leads the pack of retirement and vacation paradises.”

“3 Myths About the World’s Top Retirement Haven” is an informative article about some of the new realities of investing in Mexico.
www.internationalliving.com

For some Mexico is heaven on earth, for others it’s a “scary place”. Many of the prevailing perceptions about Mexico tend to be very dated and as a result completely false.

Of course there are many true conceptions of Mexico
  • Beautiful beaches
  • Great climate
  • Exotic culture and history
  • Delicious cuisine
  • Friendly people with deep family values and sense of community
  • Close proximity to the US and Canada
Many of the concerns, exaggerations, and or misconceptions are regarding such factors as economic stability, crime, infrastructure, and property law. Please realize that many of these are created by the media dramatizing events or they are continued on from old knowledge.

Mexico has proven to be an emerging economy with global reach and strength. After decades of socialistic governments the last seven years have seen government administrations showing an eagerness to participate in the global economy. As a result, the rules for foreign investment in Mexico have changed in favour of foreign citizens. Tourism is one of the top sources of revenue for the Mexican government and is soon expected to become the #1 contributor to the Mexican economy. The importance of tourism has been demonstrated through recent investments in infrastructure to help foster continued development. Foreign investment into Mexico is on track to hit $20 billion this year, up from $17.6 billion in 2005, according to the Mexican Government. Increased development provides greater security and increasing value for oceanfront real estate investments.

Some notable statistics about the Mexican economy are:
  • It is the 12th biggest economy in the world, Canada is #13 (GDP (PPP) $1,175,000 million - 2006, World Bank).
  • It is the world’s 13th largest real estate market (USD $200 billion)
  • It has the 5th largest GDP per capita among the most populated countries in the world
  • GDP per capita doubled from 1990 to 2003
  • In 2006, 15,000 properties were sold in Mexican tourist destinations with a market value of $5 billion USD. By 2012, estimates are for 55,000 properties with a value of $30 billion USD. This translates to a 266% increase in properties sold with a 500% increase in value in just 6 years!
Unless indicated, all stats provided by Softec, the leading real estate research firm in Mexico

As real estate markets mature, property prices increase.
Puerto Escondido has enormous potential for growth.


Another common exaggeration about Mexico is a high rate of crime. In 2000, when Vincente Fox was elected President, he made a pledge to reduce crime and improve the judicial system. By 2002, the rates of crime had been reduced, per 100,000 inhabitants total crimes were 1503 compared to 4118 in the USA. Most of the criminal activity in Mexico is centred around the drug trade with the majority of occurrences in areas nearest the border with the US and in Mexico City.