8 Reasons Why Tulum Mexico Real Estate Market Was Booming (during the Pandemic) & What’s Happening Now?
Originally published in March 2021. Updated in 2026 as a look back at what drove the market during those years.
In 2020 and 2021, the Mexican Caribbean’s property market grew at one of its fastest paces ever. Tulum led the way. The area’s rising popularity created a shortage of apartments and hotels. Visitors kept coming for the ruins, the beaches, and the cenotes, even while much of the world stayed home.
Real estate values in Tulum climbed as demand for housing in and around town grew.
So what drove that market? Here are the 8 reasons Tulum real estate boomed during the pandemic.
1. The Riviera Maya Railway Promised to Lift Property Prices
At the time, plans were already underway for a rail network to connect Tulum with the rest of Quintana Roo. Buyers expected the Maya Train to raise property values, and many bought early for that reason. The train has since opened, with a station in Tulum.
People who bought 10 or 15 years earlier could hardly believe 2021 prices. It was no surprise why.
New buyers chose Tulum because they could buy there for less than in most parts of their own country. They also saw strong long-term potential.
2. An Unstoppable Tourism Market Fueled Tulum’s Growth
The 2020-21 pandemic crippled many parts of the world. Tulum proved somewhat immune. People from many countries chose to stay in Tulum for weeks, months, or longer.
Many top destinations shut down completely. The Riviera Maya did the opposite. Tulum let its guests enjoy comfort while following COVID-19 protocols.
4. Large Investments Poured into Tulum Development
Residential and commercial development surged across the area. Smart money flowed into real estate in Tulum and other parts of the Riviera Maya.
In 2021, more than 300 new Tulum real estate projects were under construction, with delivery planned over the following 5 years.
Tulum was one of the fastest-growing towns in Mexico. The Riviera Maya’s world-class beaches and resorts made it a unique place to invest.
5. Top Destination for the Celebrities & the Wealthy
Today, Tulum has become a playground for the wealthy. Tulum luxury properties such as Aldea Zama are very popular. With demand is rising. Most new buyers want to move into a condo or rental apartment and enjoy a better lifestyle.
And the demand for condos and apartments in Tulum is greater than ever. For those who want to enter the luxury real estate market in one of Mexico’s most beautiful cities, now is the perfect time.
However, you should not buy Tulum properties if you want to buy and sell them quickly with the intention of making a quick profit. If you intend to make a quick profit, then you are not in the right market.
Click here to learn more about Aldea Zama Tulum Real Estate.
5. A Top Destination for Celebrities and the Wealthy
During those years, Tulum became a playground for the wealthy. Luxury communities such as Aldea Zama were very popular, and demand kept rising. Most new buyers wanted a condo or rental apartment and a better lifestyle.
Demand for condos and apartments in Tulum hit record levels. For many buyers, it looked like the perfect time to enter the luxury market.
One piece of advice held true then and still does today. Tulum was never the right market for a quick flip. Buyers who wanted a fast profit were in the wrong place.
Click here to learn more about Aldea Zama Tulum Real Estate.
6. Foreign Investment Rallied the Tulum Market
Mexico’s real estate market flourished in the years before and during the pandemic. Foreign buyers looked for high-yield properties with attractive returns and unique concepts.
A booming tourism sector drove much of that demand. Mexico welcomed 41.4 million international visitors in 2018, up 5.5% on 2017.
Tulum ranked among the country’s most popular destinations. The market also never depended on one nation for tourism. Visitors came from all over the world.
Couple enjoying the lifestyle of Tulum.
7. One of the Most Popular Places for Retirees
Retirees came to Tulum for a peaceful, comfortable lifestyle. Many chose the warm tropical climate because it offered more than most cities back home.
Many foreigners saw Tulum as a good place for a retirement home. That demand played an important role in the region’s real estate growth.
Some investors also saw a way to earn income from a property they rarely used. For example, some retirees bought a holiday home and rented it out when they were away.
The Riviera Maya offered a wide selection of hotels, restaurants, and resorts. Buyers saw it as a cosmopolitan region. All of this had a positive effect on the local Tulum property market.
8. Forbes Named Tulum the Best Place to Live in Mexico
In 2020, Forbes named Tulum the best place in Mexico to live and stay. The recognition created even more interest and built on Tulum’s growing reputation.
Real estate in southeastern Mexico was trending, especially in Tulum and Playa del Carmen. People loved the idea of owning their own property here. Some pursued what was called a “two-tier investment,” aimed at rental income plus capital gains.
Tulum attracted investors who wanted better returns than other parts of Mexico offered. Many believed a property in a tourist town like Tulum would outperform an apartment in Mexico City.
Price played a big part too. At the time, Tulum properties cost less than half of what buyers paid in other Caribbean locations.
Click here to learn more about what Forbes said about Tulum.
What About Tulum Today?
The pandemic boom is now history, but it shaped the Tulum market buyers see today. Today Tulum is an even better market for buyers. With lots of properties on the market. You get to negotiate and own a property that used to be out of reach in terms of budget.
If you are wanting to find a great deal on a condo or villa in Tulum then right now is the perfect time to take advantage.
Many of the Best Tulum Properties you won’t find online
Want to get access to the best deals on the Tulum right now? Get free access to the best Tulum real estate properties available on and off-the-market. Because many of the best Tulum properties you will not find online. We make sure you get these listings. Just click on the links below.
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Best Tulum Property Under $150k
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Aldea Zama Real Estate Tulum listings
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5 Steps to Buying a Tulum Mexico Vacation Home.
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