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Buy an Apartment for Airbnb in Playa del Carmen

We help you buy an apartment in Playa del Carmen designed to be rented out on Airbnb. We analyze the opportunity using data from our own operations, guide you through the purchase and paperwork, and then decorate and manage the property for you. We’ve been in the vacation rental business for 9 years and manage about 50 apartments in Playa.

Who is it for?

For investors looking to purchase an apartment in Playa del Carmen for vacation rentals, especially if they are buying remotely from another country. We are a French-Mexican real estate agency and can assist you in Spanish, English, or French.

How It Works

  1. Tell us your budget and what you're looking for.
  2. We've sent you a comparison chart with several options and the pros and cons of each one.
  3. We analyze each property using the COMPITE method and use the COMPITE Score to calculate how much the return on investment can increase through interior design.
  4. We're providing two return scenarios—one conservative and one achievable—that already include closing costs and furnishings.
  5. We review the developer's contract with a lawyer before you sign it.
  6. We handle the application, payments, and paperwork. If you need a loan, we'll connect you with certified mortgage brokers.
  7. We'll send you videos showing the progress of the project as it moves along.
  8. Once we received the apartment, we decorated it, took photos, posted the listing on Airbnb, and managed it.
  9. Every year, you receive your income statement along with the ROI.

What We Look for Before Recommending a Property to You

With more than 2,000 guests hosted, we know what makes an apartment rent well. Here are a few examples:

  • The most expensive property isn't always the most profitable. Outside the city center, an apartment can yield the same or even more because it costs less.
  • A one-bedroom apartment rents for much more than a studio, and often yields a higher return than a two-bedroom apartment.
  • Winter guests—who pay the most from November through April—won't rent a place if the sun shines directly on the balcony in the morning. They look for a north- or south-facing balcony.
  • A pool, hot tub, and parking are major factors in a guest's decision. A heated pool is a plus in the winter.
  • For long stays, the presence of mosquito nets in the apartment can be a deciding factor when making a reservation.

A Case from Our Operation

Ipana C402 is a 2-bedroom apartment measuring 58 m² located at the corner of Avenida 10 and Calle 38, with no ocean view and no beach club. We custom-furnished it because the space was small. In 2025, it generated $762,555 MXN in gross revenue ($44,293 USD) with an occupancy rate of 74%. You can view the listing at airbnb.mx/h/ipanac402.

Free Guides Before You Buy

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I buy an apartment in Playa del Carmen if I live in the United States?

Almost the entire process is handled remotely. We help you apply for your RFC, review the contract with you, coordinate payments with the developer, and send you videos showing the progress of the construction. To sign documents or take possession of the unit, you can provide us with a notarized power of attorney, which can be processed at the Mexican consulate.

Which area of Playa del Carmen rents best on Airbnb?

It depends on the type of guest you want to attract and the purchase price. If a downtown property is very expensive or wasn't intended for vacation rentals, an apartment outside the city center may offer the same or even higher returns because it costs less. That's why we analyze each property using data from our operations before recommending it.

Is it better to have 1 or 2 bedrooms for Airbnb?

In our experience, a one-bedroom apartment is usually more profitable than a two-bedroom one, although not always. A two-bedroom apartment works well for families and for Playa residents who have guests during the high season. In that case, we recommend one TV in the living room and another in the bedroom.

How much does it cost to register a property in Quintana Roo?

As a reference, approximately 7% of the property's price. The deed is drawn up in Quintana Roo, and the final amount depends on the notary's office, which is why we request quotes from more than one.

Can I buy on credit?

In many cases, yes. We connect you with certified mortgage brokers, and some presale developments have a partner bank that finances part of the price. The terms depend on your profile and the project.

What do they look for in the developer's contract?

The clauses regarding closing costs, payment and delivery dates, and the fact that the appendix describes the unit and its specifications. We also verify the building permit in the public registry, and an attorney reviews the contract before you sign it.

How much revenue does an Airbnb apartment in Playa del Carmen generate?

It depends on the purchase price, location, and decor. That’s why we provide two scenarios per property—one conservative and one achievable—which already include closing costs and furniture. As a reference, Ipana C402 generated $762,555 MXN in gross revenue in 2025 with an occupancy rate of 74%.

What is the COMPITE method?

This is our 5-step method for preparing a vacation rental apartment: analyze, design, furnish, launch, and optimize. Before you buy, the COMPITE Score measures how much a property’s profitability can increase through interior design.

Who decorates and manages the apartment after the purchase?

About Us. Jade oversees the interior design using the COMPITE method, and Andrés manages the listing on Airbnb. Every year, you receive your income statement with the ROI so you can decide whether to purchase another property.

If you're considering a property in Playa del Carmen, Text us on WhatsApp and we'll go over it with you. You can also read About Us.