The business of real estate in Cancun has some features that will make it seem familiar. There is a multiple listing service. Some of the company names will be familiar: Century 21 and RE/MAX have offices there. Some of the properties are offered with financing, rare in most of Mexico. Prices may be listed in dollars or in Euros.

Much of the action is outside of Cancun, too, going along the coast in what’s called the Maya Riviera. Areas that were sleepy fishing villages a few years ago are building up.

As soon as you start exploring what’s available in Cancun, you will likely notice that condos are offered on a time-share basis, often for two or three weeks. Find out about occupancy rates and how they affect your costs. Do some arithmetic and see how your costs would compare with staying in a hotel. In general, time shares are a better investment for the builders than for the people who buy them.

There are many other kinds of real estate investments too. Apartments, houses, villas, townhomes, hotels and other commercial properties are all offered. In land, you can find residential or commercial lots, including beachfront lots suitable for building hotels. Whatever your tastes in Cancun real estate, it’s out there.

If you are looking for an inexpensive bargain or a secluded spot likely to remain quiet, you will do better elsewhere in Mexico. And wherever you look, don’t miss my page of tips on buying Mexican real estate.