Buying a Presale or Turnkey Property? Pros and Cons for Vacation Rental Investors in Mexico
- Hector Manuel Mondragon
- Jul 7
- 2 min read
Investing in real estate in tourist destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum is one of the most profitable strategies for generating vacation rental income. However, one of the key decisions when starting out is: Should you pre-purchase or acquire a turnkey, ready-to-operate property?
Both options have advantages and challenges. In this article, we'll help you understand which one best suits your profile and investment goals.
🛠️ Pre-sale: Invest from the construction stage
Buying pre-sale means acquiring a property before it's finished. This could be when the project is just being announced or while the construction is underway.
✅ Advantages:
Lower prices: Developers often offer preferential pricing in the early stages.
Potential capital gains: If the project progresses well, your property could increase in value before delivery.
Customization Options: Some projects allow you to choose finishes or details during construction.
Deferred payments: You don't always need to pay the full amount right away, which provides financial flexibility.
⚠️ Disadvantages:
Waiting time: You may have to wait months or even years to have the property ready.
Risk of non-compliance: Choosing a reliable developer is vital; some projects are delayed or not completed.
Deferred Income: You won't be able to generate vacation rentals until the property is delivered and you can operate it.
🏡 Turnkey: Properties ready to rent
Buying a turnkey property means acquiring a property that is already finished, furnished, and ready to be listed on vacation rental platforms.
✅ Advantages:
Immediate income generation: You can start renting and recoup your investment from the first month.
Less uncertainty: You are not dependent on the progress of the work or future procedures.
Clear appraisal: You can physically inspect the property and understand its potential performance before purchasing.
⚠️ Disadvantages:
Higher price: Since this is a finished, ready-to-operate product, prices are usually higher than pre-sale prices.
Lower initial capital gains margin: You're already buying at the current market price, with less short-term profit margin.
Competition: Depending on the destination, there may be many similar properties already operating.
🔑 Which option is best for you?
There's no single answer. It depends on factors such as:
✔ Your risk tolerance. ✔ Your investment horizon (short, medium, or long term). ✔ Whether you need to generate income from the start or can wait. ✔ Your previous experience with vacation rentals.
🎯 Conclusion
Both pre-sale and turnkey properties are valid tools for investing in real estate and generating vacation rental income in Mexico. The key is to analyze each option carefully, compare projects, validate the developer's track record, and, above all, ensure the property and location align with your financial goals.
At Invest2Stay, we help you make informed decisions by connecting you with reliable properties, reputable developers, and real-world performance comparisons in destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.
Are you ready to take the next step?
Contact us and discover the best vacation investment opportunities in Mexico.
Visit www.invest2stay.com to see the complete suggested investment options or email us at hola@invest2stay.com. Alternatively, request a free consultation at the following link:
Comentarios