Playacar Real Estate
Playacar real estate in November 2026 spans a gated community in Playa del Carmen, Solidaridad municipality, Quintana Roo, with asking prices from USD 160,000 for two-bedroom condos in Phase 2 to over USD 2,000,000 for beachfront houses in Phase 1. Solidaridad municipality reported 333,800 residents in the 2020 census. PropertyMex lists 1 property for sale in Playacar in November 2026, with a median asking price of USD 166,500.
Playacar real estate in November 2026 spans a gated community in Playa del Carmen, Solidaridad municipality, Quintana Roo, with asking prices from USD 160,000 for two-bedroom condos in Phase 2 to over USD 2,000,000 for beachfront houses in Phase 1. Solidaridad municipality reported 333,800 residents in the 2020 census.
By Daniel Ortega · Last reviewed 2 November 2026
Explore Playacar Real Estate
Why Playacar
Playacar offers two distinct phases: Phase 1 features beachfront villas and golf-course frontage steps from downtown Playa del Carmen, while Phase 2 surrounds a Robert von Hagge-designed golf course with condos and houses at lower entry prices. Both phases sit within the restricted zone and require a fideicomiso for foreign buyers.
Playacar real estate at a glance
| Fact | Value | Source · as of |
|---|---|---|
| Municipality population (2020) | 333,800 (Solidaridad) | Wikipedia |
| Asking-price range (condos) | USD 160,000–1,500,000 | everythingplayadelcarmen.com |
| Asking-price range (houses) | USD 1,500,000–13,000,000+ | jamesedition.com |
| Property tax rate (Solidaridad) | 0.30–0.45% of cadastral value | tandacasa.com |
| Early-payment discount (January) | 15% | pesqueria.gob.mx |
| Homicide rate (Playa del Carmen, trailing 12 months Aug 2026) | 6.0 per 100,000 (25 cases/year) | latinometrics.com |
| Homicide decline (Jan–Sep 2026 vs 2025) | 50% reduction | noticaribe.com.mx |
| U.S. State Dept. travel advisory (Quintana Roo) | Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution | travelsafe-abroad.com |
Real estate agents in Playacar
Real estate agencies and independent agents operate in Playacar, offering buyer representation, property tours, and transaction coordination. PropertyMex connects buyers directly with property owners and agencies through no-commission listings; inquiry messages go straight to the listing contact.
Playacar neighborhoods
Playacar Phase 1
Phase 1 sits on the beachfront with direct ocean access and mature tropical vegetation. It features the only beachfront houses for sale in Playa del Carmen, mostly luxury villas with 3–5 bedrooms. Asking prices for beachfront houses start above USD 2,000,000, while second-row houses range USD 1,500,000–2,000,000. A limited number of condos in Phase 1 ask USD 350,000–900,000. The neighborhood offers one entrance with 24-hour security and immediate proximity to downtown Playa del Carmen and Fifth Avenue.
Playacar Phase 2
Phase 2 wraps around an 18-hole golf course designed by Robert von Hagge and contains a mix of condos, houses, and newer developments. Entry-level two-bedroom condos start around USD 160,000, with the average asking price for condos at USD 521,139. Three-bedroom penthouses and ground-floor units range USD 525,000–670,000. Phase 2 is more residential than Phase 1, built over 30 years with diverse architectural styles, and provides the most accessible entry point to Playacar ownership.
Pakal (within Playacar)
Pakal is a double-gated enclave inside Playacar Phase 2, offering an additional layer of security and privacy. Properties here include French-style luxury homes and modern villas. Asking prices reflect the premium positioning, with single-family houses listed around MXN 35,743,352 (approximately USD 1,700,000–2,000,000 at November 2026 exchange rates). Residents enjoy Playacar amenities plus Pakal's exclusive 24/7 controlled access.
New Developments (Playacar Phase 2)
Several pre-construction and recently completed condo projects sit within Phase 2, including AWA Playacar, Mara Residences, The Leaf, Ikal Living, and Vaivén del Viento. These developments deliver resort-style amenities such as rooftop pools, co-working spaces, beach-club access, and turnkey furnishing packages. Two-bedroom units in these projects range USD 318,000–670,000, with three-bedroom penthouses reaching USD 795,000–1,150,000. Many offer rental programs for investor buyers.
Buying in Playacar as a foreigner
Foreign buyers purchasing Playacar real estate must use a fideicomiso (bank trust) because the entire Riviera Maya coastline falls within Mexico's restricted zone. The Constitution of Mexico prohibits direct foreign ownership within 50 kilometers of any coastline. A Mexican bank holds legal title as trustee while the foreign buyer becomes the beneficiary with full rights to use, rent, modify, sell, mortgage, and inherit the property.
- Hire a Mexican notary public (notario público), a government-appointed attorney who verifies title, drafts the deed, and coordinates the closing.
- Select a Mexican bank to serve as fideicomiso trustee; the bank files the permit application with the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE) at a cost of MXN 21,650.
- The notary orders a certificate of no liens (certificado de libertad de gravamen) from the Public Registry and verifies the property's cadastral record and property-tax status.
- Sign the fideicomiso trust agreement and purchase deed at the notary's office; the seller transfers the property into the trust with the buyer as beneficiary for a renewable 50-year term.
- Pay closing costs, which typically total 4–7% of the purchase price (notary fees, trust setup, transfer tax at 3–5%, and registration fees).
- Register the deed and fideicomiso with the Public Registry of Property; the notary handles the filing and delivers certified copies to the buyer and the bank trustee.
Can Americans buy property in Mexico? Playacar taxes & closing costs
Playacar local guides
Rentals and short-term rental rules
Long-term rental supply in Playacar includes furnished and unfurnished condos, houses, and villas available on annual leases. Studio and one-bedroom condos in Phase 2 rent for USD 600–1,800 per month (MXN 31,000–42,000), depending on furnishing and amenities. Two-bedroom condos range USD 1,500–2,600 monthly, while three-bedroom units and small houses ask USD 2,000–3,000. Luxury villas with private pools in Phase 1 or Phase 2 command USD 3,000–5,000 per month. Most long-term rentals require annual contracts, first and last month's rent, and a security deposit. Landlords typically cover property tax and major maintenance; tenants pay utilities including electricity, which can reach USD 250–300 monthly during air-conditioning season.
Is Playacar safe?
Playa del Carmen's homicide rate for the trailing 12 months ending August 2026 was 6.0 per 100,000 residents (25 cases per year), comparable to New York City, according to SESNSP data compiled by Latinometrics. Intentional homicides in Playa del Carmen dropped 50% from January to September 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, per SESNSP reports. Quintana Roo state recorded a 76% reduction in intentional homicides between 2024 and early 2026. Playacar's gated access, 24-hour security, and residential character contribute to a lower crime profile than downtown Playa del Carmen. The U.S. State Department maintains a Level 2 advisory for Quintana Roo (Exercise Increased Caution), the same level as much of Europe.
Cost of living in Playacar
Cost of living in Playacar aligns with Playa del Carmen's premium coastal zones, higher than inland neighborhoods but lower than comparable U.S. beach towns. Electricity represents the largest variable expense due to year-round air conditioning in the Caribbean climate.
| Monthly cost | Typical range | Source · as of |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities (electricity, water, gas, 85 m² apartment) | USD 89–250/month | wise.com |
| Utilities with heavy air conditioning | USD 175–292/month | riotimesonline.com |
| Internet (50+ Mbps) | USD 30–60/month | outtathecomfortzone.com |
| Groceries (single person) | USD 200–300/month | wise.com |
| Meal at inexpensive restaurant | USD 12 | wise.com |
| Three-course meal for two (mid-range) | USD 46 | wise.com |
| Local transport ticket | USD 0.58 | livingcost.org |
| Monthly parking/car expenses | USD 150–350/month | themexicohandbook.com |
Playacar real estate FAQ
What does a fideicomiso cost for Playacar property?
The fideicomiso setup includes a one-time SRE permit fee of MXN 21,650 (approximately USD 1,050–1,200), notary fees for trust drafting (typically USD 1,500–3,000), and annual bank trust administration fees of USD 500–800. The trust runs for 50 years and is renewable indefinitely. Total first-year costs for establishing a fideicomiso generally range USD 3,000–5,000 depending on property value and the bank selected as trustee.
Can foreigners get a mortgage for Playacar real estate?
Foreign buyers can obtain financing from Mexican banks, U.S. lenders that lend on Mexican property, or Canadian institutions. Mexican banks typically require 30–50% down payment and offer 10–15 year terms at higher interest rates than U.S. mortgages. Some U.S. cross-border lenders provide 30-year loans secured by the fideicomiso beneficial interest.
What is the difference between Playacar Phase 1 and Phase 2?
Phase 1 occupies the beachfront strip with direct ocean access, mature landscaping, luxury villas, and the only beachfront houses for sale in Playa del Carmen. Phase 2 surrounds a golf course, features a mix of condos and houses, and offers entry prices from USD 160,000. Both phases share 24-hour gated security and proximity to downtown.
How much is property tax in Playacar?
Annual property tax (predial) in Solidaridad municipality ranges 0.30–0.45% of the cadastral value, which typically equals 30–50% of market value. A property with a cadastral value of MXN 1,500,000 pays approximately MXN 4,500–6,750 per year (USD 220–330). Solidaridad offers early-payment discounts: 15% in January, 10% in February, and 5% in March.
Is Playacar safe for foreign residents?
Playacar benefits from 24-hour gated security, controlled vehicle access, and a residential character that contributes to lower crime rates than downtown Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen's homicide rate for the 12 months ending August 2026 was 6.0 per 100,000, comparable to New York City. Intentional homicides dropped 50% from January to September 2026 versus 2025.
Can a buyer rent out a Playacar condo short-term?
Short-term vacation rentals are permitted in Playacar, and many condo developments cater to investor buyers with rental programs and on-site management. Owners must register with the municipal tax authority and collect lodging tax on rental income; Quintana Roo's amended lodging tax law sets a 6% rate for digital-platform rentals and a 3% rate for traditional hotel services, according to Quintana Roo Congress law L187-XV-27122017-611.
What amenities do Playacar residents have access to?
Playacar residents enjoy an 18-hole golf course, beach clubs with palapas and loungers, paved bicycle paths, tennis courts, and multiple beach access points. Phase 1 offers direct beachfront with private beach clubs. Many newer condo developments include rooftop pools, gyms, co-working spaces, and concierge services. The community sits walking distance from downtown Playa del Carmen and Fifth Avenue.
How long does a Playacar real estate closing take?
A typical Playacar closing takes 60–90 days from offer acceptance to deed registration. The timeline includes two weeks for title review and lien certificate, two to three weeks for SRE fideicomiso permit approval, notary document preparation, and final signing and registration. Cash purchases close faster than financed transactions.
Written and reviewed by
Daniel Ortega
Real-estate writer · Maestría en Dirección Inmobiliaria (MDI)
Born and raised in Mexico City, living in Cancún since 2015.
Last reviewed 2 November 2026 · All articles by Daniel