Aerial view of the turquoise Bacalar lagoon and its shoreline
4000m² lot in Bacalar
Aerial view over the Bacalar lagoon beside the Cobas 389 waterfront land parcel
Tulum Land and Property

Bacalar Land for Sale

Development land on the Lagoon of Seven Colours, three hours south of Tulum and at a much earlier stage of its market.

Where
This area
Property type
Bedrooms
Build stage
What is in

Bacalar

The lagoon

  • About 42 km long
  • Seven shades of blue over white limestone
  • Living stromatolites, motor use regulated
  • Cenote Azul and Cenote Negro

The town

  • Pueblo Mágico
  • Seventeenth century fort above the water
  • Small, slow and low rise

Access

  • Tren Maya station
  • About 3 hours south of Tulum
  • Chetumal airport nearby

Before you buy

  • Shoreline development is regulated
  • Establish permitted use with documents
  • Verify title and any ejido history

Bacalar is a Pueblo Mágico on the Laguna de Bacalar in southern Quintana Roo, roughly three hours south of Tulum, and both of our listings here are land.

What it is like

The lagoon is the reason anyone comes. It runs about forty two kilometres long and takes its name, the Lagoon of Seven Colours, from the way the water shifts between pale turquoise and deep blue over a white limestone bed. It holds living stromatolites, among the oldest life forms on earth, which is why boat traffic and motor use are regulated.

The town itself is small and slow, built around a seventeenth century fort above the water. There are cenotes along the lagoon, including the Cenote Azul and the Cenote Negro, and the pace is closer to what Tulum was fifteen years ago than to what Tulum is now.

The Tren Maya has a station here, which is the single biggest change to Bacalar's accessibility in its history and the reason it appears in more conversations than it used to.

What is for sale

Two land holdings. COBAS 389, a lagoon front development parcel of 29,880 sq ft at $600,000 USD, and a beachfront land parcel near Bacalar.

This is a development market rather than a residential one. There is no finished stock in our book here.

Who it suits

Developers and early buyers with a long horizon. Bacalar is at a stage Tulum passed through some years ago, and the argument for it is the same argument, with the same uncertainty attached.

It suits anyone wanting a small hotel or a low density project on water, which is what most of the interest here is for.

What to watch

The lagoon is ecologically fragile and increasingly protected. Development on and near the shoreline is subject to environmental regulation, and there has been real local and federal scrutiny of projects that ignored it. Establish what is permitted on a specific parcel before you value it, with documents rather than assurances.

Ejido history is a live issue throughout Quintana Roo and particularly on land that has not been developed before. Have the chain of title verified by your own lawyer.

Services should not be assumed. Confirm what power, water and road access physically reach the boundary today.

The figures on this page are asking prices from our own current listings. They are not closed transactions and they are not comparables.

Properties for sale in

Bacalar

Search our current listings in this area, with photography, prices, sizes and full detail on every property.

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View all properties in this area

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about our properties, services, and buying process. If you need more help, feel free to reach out to us

Can foreigners own property in Tulum?

Yes. Foreigners can own property in Tulum via a “fideicomiso”: a trust with a Mexican bank facilitated by a notary. The bank acts as a trustee and follows instructions from the property owner. Via this arrangement, foreigners can have all rights to use, occupy, lease, build, improve, and sell their property. On average, it takes 60 to 90 days to complete a property purchase. Tulum Land & Property works closely with a trusted team of lawyers and notaries who ensure that all legal processes proceed smoothly.Another way of owning property in Tulum is by creating a Mexican corporation. This is recommended when investors plan to own several properties. 

How much do I have to pay up-front?

Most pre-construction properties require a refundable deposit of $5,000 USD to secure the unit. Our properties are in high demand so this deposit secures the unit while contracts are drafted. Typically buyers make a down payment of 30% but larger down payments lead to larger discounts. The rest of the payments are made according to negotiable payment plans spreading the cost over the construction time, allowing investors to enjoy better liquidity before delivery.

How much ROI can my property generate?

Tulum real estate agents estimate the average annual ROI to be between 6% and 10%. This depends upon location, amenities, rental rates and design. Our team of experts at Tulum Land & Property focus on finding properties that generate 10% to 20% ROI per year.

What's the best way to get Financing?

For foreigners investing in Mexico, the best way to obtain finance is to do so at home. In the US, you may take a Home Equity Loan or Home Equity Line of Credit (click here). Buyers are able to repay their monthly loan payments with rental income from their vacation rental. During the high season in Tulum, a two-bedroom apartment can rent for up to $500 USD per night and villas can command over $1,000 USD per night. Financing in Mexico is typically 8%-9% plus fees and involves a lengthy process.

Are there any extra costs to buy a property?

Closing costs are typically 7% of the property value. This includes the acquisition tax, recordation fee, certificate of no liens, municipal appraisal, legal and closing fees, and public notary fees. The yearly property tax in Mexico is typically 0.1% of the property value. HOA fees typically start from $2.5 USD per square meter per month depending on the amenities included. The cost of furniture and appliances must also be considered in your budget. Our team of experts can help you understand these costs, schedule a call with us to get started (click here).

How can I ensure the property I purchase has a clear title?

To ensure a property has a clear title, conduct a title search through a reputable notary or legal professional. This process verifies that the seller has legal ownership and that there are no liens or encumbrances on the property. Working with experienced local professionals can help navigate this process.

How safe is Tulum?

Tulum is safe. Recent data shows that the crime index is in fact lower in Tulum than in major cities of the United States, such as Miami (see here). Occasional violent incidents usually do not involve foreigners and tourists, but are rather restricted to disputes between cartels. As for every destination prized by tourists, the usual precautions do apply in Tulum when it comes to irregular activities and behaviour. Many tips are available on forums for first-time travellers to Mexico on how to avoid scams and theft (example here).

Does the property come with amenities?

Many of the condos and villas sold in Tulum come with amenities, depending on the location. Usual amenities include: pool, spa, rooftop, fitness and yoga centre, co-working space, etc. 

Still have questions?

Schedule a call with our team of investment analysts to get the answers you need and make informed decisions.

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