Bienes Raíces en Playa Del Carmen y Tulum Mexico | Cost of Owning Property in Quintana Roo: Checklist

The Real Cost of Owning Property in Quintana Roo: A Monthly & Annual Checklist (No Surprises)

When people estimate the cost of buying a home or condo in Quintana Roo, they often focus on the purchase price—and underestimate the ongoing ownership costs that affect real cash flow. Whether you live in your property, rent it long-term, or run it as a vacation rental, understanding your “carry costs” helps you make better decisions and avoid surprises.

Here’s a clear checklist of the most common monthly and annual expenses owners should budget for in Quintana Roo.

1) Annual costs (plan these once a year)

A) Predial (property tax)

Paid to the municipality where the property is located. Early-year discount programs are common in Quintana Roo municipalities, so many owners pay in January/February.

B) Bank trust annual fee (Fideicomiso), if applicable

If the property is within the restricted zone and held through a fideicomiso, most owners pay an annual administration fee to the trustee bank. This is separate from predial and HOA fees.

C) Insurance (recommended, even if not required)

• Home/condo insurance (structure and/or contents)

• Liability coverage (highly recommended for rentals)

D) Maintenance reserve (owner’s internal budget)

Even if your HOA is strong, you still want a personal reserve line item for:

• Appliance replacement

• AC servicing / replacement

• Furniture refresh (for rentals)

• Minor plumbing/electrical surprises

2) Monthly (or frequent) costs

A) HOA / Condominium fees (Cuotas de mantenimiento)

These vary widely depending on amenities, security, staffing, and maintenance scope. They typically cover common area operations and services—but don’t assume they cover everything (ask for the budget and inclusions).

B) Electricity (CFE)

Electricity is often the most variable line item, especially with:

• Air conditioning usage

• Occupancy rates (vacation rentals)

• Seasonal heat

C) Water

Depending on your area and setup, water may be billed separately or included in HOA (or charged via a local provider). Always confirm how your community handles it.

D) Gas

Commonly used for:

• Hot water

• Cooking (if not electric)

  Gas logistics can be easy or annoying depending on building setup (tank vs service access).

E) Internet

Critical for vacation rentals. Budget for reliable service and occasional upgrades.

3) “Occasional but predictable” costs that owners forget

A) Extraordinary HOA assessments (Cuotas extraordinarias)

These are not automatically a red flag—sometimes they’re normal (major repainting, structural work, big equipment replacement). But they matter for budgeting and for due diligence before buying.

B) Repairs and turnover

For rentals, add an operational allowance for:

• Guest turnover wear and tear

• Deep cleans

• Linen replacement

• Minor repairs

C) Property management (if you’re not local)

If you live abroad or use the property as a rental, property management fees and operational expenses can become the difference between “great ROI” and “stressful ownership.”

4) Simple budgeting method (so it’s actually usable)

Create two buckets:

Fixed monthly: HOA + base internet + typical water/gas + basic maintenance reserve

Variable monthly: electricity (seasonality) + rental turnover/repairs + management costs (if rental)

Then add annual costs (predial + fideicomiso + insurance) and divide by 12 to “monthly-ize” your real carrying cost.

5) Why this checklist matters (even if you’re not renting)

• If you sell later, clean records and predictable costs help your property stand out.

• If you rent, knowing your true monthly carrying cost helps you set minimum occupancy targets.

• If you buy, it prevents “I didn’t budget for that” ownership stress.