Every year, thousands of people move to Yucatán, with Mérida being a particularly popular destination. This influx has led to a significant demand for housing, according to Sergei López Cantón, local president of the Chamber of the Housing Development and Promotion Industry (Canadevi).
Growing Popularity
“Mérida has become a fashionable city to live in over the past few years. This is a unique case in Yucatán and likely not seen in other parts of the country,” said López Cantón. He noted that around 30,000 people move to the state annually.
Migration Trends
Historically, Yucatán has received many residents from the peninsular states and Tabasco. However, in recent years, there has been an influx of people from Mexico City, the State of Mexico, Nuevo León, and Jalisco. These areas are now the main sources of new residents.
Housing Demand
The increasing population has led to a higher demand for housing. López Cantón explained that if housing production exceeded demand, there would be a growing number of uninhabited homes. However, Yucatán has maintained a stable percentage of uninhabited housing at 13%, which translates to about 80,000 homes. This is below the national average of 15%.
Attractiveness of Mérida
López Cantón emphasized that Mérida’s appeal lies in its quality of life, public safety, and the hospitality of Yucatecans. These factors make the state attractive to new residents who want the same benefits for themselves and their families.
Housing Market
There is a housing supply for all sectors, but prices are closely linked to the cost of construction materials. López Cantón noted that construction materials have become 9% more expensive, and in 2022, the increase exceeded 12%. Although this rise is slowing, costs are expected to increase by 5% or 6% in 2025.
Options for Housing
López Cantón reiterated that the price of housing is tied to material costs. As of August, house prices had risen by 4%. He stressed that there is no single solution for housing ownership, as each person’s needs are different. Whether building or buying a house, there should be options available for everyone.
“The most important thing is that there is an option for everyone. If renting is the most feasible option for my lifestyle or family, there should be an offer. If I want to buy a pre-built house, there should be new housing available,” he said.
SOurce: Diario de Yucatan
