At the end of 2023, the Sociedad Hipotecaria Federal released its house price index report for Mexico for the third quarter of the previous year. This report presents us with interesting figures both at the national level and for the market of interest to us: that of Baja California Sur.
According to the figures, the price of homes with a mortgage increased by 10.4 percent, while the cumulative from January to November 2024 was 11.2 percent. Meanwhile, the average price of a home from January to September was $1,607,000 pesos with an average price of $937,000 pesos.
Here comes an interesting point. Which state had the highest growth in the SHF index in the first nine months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022?
If your answer was Baja California Sur, you are correct. The percentage variation for our state was 17.9%, with La Paz and Los Cabos being the municipalities with the highest variation in the entire country.
In the state index, I will leave you only the top 10 places in the country in percentage terms: Baja California Sur, Quintana Roo, Sinaloa, Baja California, Nayarit, Guerrero, Querétaro, Coahuila, Sonora, and Mexico City.
Understanding the SHF (Sociedad Hipotecaria Federal) Index is essential because it provides a quantitative measure of the housing market’s health in Mexico, reflecting changes in housing prices that have been underwritten by mortgages. The index is crucial for a multitude of stakeholders, including investors, policymakers, real estate professionals, and consumers, as it offers a data-driven foundation for making informed decisions.
For Baja California Sur, and specifically for La Paz and Los Cabos, the numbers represented in the SHF Index have several important implications:
Economic Indicator:
The SHF Index serves as a barometer for economic vitality in the region. The high growth rate in Baja California Sur indicates a thriving economy that is likely being driven by factors such as tourism, foreign investment, and possibly government initiatives aimed at development. Robust growth in the housing market can often correlate with positive trends in employment, retail, and other sectors.
Investment Attractiveness:
For investors, the index’s numbers suggest that Baja California Sur, particularly La Paz and Los Cabos, are potentially lucrative areas for real estate investment. The 17.9% increase signifies strong demand and a market that is likely to continue appreciating, offering good returns on investment.
Policy Making:
For local governments and policymakers, these figures help in understanding the pace and nature of growth, which is critical for planning and regulatory purposes. The data can influence decisions on infrastructure spending, housing policies, and urban development plans to ensure that growth is sustainable and beneficial for the long-term.
Market Dynamics in La Paz and Los Cabos:
La Paz and Los Cabos have outperformed other municipalities nationally, which speaks volumes about their local market dynamics. This could be due to a surge in tourism, a burgeoning expatriate community, or an increase in domestic buyers seeking vacation homes or rental properties. The high variation suggests a competitive market that may be experiencing a real estate boom.
Housing Affordability and Social Implications:
While the growth indicated by the SHF Index is positive from an investment perspective, it also raises questions about housing affordability for residents. If prices rise too quickly, it may lead to a situation where local inhabitants are priced out of the market. A balanced approach to development should encompass solutions for affordable housing.
Benchmark for Future Developments:
The numbers also set a benchmark for future developments in the region. They can guide the scale and type of housing developments that are planned, ensuring that new construction meets the actual demand and contributes positively to the region’s real estate landscape.
In general, the SHF Index numbers for Baja California Sur, La Paz, and Los Cabos reflect a region experiencing rapid growth and transformation in its housing market. This growth, while indicative of economic strength and investment potential, also carries with it the responsibility to manage and direct it in a way that serves the broader interests of all residents and stakeholders in the region.
Why, as a foreigner, you should be aware of this index?
Foreigners looking to purchase a home in Mexico would benefit from knowing the SHF Index for several key reasons:
Market Insight: The SHF Index provides essential insights into the Mexican housing market, including price trends and market dynamics. Understanding these trends can help foreigners discern the right time to buy and the potential long-term value of their investment.
Regional Price Movements: Since the index breaks down data by state and municipality, it allows potential buyers to compare different regions. For those interested in Baja California Sur, the index’s detailed figures for La Paz and Los Cabos would be particularly informative.
Investment Strategy: Knowledge of local market conditions, facilitated by the SHF Index, can guide buyers in developing a solid investment strategy. It can influence decisions such as whether to buy for long-term appreciation or rental income potential.
Value Assessment: The SHF Index can help in assessing whether properties are priced fairly and if the market is overheated. Buyers can determine if they’re getting good value for their money relative to the current market conditions.
Economic Health Indicator: The index can act as a proxy for the economic health of a region. A robust increase, like the one seen in Baja California Sur, may signal a thriving economy, which can be reassuring for foreigners looking for stability in their investments.
Planning for the Future: For those looking to reside, rather than just invest, understanding the housing market through the SHF Index is crucial for planning their future in Mexico. It can affect decisions about the quality of life, cost of living, and the potential for the property’s value to increase over time.
Negotiation Leverage: Being informed about the housing market trends can provide foreigners with leverage when negotiating prices. Sellers are more likely to take a buyer seriously if they show an understanding of the market conditions as evidenced by the SHF Index.
In essence, the SHF Index equips foreign homebuyers with a data-driven understanding of the housing market, enabling them to make informed decisions and investments in Mexico.
The SHF Index is not just a set of numbers; it’s a comprehensive guide to understanding the pulse of Mexico’s housing market, essential for anyone looking to invest or find a home in this vibrant country. For those intrigued by the dynamic real estate opportunities in Baja California Sur, particularly in the thriving markets of La Paz and Los Cabos, this index is an invaluable tool. It provides a clear picture of market trends, investment potential, and economic health, crucial for making informed decisions.
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