Thinking About Buying a Vacation Rental in Puerto Peñasco? Here’s What to Know

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Thinking About Buying a Vacation Rental in Puerto Peñasco? Here’s What to Know


If you’ve stayed in Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point) and found yourself daydreaming about owning a place here, you’re not alone. Many vacation renters fall in love with the sun, the sand, and the lifestyle—and start wondering if investing in a property here might make sense. If that’s you, let me share some of the lessons I’ve learned and things to consider as you move from guest to owner.

Location, Location, Location

Chances are you booked your rental because of its proximity to the beach or maybe because it was close to the Malecón or your favorite restaurant. When it’s your turn to shop for a property, think about what future guests will see when they’re browsing Airbnb or VRBO. With hundreds of choices in Puerto Peñasco, what will make your listing stand out? Great views, beach access, and unique amenities are the keys to beating the average in terms of rental revenue.

Find a Trusted Realtor®

Mexico has many real estate agents, but not all are created equal. Having a trusted Realtor® with great references is crucial. They’ll guide you through the local market, ask the right questions, and help you avoid common pitfalls. I’ve worked with some excellent Realtors® in Rocky Point—if you’d like an introduction, just reach out to me and I’ll gladly connect you.

Ask About Rental History & Do Your Research

When you’re touring properties, ask the seller if they have rental history. Actual numbers are one of the best predictors of future income. You can also use tools like AirDNA, which scrapes data from Airbnb to estimate potential revenue. (Last I checked, they offer one free report if you sign up with your email address.) It’s a great way to understand if the property can perform the way you hope.

Understand Ownership Structures

In Mexico, foreigners typically hold property through either a bank trust (fideicomiso) or an LLC. LLCs can be a little more expensive to set up upfront, but in the long run, they often save money and streamline the process. Your Realtor® will help you understand which is best for your situation.

Residency, Taxes & Your Accountant

Before you can begin renting your property, you’ll need a local taxpayer ID number. Airbnb requires this to list your property. For me, this step meant obtaining temporary residency, and now I have permanent residency. The process can be complicated, but a good accountant—or a full-service property manager—can walk you through it and even set up the appointments and join you (which is a must if you aren't fluent in Spanish!)  Don’t skip this step; it’s the foundation for running your rental legally.

Property Management: To Hire or Not to Hire?

Many new owners start with a property manager, and honestly, it can be a smart move. A good property manager will:

  • Help you with knowing what items you need to have in the property

  • Get the property marketed on multiple websites to attract guests

  • Handle guest communication and check-ins

  • Manage cleanings and maintenance

  • Pay bills like HOA dues and electric

  • Help you stay compliant with local regulations

When we first started, I relied heavily on a property manager because my schedule didn’t allow me to respond to guests quickly. It was worth every penny. Over time, as I learned the systems and built my own network of resources, I switched to self-management. It saves money, but it does take work. (If you’re curious about self-managing, let me know—I may do a follow-up blog on that soon.)

Practical Setup Details

Whether you’re working with a property manager or handling things yourself, make sure you have support for:

  • Bill payments: In our case, the electric bill goes to the HOA office, and our accountant handles it. Don’t assume it works like in the U.S.

  • Banking: You may need a local account to pay utilities and HOA dues.

  • HOA rules: Every resort or condo community has its own guidelines for rentals. Your Realtor® should help you find and review the rules before you buy.  A key thing to know is if the HOA mandates use of specified rental companies.  

Final Thoughts

Buying a vacation rental in Puerto Peñasco can be an amazing investment and a lifestyle upgrade. The key is setting yourself up correctly from the start—choosing the right location, finding a trusted Realtor®, and getting your business and tax setup done the right way.

If you’re staying here now and starting to think about owning a piece of Rocky Point for yourself, I’d love to be a resource. I can connect you with trusted local Realtors®, accountants, and property managers who will help you make a smooth transition from guest to owner.

👉 Reach out to me anytime for a personal introduction to my favorite local contacts.