US consumers are accustomed to seeing top-ten lists all the time but many are shaking their heads about the top-ten losers in the US real estate markets. Eight of the markets that show the largest losses are considered luxury real estate markets. Only two markets, Cleveland and Detroit, are in largely industrial areas and those two markets occupy spots ten and nine respectively with relatively modest losses compared to the biggest decliners.

Luxury real estate sales have been soft, and high-dollar markets are suffering, with value declines that top 25%. Pricey real estate in Riverside-San Bernardino lost the most value, but other traditional markets in California, Arizona and Florida that tend to attract retirees, also showed significant weakness.

On the other hand, Mexico real estate sales are strong and growing stronger. One market in particular – Puerto Vallarta – is one of the five hottest markets in Mexico. Property values here have tripled in the past ten years and are expected to continue their double digit growth pattern for several more years, as retirees from all over the world buy property here in search of a low-cost retirement spot.

Additionally, the Mexican government has made infrastructure investments here a high priority, as Mexico attempts to position itself as a major trade partner in the world economy. Visitors to Puerto Vallarta will find new construction taking place at a frenzied pace, as well as massive public works projects that include new a new interstate highway system, a new water treatment plant, new tunnels, a convention center, a new airport terminal, new marine terminals and as many as 30 private hotel and condominium projects.

The population of Puerto Vallarta is expected to nearly double in the next seven years. As the population grows, non-developer controlled residential building sites will disappear. Right now is the ideal time for individual investors to buy land and build luxury residential properties. The cost of individual parcels is comparatively low. Design, engineering and construction services are also extremely affordable for the individual investor.

Select Mexico Properties is selling individual parcels of land for residential development in San Pancho right now. Due to the high interest from retirees from all over the world, these parcels will sell quickly. This may truly be the last opportunity for individual investors to buy high-value Pacific coast real estate at affordable prices.

Photo Credit: Karl Frankowski