A Guide to Furnished and Unfurnished Homes in Mexico

Buying your dream Mexico home is synonymous with embarking on a new adventure. And furnishing said home is arguably the best leg of the journey. A chance to make it truly yours.

However, if the process of purchasing a home already seems like a task and a half, then you may want to consider whether you should be buying a furnished or an unfurnished home in Mexico. Because the difference may surprise you.

Here is everything you need to know to help you make the right choice.

Furnished vs Unfurnished Home in Mexico

Your purchase will greatly depend on whether you plan to use it as your own vacation home, rent it out or move in full-time. You may be inclined to personalize it, especially if buying for yourself, but an already furnished home will save you a lot of time and hassle.

An unfurnished property in Mexico not only means the absence of furniture but oftentimes there will be no stove or fridge and even no light fixtures. While furnishing your home is an incredibly rewarding and satisfying process, a chance to customize your space and flex your interior design muscles, the process of doing so in Mexico is a bit stressful without professional help.

The time you spend shopping for furniture and décor pieces, then waiting for them to arrive, will test your patience. Yes, the delivery can take anywhere from six to eight weeks. Even more so if the quality and condition turn out to be sub-par and you are forced to return or exchange the item. And imagine if, on top of that, you had to purchase your furniture in a larger city nearby because your location has limited options.

It is rare to find second-hand items in good condition unless your move coincides with the departure of another expat offering their furnishings up for grabs. For this reason, it is worth keeping an eye on Facebook Marketplace.

Oh boy…what an ordeal.

Indeed. But it doesn’t have to be.

If you are a snowbird or plan to rent out your property for the majority of the year, buying it already furnished will not only save you time and money but pay returns in terms of guest satisfaction thanks to an existing appealing design. While furnished properties do cost more upfront, the added value pays itself off when we consider the expenses involved in buying brand-new furniture and appliances separately, potential shipping costs, and not to mention, professional help from a designer.

And in case you don’t completely love the existing design of the property you are eyeing, there might be a possibility of negotiating to remove certain pieces that you can replace with your own. That way you get the best of both worlds – save money and add your personal touch.

If buying a furnished home is your preferred choice, then you are in luck because many properties in Mexico already come furnished! The inventory will usually include all appliances, furniture, a fully equipped kitchen with utensils, and even artwork. All you have to do is pack your clothes in a suitcase and move in. Or put the property up as a vacation rental and get ready to reap faster returns on investment. Sometimes new construction developers offer a furniture package designed for investors who may live elsewhere. If you like the look of a model apartment, sometimes they can furnish your new place similarly.

How to Find Furnished Homes Available for Sale in Mexico

There are many ways to find great furnished homes for sale in Mexico. Start by reaching out to people with experience within your network. Scour Facebook Marketplace and expat groups, and meet with reliable real estate agents (link “how to find a reliable real estate agent in Mexico article). But given the lack of centralized property listings, you will find the best property portfolios with well-established real estate agencies. They will also be able to set you up with pre-vetted agents.

Tempted? Browse our stunning properties by destination to seek inspiration for your future Mexico home.

How to Furnish a Home in Mexico

But let’s say the thought of waiting and following up on your décor pieces doesn’t phase you. In fact, you are weirdly excited about the process and seeing it all come together. You have the budget and the time.

Amazing, hats off to you!

Then, how do we get your new Mexico home furnished? This three-step process will point you in the right direction.

Hire an interior designer. Especially if you plan to rent out your property, a professional interior designer will help create an exquisite space your guests will love.

Find a good quality furniture supplier. Whether you are buying for yourself or as an investment, you want furniture that will withstand time, the weather, and general wear and tear. The last thing you want is playing return-ping-pong with Walmart (true story). And finding furniture that is also comfortable and satisfies your aesthetic, well, that’s even more challenging. But your interior designer should be able to help you with that! Otherwise, scout out department stores like Liverpool, and independent furniture stores or have it made to order.

Make it feel like home with personalized details. Visit markets and galleries to find pieces that create a homey feeling and inspire conversation. Luckily, Mexico doesn’t lack unique decor.

In any case, buying a home in Mexico, furnished or unfurnished, can be an overwhelming process. If you prefer to have a professional in your corner so you can focus on celebrating the success of this remarkable milestone, get in touch with our Far Homes professionals, who will answer all of your questions with no obligation or commitment!