Thinking about buying property or building a new life in Mexico? Before making the move, it's important to understand the local real estate market, the practical challenges of owning property, and what everyday life in the Riviera Maya really involves.

In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Susana C. Macdonald, a seasoned real estate professional in the Riviera Maya, to discuss the opportunities and realities of living and investing in this popular region of Mexico.

From the changing real estate markets in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cancun to property taxes, infrastructure, and common mistakes buyers should avoid, Susana shares practical insights to help prospective buyers make more informed decisions. The conversation also explores the importance of due diligence when purchasing real estate in Mexico and the considerations involved in turning the dream of living abroad into reality.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• What's happening in the real estate markets of Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cancun
• Important considerations when buying property in Mexico
• Why infrastructure matters when evaluating a property or location
• What buyers should understand about property taxes in Mexico
• Common mistakes people make when purchasing real estate in Mexico
• Why due diligence is essential before committing to a property
• What to consider when exploring real estate investments in the Riviera Maya
• How rental restrictions can influence property ownership and investment decisions
• What aspiring expats should know before relocating to Mexico
• How to approach the transition from dreaming about life in Mexico to making it a reality

Key Moments:

00:00 Tourism challenges in Riviera Maya

03:46 Sargasso Sea and seaweed issues

07:13 Summer sargassum and beach effects

11:54 Negotiating deal lengths and terms

13:50 Real Estate in Cancun's Hotel Zone

18:49 Vacation property investment options

23:06 Importance of a real estate attorney

25:56 Discussing real estate presales

27:21 Seller financing trends

30:26 Puerto Morelos market overview

34:15 Playa del Carmen real estate trends

Whether you're considering a beachfront condo, exploring investment opportunities, or planning to relocate, this conversation offers a practical perspective on buying property in Mexico and living in the Riviera Maya.

Join Taniel and Susana as they explore the real estate market, the challenges buyers should understand, and the steps that can help you make informed decisions when creating your new life in Mexico.

How to contact Susana C. Macdonald:

WEBSITE:​ https://www.susimacdonald.com/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/susanamacdonaldrealestate

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/susanamacdonaldrealestate/

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@susimacdonald/videos

EMAIL:​ info@susimacdonald.com

Get the Free Puerto Vallarta Buyer’s Guide + 13 Short Videos: https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-guide/

Taniel Chemsian Properties

Mexico Office: +52.322.688.7435, +52.322.403.9960

USA/CAN: +1.323.798.8893

Web: www.tanielchemsian.com

Is 2026 creating new opportunities for people looking to buy property in Mexico? In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition with Taniel Chemsian, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Riviera Maya real estate professional Susana C. Macdonald to examine the changing real estate market across Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Morelos.

Susana shares insights into the shift toward a buyer's market, changing property prices, and how global economic and political uncertainty is influencing buyer confidence. The conversation also explores the impact of sargasso seaweed on coastal destinations and how environmental concerns can affect perceptions of the region's real estate market.

For prospective buyers and investors, understanding the local market is essential. Susana discusses the opportunities emerging from price adjustments, the importance of conducting thorough due diligence, and why checking developer credentials matters when purchasing property in Mexico.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• What's changing in the Riviera Maya real estate market in 2026
• Why Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Morelos are experiencing a shift toward a buyer's market
• How global economic and political uncertainty is affecting real estate decisions
• What property price drops could mean for prospective buyers
• How sargasso seaweed is influencing perceptions of coastal property markets
• Where buyers may find potential opportunities across the Riviera Maya
• Why due diligence is essential when buying real estate in Mexico
• What to investigate when evaluating developers and new property projects
• How to approach real estate investment during periods of market uncertainty
• What buyers should consider before purchasing property in Mexico's popular coastal destinations

Key Moments:

00:00 Tourism challenges in Riviera Maya

03:46 Sargasso Sea and seaweed issues

07:13 Summer sargassum and beach effects

11:54 Negotiating deal lengths and terms

13:50 Real Estate in Cancun's Hotel Zone

18:49 Vacation property investment options

23:06 Importance of a real estate attorney

25:56 Discussing real estate presales

27:21 Seller financing trends

30:26 Puerto Morelos market overview

Whether you're considering moving to Mexico, purchasing a vacation home, or exploring a real estate investment, this conversation offers a closer look at the opportunities and challenges shaping the Riviera Maya real estate market in 2026.

Listen to Taniel and Susana for practical perspectives on navigating Mexico real estate, evaluating potential deals, and making more informed property-buying decisions.

Get the Free Puerto Vallarta Buyer’s Guide + 13 Short Videos: https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-guide/

Taniel Chemsian Properties

Mexico Office: +52.322.688.7435, +52.322.403.9960

USA/CAN: +1.323.798.8893

Web: www.tanielchemsian.com

What makes someone leave a successful business career in Canada to start a new chapter in Mexico? For Joe Taylor, a Canadian entrepreneur from Toronto, the decision meant leaving behind three thriving retail businesses and relocating with his family to Los Cabos in search of a different lifestyle.

In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition with Taniel Chemsian, host Taniel Chemsian speaks with Joe about his journey from Toronto to Mexico. Joe shares how Canada's harsh winters, the appeal of a warmer climate, and the opportunity to embrace a more relaxed way of life influenced his decision to make the move.

The conversation explores the realities of moving to Mexico with a family, Joe's experiences with safety and everyday life on the Mexican coast, and the opportunities and challenges of real estate investment in Los Cabos. He also reflects on the personal changes that came with leaving his established life behind and building a new future in Mexico.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why Joe Taylor left Toronto and chose Los Cabos, Mexico
• What it was like leaving behind three successful retail businesses
• How Canada's winters influenced his decision to relocate
• The experience of moving to Mexico with a family
• Joe's perspective on safety and the lifestyle in Los Cabos
• What to consider when exploring real estate investment in Mexico
• The differences between life in Toronto and life on the Mexican coast
• The challenges and rewards of relocating to another country
• How a major life change can reshape your ideas about happiness, success, and opportunity

Key Moments:

00:00 Dealing with Winter Blues in Canada

06:07 Trusting gut instincts against advice

08:07 Adjusting to life in a new country

13:02 Current real estate market trends

14:26 Real estate financing in Mexico

19:06 Adjusting to a new language

23:04 Toronto's increasing crime and homelessness

25:30 Canada vs. Mexico crime and safety

28:15 Enduring Canadian winters

32:03 Embracing Change and Relocation

34:20 Promoting restaurant and spa in Cabo

Whether you're considering retiring in Mexico, moving from Canada to Mexico, or exploring life in Los Cabos, Joe's story offers a personal perspective on the decisions involved in creating a new life abroad.

Join Taniel and Joe for a conversation about family, real estate, lifestyle, and what it means to design a life that reflects your priorities.

How to connect Joe:

Email: joe@oceansideloscabos.com

Real Estate: JoeSellsCabo.com

Restaurant: JoeysCabo.com

Laser & massage: TaylorLaser.com

Facebookk: https://www.facebook.com/JoeSellsCabo/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joey.cabo/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@joe.cabo

Get the Free Puerto Vallarta Buyer’s Guide + 13 Short Videos: https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-guide/

Taniel Chemsian Properties

Mexico Office: +52.322.688.7435, +52.322.403.9960

USA/CAN: +1.323.798.8893

Web: www.tanielchemsian.com