Playa del Carmen Property Tax Update Gains Support

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Local deputy Hugo Alday has expressed his support for Playa del Carmen Mayor Estefanía Mercado’s proposal to update property value tables, which would increase valuations in certain high-value zones of the municipality.

Push for Equitable Taxation

Alday, who chairs the Commission for Sustainable Urban Development and Metropolitan Urban Affairs in the state congress, stated that the initiative aligns with efforts to ensure fair taxation and benefit lower-income residents.

“From the Commission for Sustainable Urban Development and Metropolitan Urban Affairs, as well as from the PT (Labor Party), we fully support these types of actions led by administrations that seek true contributive justice,” Alday said. “This benefits those who have the least by ensuring fair payment for land use.”

He emphasized the urgency of the update, noting that property value tables in Playa del Carmen have not been revised in nearly 12 years, particularly in high-demand commercial and tourist areas.

Addressing Inequities

Alday highlighted stark disparities in current valuations, pointing out that some prime locations pay significantly lower taxes than less affluent neighborhoods.

“It’s incredible that the price per square meter in high-value zones is lower than in some working-class neighborhoods,” he said. “The mayor gave the example of high-value areas paying around 50 pesos, while areas like Villas del Sol pay over 1,200 pesos per square meter. This is a tax inequity that harms those with fewer resources.”

Public Consultation Underway

The municipal government has opened a public consultation on the proposed changes, which will remain available for feedback until August 31. Alday encouraged broad participation, stating that the process reflects democratic engagement.

“I doubt there will be opposition, except from those who own these properties and likely don’t want their taxes to increase,” he added.

The deputy also referenced a recent security crisis in Quintana Roo, underscoring the need for balanced governance.