So, you’ve decided to buy a new home or condo in Huatulco and decorating can be such an exciting and fun experience an opportunity to express yourself and your taste by choosing the furniture, artwork and decor . For others, it can be a daunting task, having to make decisions about which furniture would look best, being overwhelmed by all the options.
Until you start having a look around, and find the closest Liverpool is in Salina Cruz... which is approximately 1.5 hours away by car.
You might find extremely cheap furniture and decor at Coppel, but the quality is not the best and the humidity and heat might destroy it in a matter of months.
Are you moving to Huatulco? Is this an investment property to rent? How expensive is furniture? “There is one BIG question that people never ask,”...“What do I need to know about buying furniture for my home in Mexico that is different from how I bought furniture for my home in Canada or the US?”
The climate in Huatulco is extremely different from most climates in North America, it should affect your furniture choices. “The elements in the Bays of Huatulco include salty ocean air, high humidity during the summer months, intense sun with harsh UV rays, high levels of dust and sand particles, plus termites and other wood eating bugs,”... “What would work elsewhere will likely not last here. This means that it is critical to make your buying decision on more than just the furniture’s look and price which are the two factors most people look at. If you want your furniture to last more than one or two seasons, it is important to consider the materials and manufacturing processes used and which climate the furniture was built for.”
The other difference is that unlike in the US or Canada, you will not get an exact shipping window in Mexico. Shipping and logistics are not sophisticated here. And because the overriding philosophy is “manana”, it is best to be patient, and never expect quick service.
“It is very different and no matter where you get your furniture from, it will come when it comes... ” Do not get frustrated, angry or demand action. Ask anyone who used pressure tactics and they’ll tell you it will work against you. Take a deep breath, make contingency plans and eventually everything will come together.
Your options for furnishing your new home vary. Like in the U.S. and Canada, most new condo owners buy furniture at retail stores at the local stores. In Huatulco, there are local carpenters such as Coast Creation, furniture are made to order. This can usually take anywhere from six to eight weeks, or even longer. It used to be If you plan to fly in to get your condo completely outfitted in one week, it most likely won’t happen. Portside Living is going to change that for you!
If doing it yourself is not appealing, another option is to hire an interior decorator or designer.
There are many interior decorators and designers that are available who will charge you a base fee (ranging from a few thousand to many thousand dollars) along with a commission on each item you purchase. If you have the budget and prefer someone with a design eye to assist, this is a great option. Most interior decorator/designers have their own manufacturers that they deal with, so again be aware that this will not be a quick cash and carry option.
Based on what most new condo buyers in Huatulco, have spent over the past four or five years, to fully furnish a two-bedroom, two bath condo, it is best to budget around $20,000 to $25,000 USD,” she said. “For a one bedroom, it is between $12,500 and $17,500 USD and for a three bedroom, between $25,000 and $40,000 USD. Keep in mind that the price for furniture in Mexico is about the same as what you would pay in the US/Canada for the same quality. Many folks incorrectly think they can get furniture here for a third of what it costs elsewhere but it is not accurate.
For those who don’t want to invest up front to purchase furniture, the other option is to rent furniture. This allows you to get in, start using your condo right away while you take your time selecting your forever furniture. If you are renting out your condo, renting furniture reduces your capital costs and allows you to generate revenue immediately upon condo possession.