Homeownership in Mexico: A Closer Look at Housing Tenure

Web Editor

August 24, 2025

a pie chart with a house in the center and numbers of people in the pie on it, and a line of numbers

Understanding Housing Tenure in Mexico

According to the 2024 National Income and Expenditure Survey (ENIGH), nearly 60% of Mexicans live in their own homes or apartments. Specifically, 59.4% of respondents declared that the housing they occupy is their own, while an additional 10.4% live in homes they own but are still paying off through mortgages, loans, or other agreements.

Registered Housing Units

Mexico has a total of 38.4 million registered housing units, including houses, apartments, and other types of dwellings. This figure encompasses various forms of housing tenure, which is crucial for understanding the housing landscape in the country.

Homeownership vs. Rental Housing

When considering homes where payments are still being made, the percentage of people living in their own homes rises to nearly 70%. These individuals are either paying off mortgages, loans, or other financial arrangements. On the other hand, 15.7% of households are classified as rented accommodations.

Non-Owned and Informal Housing

An interesting aspect is that 11.8% of the population does not own their homes and also lacks rental contracts. These individuals reside in homes provided by relatives or friends. The remaining percentage accounts for housing situations involving legal disputes or other unconventional circumstances.

Who are these homeowners, and why is this relevant?

Mexico’s housing market is influenced by various factors, including demographics, urbanization trends, and economic conditions. Understanding housing tenure distribution helps policymakers address housing affordability, access, and quality issues. Moreover, it sheds light on the financial practices of Mexican households and their reliance on credit for home acquisition.

Impact on Society

Homeownership rates have significant implications for the Mexican economy and society. High homeownership percentages can indicate financial stability and wealth accumulation through property investment. However, it also raises concerns about housing affordability for lower-income groups and the potential strain on personal finances due to long-term debt obligations.

Key Questions and Answers

  • What percentage of Mexicans own their homes? Nearly 60% of Mexicans live in their own homes or apartments, with an additional 10.4% owning homes still being paid off.
  • What is the total number of registered housing units in Mexico? There are approximately 38.4 million registered housing units in Mexico, encompassing various types of dwellings.
  • What percentage of Mexican households rent their homes? About 15.7% of households in Mexico are classified as rented accommodations.
  • What percentage of Mexicans live in non-owned housing? Roughly 11.8% of the population does not own their homes and also lacks rental contracts, residing instead in homes provided by relatives or friends.