Access to housing in Mexico: growth, affordability and the role of data

Access to housing remains one of the most pressing challenges across Latin America, and Mexico is no exception. With a population exceeding 126 million and a steadily growing urban footprint, the country’s residential market reflects a clear paradox: while mortgage access and vertical housing supply have expanded, affordability continues to be a major barrier for middle- and low-income households.

A significant share of the population still relies on cash, with around 50% of adults unbanked and 44% of transactions conducted in cash. Ongoing efforts to reduce cash dependency, often referred to as the “bankification” of Mexico and other Latin American countries, are gradually enabling broader access to mortgage financing.

According to Accumin’s analysis of the INCOIN register, Mexico City alone hosts more than 1,000 active residential projects, of which 99% are vertical developments. Mid-range and affordable housing segments currently lead the market, supported by long-term financing solutions.

However, rising land costs and shrinking unit sizes, from an average of 90 m² to around 70 m², illustrate how access to housing is being redefined rather than fully resolved.

Looking ahead, balancing compact living, financial inclusion and sustainable urban growth will be essential to making housing truly accessible. In this transition, data-driven analysis will play a central role in supporting informed decisions by developers, investors and policymakers.