Tulum Government Issues Urgent Warning: 26 Real Estate Developments Do Not Have Permits To Sell Property

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TULUM — The dream of owning a piece of paradise in Tulum—a jungle hideaway or a serene wellness retreat—has attracted thousands of international investors in recent years. But the rapid, often chaotic growth has a dark side, and the state government is now issuing an urgent and unprecedented warning to protect potential buyers from losing their life savings.

The Secretariat of Sustainable Urban Territorial Development (SEDETUS), in coordination with the Tulum City Council, has publicly released a list of 26 real estate developments that they say are illegally selling properties to the public without the proper permits.

In a series of official communiqués posted on social media, the state agency has put both developers and potential buyers on notice, warning that these projects lack the fundamental permits, licenses, and authorizations required by law to be selling property. For anyone considering an investment in Tulum, this is a critical alert that cannot be ignored.

The Official Warning and The Flagged Developments

According to SEDETUS, the 26 named developments are in violation of numerous state laws, including those governing Human Settlements, Urban Development, and Condominium Property. The agency warns that because these projects are operating illegally, there is no guarantee that a buyer will ever receive a legal property title. Furthermore, there is no assurance that these developments will ever be connected to essential public services like electricity, sewer systems, or even public roadways.

The government is urging the public not to engage in any transaction—including sales, rentals, or promises-to-buy—with the following developments, as doing so puts personal assets at extreme risk.

The 26 flagged developments are:

• Akun
• Arunte
• Bosque Tulum
• Cibelia
• Cosmos
• Emana
• Haciendas Coba
• Ilik Ha
• Iktan
• Luna Sanctuary
• Maia Holistic Community
• Nero
• Nova Tulum
• Oken
• Rosela Tulum
• Santuario Uh May
• Selvadentro
• Selvarum
• Trebola
• Tulum Cenote Gardens
• Ulumi
• Uxcan Tulum Bamboo Villas
• Viventum
• Xeelenja
• Zool
• 528 Tulum

🚨 Comunicado | La SEDETUS y el H. Ayuntamiento de Tulum informan que los siguientes supuestos desarrollos NO tienen dictámenes ni autorizaciones oficiales: Luna Sanctuary, Selvadentro, Viventum, Nova Tulum, Akun, Arunte, entre otros.#UnidosParaTransformar pic.twitter.com/GLQ79H3U6k

— SEDETUS (@SEDETUSQROO) September 12, 2025

SEDETUS y el H. Ayuntamiento de Tulum informan que estos supuestos desarrollos NO tienen permisos legales:

Ilik Ha, Selvarum, Ulumi, Rosela Tulum, Trebola, Bosque Tulum, Cosmos, Zool, Xeelenja, Nero, Iktan, Cibelia y 528 Tulum.

¡Protege tu patrimonio!#SEDETUS pic.twitter.com/bZv64IkexU

— SEDETUS (@SEDETUSQROO) September 11, 2025

How Savvy Investors Can Protect Themselves 🛡️

Tulum remains an incredible place to invest, but this warning underscores the absolute necessity of rigorous due to diligence. The dream of owning property here is achievable, but only for those who are cautious and prepared. Here are the essential steps every potential buyer must take to protect themselves.

Verify with SEDETUS Directly The government has created a direct line of communication for this very purpose. Before any money changes hands, send an email to the official agency at [email protected] to inquire about the legal standing of any development you are considering. This is the simplest and most powerful first step you can take.

Demand to See the Permits A legitimate developer will be proud and willing to show you their paperwork. Ask to see the official, stamped municipal and state authorizations. If they are evasive, if the documents look questionable, or if they promise the permits are “coming soon,” consider it a massive red flag and walk away.

Hire a Reputable Local Real Estate Lawyer This is non-negotiable. Do not rely on the seller’s lawyer. A trusted, independent local attorney is your single most important asset. They will be able to conduct a proper title search, verify the legal status of the land and the developer in the public registry, and ensure that all contracts are legitimate and protect your interests.

Be Wary of “Too Good to Be True” Deals Illegal developments often lure in unsuspecting buyers with prices that are significantly below the market rate for the area. They create a sense of urgency to get you to sign and pay a deposit before you have time to do your research. If a deal seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is.

The message from the government is clear: while the dream of owning in Tulum is alive and well, the “Wild West” days of development are coming to an end. By following these simple but crucial steps, you can ensure your investment is a safe and tranquil piece of paradise.