Programs to renovate old homes in Mexico

Renovating an old home in Mexico can be cheaper than it seems if federal support is combined with a traditional mortgage or specific home-improvement products. The offer changes every year with the operating rules of Sedatu and Conavi, so it is worth reviewing the 2026 landscape before applying for a commercial loan.

Why renovate instead of demolishing

In cities like CDMX (Roma, Hipódromo, Coyoacán), Guadalajara (Centro, Lafayette) or Mérida (historic center), much of the housing stock is over 50 years old. Renovating usually costs less than 60% of what demolition + new construction would cost, and lets you preserve the area's character, the load-bearing walls and the original flooring that increase resale value.

Federal programs available in 2026

Conavi: Housing Improvement

The Comisión Nacional de Vivienda runs the Housing Improvement Program with subsidies for low-income households that want to expand, reinforce or rehabilitate their home. The operating rules are published every year in the DOF; in 2026 typical support covers between $30,000 and $90,000 MXN depending on the area, and is granted in kind (material packages) or with technical advisory.

Infonavit Mejoravit / Mejora tu casa

Infonavit beneficiaries can use Mejoravit (renamed "Mejora tu casa") to repair, expand or improve the energy efficiency of their current home. The maximum amount depends on the contributing salary and the housing sub-account balance. For a worker with 3 years of contributions, common loans range from $40,000 to $150,000 MXN, with 12 to 60-month terms, with payroll deduction.

Fovissste: Repair and Expansion

For public servants, Fovissste offers similar loans with payroll deduction and regulated rates. They apply to structural renovation, electrical and hydraulic installations, and accessibility improvements.

Tu Casa Inteligente / NAMA Sustainable Housing

Infonavit's Hipoteca Verde and NAMA grant additional support if the renovation includes solar panels, solar water heaters, thermal insulation or double-glazed windows. The extra amount usually ranges from $10,000 to $30,000 MXN, depending on the INEGI bioclimatic zone.

Mortgage credit for renovation

Commercial banks (BBVA, Banorte, Santander, HSBC, Banamex) offer remodeling and improvement loans with rates between 11% and 14% annually, terms of 5 to 15 years and amounts up to 80% of the post-construction appraisal value. They typically require:

• Current and projected bank appraisal.
• Descriptive memorandum signed by an architect or engineer.
• Proof of income.
• Up-to-date deed free of liens, or consent of the original creditor if there is already a mortgage.

Step-by-step process for Conavi and Infonavit

1. Technical diagnosis: hire an architect or use the advisory that Conavi itself offers to define scope and costs.
2. Detailed quote with breakdown of materials and labor.
3. Online application: in the Infonavit Portal (mi cuenta Infonavit) or at the Sedatu/Conavi delegation in your state.
4. Documentary validation: official ID, CURP, proof of address, deed or possession certificate, predial up to date.
5. Inspection visit: an evaluator visits the property to verify the scope.
6. Signature of the loan or subsidy agreement and disbursement in tranches against work progress.

Practical case: an old home in CDMX

A 1965 home in the Del Valle neighborhood, CDMX, requires structural reinforcement, full electrical replacement, bathroom rehabilitation and thermal insulation on the slab. The total budget is $420,000 MXN. The family combines:

• $90,000 MXN from Mejora tu casa (Infonavit).
• $25,000 MXN from NAMA subsidy for insulation and solar panels.
• $305,000 MXN with a mortgage loan at 12.5% over 8 years.

The monthly payment is around $4,950 MXN, similar to the estimated electricity and gas savings after the energy upgrade.

Practical case: an adobe home in Oaxaca

A home in Tlacolula, Oaxaca, damaged by an earthquake. The family accesses the National Reconstruction Program and Conavi's Housing Improvement support, which cover structural reinforcement and new slab roofs with a virtually full subsidy scheme for households in high-marginalization areas.

Mistakes to avoid

• Starting work before the technical visit: many subsidies only cover future work, not prior expense.
• Not registering the master builder with SAT: paying in cash without invoice prevents deducting or proving the real cost for a later sale.
• Forgetting predial: many programs require you to be up to date.
• Making structural modifications without a municipal permit: in CDMX the construction notice before the alcaldía is essential for the final appraisal to recognize the value of the work.

When it is worth waiting for the next call

If your house has no urgent structural problems and the support available this year falls short, it is better to wait for the next Conavi call (usually opens in February–March) or the Infonavit funding refresh in the second half. Meanwhile, prioritize safety work: electrical installations, leaks, roof waterproofing.

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