🎬 How New Mexico’s Booming Film Industry Is Transforming the Real Estate Market

By Jer Collins – Studios Real Estate Group | Real Broker, LLC

New Mexico’s film and television industry has exploded over the last decade, and its rapid growth is reshaping the New Mexico real estate market in powerful ways. With major studios like Netflix, NBCUniversal, and Santa Fe Studios investing heavily in long-term production, the state is now recognized as one of the top filming locations in the United States.

This surge in production is creating real, measurable impacts on housing demand, rental markets, commercial development, and land value—especially in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Los Lunas, and Valencia County.

If you're looking to buy, sell, or invest, understanding how the movie industry drives real estate trends in New Mexico can give you a major advantage.

⭐ Why New Mexico Is a Magnet for Film & TV Productions

New Mexico has become a production powerhouse thanks to:

• Film tax incentives up to 35%

• A wide range of landscapes—from desert to mountains to historic towns

• A trained and growing local film workforce

• Multi-billion-dollar commitments from major studios

• Lower production costs compared to California or New York

With permanent studios anchoring the industry, New Mexico now hosts hundreds of productions each year. This ongoing activity directly influences local real estate.

🏠 Impact of the Film Industry on New Mexico Residential Real Estate

1. Strong Demand for Short-Term Rentals

Film crews need housing—often for weeks or months at a time—and they prefer:

• Furnished homes

• Private rentals

• Casitas / ADUs

• Luxury short-term rentals

As a result, STR markets in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Los Lunas have seen:

• Higher occupancy rates

• Above-average nightly rates

• Repeat bookings from production companies

Investors near studio hubs or freeway-access corridors are particularly well-positioned.

2. Growth in Mid-Term Rentals (30–180 Days)

This niche has exploded due to:

• Costume designers

• Set builders

• Camera operators

• Producers

• VFX teams

These professionals often stay 3–9 months, creating stable, high-demand rental opportunities with less turnover than Airbnb but higher rates than long-term leases.

3. Relocation Buyers Working in Entertainment

With Netflix and NBCUniversal expanding their New Mexico footprints, more film professionals are choosing to relocate—bringing higher-than-average incomes and specific housing preferences.

They often seek:

• Homes in walkable or creative neighborhoods

• Properties with casitas or studio space

• Mid- to high-end single-family homes

• Homes near downtown corridors or freeway access

Popular areas include:

• Nob Hill, Ridgecrest, North Valley, Uptown (ABQ)

• South Capitol, Eldorado, and the Railyard area (Santa Fe)

• Los Lunas, Valencia County for affordability and growth potential

🏢 Commercial Real Estate Opportunities Driven by Film Production

Film production requires a massive amount of space, including:

• Warehouses

• Office space

• Industrial yards

• Sound stages

• Parking for production vehicles

• Raw land for temporary sets

Albuquerque’s industrial real estate sector has benefited significantly, and the demand is spreading into:

• Los Lunas

• Rio Rancho

• Belen

• Santa Fe County

Investors are now targeting C-1 and industrial-zoned land, anticipating future expansions of studio infrastructure and support businesses (lighting rental companies, prop storage, post-production offices, etc.).

📈 Land and Property Values Continue to Rise

As the film industry expands, nearby property values follow.

Areas near studio hubs show:

• Increased home values

• Higher rental rates

• Stronger commercial demand

• Growth in mixed-use development interest

The combination of long-term studio commitments and steady production volume stabilizes the market—making New Mexico real estate attractive even during national downturns.

🎥 Why This Matters for Buyers, Sellers, and Investors

For Buyers:

You’re entering a market supported by an industry with long-term staying power.

For Sellers:

Relocation buyers from the entertainment industry bring strong demand and higher purchasing power.

For Investors:

This is one of the rare moments where residential, commercial, and land opportunities are rising simultaneously—directly tied to a booming state industry.

🚀 Final Thoughts: The Film Industry Is Shaping New Mexico’s Real Estate Future

New Mexico’s movie and TV industry is here to stay—and its influence on the real estate market in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Los Lunas, and beyond will only grow stronger over the next decade.

Whether you're considering buying, selling, or investing, keeping an eye on production hubs and studio expansion zones can help you make smarter decisions.

📞 Thinking About Buying or Investing Near New Mexico’s Growing Film Industry?

Call or text Jer Collins
Collins & Collins | Studios Real Estate Group
Real Broker, LLC
📲 505-710-5478
🌐 www.casasdecollins.com

With 25+ years of real estate experience and deep knowledge of New Mexico’s growth markets, I’ll help you make the most informed decision possible.