Real Estate Transactions in Mexico

Purchasing property in Mexico involves unique legal frameworks that can be complex for foreigners to navigate. From fideicomisos to notarial duties, understanding these procedures is crucial to secure your investment. Our trusted network of brokers, notaries, and lawyers guides you through every step.

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Property Ownership Options

Foreign buyers generally acquire property through:

Direct Ownership: Allowed outside restricted zones (100 km from borders, 50 km from coastlines)
Fideicomiso (Bank Trust): Required for property within restricted zones, where a Mexican bank holds the title in trust for the foreign buyer

Choosing the correct method is essential to avoid legal complications.

Purchase Process Overview

Purchase Offer (Oferta de Compra)

Negotiate price and terms with the seller. It’s common to draft a written offer outlining conditions.

Due Diligence

Verify the property title is clean (Certificado de Libertad de Gravamen), and ensure property tax (Predial) is paid up to date.

Public Deed (Escritura Pública)

A notary public formalizes the sale through the escritura, the official legal document transferring ownership.

Public Registry Entry (Registro Público de la Propiedad)

The escritura is registered in the local public property registry, making the transaction legally binding and publicly recorded.

Costs and Fees

Typical costs for foreign buyers include:

Notary fees: approximately 1-2% of purchase price + VAT
Property transfer taxes and stamp duties
Fideicomiso setup and annual fees (if applicable)
Additional fees for due diligence, appraisals, and legal advice

Common Challenges (The Bureaucratic Maze)

Purchasing real estate in Mexico involves risks such as:

Irregular property titles due to unresolved ejido land status
Hidden property tax debts that can delay or invalidate purchase
Long wait times for notarial processes, sometimes 4-6 months
Fraud schemes including fake owners or double sales
Complex fideicomiso contracts that require careful legal review

Our expert partners mitigate these risks by thorough audits and secure transaction management.

How We Support You

We coordinate every aspect to ensure a smooth purchase:

In-depth property title and tax audits
Connection to trusted brokers, notaries, and lawyers
Legal review of fideicomiso agreements
Full support in public deed preparation and registration
Guidance on local tax obligations and fees

Start Your Property Purchase Safely

Invest with confidence in Mexican real estate. Contact us to benefit from our expertise and legal guarantees.