Buying in Mexico
Yes — foreigners can own here.
Owning on the Mexican Caribbean is more straightforward than most buyers expect. Here is exactly how it works, what it costs, and the answers to the questions we hear most.
Yes
foreigners can own, coast to coast
~6.7%
average closing costs
0.25%
annual property tax (predial)
30–60
days to close, on average
The process
From offer to keys, in five steps.
01Offer acceptedA written offer is accepted in writing by the seller.
02Sale agreementBoth sign the purchase-sale contract; a 10–30% deposit is placed.
03Bank trust set upIn the coastal zone, the bank opens your fideicomiso with SRE permit.
04Closing at notaryBalance is paid and the deed is signed before a public notary.
05Title & keysThe Public Registry issues your deed in 3–6 months. Vanessa follows up.
The bank trust
The fideicomiso, simply put.
Within the coastal zone, foreigners own through a fideicomiso — a trust in which an authorized Mexican bank holds the title with you as sole beneficiary. You hold full rights to use, rent, sell, remodel and inherit the property.
It runs for 50 years and renews indefinitely. Vanessa coordinates the bank, the SRE permit and the notary so nothing falls through the cracks.
What it costs
Closing costs~6.7%
Annual property tax0.25%
Trust setup~$800
Annual trust fee~$700
Indicative figures; actual costs vary with property value and bank. Vanessa provides a line-by-line estimate.
Good to know
Questions buyers ask most.
Can foreigners buy real estate in Mexico?
Yes. Article 27 of the Mexican Constitution lets a person of any nationality buy property in Mexico. Within the restricted zone (within ~50 km of the coast) this is done through a bank trust (fideicomiso) or a Mexican corporation.
What is a fideicomiso?
It is an agreement in which an authorized Mexican bank holds title to the property with you as the beneficiary. You keep full control — sell, rent, will it to heirs, or remodel. It is set for 50 years and renews indefinitely.
What defines the restricted zone?
Any property within 50 km of the coastline or 100 km of a border. Since 1973, foreigners have been able to acquire there via the fideicomiso.
Is financing available to foreigners?
Local banks do not yet offer mortgages to foreign buyers. A few finance companies lend near 11%, and some developments offer direct financing around 7%. Most buyers bring funds from home.
What will I pay in property taxes?
Property tax (predial) is low — about 0.25% of assessed value, roughly $100 USD per $100,000 USD of value per year. Discounts apply for early payment in December or January.
How long does closing take?
On average 30 to 60 days. The final deed from the Public Registry follows in 3 to 6 months; Vanessa follows up until it is in your hands.