Comprar propiedad en Mexico
Lo esencial para extranjeros que compran bienes raíces en Mexico: reglas, impuestos y pasos legales.
Can foreigners buy property in Mexico?
Yes. Foreigners can own property outright anywhere in Mexico except within the 'restricted zone' — a strip 100 km from any land border and 50 km from any coastline. In the restricted zone, foreigners buy through a bank trust called a fideicomiso or via a Mexican corporation.
The fideicomiso in plain English
A fideicomiso is a 50-year renewable trust (renewable indefinitely) held by a Mexican bank on your behalf. You have full rights to sell, rent, remodel, or bequeath the property. Setup cost is typically USD 500–1,000, plus USD 500–700/year in maintenance.
Closing costs and taxes
Expect 5–8% of the purchase price in total closing costs: acquisition tax (2–4%), notary fees (1–2%), fideicomiso setup, appraisal, and registry fees. Annual property tax (predial) is famously low — often USD 100–500/year even on beachfront homes.
Capital gains on resale can be substantial (up to 35% for non-residents). Structuring the purchase properly at the start — sometimes through a Mexican corporation, sometimes with a residency-linked exemption — can significantly reduce this. A lawyer should be involved before you sign the promesa de compraventa.
Why buyers use a lawyer
Notaries handle the closing but represent the transaction, not you. An independent lawyer performs the title search, reviews the fideicomiso terms, drafts or reviews the promesa, and negotiates contingencies. This is standard practice for foreign buyers.