Buying Safely in Mexico


As one of the world’s best places to retire abroad, Mexico has been popular among international investors for decades, and according to prestigious international publications, this is an ideal time to invest in Mexico real estate, stating that Latin America’s second-largest economy is also one of the world’s top four places to buy a second home and/or vacation home overseas! 

Whether you are moving to the south coast full time, seeking a vacation home, or looking for an investment opportunity, you must be wondering how easy and safe is buying real estate in Mexico. As a matter of fact, this is one of the questions our clients most frequently ask and for this reason, we invite you continue reading and learn about this important topic.

With over 40 years of expertise in the area, we can assure you that buying property throughout Mexico has never been easier and safe or offered better return on investment than it is today. It’s not just that buyers from around the world are permitted to legally buy property in Mexico but also that foreigners get full protection under the law when it comes to Mexico real estate transactions.

First of all, it’s important to understand that the Mexican Constitution originally set strict rules about owning real estate in certain parts of Mexico; however, thanks to an amendment added in 1993, the law substantially changed and now foreigners are permitted to purchase real estate in formerly restricted zones along the coasts and near international borders, using a safe, easy bank trust system (fideicomiso in Spanish). Under this system, foreigners can purchase and own property through the bank trust, wherein the bank acts as trustee and the buyer serves as the beneficiary of the trust.

As beneficiary of the trust, a foreign owner enjoys all the natural rights of ownership that he or she would expect to have anywhere else in the world. Ownership rights in the trust include selling, leasing and mortgaging the property, as well as passing the trust on to heirs. Bank trusts in Mexico are good for 50-year blocks of time, but they can be renewed at any point for another 50 years, simply by submitting an application to renew it. As with all other real estate transactions in Mexico, those involving properties held in a trust, are governed by federal law. 

Finally, it’s important to point out that a real estate trust in Mexico is considered a binding agreement and the beneficiary (buyer) can instruct the bank to sell or lease the property at any point in time. You can also develop and use the property according to your liking, within the general provisions of local law, building codes and zoning.

The requirements and property ownership rules for foreigners to invest in real estate in Mexico are simple and straightforward, intended to encourage people from around the world to come and enjoy everything Mexico has to offer.

 

Securing a Smooth and Safe Real Estate Transaction

In general, the buying process for owning real estate in Mexico is very similar to searching for property in other countries; however, since buying a home in a foreign country is one of the biggest financial decisions one can ever make, finding the right real estate advisor to represent your interests, get the best deal and secure the highest return on investment, it’s key.

Working with an experienced real estate advisor should protect you from falling prey to bogus deals. Your real estate advisor should be able to answer any questions you might have about owning real estate in Mexico as well as guiding you through every step of the process and last but not least, making sure all of the required paperwork is in order prior to closing. 

Should you have specific questions and/or need additional information, please let us know. We will be more than happy to guiding you all the way to find and buy the home to house your dreams in Baja!


Our expertise covers real estate options in a variety of locations ideal for living, retiring, or investing in Baja California. Our real estate inventory is ever-changing and holds optimal properties in categories such as luxury estates, ocean-front and ocean-view properties, residential homes for sale, condos, investment real estate, vacation rentals and more.

We invite you to browse through our featured listings; one of them may turn out to be the perfect home to house your dreams in Baja. If you don’t see the property that fits your requirements, just let us know; we have onsite representation through an accredited network of local specialists and will be able to extend the search for you.

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