Mexico real estate: a guide for buyers from Canada and the US
Foreigners can buy property in Mexico, and each region offers something different. This guide sums up where to buy, which type of property to choose and how the purchase works.
Where to buy
- Mexican Caribbean: Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, to live by the sea or own a vacation home.
- Yucatán: Mérida and Progreso, calm cities with an affordable cost of living and the largest selection on the site.
- Central Mexico: Querétaro, San Miguel de Allende, Puebla and Cuernavaca, cities with good weather and services.
Which type of property
Houses · Condos · Land · Commercial · Pre-construction developments
Can a foreigner buy in Mexico?
Yes. In most of the country you can own property directly. Near the coast (50 km) and the borders (100 km) the purchase is made through a fideicomiso, a trust with a Mexican bank that gives you every right over the property. Read our fideicomiso guide
How the purchase works
- Choose the property and review its documents.
- Sign a letter of intent or a promise-to-buy contract and pay the deposit.
- If the property is in the restricted zone, the fideicomiso is set up.
- The appraisal is done and taxes and notary fees are paid.
- The deed is signed before a notary.
Financing
You can buy with your own funds or with a mortgage. Learn what the rate for foreigners depends on in the Mexico Mortgage Hub guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need residency in Mexico to buy?
No. You can buy as a tourist; residency only changes some procedures and financing options.
What is the restricted zone?
The strip of 50 km from the coast and 100 km from the borders, where foreigners buy through a fideicomiso.
How much are the purchase costs?
They depend on the state and the value of the property: they include taxes, notary, appraisal and, when it applies, the fideicomiso.