Yes, absolutely! As a foreign investor, you can legally purchase real estate in Mexico. It's a very common and straightforward process, especially in popular tourist and investment destinations like the Mayan Riviera (which includes Tulum and Playa del Carmen). 1. The "Restricted Zone": The Mexican Constitution has a provision that restricts direct foreign ownership of land within 100 kilometers (approx. 62 miles) of international borders and 50 kilometers (approx. 31 miles) of the coastline. This area is known as the "Restricted Zone." 2. How Foreigners Buy in the Restricted Zone (The Fideicomiso): To allow foreign investment in these desirable coastal and border areas, Mexico developed a legal mechanism called a Fideicomiso (pronounced fee-day-co-ME-so), which is essentially a bank trust. https://www.bitcasahomes.com/post/what-to-know-about-a-fideicomiso-before-purchasing-your-first-vacation-property-or-vacation-rental-i 3. Other Acquisition Methods (Less Common for Residential): Mexican Corporation: For larger investments, commercial purposes, or if you plan to acquire multiple properties, you can establish a Mexican corporation. A Mexican corporation, even if 100% foreign-owned, has the same rights as a Mexican citizen to acquire property anywhere in Mexico, including directly in the Restricted Zone for non-residential purposes (e.g., hotels, commercial developments, timeshares). While a foreign-owned corporation can own residential property outside the restricted zone, for residential property within the restricted zone, the fideicomiso is still the more common and often simpler route for individual buyers. In conclusion, buying real estate in Mexico as a foreign investor is very much possible and common, particularly in areas like Tulum and Playa del Carmen, thanks to the established and secure Fideicomiso system. Our team of real estate experts are here to help you navigate the process smoothly and securely.

Commonly referred to as "closing costs", here is a general outline of a buyer's financial obligations at the time of closing. While rates can vary by state and municipality, you should generally budget between 6% and 8% of the property's purchase price for these expenses. One-Time Closing Costs 1. Property Acquisition Tax. This is a state-level transfer tax paid when a property changes hands. Varies by state, typically ranging from 2% to 5% of the higher of the registered sale price or assessed value. In Quintana Roo (where Tulum and Playa del Carmen are located), it often falls between 3% and 4% depending on the municipality. 2.Notary Public Fees. In Mexico, a Notario Público is a highly specialized attorney appointed by the government to oversee all real estate transactions. They ensure legality, collect taxes, and register the deed. Based on the transaction value and varies by state, generally ranging from 1% to 1.5% of the property value. 3. Public Registry Fees. This is the fee to officially register the new title deed in the Public Registry of Property, ensuring legal ownership and protection. Costs are typically 0.01% to 0.1% of the property value, plus fixed administrative fees. 4. Fideicomiso (Bank Trust) Setup Fees (for properties in the Restricted Zone). Initial Setup Cost: Ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 USD (one-time fee). This covers the bank's administrative work and legal filings.

Estimating potential Return on Investment (ROI) for real estate in the Mayan Riviera, Mexico, especially for different types of properties, requires careful consideration of various factors. Schedule a no obligation call with one of our real estate experts to learn details.

Financing a home in Mexico as a foreign investor is certainly possible, but it's different from obtaining a mortgage in your home country. While all-cash purchases are very common, there are a growing number of financing options. 1. Cash Purchase. Many foreign investors, especially those from the US and Canada, buy properties in Mexico with cash. This simplifies the process, often leads to faster closings, and can give you leverage to negotiate better prices, especially for pre-sale or pre-construction opportunities where developers might offer significant discounts for larger down payments. 2. Home Equity Loan or HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) from Your Home Country. This is one of the most common and often recommended methods for US and Canadian buyers. You leverage the equity you have in a property you already own in your home country. You get a loan or line of credit secured by that property. 3. Developer Financing (Common for Pre-Construction). Many developers, especially for new construction or pre-sale condos in areas like Playa del Carmen and Tulum, offer in-house financing. This often requires a lower initial down payment (e.g., 20-50% with flexible payment plans during the construction phase (e.g., monthly, quarterly, or milestone-based payments). 4. Cross-Border Mortgages. An increasing number of companies and some international banks (like HSBC, and specialized lenders like MEXLend, Yave, or MoXi offer mortgages specifically for US and Canadian citizens buying property in Mexico. 5. Bitcoin backed financing. Through our network of alternative lenders we are excited to offer Bitcoin backed financing with rates as low as 10%. Inquire with our team for details. Professional Guidance: working with our experienced real estate agents who specialize in foreign financing options will ensure you safe guidance through the legal aspects and ensure a secure transaction.

Obtaining residency in Mexico as a foreign investor primarily involves demonstrating economic solvency or financial self-sufficiency. You can apply for temporary residency if you own residential property in Mexico that meets a minimum value threshold. After 4 years of temporary residency, property owners can then apply for permanent residence. Requirements as of 2025, subject to consulate: 1. Own residential property in Mexico with a minimum market value of approximately US218,000−US587,000. (There's a wide range here, so always confirm with the specific consulate you're applying to). The property must be free of any liens, debts, or mortgages. 2. Investment in a Mexican Company: You can qualify by investing a specified amount of capital in a registered Mexican company. As of 2025, current rules require the applicant to secure a capital investment of at least approximately US109,000−US279,000 in a Mexican company. 3. Economic Solvency Without home ownership or investment. This is the most common option, and requires the applicant to show regular monthly income and savings from their home country. This typically requires 6/12 months of bank statements to prove source of income. Requirements vary by consulate.