How To Buy

How to Buy Property in Yucatán
Can foreigners buy property in Yucatán?
Yes. Foreigners can purchase real estate in Mexico. The process depends primarily on the location and intended use of the property.
Mexico's Constitution establishes a Restricted Zone extending 100 kilometers along the country's international borders and 50 kilometers along its coast. Within this zone, foreign individuals cannot acquire direct ownership of land. However, they can acquire the right to use and enjoy residential real estate through a Fideicomiso (bank trust), subject to Mexican law and the applicable permits.
What is a Fideicomiso?
A Fideicomiso is a Mexican bank trust commonly used by foreign buyers purchasing residential property in the Restricted Zone, including much of the Yucatán coast.
A Mexican bank acts as the trustee (fiduciario), while the foreign buyer is the beneficiary (fideicomisario). The trust provides the beneficiary with the right to use and enjoy the property, including the ability to occupy, rent, transfer their rights, and designate beneficiaries, subject to the terms of the trust and Mexican law.
The trust is established for a maximum period of 50 years and may be extended at the request of the interested party.
What role does the Notary Public have?
The purchase and transfer of real estate in Mexico are formalized through a Notario Público, a legally qualified public official who plays a central role in the real estate closing process.
The notary verifies the legal status of the property, prepares and formalizes the deed or applicable legal documents, calculates and collects the taxes and fees required at closing, and handles the registration process with the appropriate authorities.
What is the buying process?
While every transaction is different, a typical purchase generally follows these steps:
1. Find the right property
We help you identify properties that match your goals, budget and preferred location.
2. Make an offer
Once you find a property you like, we assist with the negotiation and terms of the purchase.
3. Legal due diligence
The property's title, liens, taxes, permits and other relevant documentation are reviewed before proceeding.
4. Choose a Notary Public
The transaction is formalized through a Mexican Notario Público.
5. Establish the Fideicomiso, if required
For qualifying foreign buyers purchasing residential property within the Restricted Zone, the required bank trust is established and the applicable authorization is obtained. The current government process indicates that the SRE authorization is handled through the Mexican banking institution acting as trustee.
6. Closing and registration
Once all requirements have been satisfied, the transaction is formalized and the corresponding documents are registered.
Buying property in Yucatán
Our role is to make the process easier to understand and help coordinate the different professionals involved in your purchase.
We can help you navigate the process from property selection and negotiation through due diligence, the notary process and closing, while helping you connect with reputable local professionals when needed.
Every transaction is different, and legal and tax matters should be confirmed with the Notario Público and the appropriate legal or tax professional.