Non-Mexican citizens can buy property in Mexico. When using a reliable real estate agent, it can be a safe and easy process. All foreigners have the full protection of the law with regards to real estate transactions. You do not have to be resident in Mexico to own property here, so there is no need to immigrate or even qualify for resident status in order to invest in property in Mexico. You will need to check with your trusted agent or attorney to see how you will hold property title, prior to purchasing.
The Mexican Constitution had previously banned foreign nationals from owning property within the restricted border zones. This was intended to protect Mexican soil from foreign invasion. The Foreign Investment Law of 1973 was a constitutional amendment which changed this allowing foreigners to now purchase real estate free outright except inside the “restricted zone’; consisting of all lands within 100km (64 miles) from an international border and 50km (32 miles) from the coastline at high tide. For properties within this zone, foreigners need to use a bank trust called a fideicomiso. All real estate transactions involving these trusts are governed by federal law. Merida and all coastal properties fall into the restricted category. Outside the zone, you can own property with a title issued in your name.
The fideicomiso is a bank trust in which the bank acts as a trustee by holding the trust deed for the purchaser who is the beneficiary of the trust. The fideicomiso is authorized by the Mexican government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The bank is the legal owner of the real estate, but the beneficiary retains all legal rights of ownership and as a result may sell, rent, and bequeath the fideicomiso or property to whomever they choose or their heirs.
The fideicomiso offers the buyer added securities since the bank is required to verify the property’s ownership and be sure that it is free of liens. The trust is established for a 50-year period which is renewable for another 50-year period after that. If the 50-year period expires without renewal, the owner has another 10 year period in order to submit an application for renewal. When a home or land is purchased with an existing fideicomiso, the remainder of that trust is merely transferred to the new owner or can be renewed at that time. The bank charges an annual fee for holding the property which is based upon its value.
Mexican corporations may be 100% foreign-owned and hold title to property within the restricted zone (without a fideicomiso). These corporations were once a popular option for foreign investors looking to buy within the zone. They now have more restrictions and also have further reporting and accounting requirements than the fideicomiso; making their use in purchasing property not as advantageous as in the past years.
Services of a notary public are required in any real estate transaction here. The notary ensures that all documents are in order and that all proper legal procedures have been followed. Mexican notaries are probably much different than their counterparts where you currently live. They are actual degreed and experienced lawyers who must be at least 35 years old and pass the notary exam before being appointed by the governor of their particular state. The notary fees are generally paid by the buyer. There are other additional fees that the buyer should expect to pay, including the acquisition tax and closing costs.
It is always recommended to use an escrow company! Property purchases here are predominantly cash transactions. Remember to use your best judgment when carrying out the financial portion of your property purchase in Mexico. You should use an escrow company to safely hold the funds; just as you would back home.
Lastly, although they are minimal, don’t forget to pay your property taxes! If you should decide to rent your newly purchased Mexican home, be sure to consider the tax implications of the income generated by doing so. Your diligence in fulfilling tax obligations in this country is your responsibility in the end.
Buying a home, business, or other property in Mexico can be an exciting and stress-free experience; as long as you have knowledgeable and trustworthy people working on your side to guide you through the process here in Mexico. The owners and brokers of DH Real Estate have been on the buying side of the transaction personally; here and in many other countries. They draw upon their own past experiences and concerns involving buying in a foreign land to assist in making the process of buying and selling in Mexico as worry free as possible for their clients. Please feel free to contact us with any further questions or to start your adventure of finding that dream home in Mexico.
