Buying Real Estate in Mexico 2025: A Complete Guide for International Buyers

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1. Mexico Real Estate Market Snapshot (2025)

The Mexican housing market continues to show healthy growth in 2024–2025, supported by strong tourism,
foreign demand and industrial expansion linked to nearshoring.

• House price growth: Mexico’s mortgage-backed price index reported around 8.7% annual growth (SHF data).
• Market size: Independent analyses estimate the residential real estate market at USD 14–18bn in 2025.
• Foreign demand: International buyers remain a major force, especially in coastal regions.

For further reading:

• Global Property Guide – Mexico Market Overview
• MexLaw – Mexico Real Estate Guide

2. Who Buys Real Estate in Mexico?

• Retirees from the US, Canada, UK & Europe seeking warm climates and lower living costs.
• Digital nomads choosing Mexico City, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Oaxaca.
• Short-term rental investors targeting strong Airbnb markets like Riviera Maya and Puerto Vallarta.
• Business professionals relocating to Monterrey, Guadalajara and Querétaro.
• Mexican diaspora purchasing second homes or returning to live full-time.

3. Best Areas in Mexico for International Buyers

3.1 Beach & Resort Hotspots

• Riviera Maya (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum) – Strong tourism, modern condos, big expat scene.
• Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit – Ocean views, walkable zones, established expat community.
• Los Cabos – Luxury villas, golf communities, US West Coast buyers.
• Mazatlán, La Paz, Campeche Coast – More value, rising tourism.

Browse:
Condos for sale in Mexico |
Villas for sale in Mexico

3.2 Colonial & Cultural Cities

• Mérida (Yucatán) – Safe, historic, popular with families & retirees.
• San Miguel de Allende – UNESCO city, expat favourite. See Latest Homes For Sale in San Miguel
• Oaxaca City – Culture-rich, gastronomy hub.
• Querétaro, Puebla, Guanajuato City – Clean, affordable historic cities.

3.3 Big Cities & Business Hubs

• Mexico City (CDMX) – Huge market; luxury, lifestyle, and investment zones.
• Guadalajara – Tech + creative hub.
• Monterrey – Manufacturing capital; high-quality developments.

4. Types of Property Available in Mexico

• Condos – Most common choice for foreign buyers.
• Townhouses / Single-family Homes
• Luxury Villas
• Land/Lots – Requires careful due diligence to avoid ejido land.
• Commercial Real Estate – Hotels, guesthouses, mixed-use buildings.

Mexican Architecture

See this video that show some typical features of Mexican real estate

5. Can Foreigners Buy Real Estate in Mexico?

5.1 The Restricted Zone

Foreigners cannot hold direct title within:

• 50 km of the coastline, or
• 100 km of an international border.

Official explanation here:

Mexican Consulate – Acquisition of Property

5.2 Fideicomiso (Bank Trust)

• Bank holds the title.
• You are the beneficiary with full ownership rights.
• 50-year renewable trust.

5.3 Mexican Corporation

Used for commercial use, multiple properties or investment structures.

5.4 Direct Ownership Outside the Restricted Zone

Possible in places like central Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Querétaro.

6. Step-by-Step Buying Process

Step 1 — Define Your Strategy

Retirement, lifestyle, holiday use, long-term rental or Airbnb investment.

Step 2 — Select Regions & Properties

Use HomesGoFast to compare:
Mexico listings.

Step 3 — Build Your Team

• Independent bilingual lawyer.
• Local real estate agent.
• Notario público.
• Accountant (if renting).

Step 4 — Offer & Due Diligence

• Promissory contract (5–10% deposit).
• Title checks, zoning, land verification.
• Review HOA/condo rules.

Step 5 — Fideicomiso or Corporation Setup

Step 6 — Closing

• Sign before notario.
• Taxes & registration paid.

Step 7 — Post-Closing

Utilities, HOA registration, property management, tax registration.

7. Costs, Taxes & Financing

Closing Costs (5–8%)

• Transfer tax (2–4%)
• Notary/legal (1–3%)
• Fideicomiso setup (USD 1,000–2,000)

Ongoing Costs

• Low annual property tax (predial)
• HOA / condo fees
• Maintenance

Financing Options

• Cash buyers dominate
• Mexican bank loans (residency helps)
• Developer financing

8. Key Risks to Watch

• Ejido land / unclear title
• Pre-construction risk
• Short-term rental regulation changes
• Currency fluctuations
• Construction quality / inspection gaps

9. Infographic

(Insert your custom infographic here)

10. Helpful Video

11. Recommended External Resources

• MexLaw Real Estate Guide
• Global Property Guide
• Mexico Relocation Guide

12. FAQs

Can foreigners own property in Mexico?

Yes — with fideicomiso in the restricted zone or direct title outside it.

Is a fideicomiso safe?

Yes — it’s a long-established, highly regulated ownership structure.

What are typical closing costs?

5–8% of purchase price.

Are property taxes expensive?

No — predial is usually very low.

Can foreigners get a mortgage?

Possible but limited — many buyers use cash or developer financing.

What’s the most important step?

Hire an independent bilingual lawyer to conduct full due diligence.

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