Guide to Buying Property in Mexico – as a Canadian

The real estate market in Mexico is very attractive. Vacationing and retiring in one of the most beautiful tourist spots. Many choose Riviera Maya with its sandy beaches, blue ocean, and easy lifestyle. Opportunities to invest and buy your own properties are good. Many of the locations in Riviera Maya offer exciting opportunities accessible to Canadians.

The Mexican real estate market has its own peculiarities, like every other market. When you understand the market and its complexities you will save time and stress. As a Canadian, you depend on trustworthy real estate agents and real estate advisors to help you navigate the market.

To find and buy your property in a foreign land, can feel difficult. With this basic information, you will feel more comfortable and confident.

Is it easy to buy property in Mexico as a Canadian?

The short answer is yes. Ownership of Mexican properties by Canadians is through the Mexican constitution. In the 1917 constitution, foreigners could not own Mexican property. 

In 1973, a new constitution allowed Canadians to own property only in the non-restricted zone in Mexico. 

But, in 1993 new constitutional amendment created a new system called Fideicomiso. This system allows Canadians the right to buy properties in the restricted zone too.

The restricted zone is within 100 kilometers of the international borders. Also within 50 kilometres of Mexico coastline at high tide.

Mexico Real Estate - The Restricted Zone
This map shows you the restricted zone in Mexico. Riviera Maya is in the coastal border restricted zone.

Do I Need To Be a Mexican Citizen to Own Property as a Canadian?

If you’re not a Mexican citizen and want to own property in Mexico as a Canadian, you don’t need to be a Mexican citizen.

You do not have to be a citizen of Mexico in order to buy property in Mexico. Like all other real estate transactions in Mexico, those involving properties held in a fideicomiso are governed by federal law.

What is a Fideicomiso? How does it work?

Through the Fideicomiso system, as a Canadian, you can buy a Mexican property. A bank acts as the trustee. The bank is the legal owner while you are the beneficiary of the trust. You as the beneficiary retain all legal rights of ownership. 

As a result, you can sell, rent, and transfer your property to anyone. You can even pass it down to your children. The trust is for 50 years. You renew for another set of 50 years. You have another 10 years after those 50 years to renew the trust. 

Note: You will incur some bank charges on an annual basis. The fee is based on the value of the property you acquired.

Can I Purchase a Mexican property without a Fideicomiso as a Canadian? Is there another way?

There is another way for a Canadian to buy property in Mexico. This process is different from the fideicomiso system. This process is through a Mexican corporation. The company can be 100% owned by a Canadian.

This option is often used by Canadian investors who buy a large number of properties. Mexican corporations can own properties. With full rights of ownership in restricted areas. Mexican corporations cannot own single-family residences.

So if you are looking to invest in real estate here, we advise you make use of this process instead.

Do I need a Realtor to buy my Property in Mexico as a Canadian?

Acquiring your property in Mexico is not so different from the process in Canada. A real estate agent helps you find your property and negotiate on your behalf. It’s much easier this way.

Another process is to visit the foreign secretary’s office to get a permit to buy your property. The permit contains a clause that denies you from consulting a foreign jurisdiction on your property.

The most important thing in this process is to involve a reliable and trustworthy lawyer. They will help you review and verify the land deed before paying for the property. The process of getting a property registered may last anywhere between 48 to 108 days.

Caribe Luxury homes have a trustable lawyer for you. We can also recommend you highly reputable lawyers who have many years of experience too.

What are the costs involved in buying Property in Mexico as a Canadian?

Aside from your agreed price for the property with the seller, you will incur extra costs.

Expect to incur costs like Notary costs. The notary ensures legal procedures. They ensure proper documents are present. Very important.

Other costs are the acquisition tax, title insurance, and registration fees.

And if you own a property and you’re thinking of selling, agent fees and the relevant taxes are what you need to settle.

To save yourself time and hassle. We can help you. We make sure you get a great deal on your property. We make sure you get your property legally within Mexican law. 

Because it’s important you seek experienced professionals to guide you.

Our experienced real estate company helps you all the way. Helping you find your investment property and luxury home with ease. We want you to feel at home and safe with your New Mexico property. We are friendly and always open to chatting with you.

Click here to contact us today or call +52 984 119 9173 or email: info@caribeluxuryhomes.com

Share:

Do you Have Questions About property in Mexico?

Send us a message below to get help from us.

Related Articles

Make Searching For Your Property Easier.

Get the best deals and that are an exactly what you are looking for.

Unfortunately many of the best deals go unlisted. Don't worry. We will send them to you for free.

Fill your details below.

Got a Question?

Have a question or need some help? Fill this form and we will answer you. No obligation.