Buying a Property in Los Cabos.
Your Guide to Purchasing in Cabo San Lucas & San José del Cabo
Buying property in Mexico can seem complex, but with the right team, it's a smooth and secure process. Whether you’re searching for a vacation home, investment opportunity, or your forever home, we help you navigate each step with clarity and confidence.
Can Foreigners Buy Property in Mexico?
Yes. Foreigners can legally buy property in Mexico even beachfront and coastal properties in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. The most common method is through a fideicomiso (bank trust), which ensures your ownership is fully protected and recognized by Mexican law.
What Is a Fideicomiso?
A fideicomiso is a secure real estate trust agreement between you and
a Mexican bank. Here’s how it works:
● The bank holds the title, but you retain full legal rights and decision-making power
● You can sell the property, lease it, renovate it, or leave it to your heirs just as you would in your home country
● The trust is valid for 50 years, renewable, and inheritable
● It's a widely used and legally sound solution trusted by international buyers throughout coastal Mexico
This structure protects your investment while fully complying with Mexican property law.
Step-by-Step Buying Process
1. Define Your Vision
We start by listening. What lifestyle are you looking for beachfront relaxation, hillside views, or an investment opportunity? We’ll identify the neighborhoods, amenities, and property types that align with your goals.
Document Involved: Personal Questionnaire / Client Profile Form, this form helps us understand your priorities, preferences, financial comfort zone, and goals to offer you the most suitable property options.
2. Property Search & Showings
We curate a selection of properties that match your vision, budget, andmust-haves. From private gated communities to ocean-view condos, we arrange in-person or virtual showings, and provide honest feedback on each option's potential and market value.
Document Involved: Property Tour Schedule / Property Comparison Sheet. These tools allow you to track and compare features, prices, and impressions from each visit so you can make a well-informed decision.
3. Make an Offer
Once you’ve found “the one,” we help you craft a competitive, well- structured offer. We explain all terms clearly and advocate on your behalf during negotiations, ensuring you feel informed and confident before moving forward.
Document Involved: Offer to Purchase / Letter of Intent (LOI) — These formalize your intention to buy, outline the agreed price and terms, and initiate the legal process of acquisition.
4. Due Diligence & Escrow
Your offer is accepted — now we secure your investment. Our legal and notarial partners perform thorough due diligence: verifying ownership, permits, and legal status. Your funds are held securely in escrow while the process moves forward.
Documents Involved:
● Escrow Agreement — Protects your funds until all contract conditions are met.
● Title Search Report — Verifies clean and legal ownership history.
● No-Lien Certificate — Confirms the property has no outstanding debts.
● Property Tax Receipts — Prove the seller is current with tax obligations.
5. Set Up the Fideicomiso
We coordinate with a reputable Mexican bank to establish your fideicomiso. This step involves legal documentation and registration with Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, and we handle the coordination so you don’t have to worry about red tape.
Documents Involved:
● Bank Trust Agreement (Fideicomiso Contract) — The legal framework that gives you full beneficiary rights.
● Foreign Investment Permit — Authorization from the Mexican government for foreign ownership.
● Official ID & Passport Copy — Required to validate your identity and citizenship.
6. Closing the Deal
The final step takes place before a Mexican notary public, who oversees the transaction and ensures all documents are signed properly. You’ll receive the final deed (escritura) naming you as the beneficiary of the fideicomiso — with full ownership rights secured. At this stage, you’ll also be responsible for paying acquisition tax and notary fees, which are mandatory parts of the closing process.
Documents Involved:
● Final Deed (Escritura Pública) — The official notarized document confirming legal ownership.
● Closing Statement — A breakdown of all costs and fees associated with the transaction.
● Proof of Payment of Acquisition Tax — A required payment to the Mexican government upon property transfer.
● Notary Fee Receipt — Issued by the notary, covering the legal certification and registration services.
