bUYING IN MEXICO
STEP 01
Find the property you love
You are here – Find which of our properties are right for you.
First, let us mutually agree on a price, let us together write up a “letter of intent” that outlines the deal. For us to stop marketing the property, we will need a good faith deposit to be held with an independent Escrow agent.
NOW let us document together the deal with a sales contract: Get YOUR legal advisor – we have ours. It is less complicated than it seems, especially as sales contracts — and all the other paperwork involved in buying a property in Mexico — will be in Spanish. Your advisor will have an English version of the Contract – do recognize that the Spanish document will be the legally binding version.
STEP 02
CREATE A FIDEICOMISO (TRUST)
Create your fideicomiso or Buy Ours: As you are buying property within the restricted zones, we will work with you to have our existing fideicomiso transferred to your name. You may prefer to create a new Fideicomiso instructions, as those last for 50 years.
Foreign Investment Law prevented non-Mexicans from buying properties that were within 64 miles of an international border or 32 miles from the shore. This law was modified in 1993 and since then foreigners (non-Mexicans) can purchase real-estate in these prime areas using a “Fidecomiso” which is a TRUST. The non-Mexican (you) is the owner and has full control of the TRUST.
STEP 03
THE NOTARY
Government Permission to complete the purchase: A notary will step in at this point to complete the next few steps. He/she will need to seek permission from the Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores (State Department) to complete the purchase of a villa by the sea. This is a formality to comply with the 1993 change in ownership laws. This will allow you to sign an agreement that you will be bound by Mexican law in any real estate dealings.
STEP 04
VALUATION PROCESS
THE VALUATION and due diligence checks: The villa (s) that you have decided to purchase need to be valued for tax purposes, and any further surveys or checks should be carried out at this stage. The notary will be able to arrange all of these requirements on your behalf.
STEP 05
TITLE AND TAXES
Sign the TITLE (escritura), and pay all final taxes and costs The escritura will ultimately become your title to the property once you have finalized your purchase and paid all the outstanding costs. You will need to visit your notary to sign the escritura, and pay all the outstanding costs. The property registration process will start as soon as you have made the final payment.
STEP 06
BECOME AN OWNER
YOUR Ownership will be registered within 3 months of closing
When the process is complete, you now own YOUR Mexican Beach-Villa. Your legal rights to the property or land will be registered within 3 months from closing the deal.
Live Your Dream NOW: Things to consider when looking for a beach-front home in Mexico:
Safe, secure close to all life’s comforts: Akumal, a quaint hamlet north of Tulum, keeps its old charm. It is a safe area with warm loving hard-working residents who are focused primarily on tourism. When living here you will enjoy the peace and quiet that is hard to find anywhere in the world these days. Comforts of live caught up with the area without destroying its quaint fabric. Sufficiently isolated – you are close enough to the essentials of life: Tulum’s bustling nightlife and restaurants is 20 minutes to the south, Playa del Carmen is 35 minutes to the north. Plenty of supermarkets, restaurants, bars and life essentials within a 20-minute drive.
Secure title and ownership: Your title will be securely within a trust in an international bank owned by you. This 1993 change in Mexican Law allows you to securely own title where you are free to hold the real-asset and easily sell it when you desire. An annual trust fee is involved.
Low real-estate taxes: Paid to the municipality of Tulum, real estate taxes are significantly lower than a similar beach-front villa will be anywhere in the US, Canada or Europe.
Close to home – two airports within an hour drive: Cancun (CUN) is the largest and busiest airport in Mexico with nonstop flights to many destinations. Most US cities are less than 4 hours nonstop flights. All major European cities have direct flights to CUN. Tulum’s airport (TQO) opened in 2024 and now has service from many US hubs.
No visa needed: Yes, when you move here full time or part time (180 days +1 will do wonders 😉 ), the kids will surely fly in to thaw in the winter. Many old friends will find you and will join for a margarita and wonderful time. The villas are sold with the pool loungers, lounger covers and luxurious beach-towels.
Excellent loving healthcare nearby: Times have changed and excellent medical facilities have been built in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. In fact, “Medical Tourism” has become very active on the Riviera Maya. Excellent hospitals with their respective emergency services, private doctors, private clinics, and superb dentistry are all within 30 minutes from your villa.
Getting the Key to your New home
Whether you buy a property to create a Boutique Hotel or Business or a home for your family to enjoy there are few things more exciting than building a new life and getting your new home keys. It is so much easier than people think! We have experience, we have done this and our villas are SAFE in every way.
BECOME PART OF A WONDERFUL COMMUNITY
Akumal has expanded to include surrounding neighborhoods with many residents from the US, Canada and Europe. You will not be an Island and will be able to get along here with limited Spanish – most speak English.
Mexico is famous for rich culture, aqua blue Caribbean beaches, delicious food, crafted beers and colorful handmade textiles, but the warmth of its people and the inspiring local international community is the most treasured treat for all of us who live here. Be a part of it.
Contact Us
As the owners, it will be our delight to help you fulfill your dream of owning a beachfront home in Mexico. We invite you to contact us!