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Purchase Real Estate in Mexico

How Can Foreigners Purchase Real Estate in Mexico?

Published by Pablo D. Elders

It is very possible for foreigners to purchase real estate in Mexico. Foreigners can purchase real estate that is located near the popular beaches despite the fact that these areas are Federal Zones and are limited to certain restrictions. It is not uncommon for individuals to hold on to the misconception that foreigners are unable to own or purchase real estate in Mexico, but thankfully, the opposite is true.

Mexico’s laws for foreigners wishing to purchase real estate in Mexico’s federal zones

Mexico’s laws and constitutional limitations have set forth special laws for foreigners who may wish to purchase property that is within 50 km (31 miles) near the coast or 100 km (62 miles) near any international borders. These areas are considered Federal Zone areas and to purchase real estate in these parts foreigners must get a land trust. The official name of a land trust is in Mexico is a fideicomiso in Mexico. A fideicomiso is necessary when purchasing real estate in Mexico in the federal areas, making the purchase totally legal. This process is a common procedure in Mexico and there are numerous banks in Mexico that provides this service. On another note, there are moves to remove the need for fideicomiso, although this could take some time to become a legal reality.

Bank Trust Fideicomisos

All non-citizens to Mexico have to go apply for trust deed when buying real estate in Mexico’s federal zones. This is easy to do through Mexican banks. The Mexican bank will then represent the foreigner and will become the trustee on the foreigner’s behalf. The bank will act as the intermediary only. Ownership and all rights will belong to the foreign buyer. In easier terms, the foreign investor is the beneficiary and they control all rights to the trust and the Mexican bank is the trustee and will essentially manage the trust and oversee anything that involves the trust. As the foreign buyer you have the right to rent, transfer, sell, or occupy the property fully. You can also leave the property to someone in a will in case of your death.

Bank Trusts are Renewable

The Fideicomiso bank trust provides foreign buyers purchasing real estate in Mexico with a term that is 50 years and at the end of the 50 year term the foreign buyer has the right to renew the bank trust for another 50 year term. If you have selected to sell the property later on to a national resident of Mexico, then the bank trust and term can be terminated, but if you select to sell the property to another foreigner, the bank trust and terms can be transferred over or they can decide to start their own fideicomiso.

Foreign Beneficiaries for real estate in Mexico

You can choose to appoint a beneficiary once the trust has been completed, and this means that the substitute beneficiary will claim all the trust rights, and the beneficiary that you have appointed for the property will claim the property if you pass away before the end of the 50 year trust. This benefits you. Your beneficiary will not have to go by any probate hearings with the courts in Mexico and this will also save you time and money too.

Mortgages in Mexico for Foreigners

Are there Mortgages in Mexico for Foreigners?

Published by Pablo D. Elders

Are there mortgages in Mexico for foreigners? Mexico has been a growing market that provides long-term mortgage loans. Although, the long-term mortgages in Mexico are still new when they are compared to Europe, the United States, and in Canada. Foreigners can get a mortgage in Mexico as there are plenty of financing sources, but you should know that the interest rates are higher when you compare them to other countries. Are you eligible to receive a mortgage in Mexico? Continue reading to see the factors that are considered when applying for a mortgage in Mexico.

The Mortgage Industry in Mexico

The mortgage industry in Mexico is on the rise, but compared to the top world economies Mexico mortgages are still behind. For Mexican nationals, the loans are available in pesos with an average 10-12% fixed rate, which of course is much higher than in Europe, the United States, and Canada, but if you are wanting a mortgage in Mexico it’s accessible. The mortgages in Mexico provide the buyer with 90% of the value of the home, so the buyer will only have to pay 10% of the deposit and any fees that is required. The fees are usually 5%, and the mortgage can be paid over the next 20 to 25 years.

Is it Possible for Foreigners to get a Mortgage in Mexico?

It is possible for foreigners to get a mortgage in Mexico, but it isn’t an easy task. Foreigners must possess a permanent residency in Mexico and they must be employed by a Mexican company that pays into the Mexico taxes. The banks will loan foreigners the money to purchase property in Mexico and if you are a permanent resident of Mexico and you can provide income that is foreign, then you also can qualify for a mortgage in Mexico.

Foreigners can also choose a private developer financing, which can be done on a home that is being built.

Foreigners can also draw up a contract, then negotiate an agreement with the seller, so the buyer can pay for the property over time, and this type of mortgage is a short term mortgage loan, but foreigners must be aware that the short term mortgage generally requires a 50% deposit or down payment and any private loan also comes with many risks and the interest rates are very high.

The Minimum Requirements for Foreigners Wanting a Mortgage in Mexico:

  1. Mexican bank statements for the last 6 months
  2. Foreign bank statements for the last 6 months and/or Mexican employment pay slips for the last 6 months
  3. Permanent or temporary residency
  4. A birth certificate
  5. A RFC tax number
  6. A medical report and certificate for eligibility for life insurance
  7. Good credit score in Mexico or good credit score from your own country credit service
  8. Proof or address

There are plenty of mortgages in Mexico for foreigners. Foreigners should look over their options, then proceed with the mortgage that suits their needs and preferences.