RESOURCES
Mexico Real Estate Buyer’s Guide
How to Buy Property in Puerto Vallarta
Why Puerto Vallarta?
Step 1: Choose a Qualified Real Estate Agent
Work with an agent who is a member of AMPI (Asociación Mexicana de Profesionales Inmobiliarios), Mexico’s leading real estate association affiliated with NAR. At Biencom Real Estate, our agents undergo continuous training and certification to ensure professional and transparent service.
Step 2: Select a Trusted Real Estate Agency
Step 3: Understand the Purchase Agreement
Your real estate contract will be bilingual (English-Spanish) and include price, payment terms, due diligence, and deadlines. Your agent will guide you on what offer to make based on current market data.
Step 4: Make a Deposit (Down Payment)
Step 5: Use a Secure Escrow Service
Escrow protects both buyer and seller. Fees range from $450 to $1,500 USD, paid by the buyer. The money is released only once all conditions are met and documents are signed.
Step 6: Complete Due Diligence
Step 7: Calculate Closing Costs
Buyers in Mexico pay 100% of closing costs, which range from 4% to 6% of the purchase price. These include:
Transfer tax
Trust setup fees
Notary fees
Appraisal & registration
Foreign investment registration
Your agent will provide a detailed estimate early in the process.
Step 8: Closing the Deal
The final step is signing the trust deed (escritura) at the notary’s office. A bilingual closing coordinator may assist you with translations and documentation. Once complete, the notary registers the deed and the escrow company disburses the funds.
What about the availability of insurance on the transaction (title insurance), as well as the property itself?
Title Insurance is available. Other types of insurance, including property, liability, damage and earthquake, are all readily available, at low costs. Please ask your Biencom Real Estate agent for further information regarding this matter.
Step 9: What You Actually Own
Foreigners don’t own the land directly in Mexico’s restricted zones (like the coast), but you own the rights to a 50-year renewable trust (fideicomiso), giving you full control of the property—sell it, rent it, or live in it.
Step 10: Capital Gains and Taxes
Property taxes in Mexico are low (approx. 0.08%). Capital gains tax (36%) applies upon resale, but you may qualify for exemptions if the property is your primary residence and you have a resident visa.
Final Documents You Should Receive:
Registered trust deed (escritura)
Registro Letter confirming the date of title registration
Digital tax receipts (facturas) for the property price and closing costs
These are essential to reduce your future tax liability when selling.
Need Help?
Have questions? Contact a certified agent at Biencom Real Estate. We’ll walk you through the buying process in Puerto Vallarta and ensure a safe and smooth experience from start to finish.
