Advisory - q&A

What you should know before you begin.

Purchasing property in Mexico naturally raises questions. The legal framework is different, the process is unfamiliar, and clarity matters.

Below are answers to some of the questions buyers most often ask when exploring property in Baja California Sur.

If your question is not addressed here, we are always happy to discuss it directly.

Part one

Buying in Mexico

  • Yes. Foreign nationals can legally own property in Mexico. In coastal and border regions, ownership is typically structured through a fideicomiso, a bank trust established under Mexican law. This structure has been widely used by international buyers for decades and provides full rights of use, resale, rental, and inheritance.

  • A fideicomiso is a trust agreement held by a Mexican bank in which the buyer is the beneficiary. The bank holds the title on behalf of the buyer, while the buyer retains all rights to use, lease, sell, or transfer the property. The trust is renewable and designed specifically to allow foreign nationals to hold real estate in Mexico's restricted zones.

  • Closing costs in Mexico typically include acquisition tax, notary fees, trust setup costs, and property registration. The total varies depending on the structure of the transaction and the municipality where the property is located. We provide a clear estimate early in the process so buyers understand the full cost before moving forward.

  • Most transactions close within several weeks once an offer is accepted and documentation is in order. The timeline can vary depending on title verification, bank trust setup, and other administrative steps. Our role is to coordinate the process locally so that it moves forward efficiently and transparently.

  • No. A Mexican bank account is not required to purchase property. Funds are typically transferred through a secure escrow or title service that manages the transaction until closing.

Part two

The Baja Sur Market

  • La Paz offers a unique balance along Mexico's coastline. It is a functioning city with established infrastructure, a growing international presence, and direct access to the Sea of Cortez. For many buyers, it offers the livability of a coastal city without the scale or intensity of larger resort destinations.

  • Coastal condominiums and ocean-view residences remain among the most sought-after property types in La Paz and the surrounding communities. Well-located properties near the malecón, within established neighborhoods, or in thoughtfully designed developments tend to attract consistent interest from international buyers.

  • Yes. Short-term rental activity is well established in Baja California Sur. Many buyers choose properties that can generate vacation rental income when they are not in residence. Local regulations and tax obligations apply, and we can provide guidance on the general framework as well as introductions to trusted property management resources.

Part Three

Working with Cortez Coast

  • Every engagement begins with a conversation. Before recommending properties, we take time to understand your objectives, timeline, and criteria. From there, the search is curated and supported by local coordination through due diligence, negotiation, and closing.

  • Yes. Cortez Coast Realtors represents sellers of select properties in La Paz and surrounding communities, and advises investors evaluating both residential and development opportunities. More detail on this process can be found on our Buy, Sell & Invest page.

  • The first step is simply a conversation. We can discuss your goals, answer questions about the market, and determine whether Cortez Coast Realtors is the right fit for your plans in Baja California Sur.

Still have questions?

We are always happy to discuss them directly.

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