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Owning Property in Mexico
Yes…you can own property in Mexico.
There are exciting real estate and investment opportunities in Mexico, several here in Los Cabos.  Many people assume that they cannot buy real estate in Mexico. Cabo Linda Real Estate Sales will guide you every step of the way, from finding the right property to transferring the utilities. Our commitment to our clients doesn’t end at closing.
Owning Property in Mexico:
 In Mexico there is what is known as the Restricted Zone. The Mexican Constitution prohibits foreigners from direct acquisition of land and waterways within a distance of 60 miles from any border and 30 miles from any coast. These areas are referred to as "Restricted Zones". This means nearly the entire Baja California Peninsula is in the Restricted Zone. Given that most foreigners desire property in coastal areas, Mexico liberated ownership requirements of property in the Restricted Zone and passed the Foreign Investment Law in 1993.
Outside the Restricted Zone, foreigners can acquire direct ownership and buy any kind of real estate they wish provided they abide by Mexican law and waive their rights to any foreign government intervention in case of legal conflict.

The purpose of the Foreign Investment Law (FIL) is to promote Mexican and foreign investments in Mexico. It was passed with the intention of encouraging development, while maintaining Mexico’s economic independence.
FIL and the Restricted Zone:
The FIL specifies that by establishing a bank trust, known as a fideicomiso; it is possible for foreigners to obtain the ownership rights of residential, industrial or tourism related real estate within the Restricted Zone. The rights of ownership state that foreigners can use, improve, rent or sell their property as though they directly owned the property. The fideicomiso is a trust agreement, much like an estate trust, giving you rights of ownership. The fideicomiso process begins when a permit is issued by The Department of Foreign Affairs to the Mexican Bank of your choice, allowing the bank to act as purchaser of the property. The bank acts as the "Trustee" and you are the "Beneficiary". The bank does not have the right to sell, lease or use your property. The initial term of the trust is 50 years, and it can be renewed in 50 year increments, indefinitely by simple application with the bank. It was never the intent that these properties pass back to the government at the end of the trust period. This is a common misconception and fear of most buyers. In fact at the end of the 50-year period, the owner has an additional 10 years to renew the trust for another 50 years with the bank. If the property you purchase is already held in a Trust, you have the option of assuming that Trust, or having the property vested in a new Trust. The entire process can take anywhere from 30-90 days.
With the new laws and the influx of professional real estate agents your transactions are now safe and protected. Please do not purchase property without the assistance of reputable professional real estate agents. If you are told by anyone that they are unable to obtain Title Insurance, that is a red flag indicating a serious problem such as Ejido (leased land) and you will be unable to obtain a bank trust and Title Insurance from  Stewart, Fidelity or First American Titles Insurance Companies, who are all offering Title Insurance in Mexico now. Many people are lured into "cheap beach front property"; remember anything that seems too good to be true probably is.
Taxation:
Property taxes are very low in Mexico. The property tax – known as predial is .1% (1/10%) of the assessed value. Taxes are paid annually, with the assessed value determined at the time of sale. If you purchase a property in the amount of $200,000.00 US dollars your annual tax rate would be $200.00US dollars. The reason taxes are so low is because property taxes have never been a major source of revenue for the Mexican government.
The Notario:
The Notario is an appointed government official that represents a high level of legal standing, similar to a judge in the United States. Their services are required for the transfer of real estate property. The Notario is the attorney of record and the unbiased official representative of the government, with fiduciary responsibility to all parties.  He sanctions the contract from a tax and legal point of view. Notarios must be attorneys, with continued education in real estate law. Once these requirements are met, they must then be appointed by the government.
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