One of the best things about owning property in Yucatán? The property taxes are incredibly low. After paying US or Canadian property taxes, our clients are always shocked.
How Much Are Property Taxes in Yucatán?
Property taxes (called "predial" in Mexico) in Yucatán are a fraction of what you'd pay in the US, Canada, or Europe:
| Property type | Annual predial (MXN) | Annual predial (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Modest home (colonias) | $500–$1,500 | $25–$75 |
| Family home (near centro) | $1,500–$3,000 | $75–$150 |
| Colonial home (downtown) | $2,000–$5,000 | $100–$250 |
| Large property / rancho | $3,000–$10,000 | $150–$500 |
| Investment lot | $300–$1,000 | $15–$50 |
Yes, you read that right. Annual property taxes on a family home in Valladolid can be as low as $75 USD per year.
How Is Predial Calculated?
Predial is based on the catastral value (valor catastral) of your property — which is the government's assessed value. This is almost always significantly lower than the market value.
The tax rate is approximately 0.1–0.3% of the catastral value per year.
When and Where Do You Pay?
- Due: January–March each year (early payment discounts available)
- Where: Municipal tax office (Tesorería Municipal) or online
- Early payment discount: Typically 10–15% if paid in January
- Late payment: Penalties and surcharges apply
What Is Catastro?
Catastro is the government property registry that maintains records of all properties — boundaries, measurements, ownership, and assessed values. When you buy property, the catastro records are updated to reflect the new owner.
The catastro office in Valladolid is located at the municipal building. Your notary handles the catastro update during the purchase process.
Important: Keep Your Predial Current
Always pay your predial on time because:
- Unpaid predial transfers to the buyer — when selling, buyers will check
- Required for any notarial transaction — selling, refinancing, or inheriting
- Penalties accumulate — late fees add up over years
- Early payment saves money — 10–15% discount in January
Comparison: Property Taxes Around the World
| Location | Annual tax on $200,000 property |
|---|---|
| Valladolid, Yucatán | $75–$150 USD |
| Texas, USA | $3,400–$4,600 USD |
| Ontario, Canada | $2,000–$3,000 CAD |
| Spain | $400–$1,200 EUR |
| UK | $1,500–$3,500 GBP (council tax) |
The difference is staggering — and it's one of the reasons the cost of living in Valladolid is so attractive.
At Casas en Valladolid, we help buyers understand all the costs of property ownership. Contact us.
FAQ
No — property taxes are the same for Mexican citizens and foreigners. There is no additional tax or surcharge for foreign property owners.
Penalties and surcharges accumulate. In extreme cases, the municipality can place a lien on your property. Unpaid predial also makes it impossible to sell or transfer the property through a notary.
Some municipalities offer online payment, though Valladolid's system is still developing. Most property owners pay at the municipal tax office. Your agent can help arrange this.
