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FAQ

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners buy property in Mexico?

Yes! Foreigners can buy property in Mexico. For properties within the "restricted zone" (50km from the coast or 100km from borders), a bank trust (fideicomiso) is required. In Valladolid, which is inland, foreigners can purchase property directly through a Mexican corporation or fideicomiso.

What is a Fideicomiso?

A fideicomiso is a bank trust that allows foreigners to own property in Mexico's restricted zones. The bank holds the title on behalf of the buyer, who retains all rights to use, sell, rent, or modify the property.

What are the typical costs when buying property?

Typical closing costs range from 5-8% of the property value: notary fees, transfer tax, registry fees, appraisal, and fideicomiso setup if applicable.

Do I need a real estate agent?

While not legally required, working with a certified agent like Casas en Valladolid protects your interests. We handle due diligence, legal verification, negotiation, and coordinate with notaries and lawyers.

How long does the buying process take?

A typical purchase takes 30-90 days from offer acceptance to closing.

Can I get a mortgage in Mexico?

Yes, though options are more limited for foreigners. Some Mexican banks offer mortgages to foreign nationals. Many buyers purchase with cash or use financing from their home country.

What about property taxes?

Property taxes (predial) in Yucatan are very low -- often just a few hundred dollars per year.

Is Valladolid safe?

Valladolid is one of the safest cities in Mexico. It's a small, tight-knit community with very low crime rates.

What is the cost of living in Valladolid?

A couple can live comfortably on $1,500-2,500 USD per month, including rent, food, healthcare, and entertainment.

How can I contact you?

What is INSEJUPY?

INSEJUPY stands for the Instituto de Seguridad Jurídica Patrimonial de Yucatán (Institute for Patrimonial Legal Certainty of Yucatán). It is a government agency that ensures legal certainty for property ownership, manages the Public Registry of Property, and handles the land registry (catastro) to facilitate secure real estate transactions.

Since May 2025, INSEJUPY also requires all real estate advisors in Yucatán to be registered and certified to operate legally.

There are two types of certification:

  • Type A — Full real estate advisor (buying, selling, renting, appraisals)
  • Type B — Limited real estate advisor

Out of approximately 5,000 real estate agents in Yucatán, only about 400 hold this official certification. Diana De León and Dalila De León of Casas en Valladolid are certified Asesor Inmobiliario Tipo A agents.

The public INSEJUPY registry may still require internal access. Ask to see the current license and confirm that the advisor's legal name matches the documentation.

For more information, contact INSEJUPY at 999 930 30 20 ext. 53290 or email asesores.inmobiliarios@insejupy.gob.mx.

Why does it matter if my agent is certified?

Before May 2025, anyone in Yucatán could act as a real estate agent without a license, exams, or background checks. This left buyers vulnerable to fraud and malpractice.

The new INSEJUPY law protects buyers by ensuring certified agents:

  • Have passed professional competency exams
  • Are registered with the state government
  • Can be reported if they act improperly
  • Have a verifiable folio number

Always verify your agent is registered before starting any real estate transaction.

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