Can Foreigners Buy Property in Mexico?

Yes! While Mexico’s constitution restricts direct foreign ownership of real estate within 50 kilometers of the coastline, there is a well-established legal mechanism that makes it entirely possible: the fideicomiso (bank trust). Thousands of Americans, Canadians, and Europeans own beachfront property in Mexico through this structure, and it is fully recognized and protected by Mexican law.

How Does a Fideicomiso Work?

A fideicomiso is a bank trust where a Mexican bank holds the legal title to the property on your behalf. As the beneficiary, you retain all rights of ownership: you can build on the land, rent it out, sell it, pass it to your heirs, or use it however you wish. The trust is established for 50 years and is renewable indefinitely.

Key facts about the fideicomiso:

You are the beneficial owner with full control over the property.
The bank is only a trustee and cannot use, sell, or encumber your property without your consent.
Setup cost: Typically $1,500 to $2,500 USD as a one-time fee.
Annual maintenance: Approximately $500 to $800 USD per year.
Fully inheritable: You can designate beneficiaries who will receive the property without probate.

This is not a workaround or a gray area. It is the standard, government-sanctioned method for foreign property ownership in coastal Mexico, and it has been in use for over 50 years.

The Buying Process Step by Step

Purchasing land in Bucerias through Del Lago Residencial is straightforward, and Century 21 CAM Grupo guides you through every step:

Choose your lot: Browse available lots online or schedule a visit. Del Lago offers lots starting at 120 square meters in a master-planned community with a lake, green areas, and full urban services.
Reserve: A reservation deposit of $10,000 MXN (approximately $550 USD) takes the lot off the market while your contract is prepared.
Down payment: Pay 30% of the total lot price as your initial payment.
Financing: The remaining 70% can be financed directly with the developer over up to 24 monthly installments with zero interest.
Fideicomiso setup: Century 21 CAM Grupo coordinates with the bank and notary to establish your trust.
Title transfer: Once payment is complete, the property is formally transferred to your fideicomiso through a Mexican notary public.

What Does It Cost?

Del Lago Residencial is currently in pre-sale, which means you are buying at the lowest prices the development will ever offer. Current pricing is $5,500 MXN per square meter (approximately $300 USD/m2).

For the smallest lots at 120 m2, this translates to:

Total price: ~~$660,000 MXN (~~$36,000 USD)
Down payment (30%): ~~$198,000 MXN (~~$10,800 USD)
Monthly payments (24 months): ~~$19,250 MXN (~~$1,050 USD/month)

Additional costs to budget for:

Fideicomiso setup: ~$1,500-$2,500 USD (one-time)
Notary and closing costs: ~3-5% of property value
Annual property tax: Very low in Mexico, typically a few hundred dollars per year

Why Bucerias?

Bucerias sits in the heart of Riviera Nayarit, Mexico’s fastest-growing coastal tourism corridor. Here is why foreign buyers are choosing this area:

15 minutes from Puerto Vallarta International Airport with direct flights from dozens of U.S. and Canadian cities.
Established expat community: Thousands of Americans and Canadians already call Bucerias home, with English widely spoken in shops, restaurants, and medical facilities.
Strong rental market: Short-term vacation rentals in the area generate attractive returns, especially during the November-to-April high season.
Appreciation: Land values in Bahia de Banderas municipality have increased 12-15% annually over the past five years.
Quality of life: World-class dining, golf courses, hospitals, and of course, the Pacific Ocean at your doorstep.

Why Del Lago Residencial?

Del Lago Residencial stands out among developments in the area for several reasons:

Pre-sale pricing significantly below market value for comparable developments.
Master-planned community with a lake, green spaces, and architectural guidelines that protect property values.
Developer financing with no bank qualification required — ideal for foreign buyers who may not have access to Mexican mortgage products.
Backed by Century 21: Your purchase is facilitated by Century 21 CAM Grupo, part of the world’s largest real estate network, providing international-standard service and accountability.

Is It Safe to Buy?

Buying property in Mexico through a reputable developer and real estate agency is safe when done correctly. Century 21 CAM Grupo ensures that all transactions are conducted through licensed notaries, that titles are clean, and that your fideicomiso is properly established. Every step is documented and legally binding.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you are looking for a retirement home site, a vacation property, or a pure investment play, Del Lago Residencial offers an accessible entry point into one of Mexico’s most desirable coastal markets. With lots starting at approximately $36,000 USD and flexible financing, there has never been a better time to invest.

Contact Century 21 CAM Grupo today to learn about available lots, schedule a virtual or in-person tour, and get a personalized quote. Pre-sale pricing will not last forever.