Can Foreigners Buy Beachfront Property in Mexico?

Leer en español

The short answer: yes, foreigners can buy a beachfront property in Mexico.

And in fact, many do! Whether it be a new home base or used simply for vacation, the Mexican government has placed few restrictions on foreign ownership of real estate, making the process of purchasing homes and apartments in beach destinations relatively straightforward.

The most popular tourist area in Mexico is the Riviera Maya, which stretches along the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, from Cancun all the way down to Tulum. This region’s home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, so it’s far from surprising that many foreigners choose to buy property there. Other top coastal destinations for real estate include ​​Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding area, as well as Los Cabos.

If you’re interested in buying property on a beautiful Mexican beach, here’s some things to keep in mind!

Mexican beach - properties for sale - Tao Mexico

Choose a Trusted and Experienced Real Estate Agent

First of all, it’s crucial that you choose a real estate agent with a good reputation and plenty of experience so that they can help you through the purchase process.

Talk to a real estate company specializing in Mexico beach properties to get an idea of ​​which areas are growing and are the best for your investment.

Also, it's a good idea to hire a knowledgeable local real estate attorney to help you with the purchase and to make sure all of the paperwork is in order.

The Purchase Must be Made Through a Bank Trust

As a foreigner, you can legally buy property on the beach in Mexico, but it must be done through a bank trust. 

You should know that there’s a "restricted zone," which covers land 100 km (62 miles) from the border and 50 km (31 miles) from the coast; but by buying through a bank trust, you're still able to own beachfront property!

The trust is set up with a Mexican banking institution and is renewable every 50 years. The bank mantains the title of the property, but you as the buyer are designated as the primary beneficiary, and can use or modify it as you please. It also means you can rent or sell it and receive 100% of the profits.

Additionally, you can name substitute beneficiaries in the trust, so that the property rights pass to them in the event of your death. 

Gated Communities Tend to Not be Beachfront

It’s important to note that gated communities aren’t usually located right in front of the sea, but further inland. 

This gives them more privacy, security, and space to offer spectacular facilities and amenities to enjoy the best panoramic views of the destination. 

Tulum luxury real estate - Tao Mexico
Tao Edena, Tulum, Riviera Maya, Starting at $179,000 USD, 2- and 3- bedroom homes and 2- bedroom luxury condos. Delivery date: September 2022.

Research the Area Where You’re Interested in Buying

Be sure to research the area you're interested in and find out about local laws so you'll be prepared for anything. Does the destination have good roads, public services, and offer you everything you need to have a high quality of life?

Also, think long term. Is it a place where you could retire? or will it still be a desirable beach destination 10 or 20 years from now so you can continue to rent your property and generate income from it?

 

Buy your Next Property on the Beach with Tao Mexico!

If you’ve come this far, it’s surely because you’re interested in buying a beautiful property on a Mexican beach.

At Tao México, we’re specialists in local real estate and have exclusive luxury developments in the top beach destinations in the country, such as Tulum and Akumal in the Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos.

Contact us and we’ll gladly show you the properties we have available, as well as answer any of your questions, guiding you through every step of the way. We’re one of the best real estate agencies in Mexico, so rest assured that you’re in the best of hands!

With us, you can very soon be enjoying your beautiful property in a Mexican paradise!

Blogs Recientes