Buying property in Puerto Vallarta as a foreigner: the complete guide
Yes, you can buy. Foreigners purchase houses, condos and pre-sales in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit every day through a 50-year renewable bank trust that gives you the same use, sale and inheritance powers as a Mexican owner. This guide puts everything in order: from the fideicomiso to closing costs, from escrow to buying without traveling.
Ten steps, ten guides
Everything you need to know about the fideicomiso As a foreigner, buying property in Mexi…
Closing costs: what you actually pay when buyingBetween 4% and 7% of the purchase price for the buyer: acquisition tax (2% to 4% by state), notary fees (1% to 1.5%), ap…
Safe payment: escrow and earnest money in MexicoYes: licensed escrow companies, bank trust accounts and notary-held deposits where local practice allows. The deposit st…
Due diligence: what to verify before you buyIt is the pre-offer verification: no-lien certificate, chain of title, land use, measurements against the plat, property…
Buying property in Mexico remotely: power of attorney and remote closingYes: with a power of attorney scoped to the transaction, escrow deposits and remote document verification, your attorney…
Dollars or pesos: which currency to buy and pay inThe contract can be agreed in pesos or dollars; the deed always records the peso equivalent at the signing-day exchange …
Residency in Mexico through property: temporary and permanentNot automatically. The property is evidence of ties and economic solvency that strengthens a temporary or permanent resi…
Taxes and fees: property tax, capital gains and condo HOAIt is calculated on the cadastral value, not market value, so it is usually a small fraction: on the order of a few hund…
Pre-sale or immediate sale?Discover which is the best option for you Both options have advantages. The decision depe…
Credits for foreigners in MexicoBuy your property in Puerto Vallarta or Riviera Nayarit Yes, it is possible to obtain fin…
From search to deed
- We define area, property type and budget (including your 4% to 7% closing).
- I verify title, liens and arrears before you offer.
- Deposit protected in escrow and a contract with clear conditions.
- The notary sets up your trust and signs (in person or by power of attorney).
- Deed recorded, keys delivered, bank annual fee current.
The favorites
- Zona Romántica: walkable life and strong rentals
- Marina Vallarta: order and 5 minutes to the airport
- Bucerías and La Cruz: town value
- Nuevo Vallarta: wide beach and new towers
- Sayulita and Punta de Mita: surf and luxury
What I get asked most
Can a foreigner buy a house in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, with the same use and sale rights as a Mexican, through a 50-year renewable bank trust (fideicomiso), mandatory within 50 km of the coast (the restricted zone). The bank holds title and you are the beneficiary with full powers: sell, rent, bequeath, improve.
What does the bank charge for the fideicomiso?
Setup costs approximately USD 2,000 to 3,000 in year one and the annual fee runs around USD 500 to 800. That is the fixed cost of buying coastal property as a foreigner, on top of normal closing costs (4% to 7%).
Do I need to be in Mexico to sign the purchase?
No: with a power of attorney scoped to the transaction, granted before a Mexican notary or consulate, your attorney-in-fact or the notary signs for you and your deposit stays protected in escrow.
Real estate advisor in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit since 2014. AMPI Riviera Nayarit member, law degree, bilingual ES/EN.