Beautiful Mexico Real Estate

Mexico has a lot to offer in terms of great weather, beautiful scenery, and authentic Latin American culture; plus, you will find lots of affordable real estate in Mexico. It is perfectly legal for foreigners to own Mexican real estate, including land and properties located in the restricted zones: within 50 kilometers of the coast, and within 100 kilometers of international borders. In fact, the Mexican government is promoting and encouraging foreign investment in those areas, and many Spanish and U.S. companies are taking advantage of the law, constructing new residential developments and tourist resorts along the entire Mexican coastline.

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You’ll learn all about the economy, visa requirements, how to get your pet into Mexico, and more. Learn about the top cities for expats in Mexico and decide which Mexico city is right for you. You’ll read the truth about safety and security in Mexico…and learn just how much it will cost you to live there. And…you’ll get the inside scoop on how to buy Mexico real estate – including five things to do before you sign anything.

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How to Own and Purchase Real Estate in Mexico

There are three ways of owning Mexican property: via direct deed (all property in the interior), through a Mexican corporation (commercial property), or through a bank trust called a fideicomiso, in the restricted zones. All three ways of property ownership are safe. In fact, it is even possible to obtain title insurance to further protect the investment.

We do not recommend getting involved in real estate transactions concerning ejido land, which is communal property. Ejido land can be privatized, but it is a long and complicated process; ejido land belongs equally to all community members, and privatization includes collecting all their signatures.

Read more about how to buy real estate in Mexico here.

Choose From the Wide Variety of Mexican Real Estate for Sale

Lake Chapala
The area around Lake Chapala, in central Mexico, is home to the largest North American expat community in the world—as many as 15,000. Obviously, it’s doing something right.

The lake itself, the largest in Mexico, makes a scenic backdrop to the villages along the shore. Lakeside, as this area is called, usually refers to the villages along Lake Chapala’s north shore: Ajijic, Chapala, Jocotepec, San Juan Cosala, and San Antonio. As many as 15,000 expats live full or part-time on the lake’s north shore; up to 40,000 live in the state of Jalisco.

With so many expats in the area, you’ll find plenty of English speakers (as well as four local English-language newspapers and magazines). You’ll also find plenty of U.S. and Canadian-style amenities. There’s no shortage of activities. Over 80 special groups are active in the Lakeside area that you can get involved with. These include everything from orchid growing to Scrabble…from writers’ groups to Francophiles…and from non-profit organizations to line dancing and yoga.

Property samples in Lake Chapala:

• Typical of low real estate prices is a 2,475-square-foot house recently for sale in Lakeside. Fur­nished, it has two bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, gated parking, and a large terrace for entertaining. Price: $109,000.

• A three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom house in a gated community in Jocotepec, at the western end of Lake Chapala. Completely furnished, and renovated in 2005, it has two master bedroom suites, slanted boveda ceilings and a sun room. Price: $159,000.

Campeche
One seaside destination in Mexico that’s starting to gain attention is Campeche, in the Yucatán Peninsula. It’s one of the few colonial cities in Mexico that’s right on the ocean. And though there is no beach—the shore is rocky there—it enjoys sea breezes and a tropical climate. To top it off, the cost of living in Campeche is much lower than in many seaside destinations.

In Campeche, you can grab a quick snack, such as a Cuban-style sandwich, for just a dollar or so. Prefer a full lunch in a sit-down restaurant? You’ll pay just over $5 for a two-course lunch with beverage at Luz de Luna or about $10 for a seafood plate in Marganzo, a long-time traditional restaurant. Both are in the heart of Campeche’s historic center.

Potential expats are now looking at colonial properties to renovate in Campeche’s UNESCO World Heritage neighborhoods, which are the historic center plus three adjacent barrios. Campeche has perhaps a thousand colonial buildings, and many of these are for sale. In almost all cases you’ll be buying an un-renovated property.

Depending on their size, unrenovated colonials start at about $85,000. The work involved can range from simply upgrading wiring and communications to a complete remodeling.

Modern properties are also available, at a variety of price points. You can find smaller modern homes for well under $100,000…or you can get a modern, comfortable three- or four-bedroom home, possibly with a small pool, starting at around $200,000.

Property samples in Campeche:

• A colonial property in the historic city center—with two bedrooms, one bathroom, and 18-foot-high wood-beamed ceilings. Price: $87,000.

• Also in the historic center, a two-bedroom, one-bath unrenovated house with a small back patio was recently for sale. Price: $85,000.

• In another historic neighborhood just outside the center, is a large renovated colonial. It has two bedrooms, a study, an office, a large living room, a kitchen and dining room, an interior patio with pool, a small back garden with a spiral staircase leading to a rooftop terrace, and a utility area. Price: $195,000.

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