Buying property in Mexico City: the steps for foreign buyers

The Article 27 waiver

A foreigner buying property outside the restricted zone files a written waiver (convenio de renuncia) with the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores, agreeing to the terms of Article 27, section I, of the Constitution, and obtains its permit (Ley de Inversión Extranjera, Article 10 A; sre.gob.mx).

Coasts and borders

Inside the restricted zone, foreigners hold residential property through a bank trust (fideicomiso) with an SRE permit. Mexico City is outside the zone; if you are unsure about a property elsewhere, the SRE consults INEGI (sre.gob.mx).

The notario público

Every sale is formalised by deed before a notario público, who checks the title and the taxes and registers the sale. Choose your own notary, and have your own lawyer read every document before you sign.

The predial

Owners pay the city’s annual property tax, the impuesto predial. Ask your notary about the taxes due on purchase.

Short-term lets

Mexico City has introduced a registration requirement and limits on short-term rentals through platforms. If you plan to let a property, check the current rules before you buy.

Where people live

See our property guide for Polanco, Lomas de Chapultepec, Condesa and Roma, Juárez and Reforma, San Ángel and Coyoacán, and Santa Fe. We don’t publish prices or yields.

Questions and answers