Casa Mogote 7009, La Paz
Buying Luxury Real Estate in Baja California Sur — A Guide for North American Buyers
Buying property in Mexico is one of the best decisions many of my clients have ever made. It is also one of the most misunderstood processes for North Americans approaching it for the first time. My job is to make sure you understand exactly what you're getting into — before you make any decisions.
Here is what you need to know.
Can Foreigners Buy Property in Mexico?
Yes — completely legally, and with strong title protection available. Foreigners can own property in Mexico through a Fideicomiso (bank trust) in the restricted zone, which covers all coastal and border areas including La Paz, La Ventana, Todos Santos, and Los Cabos. Outside the restricted zone, foreigners can own property directly in their name.
The Fideicomiso is a 50-year renewable trust held by a Mexican bank, with you as the beneficiary. You have full rights to use, rent, sell, and pass on the property. It is not a lease. It is not temporary. It is full ownership through a legal trust structure that has been used successfully by foreign buyers in Mexico for decades.
Why Baja California Sur — And Why Now
Baja California Sur is one of the last coastal markets in North America where waterfront property at $500,000 to $2,000,000 still represents genuine value. La Paz, La Ventana, Todos Santos, and the East Cape offer lifestyle and natural beauty that rival anything in the Caribbean or Pacific — at a fraction of the cost.
The buyers moving here now are not speculators. They are people in their 40s, 50s, and 60s who have spent their careers building something and are now making a deliberate choice about how they want to live the next chapter. Many of them are Canadian or American. Many of them are active — wing foiling, paddleboarding, diving, hiking. All of them want something real.
The Buying Process — Step by Step
Step 1: Define your goals. Primary residence, vacation home, or investment property? Each has different implications for the property type, location, and legal structure that makes the most sense.
Step 2: Search the market. Through SearchBajaHomes.com you have access to every MLS-listed property across Baja California Sur, updated in real time. No registration required to browse.
Step 3: Visit and shortlist. I organize in-person showings across all markets I cover — La Paz, La Ventana, Todos Santos, East Cape, Cabo San Lucas, and San José del Cabo. I do not show you properties that do not match your criteria.
Step 4: Make an offer. I prepare the purchase contract, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure all modifications protect your interests. This is where having a dual-licensed realtor matters — I understand both Mexican real estate law and the standards North American buyers expect.
Step 5: Due diligence. Title search, property survey, legal review. I work with trusted local notarios and lawyers. You should never buy property in Mexico without a proper title search.
Step 6: Close. Closing in Mexico takes place before a Notario Público — not the same as a Canadian or American notary. The Notario is a government-appointed legal officer who handles the official transfer. Closing typically takes 30 to 60 days from accepted offer.
What Does It Cost to Close?
Closing costs in Mexico for buyers typically run 3% to 5% of the purchase price and include acquisition tax, notary fees, trust establishment fees (Fideicomiso), and registration costs. I provide a detailed closing cost estimate before you make any offer so there are no surprises.
Why Work With a Dual-Licensed Realtor
Many real estate agents operating in Mexico hold no formal license. In Baja California Sur, the Licencia Inmobiliaria is issued by the state and requires ongoing renewal — very few foreign agents hold one. I am fully licensed in both Canada and Mexico, which means I operate to the professional and ethical standards of both systems.
I also live here. I have been a full-time La Paz resident for four years. I am not flying in for showings and flying home. When you have a question at 7pm on a Wednesday, I am 15 minutes from the property.
Ready to Start?
[Contact Richard] to discuss what you are looking for. Whether you are six months away from a decision or ready to visit next week, I am happy to answer questions, share current listings, and help you understand this market from the inside.
*All MXN prices are approximate based on daily exchange published by BANXICO. / Todos los precios en MXN son aproximados en base al tipo de cambio diario publicado por BANXICO.
NOM 247: The prices contained in this website are in DOLLARS (US Currency) and in accordance with article 8 of the monetary law, the final price for recordation purposes will be converted into PESOS resulting from the official exchange rate on the date payment is due. In accordance with NOM 247, prices shown in DOLLARS can be converted into PESOS by accessing the following link and performing the corresponding arithmetic multiplication per the current exchange rate.
https://www.banxico.org.mx/tipcamb/main.do?page=tip&idioma=en
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NOM 247: Los precios contenidos en este sitio web están en DÓLARES (moneda de los EUA) y de conformidad con el artículo 8 de la ley monetaria en vigor, el precio oficial a registrar en la escritura será el de PESOS que resulte del tipo de cambio oficial en la fecha que el pago sea obligatorio. De conformidad con la NOM 247, los precios en DÓLARES se pueden consultar en PESOS mediante la multiplicación aritmética del precio mostrado en DÓLARES por el tipo de cambio en vigor para solventar operaciones en dólares moneda de Los EUA.
https://www.banxico.org.mx/tipcamb/main.do?page=tip&idioma=sp