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FAQ's
I've always
heard that foreigners can't own No, while it once was true, times have changed. Prior to 1973, foreigners were not allowed to hold legal title or exercise direct rights to real property in an area within 64 miles of Mexico's borders and 32 miles of its coasts. But laws passed in 1973 and 1993 have made it possible for foreigners, foreign firms and Mexican firms with foreign participation to acquire interest in coastal real estate through a bank trust (Fideicomiso). Who is involved in this bank trust? Three parties, the seller of the property is the Trustor, the bank is the Trustee (Fiduciario), and the buyer, or Beneficiary (Fideicomisario). How does the trust function? Title of the property is transferred to a trust with a Mexican bank acting as a Trustee. The Trust Agreement is formalized by the issuance of a permit from the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The lot or home buyer is designated as Beneficiary in the Trust and the beneficiary rights are recorded in the public record by a Notary Public. What are my rights as a buyer? The trust is a legal substitute for fee simple ownership, but in this case, the Trustee is the legal holder of the property. As a beneficiary, you have the right to sell your property without restriction. You may also sell your rights to a third party, or pass it on to named heirs. Is the trust renewable? Yes. According to the Foreign Investment Law passed in 1993, trusts can be renewed for an indefinite number of successive 50 year periods. In effect they run in perpetuity.
If at a later
date, I decide to sell my property Yes. If the new buyer is also a foreigner, you simply assign your beneficial rights. If the new buyer is a Mexican National, you can instruct the bank to endorse the title in favor of the buyer. If the buyer is a foreigner, is his interest limited to the balance of my 50 years trust? No. Upon application, a foreigner automatically can renew for an additional 50 year permit. This, however, is not mandatory. Do many foreigners currently own coastal property in Mexico?
Yes. Today
thousands of foreigners enjoy coastal resort property and have benefited
from appreciation in these luxury and limited availability areas.
Contact
Marco Ehrenberg
for more information |
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