How to Buy a House in Mexico from the United States

September 15, 2025
Content Creator I Ana Landa

Coldwell Banker® México

Inversión inmobiliaria

Want to know how you can buy a house in Mexico while living in the U.S.?
Yes, you can do it. You just need to understand the legal process, payment requirements, and have the support of a reliable real estate agency like Coldwell Banker Inmobiliaria.

Who Can Buy a House in Mexico from Abroad?

Anyone—foreigners or Mexican nationals living outside Mexico—can purchase property in the country.

If you’re Mexican and live in the U.S., no special permits are required.
If you’re a foreigner without Mexican citizenship, you can still buy property, although there are restrictions in the “restricted zone” (within 50 km of coastlines or 100 km of borders). In that case, you’ll need to set up a bank trust (fideicomiso).

If you’re living abroad and looking to invest, it’s important to understand how much tax you’ll pay when selling a house, as this affects the steps and requirements needed to avoid costly mistakes.

Steps to Buy a House from the U.S.

According to Coldwell Banker México Inmobiliaria:

Define your budget, including taxes and notary fees.
Research safe areas with high appreciation (such as Roma Norte, Condesa, or Polanco).
Contact a certified advisor from Coldwell Banker Inmobiliaria.
Request virtual tours or video walkthroughs.
Verify the property is free of liens and has all legal documents in order.
Formalize your purchase intention with a promise of sale agreement.
Sign the deed before a notary. You can do this by granting power of attorney from the U.S. or by traveling to Mexico.
Make the bank transfer from your U.S. account to the notary or seller’s account.

Buying from the U.S. can be a great idea if you choose areas with high appreciation. Check out our post on the Top 5 Neighborhoods with Investment Potential in Mexico City in 2025 for guidance.

What Documents Do You Need?

According to Coldwell Banker México Inmobiliaria:

If you are a Mexican citizen residing abroad:

Official ID (INE or passport)
CURP and RFC
Proof of address in the U.S.
Bank statement or proof of funds

If you are a foreigner (non-Mexican):

Valid passport
Permit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (if applicable)
Deed with a bank trust (required in restricted zones)

Payment Methods and Transfers from the U.S.

You can make payments from your U.S. bank account through international transfers (SWIFT).
At Coldwell Banker Inmobiliaria, we work with notaries who legally accept transfers from abroad, with no legal risk.

If you are a foreigner buying in a restricted zone, you are required to open a bank trust (fideicomiso). This process is handled by a Mexican bank and is common in places like Tulum, Puerto Vallarta, or Los Cabos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Buying without legal advice or without thoroughly reviewing documents
Not verifying that the seller is the actual owner
Making down payments without a formal contract
Not accounting for additional costs (property tax, deed registration, notary fees), which can total between 6% and 8% of the property’s value

Buying a Home from the U.S. in Mexico is Totally Possible

The key is to have an expert team guiding you every step of the way—from the search to the closing.
Coldwell Banker Inmobiliaria has experience working with international buyers and understands the legal, financial, and operational process thoroughly.

Also, consider the type of property you’re investing in—learn about the different types of homes in Mexico and how that can benefit your investment.

Ready to start today?
📍 Contact our professional real estate advisors for personalized assistance. We’ll guide you step by step.