Traveling to Mexico & Exploring Real Estate Opportunities

I recently traveled to Mexico to look at real estate opportunities firsthand — and if you've ever wondered how buying property there actually works as a U.S. citizen, here's what I learned on the ground.

How foreigners buy in Mexico

You can purchase real estate in Mexico through two methods: a bank-held trust (fideicomiso) or a Mexican corporation. If the property sits within the "restricted zone" — 50 kilometers from the coast or 100 kilometers from the border — you'll need one of these structures. Setting up a corporation costs approximately $1,500 USD through a lawyer, plus about $100 USD per month for required accounting.

Closing costs run higher than what we're used to in Utah: expect 6–8% if you're paying cash, or 7–10% if you're using financing.

The numbers on the unit I toured

The unit I walked through was priced at $180,000 USD. Based on its rental potential, you could net approximately $13,000 USD per year after accounting for a 20–30% rental management fee. The Residencia project on 38th Street offers other studio units starting around that same $180,000 mark, with two-bedroom units starting near $400,000 — both available for immediate delivery.

Build the right team

The biggest lesson: it's vital to involve the right professionals. That means a local real estate agent, a buyer's attorney, a notary — who in Mexico acts as an impartial government representative, a much bigger role than a U.S. notary — and the bank managing your trust if you go that route.

International property isn't my daily business — Park City is — but I love digging into markets and sharing what I find. If you're curious about how an investment property in Mexico might complement a Park City portfolio, let me know and I'm happy to share more of what I learned.

Thinking about buying, selling, or investing in Park City? Reach out anytime — call or text (801) 837-4445.