Can Foreigners Buy Property in Mexico? Complete Step-by-Step Guide. EPISODE 7

Foreigners can legally own real estate in Mexico, and in 2026, Americans and Canadians are doing it in growing numbers. The process, however, depends heavily on where the property sits and how it will be used. Episode 7 of *The Foreign Buyer's Guide to Mexico* covers the complete picture, from legal ownership structures to the moment you take possession. Nancy Valiente, a Puerto Vallarta Real Estate Broker and Attorney, with more than 13 years of experience in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, walks through every stage of the transaction. She starts with Mexico's Restricted Zone: the coastal and border areas where direct foreign title is generally not permitted. Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas fall inside this zone, which means most foreign home buyers here acquire residential property rights through a fideicomiso, a bank trust established under Mexican law. Nancy addresses the questions buyers ask most: Does the bank control the property? What rights does the trust actually give you? When is a Mexican corporation the more appropriate structure? The answers are more straightforward than many buyers expect, and understanding them before signing anything can prevent expensive mistakes. From there, the episode follows the full buying process in sequence: **Property search → Written offer → Legal due diligence → Escrow → Notary and fideicomiso → Closing → Registration → Possession** Each stage gets its own explanation. You'll learn what due diligence actually covers, how escrow protects the buyer before funds are released, and what a Mexican notario público does, a role that carries far more legal weight than a notary in the U.S. or Canada. Nancy also clarifies the difference between closing, registration, and possession, three milestones that do not always happen on the same day. Whether you're considering a condominium, a vacation home, or an investment property in Puerto Vallarta or the surrounding Bahía de Banderas area, this episode gives you a clear framework before you commit to anything in writing. If you have questions specific to your situation, Nancy is available to help, reach out through the contact details in the video.