Buying property in Los Cabos or anywhere along the Baja California Sur coastline involves a defined legal process that ensures your ownership is properly registered and protected. While every transaction is unique, the steps are consistent and carefully structured to comply with Mexican law.
Below is an overview of what buyers can expect from the moment an offer is accepted until the title is officially recorded.
📝 1. Offer and Acceptance
Once you identify the property you want, your agent prepares a purchase offer that includes price, deposit, and closing terms.
- The seller may counter or accept.
- When both parties agree and sign, the property is considered “under contract.”
- An earnest-money deposit is usually placed in escrow at this stage.
🔍 2. Due Diligence
This phase verifies that the property is free of legal or physical issues.
Typical reviews include:
- Verification of title history and ownership
- Confirmation that taxes and utilities are current
- Request for a certificate of no liens
- Review of condominium bylaws or HOA regulations, if applicable
If the property is land or new construction, additional permits or zoning checks may be required.
🏦 3. Fideicomiso or Deed Preparation
For foreign buyers purchasing in Los Cabos, the next step is to establish or transfer the fideicomiso (bank trust).
- The chosen bank drafts the trust agreement naming you as beneficiary.
- If the seller already has a fideicomiso, it can often be assigned or modified instead of created from scratch.
Mexican buyers, or properties outside the restricted zone, proceed with a standard escritura (title deed).
🧾 4. Notary Review and Drafting of the Deed
A Notario Público—a government-appointed attorney—oversees all real estate transactions.
- The notary confirms all documents, taxes, and permits are in order.
- They prepare the official public deed and calculate closing taxes.
- Both buyer and seller sign the deed in the notary’s presence on closing day.
The notary’s office is the final legal authority responsible for the transaction.
💰 5. Payment and Settlement
Before signing, the escrow agent or closing coordinator confirms:
- All funds are received and ready for disbursement.
- The final purchase price, fees, and taxes are settled.
- Both parties approve the final closing statement.
Funds are released only once all legal documents are signed and notarized.
🗝️ 6. Registration and Delivery of Title
After closing, the notary registers the deed with the Public Registry of Property in Baja California Sur.
This makes your ownership official under Mexican law.
- The registry process typically takes several weeks.
- Once complete, you receive a certified copy of your deed or fideicomiso showing your name as legal beneficiary.
⏱️ How Long Does the Process Take?
Most closings in Los Cabos take 45–90 days from accepted offer to registration, depending on whether a new trust must be created and how quickly documents are returned from the bank and registry offices.
🤝 Who Is Involved in the Transaction
- Buyer’s Agent: Represents and negotiates on your behalf.
- Closing Coordinator / Attorney: Manages communication, timelines, and documentation.
- Bank (Trustee): Holds and administers the fideicomiso.
- Notario Público: Executes and records the legal transfer.
- Escrow Company: Holds deposits and disburses funds securely.
🌍 How Cabo Compares Internationally
The Mexican closing process is highly regulated and notarized, which provides a level of legal protection similar to or stronger than in many other resort markets. The combination of a bank trust, government-appointed notary, and public registration gives foreign buyers clear, enforceable ownership rights.
📞 Start Your Cabo Purchase with Confidence
At FINN.group, our closing specialists coordinate every stage of the process — from the offer to title registration — ensuring a seamless and transparent experience for both local and international clients.
👉 Contact us today to begin your property purchase in Los Cabos or Baja California Sur.