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Mexico Real Estate Terms: Complete Glossary for International Buyers


Buying property in Mexico involves unique legal terms, processes, and cultural concepts that can seem overwhelming to international buyers. Our comprehensive glossary breaks down essential Mexican real estate terminology in clear, simple language. From fideicomiso and notario to ejido land and predial taxes, understand every term you'll encounter during your property journey in Mexico's Bajío region and beyond.
Watercolor of a Mexican Real Estate Terms Glossary on a Desk with Coffee and Pen and Paper

Browse All Glossary Terms

Essential definitions and explanations to help you navigate Mexican real estate with confidence. Click any term below to learn more.


Watercolor illustration of agrihood community in Mexico showing farm-to-table residential development with agricultural spaces and sustainable living design
AGRIHOOD: Farm-to-Table Community

An agrihood is a residential community built around working farms, offering residents farm-to-table living and strong community connections. Learn how these sustainable developments are emerging in Mexico's Bajío region and why they're attracting international buyers seeking authentic, eco-conscious lifestyles.

Watercolor illustration of boutique residential neighborhood in Mexico showing small exclusive luxury community with custom home
BOUTIQUE RESIDENTIAL: Curated Neighborhood

A boutique residential neighborhood is a small-scale, exclusive community designed with premium amenities and personalized attention. Learn how these intimate developments are redefining luxury living in Mexico's Bajío region for discerning international buyers.

Watercolor illustration of wellness community in Bajío Mexico with thermal pools, spa amenities, and health-focused residential living
WELLNESS COMMUNITY: Health-Focused Living

A wellness community is a residential development designed around health, healing, and holistic living principles. Learn how these health-focused communities are emerging in Mexico's Bajío region and attracting international buyers seeking intentional, wellness-oriented lifestyles.

Watercolor illustration of buyer reviewing fideicomiso bank trust documents for foreign property ownership in Mexico's restricted zone
FIDEICOMISO: Property Trust for Foreigners

A fideicomiso is a Mexican bank trust that allows foreigners to own property in restricted zones. Learn how this legal structure works, its costs, and whether you need one for Bajío region properties.

Watercolor illustration of escritura property deed documents with official stamps and notary seals for Mexican real estate ownership
ESCRITURA: Mexican Property Deed

An escritura is the official property deed in Mexico that proves legal ownership. Learn about this crucial document, the registration process, and what international buyers need to know about Mexican property titles.

Watercolor illustration of fee simple direct property ownership in Mexico showing unrestricted homeownership outside restricted zones
FEE SIMPLE: Direct Property Ownership

Fee simple is direct property ownership that gives you complete legal rights to your property. Learn how international buyers can own property directly in Mexico's Bajío region through fee simple ownership without trusts or restrictions.

Watercolor illustration of notario público at desk reviewing property deed and legal documents for Mexican real estate transaction
NOTARIO PÚBLICO: Property Transaction Notary

A notario público is a government-appointed legal professional who handles Mexican real estate transactions with extensive authority unlike notaries in other countries. Learn their crucial role in property purchases and how to choose the right one.

Watercolor illustration of RFC Mexican tax identification number documents required for property transactions and financial activities
RFC: Mexican Tax ID

An RFC (Registro Federal de Contribuyentes) is Mexico's tax identification number required for all property purchases. Learn how foreign buyers can obtain this essential ID and what documents are needed for the process.

Watercolor illustration of predial annual property tax document and Mexican residential building showing municipal tax obligation
PREDIAL: Mexican Property Tax

Predial is Mexico's annual property tax paid to local municipalities. Learn about predial rates, payment schedules, and why this tax is remarkably affordable compared to North American property taxes for Bajío homeowners.

Watercolor illustration of ecovillage sustainable community on hillside in Mexico with eco-friendly homes and natural integration
ECOVILLAGE: Sustainable Community Living

An ecovillage is an intentional community designed for environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Learn how these innovative communities are developing in Mexico's Bajío region and attracting international buyers seeking authentic eco-conscious living.

Watercolor aerial illustration of master-planned community in Bajío showing comprehensive residential development with infrastructure and amenities
MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITY: Planned Development

A master-planned community is a large-scale residential development with comprehensive amenities and phased construction. Learn how these organized communities are developing in Mexico's Bajío region and offering complete lifestyle packages for international buyers.

Watercolor illustration of intentional community members in Bajío Mexico showing values-based collaborative living arrangement
INTENTIONAL COMMUNITY: Values-Based Living

An intentional community is a residential community organized around shared values and lifestyle choices. Learn how these conscious living communities are developing in Mexico's Bajío region and attracting international buyers seeking meaningful connections.

Watercolor illustration of avalúo property appraisal process with appraiser evaluating Mexican real estate value
AVALÚO: Property Appraisal Guide

An avalúo is an official property appraisal conducted by certified professionals in Mexico. Learn about this required valuation process, costs, and timeline for property transactions in the Bajío region.

Watercolor illustration of closing costs paperwork including receipts and financial documents for Mexican property transaction
CLOSING COSTS: Property Purchase Fees

Closing costs are the fees and taxes paid when completing a property purchase in Mexico. Learn about typical closing cost percentages, what's included, and how to budget for your Bajío property transaction.

Watercolor illustration of due diligence process showing property investigation and document review for Mexican real estate purchase
DUE DILIGENCE: Property Investigation Process

Due diligence is the comprehensive investigation process conducted before purchasing property in Mexico. Learn about property research, legal verification, and risk management steps for Bajío real estate transactions.

Navigate Mexican Real Estate Terms with Confidence, Get Expert Help

Understanding fideicomiso, notario, and ejido land is just the beginning. We'll connect you with bilingual experts who can guide you through every Mexican real estate term and process.

From predial taxes to escrituras, Mexican real estate involves unique terminology. Our trusted advisors understand the cultural nuances behind each legal concept, ensuring you move forward with confidence.

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