Buying land is one of the most important financial decisions most people will make. However, the legal process in Mexico can seem complex for first-time buyers. The good news: with the right information and proper professional guidance, it’s a perfectly manageable process.

Here are the essentials you need to know. This is a general guide: for your specific case, consult a notary public or an attorney.

Before You Start: Documents You’ll Need

As a buyer, you’ll need to have on hand:

Valid government-issued ID (INE/IFE or passport)
CURP (Unique Population Registry Code)
RFC (Federal Taxpayer Registry — can be obtained if you don’t have one)
Recent proof of address (no older than 3 months)
Marriage certificate (if applicable and purchasing under community property)
Proof of income or bank statement (if financing applies)

For foreign buyers, the process includes additional documents detailed in our guide on buying property as a foreigner.

Step 1: Reservation

The first formal step is reserving the lot of your interest. This is done by paying a reservation fee; the purchase agreement is signed later, when you pay the down payment.

In the case of Del Lago Residencial, reservation requires:

Payment of $10,000 MXN (~$540 USD) as a reservation fee, which holds the lot for 15 days
Selecting your payment plan (30% down + 12, 18 or 24 months interest-free)
Signing the purchase agreement when you pay the down payment

This step matters because it takes the lot off the market while the process is completed. Check your contract for how long and under what conditions the lot stays reserved.

Step 2: Purchase Agreement

Once the lot is reserved, the commercial relationship is formalized through a purchase agreement (contrato de compraventa). This document must include:

Complete details of both seller and buyer
Precise description of the property (surface area, location, measurements, boundaries)
Total price and payment terms
Timelines and conditions
Penalties for non-compliance
Cancellation clauses

Important recommendation: Always verify that the contract includes the exact surface area verified by a surveyor and that it matches the development’s title deed. Ask for the contract early so you can read it calmly, and clear up any questions with your advisor or an attorney before signing. At Del Lago, the developer is CAM Grupo and sales are handled by Century 21 CAM Grupo.At Del Lago, the developer is CAM Grupo.

Step 3: Due Diligence

Before signing anything, it’s essential to verify:

About the land:

Property deed: That the seller is the legal owner
Certificate of no liens: That no mortgages, seizures, or litigation exist on the property
Land use: That it’s registered for residential use
Alignment and official number: Municipal documents confirming location
Property taxes current: That predial taxes are paid up

About the development:

Subdivision permits: Authorized by the municipality
Service feasibility: Water, electricity, drainage approved by authorities
Condominium regime (if applicable): Properly established before a notary

At Del Lago Residencial, urbanization is already complete and title deeds are expected in 2027; available documentation can be reviewed with the sales team. We recommend reviewing it with your own notary or attorney as well.

Step 4: Payment and Financing Plan

Different payment schemes exist:

Cash Payment

Made in a single payment
Ask your advisor about the current terms for cash purchases
The deeding date does not change: it depends on the development’s legal process, not on how you pay

Developer Direct Financing

No bank credit or credit bureau review required
30% down payment of total value
Balance over 24 months, interest-free
Fixed, predictable monthly payments

At Del Lago Residencial, developer financing is the only financing available: there is no bank financing, mortgage, Infonavit or Fovissste.

Step 5: Title Transfer (Escrituración)

Title transfer is the step that legally formalizes the property ownership transfer. The process includes:

Selection of notary public: Can be chosen by the buyer or suggested by the developer
Drafting of the deed: The notary drafts the document based on the purchase agreement
Document review: The notary verifies all legal documentation
Calculation of notarial costs and taxes
Signing the deed: Both parties sign before the notary
Tax and fee payments
Registration at the Public Property Registry: The notary handles this process

At Del Lago Residencial, deeds and lot handover are expected in 2027, with urbanization already complete.

Title Transfer Costs

At closing, the buyer usually pays:

Notary fees
ISAI (Property Acquisition Tax), a municipal tax: in Bucerías it is set by Bahía de Banderas
Public Property Registry fees
Appraisal and certificates

Income tax (ISR) on the sale is the seller’s responsibility. Amounts depend on the transaction value and on each notary, so ask a notary in Bahía de Banderas for a written estimate before signing.

Step 6: Registration and Handover

Once the deed is signed:

The notary registers the deed at the Public Property Registry of Nayarit
The cadastral registry is updated with the new owner’s name
The buyer receives their notarial testimony (certified copy of the deed)
Physical delivery of the lot takes place

Registration can take a few weeks after signing; the notary will tell you the expected timeline.

Final Tips

Make sure your purchase ends in a public deed. A private contract doesn’t provide the same legal protection as a public deed, so confirm when and how your lot will be deeded.
Always verify the seller’s identity. Make sure the person signing is who they claim to be and has legal authority to sell.
Demand an up-to-date certificate of no liens. Don’t accept certificates more than 30 days old.
Keep all documentation. Contracts, payment receipts, correspondence. Everything may be needed.
Work with professionals. A real estate advisor and a trusted notary make all the difference. At Del Lago Residencial, the Century 21 CAM Grupo team accompanies you through every step.an advisor accompanies you through every step.

Conclusion

Buying land in Mexico is a structured and safe process when done correctly. The key is being informed, verifying, and having the right professional guidance.

Don’t let unfamiliarity with the process hold you back. The paperwork is manageable, and with good guidance the process is much simpler than it looks.

Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Land in Mexico