With 18 years of experience living in Playa del Carmen and more than a decade working in real estate, Pilar has helped families, retirees and investors from different countries navigate the process of buying property in the Riviera Maya. She has been part of the Moskito Real Estate team for the past 11 years.
We asked Pilar about the questions she hears most often from her clients, and what she tells them.
Can Americans and other foreigners legally buy property in Playa del Carmen?
“Yes. Foreigners can own residential property in Mexico, but the process is different from what buyers from the United States or Canada may be used to.
Playa del Carmen is located within Mexico’s restricted zone, which includes areas along the country’s coast. For residential property in this zone, foreign buyers generally acquire the rights to use and enjoy the property through a fideicomiso, or bank trust.
In simple terms, a Mexican bank acts as the trustee, while the foreign buyer is the beneficiary of the trust and has the rights established in the trust agreement.
The fideicomiso is an established legal mechanism under Mexican law for foreign ownership of residential property in the restricted zone. The Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE) oversees the authorization process for these trusts.
I know the word can sound intimidating when you first hear it. But my clients don’t need to become experts in Mexican real estate law before buying a property here.
My job is to explain the process clearly, answer their questions and make sure they understand what is happening at each stage, while the appropriate legal and notarial professionals handle the legal aspects of the transaction.”
How can I make sure the property I’m buying in Mexico has the proper documentation?
“This is one of the most important questions a buyer can ask — and I always encourage my clients to ask it.
When you’re buying property in another country, you want to know that the property you’re purchasing is legally in order and that the transaction is being handled correctly.
Before a purchase moves forward, the property’s documentation and legal status need to be reviewed by the appropriate professionals. Depending on the property and the transaction, this can include reviewing ownership and title documents, checking for liens or other issues affecting the property, and verifying that the necessary documentation is available for the transaction.
The notary has an important role in the Mexican real estate process, and attorneys or other specialists may also be involved depending on the circumstances.
As real estate advisors, we don’t replace those professionals. Our role is to help our clients navigate the process, connect them with the right professionals and make sure they understand what is being reviewed and why.
I always tell my clients that finding a property is only the beginning. There is an entire process between saying, ‘I like this property,’ and actually becoming the owner.
Having the right people involved from the beginning gives buyers much more clarity and peace of mind.”
What happens if something goes wrong when buying property in Mexico?
“This is a concern I completely understand, especially for someone buying property in another country.
Real estate transactions don’t always move in a perfectly straight line. A document can take longer than expected. A question can come up during the legal review. Something may need to be clarified before the transaction can move forward.
When that happens, communication becomes extremely important.
I want my clients to know what is happening, what we are doing about it and what needs to happen next.
Not only when everything is going well, but especially when there is a problem to solve.
After 11 years working with buyers at Moskito, I’ve learned that clients don’t expect every transaction to be completely free of unexpected situations. What they need is to know that someone is paying attention and helping them navigate those situations.
For me, that’s a big part of being a real estate advisor. You shouldn’t feel like you’re navigating the process alone just because you’re buying in another country.”
What I’ve learned from helping international buyers in Playa del Carmen
“Over the years, I’ve worked with families looking for a second home, retirees planning their future in Mexico, and investors looking for rental opportunities in the Riviera Maya.
Their goals are different, but the need for clear information and trustworthy guidance is very similar.
Buying property is a major decision wherever you live. When you’re buying in another country, having someone who understands the local market and can help you navigate the process makes an important difference.
My role isn’t simply to find a property that fits a list of requirements. It’s to understand what my clients are trying to accomplish, help them make informed decisions and stay involved throughout the process.
After 18 years living in Playa del Carmen, I know how much this market has changed. But one thing has remained constant: buyers value honesty, communication and knowing that someone is there when they need them.
Thinking about buying property in Playa del Carmen?
If you’re considering a second home or investment property in Playa del Carmen or elsewhere in the Riviera Maya, you don’t need to have everything figured out before you start.
Sometimes the best first step is simply asking questions.
Pilar and the Moskito Real Estate team are here to help you understand the market, the buying process and what to consider before making a decision.