Buying a Home in Mexico as a Foreigner: Step by Step
From first visit to keys, without surprises.
Thousands of foreigners own homes in San Miguel de Allende, and the process is more orderly than its reputation suggests. These are the seven steps in the order they happen, with the detailed guides at each stage.
Define how you will use the home
Full-time move, winter base, or rental investment each point to different colonias, budgets & property types. A clear brief saves months of looking at the wrong homes.
Compare the colonias →Understand foreign ownership
San Miguel de Allende sits outside the restricted zone, so foreigners hold direct fee simple title. The SRE permit is a standard step your Notario arranges, not a barrier.
Read the foreign buyer guide →Tour with a local advisor
Photos flatter every listing. Walking the street at different hours, checking water pressure & reading the colonia tells you what a listing never will.
Browse current listings →Make the offer & sign the promissory contract
Offers are written, usually with a small earnest deposit. The promissory contract (contrato de promesa) fixes price, deadlines & conditions while due diligence runs.
Escrow, deposits & due diligence
Deposits move through a neutral escrow account, never directly to the seller. Meanwhile the Notario verifies title, liens, water service & property tax standing.
How escrow works here →Close with the Notario Público
The Notario is a state-appointed attorney who formalizes the deed, calculates & collects closing taxes, and registers your title. Plan on 45 to 90 days from offer to keys.
Walk the full roadmap →Budget the real costs
Closing costs, acquisition tax, Notario fees & the monthly cost of living all differ from the US or Canada. Know the numbers before you fall in love with a terrace.
See the real cost of living →
Ready for step one?
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