Buying from abroad: how to do it remotely

Many of our clients buy in Puerto Vallarta while living in the United States, Canada, or Europe, and they do it without spending months here. You can buy remotely and with complete peace of mind, as long as every step is done right: who signs, how the money travels, and who guides you in your own language. Here is how it works.

The final purchase is signed before a Mexican notary. You can come just for that signing, which is a short trip, or not come at all: that is what a power of attorney is for. You sign a power of attorney in your own country before a local notary and legalize it with an apostille, an international seal recognized between countries, or you sign it at a Mexican consulate; with that power, someone you trust or a member of our team signs for you in Vallarta. The earlier agreements, such as the offer and your contract with us, can be signed online, and you can follow the whole process by video call and email.

The purchase money is sent by international bank transfer to Mexico, not in cash: the anti-money-laundering law forbids paying large sums in cash, and a proper transaction always leaves the bank's paper trail. It is wise to notify your bank of the transfer, allow for the fee and the day's exchange rate, and send the funds once the transaction is formalized, to the account indicated by the notary or the seller. We coordinate the timing with you so the money arrives exactly when it should.

A foreign buyer usually pays in cash. Mexican banks rarely grant a mortgage to someone who does not reside in Mexico or have a credit history here; there are some financing options from the developer, especially in pre-construction, and from cross-border lenders, but they tend to be more expensive. Many buyers prefer to use credit from their own country, for example a line against their home there, and pay in full here. We help you weigh which option suits you and prepare what they ask for.

In Mexico, when you buy you pay the closing costs and the acquisition tax, and when you sell, the tax on the gain; we explain all of that in the tax guides, and your notary gives you the exact figure for your case. Beyond that, your home country may require you to report the property or the accounts you hold abroad: in the United States, for instance, the IRS requires it, and in Canada the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). That belongs to your side of the border, so check it with your accountant there; we do not give tax advice for another country, but we flag it so it does not take you by surprise.

Guiding someone who buys from afar is exactly what we do: we serve you in Spanish, English, French, or Chinese; we coordinate the notary, the trust bank, and any translations you need; and we send you photos, videos, and described walk-throughs so you get to know the property without seeing it in person. You decide from home, with the same information you would have if you were here.

• You can buy remotely: come just for the signing, or grant a power of attorney (apostilled in your country or signed at a Mexican consulate) so someone can sign for you.
• The money travels by international bank transfer, never in cash (the anti-money-laundering law forbids it): notify your bank and allow for the fee and the exchange rate.
• Most foreign buyers pay in cash; Mexican banks rarely lend to non-residents. There is financing from the developer or from your own country.
• In Mexico you pay taxes when buying and selling (see the tax guides); your home country may require you to report the property, so check with your accountant there.
• We guide you in your language and coordinate the notary, the bank, and translations, with photos and described walk-throughs so you can decide from a distance.

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