Selling in Puerto Vallarta · Seller Guide
Foreigners can sell property in Mexico much as Mexican owners do: set a price from comparable sales, gather title and tax documents, accept an offer, and close before a notario público, who prepares the deed and calculates the taxes and fees due on the sale. How long it takes and what you pay depend on your documents, your fideicomiso or title, and your tax position, so ask your notario for a written estimate early.
How do I sell my property in Mexico?
The process follows five stages, from pricing to closing. Your Coldwell Banker La Costa listing agent coordinates marketing and negotiation, and a notario público handles the deed.
| Stage | What happens | Who is involved |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Price and prepare | Set a price from comparable sales, gather title and tax documents, and prepare the home | Seller, listing agent |
| 2. Market and negotiate | List the property, show it, and negotiate an offer and a purchase contract | Seller, agents, buyer |
| 3. Due diligence | The buyer reviews title, liens, taxes and HOA status; the seller supplies documents | Buyer, seller, attorneys, notario |
| 4. Deed and taxes | The notario público prepares the deed and calculates taxes and fees due on the sale | Notario público, seller, buyer |
| 5. Closing and funds | The deed is signed and registered, and funds are paid under the notario's instructions | Notario público, parties, banks |
If you hold the property through a fideicomiso, the bank trust is part of the sale, and the transfer to the buyer is arranged through the trust. Ask the bank and your notario about any fees and the time the bank needs.
How long does it take to sell property in Mexico?
Time on the market depends on price, condition, location and season, and the period from an accepted offer to closing depends on how quickly documents and approvals are ready. Sellers with complete paperwork usually close with fewer delays, while missing tax receipts, unpaid HOA fees or unclear title can slow the process.
Which documents should sellers prepare?
- The deed (escritura) and, for a trust property, the fideicomiso documents
- Proof that property tax (predial) and water charges are current
- An HOA statement showing no unpaid fees, for condominiums
- Your identification and, if you are a non-resident, your tax details as your notario requests
- Any permits for improvements you have made
See our selling page for how Team Ross prepares and markets listings.
What taxes and costs do sellers pay?
Sellers commonly face the agent commission, notarial and registration costs, any bank fees tied to a fideicomiso, and income tax on the gain from the sale. The tax outcome depends on your purchase price and improvements, how long you owned the property, whether it was your primary residence, and your residency status. Exemptions and rules change, so have the notario public prepare a written estimate and review it with a qualified Mexican tax advisor. Foreign owners should also ask a tax advisor in their home country how the sale is reported there.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sell my property in Mexico?
Set a price from comparable sales, gather your title and tax documents, accept an offer, complete due diligence and close before a notario público, who prepares the deed and calculates taxes and fees.
How long does it take to sell property in Mexico?
It depends on price, condition, location and season, and on how quickly documents and approvals are ready. Complete paperwork reduces delays after an offer is accepted.
What taxes do sellers pay in Mexico?
Sellers may owe income tax on the gain, along with notarial and registration costs and the agent commission. The amount depends on your situation, so ask your notario and a tax advisor for a written estimate.
Can I sell a fideicomiso property in Mexico?
Yes. The bank trust is part of the transaction and the transfer to the buyer is arranged through it. Ask the bank and your notario público about fees and timing.
Questions about buying or selling in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit?
Talk to a local agentLearn about selling with Team RossThis article is general information only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Confirm details with a Mexican notario público and a qualified attorney or tax advisor. Coldwell Banker La Costa does not provide legal or tax advice. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each office is independently owned and operated.