How to buy property in Querétaro as a foreigner?

Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Mexico Property Pack

Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Mexico Property Pack

Who is the author of this content?

THE LATINVESTOR

A team specialized in real estate investing in LATAM countries

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Querétaro. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At The LatinVestor, we explore the Mexican real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Querétaro, Mexico City, and Guadalajara. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

Can foreigners legally buy property in Querétaro the same way locals do, or are there restrictions compared to Mexican citizens?

Foreigners can buy property in Querétaro with virtually identical rights to Mexican citizens.

The only major restriction in Mexico applies to the "restricted zone" - land within 50km of coastlines or 100km of international borders, where foreigners must use a bank trust (fideicomiso) to hold title. Querétaro is well outside these restricted zones, so foreigners can hold direct title just like Mexican nationals.

The only other limitation involves "ejido" (communal agricultural) land, which cannot be privately titled to foreigners regardless of location. However, most residential and commercial properties in Querétaro are not ejido land.

As of September 2025, foreign ownership in Querétaro carries the same legal protections, inheritance rights, and property use freedoms as Mexican ownership. You can rent, sell, or modify the property without additional government approvals beyond standard municipal permits.

Do I need to hold residency, a visa, or any special permit in order to purchase property in Mexico?

No residency, visa, or special permit is required to purchase property in Mexico as a foreigner.

You can buy property while on a tourist visa, and your immigration status is completely separate from property ownership rights. Mexican law does not require foreign buyers to be residents, have work permits, or hold any specific visa category.

The only requirement is obtaining a Mexican tax ID number (RFC), which is necessary for property registration and tax purposes. This RFC can be obtained through a legal representative or lawyer even if you're not physically present in Mexico or residing there.

It's something we develop in our Mexico property pack.

Is it mandatory to be physically present in Mexico to complete the property purchase, or can it be done remotely?

Physical presence in Mexico is not mandatory to complete a property purchase.

You can complete the entire transaction remotely through power of attorney (POA) arrangements with a Mexican lawyer or representative. This includes property viewings via virtual tours, document signing through your legal representative, and title registration through the notary system.

Many foreign buyers successfully purchase properties without ever visiting Mexico during the transaction process. Your lawyer can handle document submissions, coordinate with the notary public, and ensure proper registration in the Public Registry of Property.

However, if you choose to handle certain steps personally, you may need to be present for specific notary procedures or bank processes, depending on your preference and the complexity of the transaction.

What are the step-by-step procedures and key documents required to legally purchase property as a foreigner?

The property purchase process in Mexico follows a standardized seven-step procedure overseen by a notary public.

1. **Find and select property** through a licensed real estate agent familiar with foreign transactions2. **Conduct title search and due diligence** to verify the property is not ejido land, has clean title, no liens, and confirm seller's legal authority3. **Make formal offer and sign preliminary agreement** with typical deposit of 5-10% of purchase price4. **Obtain RFC tax ID** (required for registration, can be facilitated through legal representative)5. **Execute final purchase agreement** before a Mexican notary public who validates the transaction6. **Pay all closing costs and taxes** including acquisition taxes (2-6.5%), notary fees, and registration costs7. **Register title in Public Registry** where the notary submits all documents for legal ownership transfer

Key documents required include your passport, RFC tax ID, proof of address, signed purchase contract, property survey/cadastral certificate, and all notary-prepared documentation. If using a bank trust, additional fideicomiso paperwork is needed.

Is hiring a real estate lawyer compulsory in Mexico, and what role do they play in the transaction?

Hiring a real estate lawyer is not legally compulsory in Mexico, but it is extremely advisable for foreign buyers.

The Mexican notary public registers the sale and ensures legal compliance, but they do not represent your interests as the buyer. A lawyer provides essential buyer protection by conducting comprehensive title searches, drafting and negotiating purchase contracts, coordinating with government agencies, reviewing all due diligence materials, and identifying potential legal risks.

Mexican real estate lawyers typically charge $2,000-$5,000 USD for a complete transaction, which includes title verification, contract review, coordination with the notary, and ensuring proper documentation. This investment significantly reduces risks of fraud, title problems, or procedural errors that could cost much more later.

Given the complexity of Mexican property law and the language barrier, legal representation provides crucial protection for foreign buyers unfamiliar with local procedures and regulations.

What taxes, fees, and closing costs should I expect when buying property, and what about ongoing costs like property tax?

Total closing costs in Mexico typically range from 5-8% of the property purchase price.

Cost Category	Amount/Rate	Notes
Acquisition Tax (ISAI)	2-6.5% of sale price	Varies by state
Notary/Registry Fees	$5,000-$10,000 USD	Fixed professional fees
Legal Fees	$2,000-$5,000 USD	Lawyer representation
Fideicomiso Setup	$1,000-$2,500 USD	Only if in restricted zone
Property Appraisal	$300-$500 USD	Required for registration
Real Estate Agent	5-6% of sale price	Usually paid by seller
Escrow Services	0.5-1% of transaction	Optional but recommended

Ongoing annual costs are minimal, with property tax (predial) typically ranging from 0.1-0.3% of assessed value per year. Additional ongoing expenses include maintenance, homeowner association fees for condos, and property insurance, which vary significantly by property type and location.

If I sell the property later, what capital gains taxes and other resale costs would I need to pay?

Non-resident foreigners face a flat 25% tax on the gross sale price when selling Mexican property.

This 25% rate applies to the total sale amount with no deductions for purchase price, improvements, or selling expenses. Mexican tax residents may qualify for lower rates of 1.92-35% on net capital gains if they meet specific requirements and can claim exemptions, particularly for primary residences.

Additional selling costs include prorated property taxes, legal fees for the transaction, potential real estate agent commissions (5-6% if used), and notary fees for the sale registration. Total selling costs can reach 6-8% of the sale price before taxes.

The high capital gains tax for non-residents makes Mexican real estate more suitable for long-term holding or rental income strategies rather than short-term speculation. Some buyers establish Mexican residency before selling to potentially qualify for lower tax rates.

Are mortgages available to foreigners in Mexico, and if so, what are the interest rates, conditions, and best tips to qualify?

Mortgages are available to foreigners from Mexican banks, international lenders, and developer financing programs.

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Mexico versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

As of September 2025, Mexican banks typically offer mortgage rates of 9-12% for foreigners, while developer financing and private brokers may offer rates as low as 5-7% for qualified buyers. Most lenders require 30-50% down payments from foreign buyers, proof of income and assets, and a Mexican RFC tax ID.

Best qualification tips include establishing Mexican banking relationships, providing comprehensive financial documentation, considering Mexican residency status for better rates, and working with mortgage brokers who specialize in foreign buyers. However, approximately 90% of foreign property purchases in Mexico are cash transactions due to stricter lending requirements and currency considerations.

It's something we develop in our Mexico property pack.

What are the common mistakes and pitfalls foreigners face when buying property in Querétaro, and how can I avoid them?

The most common and costly mistake is unknowingly purchasing ejido (communal agricultural) land that cannot be legally titled to foreigners.

1. **Failing to verify land status** - Always confirm the property is not ejido land through proper title searches2. **Skipping legal representation** - Not hiring a Mexican real estate lawyer increases fraud and title risk significantly3. **Underestimating total costs** - Closing costs of 5-8% often surprise buyers who budget only for purchase price4. **Not verifying seller authority** - Ensure the seller has legal right to sell and the property has no liens or encumbrances5. **Inadequate due diligence** - Skipping property inspections, neighborhood research, and market analysis6. **Currency timing mistakes** - Not considering exchange rate fluctuations for USD-to-peso transactions7. **Incomplete documentation** - Missing required permits, certificates, or registration paperwork

Avoid these pitfalls by working with experienced local professionals, conducting thorough due diligence, budgeting for all costs upfront, and never rushing the transaction process. Professional legal and real estate representation typically costs 2-3% of purchase price but prevents much larger potential losses.

Which neighborhoods or areas in Querétaro are most popular with foreigners, and what are their advantages for living, renting, or investing?

Juriquilla stands out as the most popular area among foreign buyers, featuring the largest expat community and modern amenities.

Neighborhood	Key Advantages	Investment Appeal
Juriquilla	Large expat community, shopping centers, restaurants	High rental yields, strong resale
Centro Histórico	UNESCO heritage site, cultural attractions	Tourism rental potential
La Pradera	Family-friendly, green spaces, new construction	Steady appreciation, family rentals
Cumbres del Lago	Luxury developments, security, lake views	Premium market, high resale values
Loma Dorada	Upscale, quiet residential, mountain views	Wealthy Mexican buyers, stability
Zibatá	Smart city features, bike paths, modern planning	Growing tech sector, young professionals
El Pueblito	Affordable, authentic Mexican charm	Entry-level investment, local market

Juriquilla offers the best infrastructure for foreigners with international schools, medical facilities, and established expat services. Centro Histórico provides cultural immersion and tourism rental opportunities, while Cumbres del Lago and Loma Dorada cater to luxury buyers seeking premium properties and security.

What do the latest liveability scores, rental yields, tourism numbers, and growth forecasts say about Querétaro's property market?

Querétaro leads Mexico with the highest rental yields at 8.04% as of mid-2025, significantly outperforming major cities like Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara.

The city benefits from Mexico's record tourism numbers, with 39.4 million international visitors in the first five months of 2025 alone, driving increased demand for short-term and long-term rentals. Querétaro's strategic location between Mexico City and major northern industrial centers supports steady population and economic growth.

Annual property price growth in Querétaro averages 6.5%, which is moderate compared to Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara, but offers better affordability and higher yield potential. The city's manufacturing sector, aerospace industry, and growing tech presence provide economic stability and job growth that supports real estate demand.

Liveability scores rank Querétaro among Mexico's safest and most liveable cities, with excellent infrastructure, healthcare, and educational facilities. The combination of safety, economic growth, and cultural attractions makes it increasingly attractive to both Mexican and foreign residents.

It's something we develop in our Mexico property pack.

How do property prices break down across different parts of Querétaro and nearby regions, both for purchase and for rental potential?

Property prices in Querétaro vary significantly by location, with median prices as of September 2025 showing apartments at MXN 26,804 per square meter and houses at MXN 22,068 per square meter.

Area/Property Type	Price Range (MXN)	Rental Yield Potential
Juriquilla (3BR house)	2.5-30 million	7-9% annually
Centro Histórico (apartment)	15,000-35,000/m²	8-10% (tourism rentals)
Premium areas (luxury)	Up to 64,778/m²	5-7% (higher values)
Querétaro capital (average)	27,891/m² apartments	7-8% residential
Suburban developments	18,000-25,000/m²	8-9% family rentals
El Pueblito (entry-level)	12,000-18,000/m²	9-11% (local market)
Zibatá (modern)	25,000-40,000/m²	7-8% young professionals

The highest rental yields typically come from mid-range properties in areas with strong rental demand like Juriquilla and mixed-use developments. Premium neighborhoods offer lower yields but better appreciation potential and resale liquidity. Entry-level areas like El Pueblito provide the highest yields but may have limited appreciation and foreign buyer appeal.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

1. Mexico Relocation Guide - Foreign Property Ownership Rules
2. The LatinVestor - Americans Buying Property in Mexico
3. MyCasa.mx - How Americans Can Buy Land in Mexico
4. The LatinVestor - Mexico Property Buying Guide
5. Taxes for Expats - Buying Property in Mexico
6. The LatinVestor - Buy Property Mexico Without Citizenship
7. Ryan Donner - Real Estate Guide for Foreigners
8. Pacaso - Buying Property in Mexico
9. MexLaw - Hiring Mexican Real Estate Lawyers
10. Mexperience - Closing Costs and Taxes