How Long Does It Take to Close on a Property in Cabo?
Karla and Erick Cabo Realty
Last update: 2026-10-08
Karla and Erick Cabo Realty
Last update: 2026-10-08
Short answer: in Los Cabos, a purchase usually closes in about 60 working days if you pay cash and about 90 working days with financing. That is roughly 3 to 4.5 months on the calendar. It takes longer than in the U.S. because a Mexican bank has to set up your fideicomiso and a notario público has to review and register the sale.
We help buyers from California, Texas and Arizona close on homes and condos in Los Cabos. Here is what happens in those weeks, what slows a closing down, and how to keep yours on schedule.
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| 60 working days to close a cash purchase |
90 working days with financing |
3.5%–6% of the price in buyer closing costs |
| 2% acquisition tax, included in closing costs |
50 years fideicomiso term, renewable for 50 more |
Day 1 you usually get the keys on closing day |
Working days exclude weekends and Mexican holidays. Timelines and costs as published by Puerto Los Cabos for transactions in Los Cabos.
| Stage | What happens |
| 1. Offer and escrow | Both sides sign the promissory agreement (usually in English and Spanish) and your deposit goes into escrow. The clock starts here. |
| 2. Due diligence | Title and liens are checked, property tax, water and HOA must be current, and you can inspect the property. |
| 3. Fideicomiso | A Mexican bank opens your trust with a permit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE). This is usually the slowest step. |
| 4. Notario review | The notary verifies the documents, calculates taxes and fees, and prepares the deed. |
| 5. Funding and signing | You wire the balance to escrow, sign before the notary (in person or by power of attorney) and get the keys. |
| 6. Registration | The notary records your deed in the Public Registry. This can finish after closing day; you already own the property. |
See the full purchase process in our Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Property in Los Cabos.
| Delay | How to avoid it |
| Trustee bank processing | Send your passport and trust documents as soon as the offer is accepted |
| Seller missing documents | Ask before the offer if the seller has the deed, trust and no-debt letters ready |
| Liens or title issues | Check the title early so there is time to fix it |
| Financing | Plan for 90 working days instead of 60 |
| Mexican holidays and permits | Avoid booking closing-day flights until the notary confirms the date |
| Inspection findings | Inspect early and negotiate repairs or credits in the first weeks |
💬 Help Me Plan My Purchase 📞 Call or Text Us
Closing costs for the buyer run from about 3.5% to 6% of the price, including the 2% acquisition tax, notary fees, the trust setup and registration. See the full breakdown in Understanding Closing Costs When Buying in Mexico, and how the trust works in What Is the Fideicomiso?
About 60 working days for a cash purchase and about 90 working days with financing, counted from the signed agreement.
Because foreigners buy through a fideicomiso, which a Mexican bank must set up, and a notario público must review, sign and register the sale.
Usually yes. Once you sign and the funds are released, you take possession. The deed registration can finish later.
No. You can sign through a power of attorney. Just don't book flights until the notary confirms the date.
Most often the trustee bank or missing seller documents. Both can be managed by starting early.
Planning to buy in Los Cabos?
Tell us your timeline. We will build your closing calendar with the notary, the bank and escrow, so you know when to wire funds and when to fly down.
Source: Closing timelines, closing costs and fideicomiso term as published in the Puerto Los Cabos real estate FAQ; Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) trust rules; and our local experience. Each transaction can vary.
Disclaimer: Karla & Erick | Cabo Realty provides educational content about real estate in Los Cabos. We help buyers, mainly from the United States, find homes, condos and lots in the region. We are MLS members and operate under the brokerage Century 21 Paradise Properties. This is not legal or tax advice.
Karla & Erick | Cabo Realty | Century 21 Paradise Properties
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