Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Property in Los Cabos by Karla & Erick Cabo Realty
Karla and Erick Cabo Realty
Last update: 2026-10-08
Karla and Erick Cabo Realty
Last update: 2026-10-08
Buying in Los Cabos is not like buying in California, Texas or Arizona. As a foreigner you will own through a bank trust (fideicomiso), a Mexican notary runs the closing, and most deals are paid in cash. None of this is risky when you know the steps. It only becomes a problem when buyers assume it works like back home.
We help buyers from California, Texas and Arizona buy homes, condos and lots in Los Cabos every week. This is the real process, step by step, with the numbers from the Los Cabos MLS.
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| 50 km from the coast: the restricted zone, which covers all of Los Cabos |
50 years maximum term of a fideicomiso permit |
466 properties for sale in our 8 main communities |
| $239K lowest condo price (Quivira) |
$29.95M highest listing (oceanfront in Puerto Los Cabos) |
5 steps from search to keys |
Listing figures from active listings in the Los Cabos MLS at the time of our last update. See the full comparison in Best Neighborhoods to Live in Los Cabos.
Los Cabos is three different markets. Start here, because the area decides your lifestyle, your budget and who will rent your home if you plan to.
| Area | Communities | Best for |
| San José del Cabo side | Club Campestre, Querencia, Palmilla, Puerto Los Cabos | Quieter, residential living close to the airport |
| Tourist Corridor | Cabo Real, Cabo del Sol | Turnkey resort living between both towns |
| Cabo San Lucas side | Pedregal, Quivira, Diamante | Restaurants, marina, nightlife and Pacific views |
Los Cabos has an MLS, just like the U.S. An MLS agent can show you every active listing, real closed sales and the price per square foot of each community, so you don't overpay. Ask for closed sales, not only what is listed.
Your offer sets the price, deposit, closing date and what is included (furniture, golf membership, rental history). Once accepted, both sides sign a promissory agreement and your deposit is usually held in escrow until closing.
Before you close, the property is checked and your trust is set up:
In Mexico, the notary (notario público) is a licensed attorney appointed by the state, not a signature witness like in the U.S. The notary verifies the documents, confirms the funds, collects the taxes and fees, and registers your deed in the Public Registry.
| Who | Role |
| Your MLS agent | Search, pricing, negotiation and coordination until closing |
| Notario público | Verifies title, collects taxes, signs and registers the deed |
| Mexican bank | Acts as trustee of your fideicomiso |
| SRE | Issues the permit for the trust in the restricted zone |
| Escrow company | Holds your deposit and funds until closing |
💬 Help Me Buy in Los Cabos 📞 Call or Text Us
See the full breakdown in Understanding Closing Costs When Buying in Mexico.
More in Why Do Foreigners Make Mistakes When Buying Property in Mexico?
Yes. Because Los Cabos is within 50 km of the coast, Americans buy through a fideicomiso, with full rights to use, rent, sell and pass on the property.
Yes. Every property purchase in Mexico is closed and registered by a notario público, a licensed attorney appointed by the state.
In our 8 main communities, condos start around $239,000 in Quivira and homes reach $29.95 million in Puerto Los Cabos. Add closing costs and the trust setup.
Yes. Many buyers sign through a power of attorney. Ask us before you plan your trip.
Ready to start your search?
Tell us your budget and how you want to live in Los Cabos. As MLS members, we will send you the best options in every community and walk you through each step.
Source: Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), restricted zone and fideicomiso rules; active listings in the Los Cabos MLS at the time of our last update; and our local experience.
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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