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Mexico Real Estate Terms: Complete Glossary for International Buyers


Buying property in Mexico involves unique legal terms, processes, and cultural concepts that can seem overwhelming to international buyers. Our comprehensive glossary breaks down essential Mexican real estate terminology in clear, simple language. From fideicomiso and notario to ejido land and predial taxes, understand every term you'll encounter during your property journey in Mexico's Bajío region and beyond.
Watercolor of a Mexican Real Estate Terms Glossary on a Desk with Coffee and Pen and Paper

Browse All Glossary Terms

Essential definitions and explanations to help you navigate Mexican real estate with confidence. Click any term below to learn more.


Watercolor illustration of agrihood community in Mexico showing farm-to-table residential development with agricultural spaces and sustainable living design
AGRIHOOD: Farm-to-Table Community

An agrihood is a residential community built around working farms, offering residents farm-to-table living and strong community connections. Learn how these sustainable developments are emerging in Mexico's Bajío region and why they're attracting international buyers seeking authentic, eco-conscious lifestyles.

Watercolor illustration of avalúo property appraisal process with appraiser evaluating Mexican real estate value
AVALÚO: Property Appraisal Guide

An avalúo is an official property appraisal conducted by certified professionals in Mexico. Learn about this required valuation process, costs, and timeline for property transactions in the Bajío region.

Watercolor illustration of boutique residential neighborhood in Mexico showing small exclusive luxury community with custom home
BOUTIQUE RESIDENTIAL: Curated Neighborhood

A boutique residential neighborhood is a small-scale, exclusive community designed with premium amenities and personalized attention. Learn how these intimate developments are redefining luxury living in Mexico's Bajío region for discerning international buyers.

Calculator with Mexican pesos and financial documents showing capital gains tax ISR calculation for property sales in Mexico
CAPITAL GAINS TAX (ISR): Property Sale Tax in Mexico

Capital gains tax (Impuesto Sobre la Renta or ISR) is the federal tax on profits from selling property in Mexico. Learn how capital gains are calculated, what exemptions exist, and strategies for minimizing tax liability when selling real estate in Mexico's Bajío region.

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CATASTRO: Property Tax Registry and Assessment

Catastro is Mexico's official property tax registry system that assigns unique identification numbers, records property characteristics, and determines assessed values for tax purposes. Learn how this system works and why your cuenta catastral (cadastral account) is essential for property ownership in Mexico's Bajío region.

Certificado de libertad de gravamen official document with notary stamps showing property lien-free certification in Mexico
CERTIFICADO DE LIBERTAD DE GRAVAMEN: Property Lien Certificate

A Certificado de Libertad de Gravamen is an official document from Mexico's Public Registry of Property certifying that a property is free from liens, mortgages, and encumbrances. Learn why this certificate is essential for protecting your investment when buying property in Mexico's Bajío region.

Watercolor illustration of closing costs paperwork including receipts and financial documents for Mexican property transaction
CLOSING COSTS: Property Purchase Fees

Closing costs are the fees and taxes paid when completing a property purchase in Mexico. Learn about typical closing cost percentages, what's included, and how to budget for your Bajío property transaction.

Watercolor illustration of cohousing community in Bajío showing private homes with shared common spaces and collaborative living
COHOUSING: Private Homes, Shared Community

Cohousing is a residential community model featuring private homes clustered around shared facilities and common spaces. Learn about this cooperative living approach and emerging opportunities in Mexico's Bajío region.

Mexican colonia neighborhood with colorful colonial buildings showing traditional residential district architecture in Bajío
COLONIA: Neighborhood Districts in Mexico

A colonia is Mexico's official neighborhood or district designation used for postal addresses, urban planning, and community identification. Learn how understanding colonias helps you navigate property searches, evaluate locations, and understand neighborhood character in Mexico's Bajío region.

Watercolor illustration of conservation development in Bajío preserving natural areas and green spaces within residential community
CONSERVATION DEVELOPMENT: Building with Nature

Conservation development is a planning approach that preserves significant natural areas while allowing sustainable residential construction. Learn how these environmentally conscious projects are emerging in Mexico's Bajío region.

Buyer and seller reviewing contrato de promesa purchase promise agreement for Mexican property transaction
CONTRATO DE PROMESA: Pre-Sale Agreement Contract

A Contrato de Promesa is a legally binding pre-sale agreement between buyer and seller in Mexican real estate transactions. Learn how this critical document protects your deposit, establishes purchase terms, and sets the timeline for closing on property in Mexico's Bajío region.

Watercolor illustration of hands holding CURP Mexican national identification card required for property transactions
CURP: Mexican National ID

CURP (Clave Única de Registro de Población) is Mexico's national identification number assigned to all residents. Learn when foreign property buyers might need CURP and how it differs from RFC requirements.

Watercolor illustration of due diligence process showing property investigation and document review for Mexican real estate purchase
DUE DILIGENCE: Property Investigation Process

Due diligence is the comprehensive investigation process conducted before purchasing property in Mexico. Learn about property research, legal verification, and risk management steps for Bajío real estate transactions.

Watercolor illustration of ecovillage sustainable community on hillside in Mexico with eco-friendly homes and natural integration
ECOVILLAGE: Sustainable Community Living

An ecovillage is an intentional community designed for environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Learn how these innovative communities are developing in Mexico's Bajío region and attracting international buyers seeking authentic eco-conscious living.

Watercolor illustration of ejido communal land in Mexico with for-sale sign showing property ownership restrictions for foreigners
EJIDO LAND: Communal Property Rights

Ejido land is communally-owned agricultural property that cannot be sold to foreigners in Mexico. Learn how to identify and avoid ejido land when purchasing property in the Bajío region.

Navigate Mexican Real Estate Terms with Confidence, Get Expert Help

Understanding fideicomiso, notario, and ejido land is just the beginning. We'll connect you with bilingual experts who can guide you through every Mexican real estate term and process.

From predial taxes to escrituras, Mexican real estate involves unique terminology. Our trusted advisors understand the cultural nuances behind each legal concept, ensuring you move forward with confidence.

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