Step-by-step: buying property in Los Cabos, Baja
Complete guide for foreign buyers: realtor, due diligence, offer, closing attorney, bank trust (fideicomiso) and deed registration.
Typical closing
30–90 days
Structure
Bank trust BCS
Buyers
USA · Canada · MX
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Are you a non-Mexican citizen looking to buy in Baja California Sur — Los Cabos, La Paz or the corridor — but worried about scams, long closings or hidden costs? This step-by-step guide explains what to do before, during and after your purchase with Capital Turístico Real Estate.
Key takeaways
- ✓8 steps from advisor to notary closing in BCS.
- ✓Bank trust required on the coast for foreigners.
- ✓Your attorney + notary — different roles than in the U.S.
- ✓Typical closing: 30–90 days depending on due diligence.
1. Find your real estate advisor
Start with a professional broker who knows Los Cabos, bank trusts (fideicomiso) and verified pre-construction projects.
Capital Turístico is a master broker with inventory in Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo and premium developments with PDF brochures, video and project maps.
- Ask for referrals and read reviews.
- Confirm experience with international buyers.
- Never wire money without a contract and identified corporate account.
2. Find your property
Los Cabos combines two different cities: Cabo San Lucas (marina, nightlife) and San José del Cabo (golf, residential). We also cover the corridor, East Cape and La Paz.
Visit areas, compare amenities and define whether you want vacation rental income, retirement or appreciation.
- Drive or walk the neighborhood before you decide.
- Check distance to SJD airport and services.
- Request a virtual tour if you cannot travel yet.
3. Consider your price range
Budget the full picture: purchase price + closing costs (4–6%), bank trust fees, furnishing and annual property taxes.
Use our mortgage simulator and ROI calculator for realistic scenarios.
4. List your requirements
Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves: size, view, amenities, rental management, immediate delivery vs pre-sale.
Capital Turístico matches developments to your profile: STR investment, second home or legacy asset.
5. Take your time
Do not buy the first property you see. Los Cabos offers pre-sale and move-in ready inventory — compare at least three options.
Use our pre-sale vs immediate delivery comparator.
6. Submit your offer
Your advisor helps structure earnest money, contingencies (due diligence, inspection, promissory contract) and deadlines.
Pre-sale: payments tied to construction milestones. Resale: legal title review period.
- Set target closing and move-in dates.
- Put contingencies in writing in the contract.
7. Hire a local closing attorney
The Mexican notary public formalizes and records the deed — they do not represent only your interests. A real estate attorney reviews the contract, due diligence and fideicomiso before you deposit funds.
In the restricted zone (coast), foreigners purchase through a bank trust: the bank is trustee; you keep use, rent, sale and inheritance rights.
8. Prepare for closing
Weeks before closing, your attorney coordinates with the notary: ID, proof of funds, final wire and signing.
After closing: public registry, property tax, annual bank trust fee, utilities transfer and — if applicable — vacation rental setup.
Buying in Mexico is different from the U.S. or Canada, but with the right team it can be safe and predictable. Capital Turístico supports you from first showing to registered deed.
Questions about the closing process?
Book a free consultationRecibe análisis personalizado gratis
Te enviamos opciones reales de inventario según tu simulación en step-by-step buying property los cabos.
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Preguntas frecuentes
How long does closing take in Los Cabos?+
Typically 30–90 days depending on bank trust setup, due diligence and notary schedule. Pre-construction follows a different payment and delivery timeline.
Do I need a lawyer in addition to the notary?+
Yes, strongly recommended. The notary public records the deed; your attorney represents your interests in the contract, payments and legal review.
Is the guide available in Spanish?+
Yes. Use the language link in the hero or open the dedicated Spanish URL for Mexican and Latin American buyers.
Más información en https://capitalturistico.com/recursos/step-by-step-buying-property-los-cabos