Real Estate Closing Services in Puerto Vallarta
Expert bilingual lawyers protecting foreign buyers from contract to title registration. Full-service closing coordination, fideicomiso trust setup, and due diligence.
What Is Real Estate Closing in Mexico?
The closing process in Mexico is fundamentally different from the United States or Canada. Every property transaction requires the involvement of a Notario Público — a government-appointed attorney with special authority to formalize contracts and transfer property titles. Without proper legal guidance, foreign buyers risk costly mistakes.
At PV Law Firm, we've handled hundreds of property closings in Puerto Vallarta, Punta Mita, Sayulita, Nuevo Vallarta, and the greater Banderas Bay area.
Our Real Estate Closing Services Include
- Independent title search and due diligence
- Fideicomiso (bank trust) setup for restricted zone purchases
- Contract review and negotiation before signing
- Coordination with the Notario Público
- Capital gains tax (ISR) and transfer tax (ISABI) calculation
- Escrow account management
- Public Registry of Property registration
- Foreign Affairs Ministry permit application (fideicomiso)
- Post-closing documentation and HOA coordination
The Closing Process — Step by Step
Free Consultation & Contract Review
We review your purchase agreement before you sign anything. We identify risks, negotiate better terms, and ensure your deposit is protected in an escrow account.
Title Search & Due Diligence
We conduct a thorough title search at the Public Registry to verify clean title, no liens, no encumbrances, no pending taxes, and no legal disputes on the property.
Fideicomiso Bank Trust Setup
For coastal properties, we apply for the Foreign Affairs Ministry permit and establish your fideicomiso trust with a Mexican bank. You maintain full beneficial ownership rights.
Tax Calculation & Optimization
We calculate all applicable taxes — ISR, ISABI, notary fees — and identify any legal strategies to minimize your tax burden at closing.
Deed Execution (Escritura)
We coordinate and attend the deed signing ceremony before the Notario Público, ensuring every detail of the transaction is properly executed.
Registration & Delivery
After signing, we register your deed with the Public Registry of Property and deliver all official documents — you officially own your Puerto Vallarta property.
Typical Closing Costs in Puerto Vallarta
Buyers should budget approximately 4–7% of the purchase price for closing costs:
| Cost Item | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Transfer Tax (ISABI) | 2–3% of purchase price |
| Notary Fees | 0.5–1% of purchase price |
| Public Registry Fee | 0.2–0.3% of purchase price |
| Fideicomiso Setup | $1,000–2,000 USD |
| Legal Fees | Contact us for quote |
Fideicomiso Trust: Foreign Ownership in Mexico
Mexico's Constitution restricts foreigners from directly owning property in the "Restricted Zone" — within 50km of the coastline. Since most Puerto Vallarta properties fall within this zone, foreign buyers use a fideicomiso bank trust.
Under a fideicomiso: a Mexican bank (trustee) holds legal title while you (beneficiary) maintain all ownership rights — use, rent, renovate, sell, or bequeath the property exactly as if you held direct title. The trust is valid for 50 years and renewable indefinitely.
Learn how our timeshare cancellation team can also help if you were pressured into a timeshare during your property search.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Buy Your Puerto Vallarta Property?
Contact our bilingual real estate lawyers today for expert guidance from contract to closing.