Closing costs and taxes for U.S. buyers in Baja California

Most first-time buyers underestimate closing costs in Mexico because the categories don't map cleanly onto a U.S. settlement statement.

One-time closing costs

Expect to budget 5-7% of the purchase price for acquisition tax, notary fees, and registration — roughly double what a comparable U.S. closing would run.

The fideicomiso fee

If the property sits in the restricted zone, add a one-time bank-trust setup fee plus an annual trustee fee, typically $500-$700 USD per year. See our fideicomiso guide for the full structure.

Ongoing property taxes

Predial, Mexico's annual property tax, is calculated on assessed value rather than market value and is usually a fraction of what U.S. owners are used to paying.