Top 5 Questions Before Buying Property in Cancun

Essential Questions Before Buying Property in Cancun

Buying a property in Cancun is an important decision that requires considering several factors. Whether you’re looking for a land, a house or an apartment, asking the right questions before you buy can make the difference between a successful investment and an unfortunate experience. In this article, we’ll explore the most important questions based on the type of property and the key aspects that you shouldn’t overlook.

1. If you buy land: What can be built?

Land is one of the most attractive investments in the Riviera Maya, but it can also generate many doubts. One of the first essential questions is: What can be built on the ground? This will depend on local regulations, such as:

Zoning: Is it residential, commercial, or rural? This determines whether you can build a house, a building, or a business.
H1, H2, H3, H4: These codes indicate the number of levels or units that can be built. For example, an H1-rated piece of land may allow only one one-story house.
C.O.S and C.U.S: The Soil Occupation Coefficient (C.O.S) and the Soil Utilization Coefficient (C.U.S) determine how much you can build with respect to the land area and the total allowed square meters.C.O.S y C.U.S: El Coeficiente de Ocupación del Suelo (C.O.S) y el Coeficiente de Utilización del Suelo (C.U.S) determinan cuánto puedes construir respecto a la superficie del terreno y los metros cuadrados totales permitidos.

In addition, it is crucial to understand the nature of the land you are evaluating. For example:

Ejido land: Common in the Riviera Maya and have specific legal restrictions. These lands are not fully regularized, which makes them more risky for foreigners. Although they may be cheaper, in many cases they cannot be written, and their purchase may involve inheritance conflicts or legal claims.
Regularized land: They are the safest, since they have property titles and allow a direct transaction.

Key recommendation: Before buying a piece of land, check that it has no debts, double title problems or legal restrictions for the use you plan to give it.

2. If you buy a house or apartment: What guarantees and documents are there?

When it comes to houses or apartments, the essential questions are different. Be sure to check:

Property titles: Verify that the title is in the name of the seller. This applies to both second-hand properties and pre-sales.
Materials and finishes: Ask what materials were used in the construction and if they meet quality standards.
Guarantees: New properties usually include guarantees of construction and finishes. If you buy a second-hand property, check what aspects you can demand from the seller, such as repairs or pre-delivery maintenance.Garantías: Las propiedades nuevas suelen incluir garantías de construcción y acabados. Si compras una propiedad de segunda mano, revisa qué aspectos puedes exigir al vendedor, como reparaciones o mantenimiento previo a la entrega.

In the case of pre-sales, it is essential to:

Evaluate the developer: Make sure they have previous experience and have delivered other projects in the area or in the country.
Purchase and sale contract: Read carefully the penalty clauses in case of delivery delays.

Note for foreigners: Find out about the trust for foreigners and the associated costs, as these may vary depending on the bank that manages it.

3. ¿Cuáles son los costos adicionales?

Muchas veces, el precio de la propiedad no es el único gasto. Pregunta sobre los costos adicionales asociados a la compra, como:

Gastos notariales: Estos varían entre el 5.5% y el 10% del valor de la propiedad, dependiendo de la zona y del tipo de inmueble.
Mantenimiento: Averigua cuál será el gasto mensual de mantenimiento si compras en un desarrollo con amenidades como seguridad, albercas o gimnasios. En zonas como Puerto Cancún, estos costos suelen ser elevados debido a las exclusivas amenidades que ofrecen.

Tip esencial: Considera los gastos de escrituración, prediales y permisos de construcción en el caso de terrenos.

4. What guarantees does the developer offer?

On new properties, be sure to ask:

Delivery time: How long will it take for the project to be completed?
Construction warranties: What do they cover and how long will they be in force?
Penalties: What happens if the developer doesn’t meet the promised dates or specifications?

If you buy in a recognized development, such as in the areas of Avenida Colosio or Avenida Huayacán, you will have greater security due to its reputation and the high demand of these areas.

5. What are the maintenance costs and their benefits?

Maintenance can vary significantly depending on the type of property:

Homes and land outside developments: They generally do not have maintenance fees, but may require fencing or private guarding.
Gated communities: Such as Sayab, Aqua, Rio or Vía Cumbres, they usually include services such as security, common areas and recreational amenities, which implies a fixed monthly expense.
Exclusive properties: Areas such as Puerto Cancun may have higher maintenance fees due to their location and premium services.

Always ask what the maintenance cost includes to avoid surprises in the future.

Conclusion: The right questions are the key to a safe purchase

Before buying a property in Cancun, taking time to research and ask the right questions will give you peace of mind and avoid setbacks. Each type of property has its peculiarities, and having the support of a real estate consultant in Cancun can make a difference.

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Doing so with experts not only secures your investment, but turns the entire process into an efficient and stress-free experience. Get started today!