Real Estate Lawyer
At City Laws, we assist residents and foreigners who buy, sell, or invest in real estate in Playa del Carmen, Cancun, and the Riviera Maya. With 28 years of experience and bilingual service in Spanish and English, we ensure that every transaction is handled correctly and legally before signing.
What does a real estate lawyer do?
A real estate attorney provides legal structure and security to real estate transactions: sales, preliminary agreements, assignments of rights, leases, trusts, and condominium ownership. Before you sign, confirm that the seller is the legitimate owner and that the property is free of debt and liens.
He also drafts and reviews contracts, coordinates the signing before a notary, and verifies that the deed is registered in the Public Registry of Property. In the Riviera Maya, it is especially important to distinguish between private property and ejido lands and to properly structure the purchase when the buyer is a foreigner.
What you get with City Laws
- ✓ Complete legal review of the property before you sign
- ✓ Correct trust structure for foreign buyers
- ✓ Clear and balanced contracts, without surprise clauses
- ✓ Verification of freedom from encumbrances and current property tax
- ✓ Bilingual support in Spanish and English at every step
When do you need a real estate lawyer?
If any of these situations sound familiar, it is worth getting timely advice.
Before signing any offer, reservation or purchase agreement
When buying in a restricted zone as a foreigner, through a trust
When a piece of land may have an ejido or communal origin
When buying, selling or establishing a condominium regime
Our services: Real Estate Lawyer
Every matter handled by a specialist in the area. Service in English and Spanish.
Buying, selling, and servicing
We review the title, liens, property tax and land use, prepare the contract and accompany you until the signing before a notary.
Trust and restricted zone
We structure the acquisition in restricted areas through a bank trust or, depending on the destination of the property, a Mexican company.
Condominium regime
We establish and review condominium property regimes, regulations and fees, both for developments and for individual units.
Contracts and Leases
We draft and review promises, assignments of rights, and residential and commercial lease agreements, with the necessary guarantees.
A trustworthy, approachable, bilingual firm
Nearly three decades defending families, businesses and foreigners. Transparency, fast response and a human touch in every case.
- ✓ Verified attorneys specialized by area
- ✓ Bilingual service for the expat community
- ✓ A clear quote before we start
- ✓ We respond in under 24 business hours
Conciliation
We first seek the agreement that resolves your conflict and saves you time and money.
Legality
Every strategy strictly follows the law and professional ethics.
Strategy
Years of courtroom practice, academic training and teaching behind every case.
Book your consultation — Real Estate Attorney
Pick the day and time that suits you. A specialized lawyer confirms and helps you at no cost, in English or Spanish.
- ✓ Free and without obligation
- ✓ Same business-day confirmation
- ✓ In-person and online service
Book online
Pick the day and time in our calendar. A lawyer confirms the same business day.
Book a free consultationFree · no obligation · ES · EN
What clients ask most about Real Estate Lawyer
Can a foreigner buy property in the Riviera Maya?+
Yes. Article 27 of the Constitution restricts direct foreign ownership within 50 kilometers of the coast, but allows the acquisition of residential properties through a bank trust. For non-residential purposes, a Mexican company can also be used. We will review your case and explain the appropriate procedure.
What is a trust and how long does it last?+
It's a contract in which an authorized Mexican bank holds the title to the property for your benefit, while you retain the rights to use, rent, sell, or bequeath it. It's established for up to 50 years and is renewable for equal periods. The bank acts as trustee, following your instructions.
Why is it risky to buy ejido land?+
Ejido land is communal property and cannot be freely sold as private property while it retains this status. To be sold, it must undergo a legal regularization process that is often incomplete. Before purchasing, we verify the land's legal status to avoid an unsafe transaction.
Do I need a lawyer if a notary is involved anyway?+
Yes, because they perform different functions. The notary public attests to the authenticity of the document and formalizes it, but doesn't represent your interests or negotiate the contract on your behalf. The real estate lawyer reviews the transaction, protects your position, and identifies risks before you sign.
Practical legal guides
Articles written by our team and reviewed by attorneys.
Immigration regularization: what to do if your FMM or immigration status has expired
The mistakes that cause the INM to deny your residency (and how to avoid them)
Financial solvency requirements for residency in Mexico: income and balances required
Talk to a Real Estate Lawyer
Tell us about your case and get free legal advice. We reply the same business day.
Your first real estate consultation is free.
Tell us what you need. A City Laws lawyer replies today, in English or Spanish.