Real Estate Legal Services in Mexico
Trusted legal support for your property investment in Playa del Carmen & the Riviera Maya
Professional Legal Support for Buying Property in Mexico
At Lighthouse, we offer real estate legal services in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya, guiding clients through every step of property transactions; from title searches, notary and closing. Our Mexico real estate attorneys ensure fair pricing and handle purchase agreements, escrow services, and title transfers. We investigate properties for liens and permit issues, secure clear titles, and our bilingual team liaises with notaries, banks, and government offices, making us a leading real estate law firm in Mexico.
Real Estate Legal Services
Trusted among real estate law firms in Mexico
Fixed, Transparent Pricing
Our real estate lawyers offer clear, fixed legal fees, so you always know your costs. No hidden charges—just peace of mind.
Fast, Bilingual Response
We guarantee a response within 24 business hours and communicate fluently in English and Spanish, keeping you informed every step of the way.
Due Diligence & Protection
Our Mexico real estate attorneys conduct thorough title searches, verify permits, and handle all paperwork. Whether you need a bank trust (fideicomiso) for coastal properties or representation at closing, our property lawyers ensure you’re fully protected.
How We Support You
Brief, bilingual guidance for secure property transactions in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and across the Riviera Maya.
- Personal briefing that explains every step and timeline
- Thorough due diligence on seller, title, taxes, and liens
- Verification of zoning and construction permits
- Coordination with notaries, banks, developers, and agents
- Ongoing updates, document tracking, and deadline control
- Strategic advice from Mexico real estate attorneys to avoid risks
What Our Service Includes
A Mexico real estate attorney manages the key legal work from offer to deed to protect your investment.
- Title search & legal due diligence
- Drafting and review of purchase and closing contracts
- Escrow coordination for secure fund transfers
- Fideicomiso (bank trust) setup for foreign buyers
- Power of Attorney representation when you can’t attend
- Full closing support, deed registration, and capital-gains guidance
FAQs
What are real estate legal services in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya?
Real estate legal services in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya encompass all legal aspects of buying, selling, or investing in property. This includes title verification, due diligence, contract drafting and review, escrow services, closing coordination, and fiduciary (bank trust) setup for properties in restricted zones. Working with a qualified Mexico real estate attorney ensures that your transaction complies with local regulations and protects your rights.
Do I need a Mexico real estate attorney to buy property?
Yes. Although Mexican real estate agents facilitate transactions, only a Mexico real estate attorney can provide independent legal representation and protect your interests. Property lawyers review all documents, identify legal issues, negotiate terms on your behalf, and guide you through the due diligence and closing process. This ensures you avoid common pitfalls and that your property rights are secure.
What do property lawyers do during the real estate process?
Property lawyers conduct due diligence, ensure the title is clear, check for liens or taxes, review and draft contracts, coordinate with notaries and banks, and represent you at closing. They set up fideicomisos for foreign buyers, manage escrow, and verify compliance with zoning and construction regulations. Having a lawyer guarantees that all legal requirements are met and that you’re not overpaying or taking on hidden liabilities.
What are the steps to purchase property in Cancún or the Riviera Maya?
The process typically includes signing a letter of intent, executing a private purchase agreement, making installment payments during construction (for presale), setting up a trust (fideicomiso) or a corporation, signing the public deed before a notary, and registering the deed with the Public Registry of Property. A real estate lawyer will guide you through each stage, ensuring compliance and protecting your investment.
How does due diligence work, and why is it important?
Due diligence is the investigation and analysis of a property’s legal, financial, and physical status. It involves reviewing title deeds, land use permits, zoning regulations, taxes, and any liens or disputes. This process ensures you know exactly what you’re buying and protects you from unexpected issues. Without thorough due diligence by a real estate lawyer, you risk purchasing a property with unresolved legal problems.
What is a fideicomiso, and why is it necessary?
A fideicomiso is a bank trust that allows foreigners to hold property rights in coastal or border zones in Mexico. While the bank holds the title in trust, the beneficiary (buyer) retains all ownership rights and can sell, lease, or transfer the property. A real estate lawyer will help you establish the fideicomiso, ensuring that all documents comply with Mexican law and your rights are protected.
Our Team
Partners at Lighthouse
Javier Contreras Nieto
CEO / Principal Attorney - Real Estate Law Specialist
After finishing law school, my journey commenced in various notary offices across Mexico City, where I had the honor of collaborating with esteemed banks like Santander and BBVA. Team primary focus was bridge financing for national and international investment projects, including renowned ventures and FIBRA -supported initiatives.
Expanding my expertise, I ventured into the mortgage sector, serving financial institutions such as Banorte, Scotiabank, and BanBajío. Here, I took charge of title transfers for diverse real estate developments, prioritizing exceptional service standards.
A significant highlight was collaborating in the vertical housing sector, engaging in every aspect from land acquisition and fiduciary services to anti-money laundering compliance, construction contracts, credit acquisition, and comprehensive title coordination for the entire development.
Shane Mullholland
Serial Entrepreneur and Business Manager
I am an experienced serial entrepreneur in the US and Mexico, with a deep understanding of the Playa del Carmen business landscape.
With over 28 years of entrepreneurial success and a proven track record in opening, operating and scaling businesses, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table.
24 years ago, my journey took left turn when I acquired Tequila Barrel in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Recognizing the need for local expertise, I enlisted the assistance of an astute individual who helped me navigate the intricacies of the local business environment and overcome operational challenges. Drawing upon my previous experiences and strategic vision, I transformed Tequila Barrel into a thriving and iconic landmark establishment of Playa del Carmen.
Now, with Lighthouse Real Estate and Legal Services, my mission is to share the wealth of experience, knowledge, and wisdom accumulated throughout my entrepreneurial journey.
Belinda Elizabeth Contreras Nieto
Director of Operations
Olga Alicia Ledesma
Lawyer specializing in the notarial, real estate, and tax sectors
Nadia Fernández Garido
Lawyer specializing in civil, commercial, labor and administrative law
Karime Lizethe Martinez
Lawyer
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