Real Estate Legal Services Playa del Carmen
Trusted legal support for your property investment in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya
Lighthouse provides the legal support you need to navigate this opportunity confidently.
Your Trusted Partner for Real Estate Playa del Carmen
Specialist legal services for buying, selling and investing
At Lighthouse, we specialise in real estate Playa del Carmen and the wider Riviera Maya. Our experienced attorneys manage every step of your property transaction—from identifying opportunities and conducting title searches, due diligence and escrow coordination to closing and capital‑gains guidance. We operate exclusively in Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Cancún, combining deep local insight with international standards to ensure your investment is secure and legally sound.
Real Estate Playa del Carmen
Trusted among real estate law firms in Mexico
Real Estate Closing Services
We handle every stage of your transaction, from offer and due diligence to fideicomiso setup, escrow, title‑deed registration and capital‑gains guidance.
Local Expertise and Networks
Our team has decades of experience and strong relationships in Playa, Tulum and Cancún, giving you access to prime opportunities and dependable partners.
Transparent and bilingual support
We offer fixed fees, 24‑hour responses and bilingual communication to ensure clarity and confidence at every stage.
How We Support You
Brief, bilingual guidance for secure property transactions in Cancún, Playa del Carmen and across the Riviera Maya.
- Personalised briefing: We explain every step, timeline and legal requirement.
- Thorough due diligence: We verify property ownership, liens and the chain of title by gathering official certificates.
- Fiscal and tax review: We assess the seller’s fiscal status and help verify eligibility for capital‑gains exemptions.
- Escrow coordination: We open and manage a neutral third‑party escrow account to secure funds.
- Fideicomiso setup: If needed, we establish a bank trust; foreigners buying within 50 km of the coast or 100 km of a border must use a fideicomiso.
- Closing and notary services: We liaise with notaries, banks and government offices to prepare and record the deed and ensure legal title is transferred.
What Our Service Includes
A Mexico real estate attorney manages the key legal work from offer to deed to protect your investment.
- Title search and legal due diligence: Review purchase contracts and certificates, confirm the property isn’t part of an Ejido and verify tax and lien status.
- Contract drafting & review – Draft or review promissory agreements, purchase contracts and powers of attorney.
- Escrow and funds disbursement – Set up escrow and disburse funds only when all conditions are satisfied.
- Fideicomiso and trust management: Apply for and renew bank trusts; foreigners in restricted zones (50 km from coast / 100 km from border) must use one.
- Power of Attorney representation: Represent you if you cannot attend the closing.
- Full closing support: Coordinate notary appointments, register the deed and advise on capital‑gains and sales tax obligations.
FAQs
Why invest in Playa del Carmen real estate?
Playa del Carmen benefits from strong rental demand, tourism growth and modern infrastructure, making it one of the most attractive markets in the Riviera Maya. Investors enjoy high occupancy rates and capital appreciation.
Is it safe for foreigners to buy property in Playa del Carmen?
Yes. Mexico welcomes foreign buyers. The key is to conduct professional due diligence: verify property ownership, liens and the chain of title and work with a qualified attorney and notary.
Do I need a fideicomiso to buy property in Playa del Carmen?
Foreigners purchasing property within 50 km of the coast or 100 km of the Mexican border must use a fideicomiso, a bank trust that holds the title while you retain full ownership rights. If you plan to buy through a Mexican corporation, a fideicomiso may not be required.
What is due diligence in Mexican real estate?
Due diligence involves thorough research and obtaining official certificates to verify property ownership, liens, taxes and the chain of title. It also checks zoning, permits and outstanding debts.
What are typical closing costs and fees in Playa del Carmen?
Buyers typically pay notary fees, property transfer taxes, registration fees, trust setup fees (if using a fideicomiso) and legal fees. Sellers may owe capital‑gains tax and agent commissions. Exact amounts vary by municipality and property value.
Who participates in a real estate transaction?
Key participants include your real estate agent, your attorney, the seller, the notary public and the bank (for fideicomisos or escrow). Notaries in Mexico play a major role drafting legal documents, certifying papers, ensuring proper permits and transferring title.
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 Contreras
Director of Operations
Alicia Ledesma
Lawyer specializing in the notarial, real estate, and tax sectors
Nadia Garrido
Lawyer specializing in civil, commercial, labor and administrative law
Karime Martinez
Lawyer
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