Cozumel
Step-by-step guidance for buying, selling and renting property in Cozumel, written for both foreign and domestic buyers.
Thinking about buying a vacation home in Cozumel? Discover the essentials—from budgeting and legal steps to closing the deal—so you can secure your ideal property with confidence.
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For U.S. retirees seeking to stretch fixed incomes and simplify life, buying Cozumel real estate offers both financial and lifestyle benefits. This guide breaks down the essentials—from legal steps to cost savings—when considering Mexico for retirement.
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Karen Cozumel Real Estate is a fully licensed and multilingual brokerage specializing exclusively in Cozumel real estate. With decades of experience and a deep commitment to transparency, professionalism, and international client support, Karen Bloemhoff and her team are recognized leaders on the island.
Foreigners buy in Cozumel through a bank trust (fideicomiso). Here is the 2026 breakdown of the restricted zone, trust and permit costs, the notario's role, ISAI transfer tax and total closing costs, plus a step-by-step process.
Most island purchases follow the same sequence: offer, deposit into escrow, trust permit application where required, notary due diligence, and closing before a Mexican notario público.
Utility transfers, ejido-origin title history and unpermitted construction are the three issues that most often delay island closings.
Typically: (1) make an offer and sign a promissory/purchase agreement (contrato de promesa), (2) pay an earnest deposit into escrow, (3) conduct due diligence and title search, (4) obtain the SRE trust permit and set up the fideicomiso, and (5) close by signing the deed (escritura) before a notario público who registers it. A good agent and attorney coordinate these steps.