FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.

PURCHASING PROPERTY IN BCS.

  • Yes there are two ways a foreign national can safely and securely own property in Mexico. A Fideicomiso and a Mexican LLC (Limited Liability Company) are both legal structures used for business and property ownership in Mexico, but they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics.

    Here's a brief overview of the differences between the two:

    Fideicomiso (Trust):

    Purpose: A Fideicomiso is primarily used for foreign individuals or entities to hold and control property in the restricted zone of Mexico, which includes areas within 50 kilometers (about 31 miles) of the coastline or 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) of the international borders.

    Ownership: The ownership of the property is technically held by a Mexican bank acting as a trustee on behalf of the foreign beneficiary. The foreign beneficiary has the rights to use, sell, or transfer the property, but the legal title is held by the bank.

    Management: The trustee bank manages the property according to the instructions of the beneficiary.

    Fees: There are fees associated with setting up and maintaining a Fideicomiso, including annual fees to the trustee bank.

    Mexican LLC (Limited Liability Company):

    Purpose: A Mexican LLC is a business entity used for various commercial purposes, including operating a business, real estate development, or other economic activities. It is not specific to property ownership but can be used for such purposes.

    Ownership: Members or shareholders own the Mexican LLC. Foreigners can own and operate a Mexican LLC, but it doesn't have the same restrictions as the Fideicomiso for property ownership in the restricted zone.

  • Cabo San Lucas is the more popular city with exciting nightlife and a bustling downtown, San Jose del Cabo is a quieter destination with traditional Mexican charm.

    Cabo San Lucas is located at the southern tip of the state of Baja California Sur, which is one of two states on the Baja Peninsula. This 1,200-kilometer strip of land separates the Pacific Ocean (to the west) from the Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California (to the east). Cabo San Lucas is the southernmost point of the Peninsula, and where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. And neighboring San Jose del Cabo is 30 minutes northeast. Cabo San Lucas is known as a boisterous, party destination with ultra-luxury accommodation. It is the more popular of the two towns and is a holiday favorite for millions of visitors each year.

    San Jose del Cabo is considered the more sophisticated, older sister of the two, offering a more authentic cultural experience and a more family fit feel to it with its high end luxury component of residential real estate that has communities like Palmila, El dorado, Querencia which is only 3 of many stunning committees in the San Jose area. The city has been well preserved, and it’s a lovely opportunity to take a step back in time when you’re visiting areas like downtown San Jose del Cabo and the surrounding area. That being said, with its vibrant restaurant and art scene, it’s not a city that is only looking backwards - it’s a city with its eye on a bright future.

  • Yes. Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo have world class healthcare, including private and public hospitals at much more reasonable prices than in the US and Canada. The community is wellness focused with multiple alternative medicine practitioners and clinics. Los Cabos offers extensive medical tourism and aesthetic healthcare opportunities (we can elaborate on this but need to find some specifics).

  • Not compared to its North American neighbors. Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo are the more expensive communities as well as parts of La Paz, featuring prices similar to those in resort towns in the US, however the dollar goes much further here, the smaller beach towns of El Pescadero and Todos Santos are considerably less expensive, most of our clients are thrilled to discover the spectacular properties they can purchase for the price of a small tear down in a less savory part of their hometowns.

QUALITY OF LIFE.

  • According to International Living Magazine; The short answer is yes. The longer answer depends on where you are in Baja California Sur (BCS) and at what time of day or night. Baja California Sur is a very large state that takes about two days to drive through and is home to 800,000 people. Many of the rural cities are quaint and very safe. When you get to larger cities like the capital, La Paz, or more tourist cities like Cabo San Lucas and San Jose, there are more people and therefore more issues. Yet even in those areas, one feels very safe because BCS is at the tip of a peninsula, which makes it more like an island, insulating it from easy access to criminals and making BCS one of the safest states in Mexico.

  • Unfortunately, crime is everywhere. However, compared to other places in Mexico, BCS has a much lower crime rate. Street smarts will usually keep you out of trouble. Do not leave your belongings unattended, especially in tourist areas. If you want to find trouble, it is most likely found later in the night and early morning around clubs and the casinos.

    It is normal to see National Guard or other military vehicles driving around with personnel ready for combat. Do not be alarmed. As tourism is very important, especially in Los Cabos, this show of force is used to deter certain groups from thinking BCS is a good place to set up camp. Plus, the local government believes the presence of these vehicles helps locals and those visiting feel safe and protected.

  • One does not need to be as cautious of other walkers in Baja California Sur, as much as being cautious of what is being walked on. Most sidewalks in BCS are a hodgepodge of construction which have been maintained to differing degrees of efficiency. Keep an eye out for cracks in the concrete and abrupt changes in height. BCS is safe to walk if you think of it as more like taking a hike. Some of the newer and more developed areas are better constructed but it is always a good idea to keep your eyes open.

    Many of the larger cities have done much to accommodate special needs like wheelchairs at intersections. Unfortunately, much of the time, it is a beautiful thought but not well executed. Ramps can be at varying pitches and widths, and sometimes it is easier to navigate the ramp than the sidewalk itself. Most cities try to be accommodating and, especially in the new areas, it is easier to get around than it used to be.