Quick Answer
Yes. Americans can legally buy property anywhere in Mexico. For coastal properties within 50 kilometers of the shoreline (including all of Los Cabos), a fideicomiso bank trust is required. This gives you full ownership rights — you can live in it, rent it, remodel it, sell it, and pass it to your heirs.
Detailed Answer
Absolutely. Americans have been legally purchasing property in Mexico for decades, and the process is well-established under Mexican federal law. For properties located within 50 kilometers of any coastline — which includes every property in Los Cabos — the purchase is made through a fideicomiso bank trust. This trust gives you 100% beneficial ownership: the right to live in the home, renovate it, rent it out, sell it at any time, and pass it to your heirs. Our team has guided hundreds of American families through this exact process in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.
The fideicomiso is not a workaround — it is the legally mandated ownership structure established by the Mexican Constitution and regulated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Setup takes 3-6 weeks and costs $2,000-$3,000 USD. Once in place, you hold the same property rights as a Mexican national. You can read our full buying guide for Americans to see a detailed walkthrough of the entire process from offer to closing.
If you are considering a purchase, having an experienced Los Cabos agent on your side makes the process seamless. Explore our community guides to find the right neighborhood, or contact our team to start a personalized property search.