How to buy a property in Miami from Mexico?

Buying a property in Miami from Mexico is an accessible, realistic process for any Mexican buyer like you — no need to move to the United States. With full support from PFS Realty Group, you can handle every stage of your purchase remotely and securely, from selecting your property and opening your bank account to managing your foreign national mortgage and the ongoing management of your property afterward.

In this guide, we give you a clear, structured roadmap to build your wealth in dollars and make the most of the opportunities South Florida's real estate market offers.

In this article:

• Can a Mexican citizen buy property in Miami?
• The process for buying a property in Miami from Mexico
• How much money do you need to buy a property in Miami from Mexico?
• How to finance a property in Miami from Mexico?
• Do you need to travel to Miami to buy a property?
• Buying a property in Miami with PFS Realty
• Frequently asked questions

Can a Mexican citizen buy property in Miami?

As a Mexican citizen, you can buy property in Miami with no restrictions. The US legal and financial system lets you own real estate with the same property rights as a resident.

To buy a property in Miami and South Florida, you don't need to be a US resident or hold a specific visa. You can even complete the entire purchase process, sign contracts, and open bank accounts remotely from Mexico. A visa is only required if you want to travel to Miami to visit developments or make personal use of the property.

When you make your purchase, you have two options:

• Buying in your personal name (individual): a more straightforward path in terms of initial paperwork, but it exposes your personal assets to potential legal liability and local tax burdens.
• Buying through a legal entity (LLC or corporation): offers advantages in asset protection, privacy, and estate tax optimization for non-residents, making it easier to pass the asset on to your heirs.

Every case is different, depending on your overall wealth and your family or business goals. At PFS Realty, we help you review your situation with key specialists before closing the deal:

• Florida real estate attorney: reviews the terms of the purchase agreement and conducts the title search to ensure a secure transaction.
• Specialized tax advisor: guides you on local and federal tax planning, the withholding that applies when you eventually sell (FIRPTA), and designing the corporate structure that best protects your investment.

The process for buying a property in Miami from Mexico

Buying a property in Miami and South Florida from your home country is a clear, structured process. Below, we walk you through the key stages to get your purchase off to a successful start:

Define your goal and budget

The first step is determining the main purpose of your purchase, since this will guide every decision that follows:

Purpose of use:

• Investment and rental income: aims to maximize your return on capital and generate recurring income in dollars, weighing whether you prefer long-term rental or more flexible models.
• Second home: geared toward personal or family use during certain times of the year, prioritizing location, amenities, and convenience.
• Primary residence: focused on relocating or living there permanently, weighing nearby services, schools, and lifestyle.

Budget and payment method:

• Cash payment: speeds up closing, since it only requires verifying the source of funds and the bank transfer.
• Mortgage financing: as a Mexican buyer, you can access foreign national loans, typically putting down around 30% of the property's value.

Define what type of property you're looking for

The type of property should match your intended use and your investment horizon:

By construction status:

• Pre-sale / pre-construction: lets you get in early at competitive launch pricing, paying your down payment in stages during construction and capturing appreciation by the time it's delivered.
• New construction: ideal if you want immediate use or want to start generating rental income right away.

By property type:

• Condos: tend to offer resort-style amenities, centralized maintenance, and strong demand in urban areas.
• Single-family homes: give you more space, privacy, and your own land — very appealing for families or long-term rentals.

Analyze Miami's neighborhoods

Every neighborhood in Miami offers a different profile in terms of lifestyle, appreciation, and returns:

• Brickell and Downtown: the financial and corporate core. Known for their urban lifestyle, high density of professionals, and solid rental demand.
• Miami Beach and Edgewater: established waterfront areas. They combine tourist appeal, bay views, and a sophisticated residential market.
• Aventura and Doral: communities highly sought after by Latin American buyers. They offer a family-friendly setting, excellent shopping centers, top-tier schools, and accessibility.
• Coral Gables: stands out for its classic architecture, exclusive residential atmosphere, green spaces, and long-term wealth stability.

Define how you'll finance the purchase

When you buy a property in Miami from Mexico, you have flexibility in how you structure the financing. Depending on your wealth strategy and how you plan to use your capital, you can choose between two main options:

Cash purchase: speeds up closing since it doesn't require a lender's evaluation. It only requires verifying the source of funds and transferring them directly into the US title company's escrow account.

Foreign national mortgage loan: a financing program designed specifically for non-resident buyers. It lets you leverage your investment while keeping liquidity in Mexico.

Features and requirements of a foreign national mortgage

Unlike a traditional mortgage for US residents, where lenders evaluate local tax returns and credit scores like FICO, mortgages for international buyers are based on your financial standing in your home country and the property's ability to cash flow.

Down payment: generally requires a down payment of 30% of the property's total value.

Basic requirements and documentation:

• Copy of a valid passport and US visa.
• Income certification letter issued by a certified public accountant in Mexico.
• Bank references from your accounts in Mexico.
• Bank statements showing the liquidity needed for the down payment, closing costs, and required reserves.
• Verification of the source of funds.

Key differences from a traditional US mortgage

• Credit evaluation: doesn't require US credit history. Approval is based on your professional and banking profile in Mexico.
• Income flexibility: for rental properties, some programs evaluate the property's projected cash flow (rental income versus debt payments) instead of relying solely on your personal income.
• Application process: the entire documentation process is handled remotely from Mexico, with the support of our specialized advisors.

Select and evaluate properties

Once you've settled on the area, budget, and financing strategy, the next step is evaluating your available options in detail. To make an informed decision and secure a solid purchase from Mexico, it's essential to analyze and compare the following key variables for each property:

• Total price and cost per square foot: evaluate the property's value relative to its usable area. Comparing the cost per square foot against similar properties in the same area helps you determine whether it's priced at market or offers an attractive margin for appreciation.
• Homeowners association fee (HOA): check the monthly cost of maintaining the condo. It's important to verify what services it covers (such as water, internet, common area maintenance, or building structure insurance), since this directly affects your recurring fixed costs.
• Property tax: in Florida, this tax averages between 1.5% and 2% of the property's assessed value. It should be factored into your calculation of the property's annual expenses.
• Property insurance: review the policy required for the unit, especially in coastal areas or older buildings, since this cost affects your monthly operating budget.
• Development amenities: evaluate whether the facilities (pool, gym, valet parking, coworking spaces, or 24/7 security) match the tenant profile or personal use you're looking for, since these features determine how competitive the property is in the market.
• Rental restrictions: this is critical if your goal is investment. Check the condo's bylaws to confirm whether it allows short-term rentals (Airbnb-style), mid-term rentals, or only annual leases, as well as the minimum rental periods allowed per year.
• Building history and inspection: for resale properties, it's vital to review the association's financial health, whether reserve funds exist, and whether any special assessments have been approved. For buildings over 30 years old, you should verify compliance with the safety certifications and structural inspections required by local regulations.
• Rental potential and cash flow: calculate the property's estimated gross and net yield by comparing projected rental income against total operating expenses (HOA, taxes, insurance, and management).
• Location and immediate surroundings: look at proximity to major roads, shopping centers, schools, beaches, and planned future development projects in the area, since these factors help ensure your wealth's long-term liquidity and appreciation.

Offer and contract signing

Once you've selected the property, the purchase process formally begins. This stage establishes the legal and financial agreements that secure the transaction:

• Submitting the offer and negotiating: we present a formal purchase offer to the seller or developer, including the proposed price, payment method (cash or financing), estimated closing dates, and any special conditions requested. During this stage, terms are negotiated until both parties reach an agreement.
• Signing the purchase agreement: once the offer is accepted, the final contract is drafted (a Purchase and Sale Agreement for completed properties, or a Contract for Sale for pre-construction). This legally binding document sets out both parties' rights and obligations, the property specifications, and the transaction timeline.
• Escrow deposit: to formalize the reservation or contract, you make your first good-faith deposit. This money isn't handed directly to the seller — it's held securely in an escrow account managed by a title company or a licensed law firm in Florida.
• Key dates and deadlines: the contract sets a strict timeline that you need to monitor together with your advisory team:
  • Inspection period (due diligence): typically 7 to 15 days for resale properties, to evaluate the property's physical condition.
  • Financing contingency period: the deadline for obtaining formal mortgage approval.
  • Closing date: the final day on which the remaining balance and the property's title are transferred.
• Deal conditions: contingency clauses are put in place to protect your deposit in case the property fails the technical inspection or the lender doesn't approve financing within the agreed timeframe.

Due diligence and property review

Before finalizing the purchase, a thorough technical and legal review is carried out to confirm the property's condition and ensure a risk-free transaction:

• Physical technical inspection: a certified inspector evaluates the structure, electrical system, air conditioning, plumbing, and finishes to detect any defects or needed repairs.
• Title search and legal documentation: the title company verifies that the property is free of liens, debts, or encumbrances, ensuring a clean title is issued in your name.
• HOA and regulatory review: the homeowners association's financial statements are reviewed, along with reserve funds, any pending special assessments, and compliance with local regulations.
• Municipal code verification: confirms the structure has no building violations or open permits with the city.

Closing and property handover

This is the final stage, where the property transfer is formalized and the closing documents are signed:

• Signing the final documents: you sign the closing documents (Closing Disclosure, deed, and promissory note if financing). This can be done before a notary in Mexico or through an authorized consulate/digital notary.
• Transferring funds: you send the remaining funds for the final payment and closing costs to the title company's escrow account.
• Title transfer and recording: the title company issues the title insurance policy and records the Warranty Deed with the county.
• Property handover: you receive the keys, access credentials, and information packet for your new property.

What happens after closing?

After the property is handed over, PFS Realty Group's after-sales services kick in to keep your investment running smoothly:

• Setup and utilities: transferring utilities (electricity, water, internet) into your name or your legal entity's name, and furniture installation if applicable.
• Full-service management: if you bought for investment, our team can handle marketing, tenant screening, rent collection, and day-to-day maintenance, including vacation rental management if you need it.
• Accounting management: you receive rental income directly into your dollar bank account, and we coordinate your annual US tax filings.

How much money do you need to buy a property in Miami from Mexico?

Property price

Entry-level prices in high-demand areas typically start at USD 350,000 for residential condos, with the average for attractive investments falling between USD 500,000 and USD 1,200,000, depending on location and property type.

Down payment

If you buy in cash, you put down 100% of the value. With a foreign national mortgage loan, the down payment is typically 30% of the property's total price.

Closing costs

These are the legal and banking fees to formalize the transaction. For cash purchases, they run between 1% and 2% of the property's value; if you need mortgage financing, they run between 3% and 5%.

Taxes

Property tax in Miami-Dade County runs around 1.5% to 2% annually of the property's assessed value.

HOA

The condo association fee varies based on the building's amenities and services. It generally falls between USD 0.60 and USD 1.20 per square foot per month, or a flat amount between USD 400 and USD 1,200 a month.

Insurance

Property insurance (hazard and hurricane coverage) runs between USD 1,500 and USD 4,500 a year for a condo, depending on the building's coverage and its proximity to the water.

Maintenance

We recommend budgeting between 0.5% and 1% of the property's value annually for unexpected repairs, minor fixes, or normal wear on equipment and finishes.

Management

If you rent out the property, full-service management fees typically run between 8% and 10% of monthly rental income for long-term leases, or between 15% and 25% for vacation rental models.

How to finance a property in Miami from Mexico?

As a Mexican buyer, you don't need 100% of the capital in cash to buy a property in South Florida. US financial institutions offer options designed for international investors, letting you leverage your purchase while keeping your liquidity.

Financing options available

Cash purchase: doesn't require a credit evaluation or bank paperwork. It's the fastest option, but it commits all your capital from day one.

Foreign national mortgage loan: the main option for non-resident buyers. It lets you finance a significant portion of the property using documentation issued in Mexico.

Features of a foreign national mortgage

• Down payment: between 30% and 40% of the property's total value.
• Amount financed: 60% to 70% of the property's value.
• Terms: 15 to 30 years, with fixed-rate or adjustable-rate (ARM) options.
• Interest rates: tend to run a bit higher than for a US resident (roughly an additional 1% to 1.5%), due to the nature of the international underwriting.

Basic requirements and documents

Approval for a Foreign National Loan doesn't depend on US credit history (a FICO score) — it depends on certifying your financial standing and the source of your funds in Mexico.

• Official ID: valid passport and a valid US visa.
• Proof of income: an income and employment certification letter signed by a certified public accountant in Mexico.
• Bank references: reference letters from your regular banking institutions in Mexico.
• Bank statements: statements from the last 2 to 3 months showing the funds available for the down payment, closing costs, and required reserves (generally 6 to 12 months of principal and interest).
• Liquidity verification: proof of the lawful source of the funds transferred for the transaction.

Differences between a cash purchase and financing

• Closing and timing: a cash purchase closes in 15 to 30 days, while a financed deal takes 45 to 60 days due to the lender's approval process and the appraisal.
• Closing costs: closing costs for a cash purchase run 1% to 2% of the property's value, while for a mortgage they run 3% to 5%, due to origination fees, the appraisal, and required lender insurance.
• Tax efficiency and returns: financing lets you deduct mortgage interest from rental income on your local tax return, optimizing your tax burden and boosting your cash-on-cash return.

Do you need to travel to Miami to buy a property?

As a Mexican buyer, you can complete 100% of the purchase process from Mexico without traveling to the United States, thanks to digital tools and the legal frameworks in place in the state of Florida.

What can you do remotely from Mexico?

• Property search and selection: we run virtual consulting sessions and real-time 3D / virtual tours so you can see every detail of the properties and their amenities.
• Reservation and contract signing: submitting offers, negotiating, and signing the purchase agreement all happen through certified electronic signature platforms.
• Bank account opening and financing: we handle opening your US bank account and getting your Foreign National Loan approved, through digital submission of the required documentation.
• Signing the deed and closing: the final legal documents can be signed through Remote Online Notarization (RON) or through the US Consulate in Mexico. In specific cases, you can also grant power of attorney to your legal representative in Florida.

What requires you to be there in person?

Being there in person is optional — it comes down to whether you personally want to see the property before closing or receive the keys in person. If you decide to travel, all you need is a valid tourist visa.

Buying a property in Miami with PFS Realty

At PFS Realty Group, we guide you through the entire transaction cycle, removing the complexity of investing remotely and ensuring legal and financial security:

• Defining your goals: we analyze your risk profile, investment horizon, and wealth goals to structure the best purchase strategy.
• Selecting properties: we filter and present developments that match your specific criteria for location, property type, and budget.
• Comparing opportunities: we evaluate projected returns, fixed costs (HOA, taxes), and appreciation potential to objectively compare each option.
• Mortgage financing: we connect you with financial partners in the United States and manage the approval of your Foreign National Loan from Mexico.
• Negotiation and contract: we advocate for your interests in the offer, structure the contract terms, and bring in specialized legal and tax advisors.
• Closing: we coordinate signing the deed, the title review, and the secure transfer of funds into the escrow account.
• Ongoing management: we take on full management of the property, handling tenant search and screening, rent collection, maintenance, and accounting reports, including vacation rentals.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

• Why Do Mexicans Invest in Miami?
• Real Estate in the United States
• How to Evaluate a Condo in Miami before Buying
• Investing Capital in the United States

If you're looking for specific areas to buy in, explore condos for sale in Brickell and in Downtown Miami, or check out the full list of new real estate developments in Miami.