More and more professionals from Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara, as well as buyers from abroad, are purchasing land in Yucatán. Not as a vacation whim, but as a wealth-building strategy: a second home, a medium-term investment or a retirement plan with a genuinely high quality of life.
The good news is that you can do it 100% remotely if you follow the right method. This guide walks you through every step, from the initial decision to signing the deed before a notary public, with the filters you need to avoid costly mistakes.
Why Yucatán, and why now
- Safety: Yucatán remains one of the safest states in Mexico, consistently ranking in the national top 3.
- Quality of life: warm weather year-round, an affordable cost of living and a unique food culture and natural setting.
To get to know the area better, read our guide to the western Mérida metropolitan area.
Step 1 — Define what the land is for
- Family second home: you prioritize amenities, security and proximity to the beach or the city. 200-400 m² (2,150-4,300 sq ft).
- Long-term wealth: you prioritize entry price and legal certainty. 125-200 m² (1,350-2,150 sq ft).
- Build to rent: you prioritize connectivity and rental demand in the area.
- Retirement in 10-15 years: you prioritize tranquility, nature and space.
Step 2 — Choose an area (quick map)
- North Mérida (Temozón, Country Club): high prices, premium urban lifestyle.
- Conkal: golf, country club, international profile. Established prices.
- Western Mérida metropolitan area (Hunucmá): competitive entry price, 15 min · 13 km from Mérida's western ring road. Kumay: 175 lots with complete infrastructure.
- Coast (Sisal, Telchac): beach second home. Higher maintenance.
Step 3 — Verify legal certainty before making any payment
This is the most important step, especially when you are buying from 1,500 km (930 miles) away or from another country.
- Who the developer is: years in business, delivered projects, clients you can contact.
- Bank trust: why a bank trust matters when you are buying from afar.
- The 3 key permits: INAH, land use and CFE feasibility. Without all three, don't buy. Kumay has all three; see legal certainty.
- Real construction progress: ask for dated photos, not just renderings.
Review Kumay's legal certainty
Step 4 — Get a quote and reserve remotely
A reputable development will email you everything you need:
- Lot spec sheet (area, location in the master plan, price)
- Purchase agreement (for review with your lawyer)
- Detailed payment plan (down payment, monthly installments, terms)
- Proof of the bank trust
Red flags to avoid:
- Pressure to pay 100% the same day.
- Contracts you are not allowed to review with a lawyer.
- Transfers to personal bank accounts of individuals.
Step 5 — Virtual tour or quick trip
Virtual tour: when it is enough
If the development shows real construction progress, up-to-date photos and operates under a bank trust, a virtual tour by video call may be enough.
Quick trip: 24-48 hours
- Mexico City–Mérida (MID) flight: 1 hour 45 min. Cost: $1,500-$3,500 MXN round trip.
- Hotel in Mérida: $800-$2,000 MXN per night.
- Getting to the development: your advisor can pick you up, or you can rent a car ($400-$800 MXN per day).
Step 6 — Closing with a notary, deed and delivery
- ISAI: real estate acquisition tax (Impuesto sobre Adquisición de Inmuebles), approximately 2-3% of the value.
- Notary fees: vary according to the transaction amount.
- RPP: recording fees at the Public Property Registry (Registro Público de la Propiedad).
Timing: it usually takes 60 to 90 days from reservation to deed. At Kumay, financing without a bank lets you spread out your payments.
Final checklist
Checklist: 12 points to verify before you buy
- Verify that the development operates under a bank trust (not just a private contract)
- Confirm INAH permits (archaeological clearance)
- Confirm the land use permit (authorized by the municipality)
- Confirm CFE feasibility (guaranteed electrical service)
- Check the developer’s track record: years in business, delivered projects, references
- Request dated construction progress photos (not just renderings)
- Read the full contract before signing (ideally with your own lawyer)
- Verify that the reservation deposit is refundable before signing
- Confirm that the deposit goes to the trust account, not to an individual
- Ask for a detailed payment plan with amounts, terms and penalties
- Verify the included infrastructure: water, electricity, drainage, telecommunications
- Confirm additional costs: deed, ISAI tax, monthly maintenance
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy land in Yucatán without traveling?
Yes. With a reputable development that operates under a bank trust, you can complete the entire process remotely. A visit is recommended, but not required.
How much does a flight from Mexico City to Mérida cost?
Direct Mexico City (MEX) to Mérida (MID) flights cost between $1,500 and $3,500 MXN round trip. The flight takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
What taxes do I pay when buying a lot in Yucatán?
The main one is the ISAI (real estate acquisition tax), approximately 2-3% of the transaction value. Notary fees and Public Property Registry (RPP) recording fees also apply.
Ready to take the next step?
Talk to a Kumay advisor who will guide you through every step of buying remotely.