Last updated: September 2025

In Mexico’s real estate market, cash is king – but for buyers seeking alternatives, creative financing solutions are becoming more widely available.

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Dreaming of owning a piece of paradise in Mexico? Whether you’re eyeing a beachfront villa, jungle retreat, or coastal city escape, understanding your financing options is key – especially as a foreign investor navigating an unfamiliar system. And though cash remains king in Mexico real estate transactions, several lending solutions are now available to those who need, or want, to leverage financing opportunities. 

Explore the 7 options below to find a financing route that best fits your needs, then contact us – your trusted husband & wife licensed international real estate team – to make your dream property in the Riviera Maya, Cancún, or greater Mexican Caribbean a reality.

Because life is better under the palm.

Related: Where to Buy Property in the Mexican Caribbean: Your Quick-Guide to 9 Key Destinations in Paradise

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1. Cross-Border Loan (Specialized Lender Mortgage)

One of the most accessible lending options available to international investors. Known as “cross border loans,” these are specialized lender mortgages that specifically finance Mexican properties for foreigners. Ideal for those who want a structured, legal financing route without dealing with Mexican bank bureaucracy. 

Expect down payments anywhere from 15% – 30%, loan terms up to 30 years and interest rates higher than at home (typically, 9% – 12%). Loans are oftentimes funded in USD – a win in eliminating the risk of currency fluctuations – but may be funded in MXN depending on the lender. Check out MoXi or Yave.

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2. Mexican Bank Mortgage

Some Mexican banks (like BBVA or Scotiabank) do offer mortgage options to foreigners, but requirements are stringent and only available if you hold Residente Permanente (Permanent Resident) status. Be prepared to provide such documentation as your RFC (Mexican tax number), local credit history, bank statements (Mexican or international) showing proof of income, even a medical certificate verifying good health of the borrower. 

Down payments can be anywhere from 10% – 40% with loan terms generally capping at 15 – 30 years. Expect peso-denominated funds. An option for permanent residents as well as dual citizens, you’ll want to weigh the interest rate – typically higher than at home –  in addition to potential exchange rate fluctuations, when considering a Mexican bank mortgage as a financing route.

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3. Equity From Existing Property at Home

If you own property in your home country, tapping into its equity can be a powerful way to finance your purchase in Mexico. Options include home equity loans (fixed-rate, lump-sum), HELOCs (revolving credit lines), and cash-out refinancing, all of which let you borrow against your property’s value at competitive rates – currently hovering around 6.5% – 8.5%. 

These strategies allow you to bypass international lending entirely and buy in Mexico with cash in hand, arming you with stronger negotiating power and a faster closing. Just be sure to factor in repayment timelines and potential currency exchange fluctuations.

Related: Can Americans, Canadians & Other Foreigners Really Own Property in Mexico – Even on the Beach?

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4. Personal Loan From Your Home Country

A straightforward way to access funds if you have excellent credit and solid income. Taking out a personal loan domestically allows you to sidestep international lending requirements, plus avoid tapping into existing real estate equity. These loans usually have higher interest rates and shorter terms than mortgages, but offer speed and simplicity. 

Currently, U.S. personal loan rates average 9 – 12% for well-qualified borrowers with loan limits typically up to $100,000 USD. Best suited for smaller property purchases or to cover a portion of the cost.

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5. Developer Financing: New Development in Pre-Construction

Thinking about buying pre-sale? Expect to be able to take advantage of in-house, interest-free financing offered by developers. Down payments can be anywhere from 30-90% (where higher downs typically earn you a small discount off the purchase price), interval payments – typically monthly – during construction phase, and the final amount paid at time of delivery. 

The earlier you buy in the construction phase, the more time you’ll have to make payments. Convenient and flexible – but be sure to verify the developer’s reputation, review contracts carefully, and confirm all terms are recorded with a notario público.

Pro Tip: Buying pre-construction, at any stage, carries it’s share of risk. This risk is made even more so when buying directly from the developer – without anyone looking out for your best interest. Instead, always work with a licensed, unbiased and knowledgeable real estate agency who will not only vet the development on your behalf, but advocate for you throughout the entire purchase process – initial sales contract to construction phase to project delivery.

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6. Developer Financing: New Development that’s Move-in Ready 

Buying new development that’s already delivered? Though you won’t be able to take advantage of the longer term, interest-free payment schemes offered during pre-construction phase, developers are highly incentivized to move unsold units and will oftentimes work with you on a payment plan. (Not to mention you’ll avoid pre-sale risk entirely.) In the Riviera Maya, for example, one notable developer offers interest-free, short term payment plans of up to 12 months on move-in ready units. Another, payment plans of up to 5 years with 9.5% interest.

Terms vary widely. Be sure to work with a licensed real estate agency to not only identify reputable move-in ready developments open to direct-financing, but help you negotiate terms and act as an unbiased advocate on your behalf.

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7. Seller Financing

Buying re-sale? In select cases, private sellers may offer financing directly to buyers – especially for high-value properties or off-market deals. Terms are fully negotiable but often involve higher downpayments (think at least 50%), interest rates from 6 – 10% and staged payments across terms of 1 – 5 years.

This can be a great way to avoid institutional lenders altogether – but since this type of financing is unregulated, due diligence is critical. Protect your interests with properly executed promissory agreements safe‑kept with a trusted notario público.