Questions
Straight answers, before you engage anyone.
General information about claims against developers, buying in Quintana Roo, and how we work. None of it is legal advice about your specific matter — for that, send us the file.
Claims against developers
Can I sue a Mexican developer if I live abroad?
Yes. You grant a power of attorney — signed at a Mexican consulate or before a notary in your country and apostilled — and we act for you here. Most of our foreign clients never attend a hearing. Everything reaches you by email in your language, and we hold documents in a file you can access at any time.
How long do I have to bring a claim?
It depends on the contract and on the type of breach, and the period can be shorter than people expect. Sending reminders to the developer does not always preserve your position, and in some cases accepting a new date can weaken it. Have the file assessed early, even if you intend to keep waiting.
What can I actually recover?
Depending on the contract and the facts: delivery of the unit itself, or rescission with restitution of everything you paid, plus the penalty the contract sets and damages where your loss exceeds the price. We tell you which of these is realistic in your case before you spend anything on litigation.
The developer says the delay is force majeure. Is that valid?
Sometimes, and often not. It is a defence with legal requirements, not a phrase that excuses any delay, and many contracts define it so broadly that the clause itself is challengeable. Whether it holds depends on the cause, the timing and what the developer did about it.
How long does a case take?
A formal demand can resolve a matter in weeks or months. Contested litigation runs longer and depends on the court's docket and how the other side defends. We give you a stage-by-stage estimate in the written assessment, and we do not promise a date we cannot control.
Working with us
What documents should I send first?
The purchase agreement with its annexes, proof of every payment you made, and the written correspondence with the developer — messages included. If you do not have all of it, send what you have; the gaps are part of what we assess.
How much does a consultation cost?
The first consultation is a 60-minute video call on Google Meet with a real estate attorney, for MXN 1,800, booked and paid online. You pay by debit or credit card, Mexican or international; foreign cards are converted by your bank. Fees for any further work are quoted in writing before it starts.
Do you work in English?
Proceedings are in Spanish because Mexican courts are. Your advice, correspondence and every document we prepare for you come in English as well, and meetings are held in whichever language you prefer.
Can you act if another lawyer already started the case?
Usually yes. We review what has been filed, tell you plainly where the matter stands, and take over the representation if that is the right call. Second opinions on a stalled case are a routine part of our work.
Buying in Quintana Roo
Do foreigners need a fideicomiso?
For residential property inside the restricted coastal zone, a foreign individual holds title through a bank trust. Where the use is commercial, a Mexican company can be the better structure. Which applies to you depends on the property and what you intend to do with it.
Why does ejido land keep coming up?
Much of the land around Playa del Carmen and Tulum was communally held and later regularised. If that conversion was done incorrectly, the title on offer today can be defective — which is why land history is a fixed part of our diligence rather than an optional extra.
Can I rent the unit short-term?
That is governed by the condominium rules and by municipal regulation, not by the sales brochure. We check both before you buy, since a rental projection is worthless if the building prohibits the use.
What are the closing costs?
Acquisition tax, notary and registry fees, trust set-up and its annual maintenance, plus appraisal and certificates. The amounts vary with the price and the structure, so we put a written estimate in front of you before you sign anything.
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Book a 60-minute video call with a real estate attorney and ask it there, or write to us on WhatsApp.