Insider Info On Cabo

Helpful Information - Oceanside Real Estate

Helpful Information

  • There are now over 30 direct flight options to Cabo from the US and Canada, and more to come. Airlines have recently added the first direct flights from Europe to Los Cabos.
  • Autumn is the best time to visit Cabo, and it is quickly approaching.  Better book your trip…
  • The Ministry of Telecommunications recently made changes to outbound dialing: You only have to dial 10 digits and the prefix (+52 for Los Cabos). You no longer need the prefixes 01-044 or 01-045. If you are calling from the US or Canada, you don’t need to enter the 1 to call. For example, to call our office, you will dial: +52 (624) 172 0048
Buying and Owning Real Estate In Cabo

Buying and Owning Real Estate In Cabo

  • Property title is held in a Fideicomiso – a Mexican Bank Trust, which is equivalent to a state trust in the US.  Depending on the bank holding your Fideicomiso, there is a variable yearly fee that ranges from $500 – $1,000. 
  • Closing costs are approximately 4.5% – 8% of the purchase price, depending on the value of the home. This includes a 3% acquisition fee for taxes.
  • The average property tax is approximately 0.1% of the assessed value of the property at the time of sale.  This means that for a $500k property, you will pay ~ $500 per year in property taxes.
  • Property tax is due every January, and the government offers substantial discounts if it is paid in advance. For instance, you will receive a 25% discount by paying your taxes in December before it is due, and a 20% discount if you pay in January.  If you are a senior citizen (over 60) and a permanent resident, you qualify for an Inapam card. This is a senior discount card, and with that in hand,  you pay only 50% of the predial tax bill.
  • Land sales have increased significantly in 2019, the implementation of an urban growth and infrastructure plan that began 10 years ago, in conjunction with increased demand for oceanfront property.
  • US Dollar Financing of Real Estate purchases is now available after a 10-year hiatus in Los Cabos
Oceanside Real Estate

Health In Cabo

  • One of the benefits of becoming a permanent resident in Mexico is that you become eligible for health insurance, which typically costs a fraction of what you will pay in the US.
  • Medical tourism is becoming a much more popular draw for Americans because of affordable high quality care from experienced medical professionals in a variety of medical fields.
  • Most doctors speak both Spanish and English
  • You can save 40 – 65% on medical procedures when compared with the cost in the US.  Some examples:
ProcedureCost In the US Cost In Mexico
Hip Replacement$40k$13k
Lasik Surgery$4k$1.9k
Aorta Bypass$170k$28.2k
Gastric Bypass$25k$11.5k
Knee Replacement$35k$12k

Statistical Source:  The Mazatlan Post

How do Property Taxes Work in Los Cabos Mexico?

In Los Cabos, Mexico, property taxes—known as Impuesto Predial—are notably lower than in many other countries, making property ownership particularly attractive. Here’s a comprehensive overview to help you understand how they work: 

🧾 How Property Taxes Are Calculated

• Tax Base (Valor Catastral): This is the assessed value of your property, typically determined at the time of purchase. Unlike in some countries where property values are reassessed annually, in Los Cabos, significant reassessments usually occur only upon sale. Between sales, adjustments may be made periodically based on inflation or other indices.  


• Tax Rate (Tasa): The standard property tax rate is approximately 0.1% of the assessed value. For instance, a property valued at $500,000 USD would incur an annual tax of about $500 USD . 

📅 Payment Deadlines & Early Payment Discounts

• Official Deadline: Property taxes are due annually, with the official deadline being March 31st. 
• Early Payment Discounts: The municipality offers incentives for early payment:
• January: 20% discount
• February: 15% discount
• March: 10% discount
• April: 5% discount   

Note that paying after April may result in penalties and interest . 

💳 How to Pay

• Online: Payments can be made through the Los Cabos Municipal Treasury website: https://www.tesoreria.loscabos.gob.mx/pagos-y-consultas/

You’ll need your Clave Catastral, a 12- or 17-character property tax ID found on your deed. 


• In Person: Payments can also be made at local tax offices in San José del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas. Ensure you bring your Clave Catastral and request a stamped receipt for your records . 

👥 Special Discounts for Seniors

If you’re over 60 and hold a permanent resident status in Mexico, you may qualify for a 50% discount on your property tax through the INAPAM program. To benefit, you’ll need to present your INAPAM card when paying . 

Important Reminders

• No Mailed Bills: The municipality does not send out property tax bills. It’s your responsibility to remember the due dates and make timely payments.
• Verify Property Details: Always check that your property details are correctly listed in the tax records, especially if you’ve recently purchased the property. 
• Separate Tax IDs: If you own additional property features like storage units (bodegas), they may have separate Clave Catastral numbers and require individual tax payments . 

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Oceanside Los Cabos-Real Estate Guide

Alvaro Obregon 1505, Gallery District, Centro, 23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico