One question comes up with almost every buyer: can a foreigner legally own property on the Mexican coast? Yes. The catch is that the Riviera Maya sits inside what Mexican law calls the restricted zone, so the purchase runs through a bank trust instead of a standard deed in your name. Here is how it works, what it costs and how long it takes. At a glance Ownership: foreigners can own coastal property through a bank trust called a fideicomiso. Timeline: about 8 to 12 weeks when

"Which area should I buy in?" is the question we hear most, and the honest answer is that it depends on the life you want here. Playacar, Tulum and Puerto Aventuras attract three different kinds of buyer. Here is how to tell which one you are. At a glance Playacar: walkable and convenient, with the easiest day-to-day logistics. Tulum: design-forward and close to nature, with more moving parts. Puerto Aventuras: gated, quiet and built around a marina. Playacar (Playa del Carme