WHY MEXICO
For many, Mexico still represents the “last frontier.” What often surprises people, however, is the number of Americans who already own or lease ranches in northern Mexico. For those who appreciate wide-open country, rich ranching traditions, and unmatched hospitality, there is simply nothing quite like Old Mexico.
Owning a ranch south of the border offers unique opportunities, along with considerations that deserve thoughtful guidance. With the right knowledge and the right team, the experience can be both rewarding and straightforward.
Our goal is to remove as much uncertainty as possible from the process. From acquisition to ongoing ranch management, we are committed to making every step transparent, efficient, and seamless—allowing owners to focus on what matters most: enjoying their land and the lifestyle that comes with it.
Pros
• Unmatched Value: Land in Northern Mexico represents a unique financial opportunity. A 2,000+ acre ranch in South Texas typically sells for around $6,000 per acre, whereas a comparable ranch just south of the Texas border averages $600 per acre—a 900% difference in price.
• Property taxes: this one will really blow your socks off. In South Texas, if you have an ag status, you're paying around $2 to $10 dollars per acre for property taxes. So for context, on a 15,000 acre ranch, you pay a minimum of $30,000 in property taxes. In Coahuila, for those same 15,000 acres you would pay around $2,000 in property taxes. That's a 1,400 % difference. Crazy, right?
• Labor: labor is also substantially cheaper south of the border. A main cowboy on a good working ranch is making around $1,500 a month.
• Freedom: ranch owners in Mexico have more say over what they do with their land. There are of course laws that we have to abide by, like in any other country, but no game warden will creep up to your house, check your tags, or write you a ticket. Privacy is unmatched south of the border.
Cons
• Safety misconception: This is a major concern—and understandably so. No one in their right mind would invest in a place they believe is dangerous or unstable.
It’s a nuanced topic, but ultimately, safety in Mexico depends on where you are, who you’re with, and what you’re doing. The same can be said about anywhere else. You could just as easily find yourself in trouble in a bad area of downtown Houston. Knowing where to go—and where not to go—is just as important in Mexico as it is in the United States. Just as the U.S. has 50 states, Mexico has 32, and they vary significantly. For example, Coahuila—our home state—is currently considered one of the safest in the country. It has strong border security, and cartel-related activity has not been an issue there for years. Crossing the border is straightforward, and we personally do it every week without complications.
So, is Mexico safe? Our answer is: it depends. The same way you might ask, “Is the United States safe?”—it all comes down to the specifics: where, when, how, and with whom.
The media often portrays Mexico as a lawless, “wild west” environment where crime is everywhere. That simply isn’t an accurate representation. Like any country, Mexico has both safe and unsafe areas. If you speak with the many Americans who lease or own ranches here, you’ll hear a much more balanced and realistic perspective.
• Uncertainty: who do you call to buy a ranch, to fix a problem, to start a project? Who do you trust? This is what we have always wanted to solve. There are sharks everywhere, and the ranch buying process in Mexico is no exception. We have found out the hard way ourselves. So this is our mission: to take uncertainty out of the equation. To replace the broken link between Americans and Mexican land.
• Mineral rights: unlike the United States, Mexican land owners do not possess mineral rights. Everything underground belongs to the state. With that being said, royalties are still negotiated and paid to ranch owners where coal and other natural resources are extracted.
The buying process
Yes, foreign buyers can legally acquire properties in Mexico, and at Old Mexico Ranches, we make the process seamless.
The steps vary depending on the ranch’s location relative to Mexico’s “restricted zone”—generally within 50 km of the coast or 100 km south of the border.
Outside the Restricted Zone
Buyers may hold direct title in their own name, just like a Mexican citizen. A permit from the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs formalizes ownership under Mexican law, providing confidence and full control of the property.
Inside the Restricted Zone (where the majority of our listings are)
For properties in this area, two primary legal structures allow foreign ownership:
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Fideicomiso (Bank Trust): A Mexican bank holds the title in trust while you retain full rights as the beneficiary. Use, lease, build, or sell your ranch with confidence. These trusts last 50 years and can be renewed indefinitely.
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Mexican Corporation (Usually an SRL, much like an LLC): This is what we use most frequently. For commercial or development-focused ranch operations, forming a Mexican corporation allows legal ownership of non-residential property in the restricted zone. Foreigner can be the sole proprietor or have a Mexican partner to smoothen and quicken the process.
With Old Mexico Ranches, international buyers benefit from clarity, guidance, and discretion at every step. We ensure your investment is secure, your ownership fully compliant, and your experience in Northern Mexico effortless—so you can focus on enjoying your ranch and the extraordinary lifestyle it offers. Please contact us with any questions, we'll be happy to help.
