Compass Abroad Blog: Expert Guides for Canadians Buying Property Abroad

Honest safety assessment of every major Canadian buyer market: Puerto Vallarta, Playa del Carmen, Cabo, Cancun, Mérida, San Miguel de Allende, Mazatlán, Lake Chapala, and Tulum. Canadian government advisories vs actual expat experience.

Ejido land sales, wire transfer interception, fake ownership, under-declared values, pre-construction fraud, unlicensed agents, and high-pressure deposits. How each scam works, the red flags, and how to protect yourself.

CAD at 22-year low vs USD — but the picture is more nuanced for Mexico peso, Colombian peso, and EUR markets. Currency pair analysis, forward contract strategy, and the time-in-market argument for 2026.

The top 10 lessons from real Canadian buyers: rent first, hire your own lawyer, budget 15–20% above list, get tax advice before buying, visit in rainy season, check the actual internet speed, and 4 more hard-won lessons.

50,000+ Canadians own property in Mexico right now. We break down what the horror stories get right (ejido, scams, liquidity, political risk) and what they get wrong (survivorship bias, fideicomiso's 50-year safety record). Includes a decision framework.

Rent your Mexican property on Airbnb? You have tax obligations in both countries. Mexico's SAT withholds 25% ISR through Airbnb unless you have an RFC number. Canada requires T776 + T2209. Full worked example for a 12-week Puerto Vallarta rental.

The numbers behind how far your money goes in Mexico compared to Canadian cities. Monthly budget comparison for three Mexican cities vs Canadian averages.

No — but the rules are nuanced. Non-resident withholding tax, GIS loss, treaty benefits, and the 20-year residency rule for OAS all explained.

Canadians get 180 days on a tourist visa. Tax residency triggers at 183+ days in a calendar year. What snowbirds need to know to stay on the right side of both borders.

Every step from initial research to receiving keys — with realistic timelines, costs at each stage, and who you need on your team.

$25/day in penalties to a maximum of $2,500. Voluntary disclosure, audit triggers, the personal-use exemption most buyers don't know about.

Not directly. But understanding what you can and can't do — and why a HELOC is usually better — can save you significant tax dollars.

When does it make sense to buy through a Mexican corporation instead of a personal fideicomiso? Tax implications, asset protection, privacy, and succession planning compared.

You need a separate will in every country where you own property. Fideicomiso succession, deemed disposition at death, and why a Mexican notario is essential.

Your Canadian home insurance does not cover your Mexican condo. What you need, who provides it, typical costs, and the riders that matter most.

20% annual RE growth, 7.1% yields, Law 158-01 tax holidays, direct title ownership, and 19% Canadian tourist share. The case for the DR in 2026.