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Reviewed on March 2026 by the Compass Abroad editorial team
The Canadian’s Complete Guide to Buying Property Abroad
Everything you need to know before you buy — in plain English, written specifically for Canadian buyers. Covers all six of our destination markets.
What’s Inside the Guide
- Canadian Tax Guidance
T1135 filing requirements, reporting thresholds, rental income obligations, capital gains on sale, and how to use the foreign tax credit to avoid double taxation.
- Financing Options Explained
HELOC strategies, developer financing structures, local mortgage availability, and how to use a Canadian FX broker to save 2–3% on currency transfer.
- Legal Process by Destination
How the fideicomiso works in Mexico, direct title in the Dominican Republic, attorney-led closings in Costa Rica, and what the apostille requirement means for your documents.
- Destination Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of Mexico, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Portugal, and the Caribbean — entry prices, closing costs, rental market strength, and ownership structures.
- Step-by-Step Buyer Checklist
A chronological checklist from initial research through closing day — what to do, when to do it, and which professionals to engage at each stage.
- Due Diligence Framework
How to verify clear title, what questions to ask your local agent, red flags to watch for in pre-construction contracts, and how to structure an offer.
Used by Canadian buyers considering Mexico, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Portugal, and the Caribbean. Updated regularly to reflect current tax rules, ownership structures, and market conditions.
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Why Canadian buyers trust Compass Abroad:
- Canadian-founded, built for Canadian buyers
- Tax guidance written for the Canadian context
- Agent network vetted specifically for Canadian buyers
- No cost to you — ever
$8-10B+
Annual Canadian Outbound RE Market
54%
US Snowbirds Considering a Switch
0
Direct Competitors to Compass Abroad
6+
Destination Markets Covered
Who This Guide Is For
The Retirement Planner
You’re 10–15 years from retirement and want to know if a property in Mexico or the Caribbean makes financial sense before the CAD gets weaker. The tax and financing sections are your starting point.
The Accidental Snowbird
You’ve been renting in Mexico or the DR for years and are tired of paying someone else’s mortgage. The due diligence framework and destination comparison chapters are built for you.
The Real Estate Investor
You already own Canadian investment properties and want to diversify geographically. The rental income taxation, corporate ownership, and capital gains chapters are essential reading.
The US Snowbird Pivot
You own or are considering a property in Arizona or Florida but the USD/CAD rate is making US real estate painful. The destination comparison and current market conditions chapters apply directly.
Ready to Go Beyond the Guide?
When you’re ready to talk to a real person and get matched with a vetted local agent in your destination of choice, we’re here.
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