Require These Documents from the Notary After Buying a House
By: Karinna Galla
When you buy a property, especially for the first time (in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Mérida or anywhere in the Yucatán Peninsula), you place 100% trust in agents, sellers, lawyers, and notaries. However, in many cases—actually most of the time—the information is incomplete, either due to ignorance or omission by the people handling the process. These oversights can become problems when you decide to sell your property, ranging from minor inconveniences to significant tax liabilities.
And you might say, “Hey, I just bought it, why would I think about selling already?” Well, unless it’s the home you plan to grow old in, you’ll likely consider selling eventually—and it's better to get your paperwork in order from day one. Pay attention—I’ll share information few people disclose, so your file stays clean.
Here are the documents you must require from the notary after purchasing your property:
- Deed (Escritura): It sounds obvious, but over the years I’ve seen clients never pick up the original deed—relying on a simple copy given the signing day. Depending on your acquisition method (mortgage, fideicomiso, cash), you may receive the first original deed or a certified copy. Ask your notary or advisor to ensure it includes all necessary stamps, signatures, and annexes.
- Registration Ballot in the Public Registry: This document proves your deed has been officially filed in the Public Registry of the Property and Commerce of the state where the house is located. Remember it must be registered in the same state. Verify the electronic folio number and that it matches the deed number.
- ISABI Payment Receipt: The Real Estate Acquisition Tax you pay the state when transferring property ownership. Its amount varies by state. Make sure the notary includes this receipt among the deed’s annexes on the pickup day.
- CFDI (Digital Tax Receipt): This is the tax invoice for your property purchase, which tax authorities use for future deductions. Ensure your full legal name, RFC (tax ID), property address or cadastral key appear correctly. This applies to purchases made after April 2014. The developer issues it for new builds; the notary does if you bought from a private individual.
- Additional CFDs: Did you know you can deduct some closing costs when you sell? Many are unaware. Ask for invoices for notary fees, ISABI/ISAI, and any additional expenses on signing day (or earlier). These must be sent via email in PDF & XML formats.
Now you know the essential documents your notary must provide along with your deed after buying a property in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Mérida. If you haven’t picked up your file yet, do it now and verify everything I’ve mentioned.