Mexico City owners demand property return from INVI

Owners of a building located at Antonio Caso 104 and 108 in the San Rafael neighborhood of Mexico City are demanding the restitution of their property following the expiration of a deadline granted to the Mexico City Housing Institute (INVI).

The dispute dates back to 2004, when occupants reportedly entered the building by force and encouraged residents to stop paying rent under the premise of an upcoming expropriation. While INVI attempted expropriation procedures in 2013 and 2021, courts denied these attempts, ruling that the building has legitimate owners who were dispossessed. A collegiate tribunal recently ratified a sentence ordering INVI to return the property, which includes 34 apartments and nine commercial premises.

Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada addressed the situation, stating that “whoever effectively demonstrates that they own the property must have it restored.” She has instructed the Legal Counsel's Office to analyze the case alongside INVI. While the government seeks solutions for the long-term tenants, the owners are requesting the immediate return of the property within 15 days.