Mexico City property owners face risks without formal deeds

Property owners in Mexico City face increased risks of dispossession if they lack formalized and registered property deeds. According to data from the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System (SESNSP), there have been 5,763 investigations regarding property dispossession in the capital, though these figures represent investigations rather than confirmed convictions.

Lacking a public deed registered with the Public Registry of Property makes it difficult for owners to legally prove ownership during disputes. Risks associated with undocumented properties include identity theft, document forgery, irregular contracts, and fraudulent real estate operations.

To formalize property ownership in Mexico City, owners must work with a Public Notary. The process typically involves providing necessary documentation, obtaining certificates of freedom from encumbrances and tax compliance, and potentially conducting a professional appraisal. Once the deed is drafted and signed, it must be officially inscribed in the Public Registry of Property to ensure legal protection.