Morelos authorities warn of fraud in ejido land sales

Authorities in Morelos have issued alerts regarding increasing real estate fraud involving the sale of ejido and communal lands. Katia Isabel Herrera Quevedo, head of the state's Agrarian Attorney's Office, warned that approximately 70 percent of the state's territory is under a social property regime, meaning many plots cannot be sold as private property without specific legal processes.

High-risk areas for irregular sales include Tepoztlán, Huitzilac, and parts of Cuernavaca, such as Ahuatepec and Ocotepec. To prevent fraud, officials recommend that buyers consult with local ejido or communal commissions and verify the legal status of properties at the Agrarian Attorney's Office before making payments or signing contracts.

In response to these issues, the state legislature has approved new regulations to formalize real estate services. The law establishes a State Registry of Real Estate Service Providers, managed by the Secretary of Government, and requires agents to obtain a state-issued license. This measure aims to provide legal certainty and curb the illegal sale of communal lands through stricter oversight and sanctions.