Closing costs by municipality (all five)
Closing costs in BCS are mostly the acquisition tax (ISABI) set by each municipality, notario fees, the appraisal, registry fees, the trust setup and the SRE permit. The structure is the same in La Paz, Los Cabos, Comondú, Loreto and Mulegé; rates and fees differ by municipality and year.
Why it matters
Budgeting an all-in percentage avoids surprises at the closing table.
Who helps
The notario prepares the itemized estimate (presupuesto de gastos) and pays the taxes on your behalf.
Documents
- Notario's itemized closing estimate in writing
- Appraisal (avalúo)
- Predial and water no-debt certificates
Where each municipality publishes its rates
Each municipality's ISABI rate and fees are in its yearly revenue law (Ley de Ingresos), approved by the state Congress, and on its treasury (Tesorería) pages.
- La Paz: Tesorería Municipal de La Paz.
- Los Cabos: Tesorería Municipal de Los Cabos (online payments portal).
- Comondú: Tesorería Municipal in Ciudad Constitución.
- Loreto: Tesorería Municipal in Loreto.
- Mulegé: Tesorería Municipal in Santa Rosalía.
Costs Estimate
- ISABI: commonly around 2%–3% of the higher of price or appraisal; varies by municipality (estimate; check the current municipal revenue law).
- Notario fees: about 0.5%–1.0% of the price including IVA, on a sliding scale with a minimum fee (estimate; see step 2.4).
- Appraisal: often a fraction of a percent or a flat fee (estimate).
- Registry, certificates and SRE permit: official fees updated yearly (estimate).
- Trust setup: bank acceptance fee (estimate; compare banks in step 2.9).
Estimates only. Get written quotes.
Common mistakes
- Comparing quotes that include different items.
- Under-declaring the price to save ISABI; it's illegal and raises your future capital-gains tax.
Say it in Spanish
- ¿Me puede dar un presupuesto detallado de gastos de cierre?
Could you give me an itemized closing cost estimate?
Confirm the details for your case with your notario or attorney.
Common questions
How much are closing costs?
Estimates commonly range around 4%–7% of the price in BCS, including ISABI, notario, appraisal, registry, trust and permit fees. Ask the notario for an itemized estimate.
What is ISABI?
The municipal acquisition tax paid by the buyer, set by each municipality's revenue law. It's commonly a few percent of the higher of price or appraisal.
Is ISABI the same in every municipality?
No. La Paz, Los Cabos, Comondú, Loreto and Mulegé each set their own rate and rules every year.
Should I declare a lower price to save tax?
No. It's illegal, and it raises your capital-gains tax when you sell.