Predial is the yearly municipal property tax that follows the deed or fideicomiso, not the Instagram rent ad. It is usually modest compared with high-tax countries when cadastral values lag market prices, yet unpaid predial can block a clean notary sale later.
How is predial calculated and paid?
Municipal treasuries (tesorería) set predial against the cadastral value on file, with local rate tables and sometimes early-payment discounts if you settle in the first months of the calendar year. Bring the property account number (cuenta predial) and owner ID. Foreign owners still pay; RFC and a Mexican bank account make online or window payments cleaner: Get an RFC and Open a bank account.
Beach municipalities such as Benito Juárez (Cancún) or Solidaridad (Playa del Carmen) publish their own schedules, as do CDMX alcaldías: Living in Cancún and Living in Mexico City. Treat published rates as local law, not a national average: How expensive is Mexico.
How should buyers and renters handle it?
At purchase, confirm predial is current before the notario closes; arrears often become the buyer’s problem: Property purchase costs and Can foreigners buy property. Fideicomiso annual bank fees and condo cuotas sit beside predial, not inside it: Condominium fees.
Residential leases usually leave predial with the owner unless the contract says otherwise: How to rent a home and Rental contracts and deposits. Keep receipts; notaries and buyers ask for them at sale time. Mortgage lenders may also want proof of current predial: Foreigner mortgage.
Common misconceptions
Assuming predial equals US-style high property-tax bills fails. Mexican cadastral bases often keep the peso line lower than newcomers expect, though revaluations can move it.
Assuming the tenant automatically owes predial also fails. Write the obligation into the lease if you intend a reimbursement.
Summary
Budget predial as a municipal owner cost tied to cadastral value, pay on the local calendar, and keep receipts for the next notary file. Separate it from condo mantenimiento and fideicomiso trustee fees when you model holding costs.
Sources
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