Land Basics

In Mexico, all land is classified in one of three general categories - public property, private property, or social property.

Public property includes forests, rivers, lakes, parks, and natural resources. This land belongs to the nation and cannot be sold or transferred to private individuals or organizations. All Mexicans have a non-exclusive right to use and enjoy public property.

Private property includes all property that allows for full ownership and domain. Private property can be transferred, purchased, and sold without restrictions, except those outlined in Article 27 of the Mexican Constitution.

Social property includes land held by ejidos and indigenous groups. It is important to note that ejidos and indigenous groups do have non exclusive usage rights for a defined parcel of land, however they do not posses a fully transferable title. Ejido land can usually be transferred between members of the same ejido community, but it can not be sold to, or purchased by non ejido members.