SEDETUS Clears Quintana Roo Property Title Backlog Fast

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — The Secretariat of Territorial, Urban, and Sustainable Development (SEDETUS) has regained its authority to title properties in Quintana Roo, a move aimed at addressing a significant backlog in land ownership formalization. José Alberto Alonso, head of the agency, stated that this decision will help resolve legal ownership issues for thousands of plots across the state.

Addressing a Seven-Year Delay

Alonso explained that SEDETUS lost its property titling authority in 2017, leading to a backlog of over 10,000 untitled properties. "We estimate that in the coming years, we will be able to title these properties. The delay is substantial," he said.

Quintana Roo currently has approximately 400 irregular settlements, though the number could be higher due to so-called "investment lands"—plots sold without legal certainty or basic services. These properties, often marketed on social media or websites, are purchased for future construction but frequently become irregular settlements when inhabited.

Crackdown on Irregular Developments

Since regaining its authority, SEDETUS has conducted 230 interventions, including inspections, information requests, and closures of properties being used or sold illegally. Alonso did not provide specific details but emphasized that the agency is actively monitoring online advertisements for suspicious land sales.

"The Patrimonial Board requested our intervention in irregular developments. We started in Chetumal and Bacalar. The process involves detecting ads online, consulting municipalities to verify legal status, and then taking action," Alonso detailed.

Public Advisory

Alonso urged potential buyers to consult SEDETUS before purchasing land, as the agency receives daily inquiries and complaints regarding property legality. "We encourage people to verify with authorities before making any investment," he said.

The reinstatement of SEDETUS's titling authority marks a critical step in addressing Quintana Roo's land regularization challenges, particularly in curbing the proliferation of irregular settlements.