New Yucatán Law Bans Unregistered Property Sales

Mérida, Yucatán — It is now illegal for real estate advisors to sell properties in Yucatán unless they are registered with the State Registry of Real Estate Advisors, according to Iván Cervera López, president of the Board of Directors of the Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals (AMPI), Mérida chapter.

The requirement stems from reforms made in July 2024 to the law governing Yucatán’s Institute of Patrimonial Legal Security (Insejupy). The registry’s eligibility criteria were finalized in May of this year.

“This registry is tied to specific requirements that we believe will ensure the professional and ethical quality of those assisting with property transactions,” Cervera López stated. “The goal is to guarantee that these advisors are genuine experts, justify their role, and provide guidance that helps clients make informed decisions.”

Strengthening Consumer Protections

Sergio Cuevas González, vice president of AMPI Mérida’s Board of Directors, noted that Yucatán joins a national trend, with 24 other Mexican states already mandating similar regulations for real estate advisors.

“The registry safeguards consumers by ensuring that any advisor they engage has market expertise and the necessary skills to provide reliable guidance,” Cuevas González emphasized. “Buying or selling a home is not a frequent activity for most people, and it requires specialized knowledge.”

Certification and Training Requirements

To register, advisors must obtain certification through the federal Conocer program, administered by the Ministry of Public Education (SEP). This certification validates their competencies in the field. Additionally, they must complete 50 accredited hours of training, though Insejupy has yet to designate which institutions will provide this instruction.

Advisors must also comply with Mexican Official Standard (NOM) 247, which mandates the use of adhesion contracts registered with the Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco). These contracts outline the obligations of real estate advisors during intermediary services, with federal oversight ensuring compliance.

The measure aims to professionalize the sector and protect consumers from unqualified intermediaries in one of life’s most significant financial transactions.