An Ontario woman who purchased a condominium in Mexico three years ago is expressing deep regret as the unit remains unfinished, with no clear timeline for completion. The buyer, who asked not to be identified, said she invested her life savings into the property, which was promised to be ready within 18 months.
Purchase and Promises
The woman bought the condo in a resort development on the Riviera Maya in 2023, attracted by the promise of a turnkey vacation home that would also generate rental income. The developer assured buyers that construction would be completed by early 2025. However, as of mid-2026, the building is still missing key elements such as plumbing, electrical fixtures, and interior finishing.
“I regret doing this,” she told CTV News Toronto. “I gave it everything I had, and now I’m stuck with a property that isn’t even livable.”
Legal and Financial Struggles
The buyer has spent over $200,000 CAD on the condo, including deposits and legal fees. She has hired a Mexican lawyer to pursue legal action, but progress has been slow. Foreign property buyers in Mexico face additional challenges, as real estate disputes can take years to resolve through the local court system.
According to the Canadian Snowbird Association, thousands of Canadians have faced similar issues with Mexican real estate. “We hear about these cases all the time,” said association president Michael MacKenzie. “Buyers need to do extensive due diligence, including verifying the developer’s track record and understanding local laws.”
Wider Implications
The incident highlights the risks of purchasing pre-construction property abroad, especially in countries with different legal systems and construction standards. Real estate experts advise potential buyers to visit the site in person, hire independent inspectors, and ensure contracts include penalty clauses for delays.
The Ontario woman now hopes to recover some of her investment through legal channels, but remains pessimistic. “I just want my money back so I can move on,” she said. “This has been a nightmare.”
