Understanding Puerto Rico property law — civil law system, Torrens title, and mortgage implications.
Written by Renzo Johnson, Licensed MLO · NMLS #PENDING · Last updated: February 2026
- Puerto Rico uses civil law (based on Spanish law), not common law
- Torrens title system: certificate of title issued by Property Registry
- CRIM (Centro de Recaudación de Ingresos Municipales): property tax authority
- Property tax rates much lower than mainland US (0.2-0.5% typical)
- Mandatory mediation before foreclosure proceedings
- Condominium law: Ley de Condominios de Puerto Rico
- Foreign ownership: no restrictions for US citizens
- Title insurance: recommended but not universally required