Roqueñi Abogados

November 2025

Phase I and Phase II Environmental Studies: A Key Step in Real Estate Due Diligence

Before acquiring land or real estate—particularly for industrial or commercial projects—it is essential to identify any underlying environmental risks that could compromise the value of the asset, restrict its future use, or result in unexpected legal and financial liabilities. For this purpose, environmental due diligence incorporates Phase I and Phase II environmental studies, which are critical tools for assessing the environmental condition of a property and supporting informed decision-making. What Are Phase I and Phase II Environmental Studies? Phase I and Phase II environmental studies form part of the Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) process. Their purpose is to identify, confirm, and evaluate the scope of potential environmental contamination affecting a property. These studies are conducted sequentially and in a complementary manner, depending on the findings identified during the initial assessment. Phase I: Initial Environmental Assessment Phase I consists of a documentary and field review aimed at identifying potential sources of contamination, without conducting sampling or chemical analysis. This assessment typically includes: Review of the property’s historical background and prior uses Consultation of official records and environmental databases Visual inspection of the site and surrounding areas to identify potential signs of contamination, such as spills, leaks, or high-risk activities Interviews with owners, occupants, or, where appropriate, relevant authorities The objective of Phase I is to identify environmental red flags that may justify a more detailed assessment, without physically disturbing the soil or existing facilities. Phase II: Confirmation and Scope of Environmental Risks When Phase I identifies potential contamination concerns, a Phase II study is conducted. This phase involves a more detailed technical assessment designed to confirm the existence, nature, and extent of environmental contamination. Phase II typically includes: Collection and analysis of soil, groundwater, or air samples Identification of specific contaminants and their concentration levels Evaluation of potential impacts on the property and surrounding areas Technical recommendations for remediation The results of a Phase II study allow stakeholders to estimate remediation costs, define implementation timelines, and assess the financial impact of any identified environmental liabilities. Why Are These Studies Decisive in Real Estate Transactions? In acquisition, leasing, or financing transactions, Phase I and Phase II environmental studies are often decisive for: Negotiating the purchase price or lease terms Defining clear remediation obligations between the parties Allocating or limiting future environmental liabilities Complying with the requirements of financial institutions and insurers Protecting the investment against unforeseen environmental contingencies Failing to conduct these studies can expose investors and developers to significant risks that may affect the feasibility and profitability of a project in both the medium and long term. The Importance of Legal Advice Specialized legal advice is essential to properly interpret the results of environmental studies and translate them into contractual protections, risk allocation mechanisms, and sound investment decisions. At Roqueñí Abogados, we go beyond traditional legal counsel. We act as strategic business partners, guiding our clients through every stage of the transaction to protect their investments and provide legal certainty for their real estate projects.

Construction Table: An Essential Tool for Legal Certainty in Real Estate Projects

In any real estate project whether involving acquisition, sale, development, financing, or regularization accurate and consistent technical documentation is essential to ensure legal certainty and prevent future contingencies. Among these documents, the construction table stands out as one of the most relevant instruments for certifying the physical reality of a property. Although it is often confused with architectural plans or topographic surveys, the construction table serves a different and specific purpose: it translates the material reality of a building into clear, verifiable, and comparable information, providing both technical and legal support for a wide range of real estate transactions. What Is a Construction Table? A construction table is a document—typically presented as a plan, chart, or technical data sheet—that systematically details the physical and metric characteristics of a building. Its primary purpose is to certify that the construction corresponds to what is recorded in: Public deeds Plans authorized by the competent authorities Cadastral and municipal records In other words, the construction table confirms that the physical reality of the property aligns with its documentary records. What Information Does It Include? Depending on the nature and complexity of the project, a construction table may include, among other elements: Built areas by level Roofed and open areas Types of materials used Designated use of each space (residential, storage, parking, common areas, etc.) Consistency between actual measurements and those reflected in deeds or approved plans The clarity and accuracy of this information are essential to demonstrate the legality and integrity of the property before authorities, notaries, financial institutions, and potential buyers. Why Is It Essential in Any Real Estate Transaction? A well-prepared and consistent construction table provides a solid basis for decision-making and significantly reduces the risk of legal or tax contingencies. In practice, it plays a key role in: Regularizing properties prior to transfer Before a sale, merger, capital contribution, inheritance process, or financing transaction, it is critical to confirm that the constructed areas match what is formally registered. Even minor discrepancies may delay—or prevent—the transaction altogether. Updating official documentation The construction table serves as a fundamental reference for: Updating public deeds Obtaining cadastral certificates Processing alignment and official address numbers Reviewing existing licenses or permits Supporting property appraisals Property valuations depend directly on the accuracy of physical data. A reliable construction table provides certainty to appraisers, financial institutions, buyers, and investors. Preventing legal or tax contingencies Inconsistencies in surface areas, materials, or designated uses may result in fines, additional tax assessments, costly rectifications, or ownership disputes. How Does It Relate to the Topographic Survey? Although both documents are often prepared as part of the same process, they serve different but complementary functions: The topographic survey defines the boundaries and dimensions of the land. The construction table describes what has been built on that land. Together, they provide a comprehensive view of the property and offer legal, technical, and operational certainty to developers, investors, and property owners. Conclusion A properly prepared construction table is not merely a technical document—it is a strategic tool for protecting investments, streamlining procedures, and ensuring legal certainty in any real estate project. From property regularization to transfer, this instrument facilitates transactions, prevents discrepancies, and builds confidence among all parties involved. At Roqueñí Abogados, we guide our clients through every stage of the real estate lifecycle, ensuring that each technical document complies with applicable regulations and delivers the certainty that today’s projects demand. Roqueñí AbogadosMore than legal advisors—we are your business partners.

Estate Investment in Mexico Through a Corporate Vehicle: What You Should Audit

It is common for real estate in Mexico to be acquired through an existing company, partnership, or trust previously created. While this strategy can offer significant advantages, it also requires a targeted legal audit to ensure that both the asset and the entity holding it are free of contingencies.

Omnichannel in the Real Estate Sector: A Seamless Experience Across Multiple Channels

The customer experience in the real estate sector is no longer limited to a simple physical visit to a development, shopping center, or property. Today, users interact with brands and projects through multiple digital and in-person channels, expecting a seamless, consistent, and personalized experience at every touchpoint. In this context, omnichannel strategies have become a key element for developers, brokers, real estate funds, and brands seeking to remain competitive in an increasingly demanding market. What Is Omnichannel? Omnichannel refers to the strategic integration of all communication and sales channels—both digital and physical—into a single, connected experience. Unlike traditional approaches, where each channel operates independently, omnichannel enables customers to move seamlessly between channels while maintaining continuity in information, service, and engagement. The objective is to deliver a consistent and personalized experience, regardless of how or where the customer interacts with the real estate project. How Is Omnichannel Applied in the Real Estate Sector? In real estate, omnichannel connects the entire customer journey, from the initial point of contact through the post-transaction stage. Common applications include: Digital pre-sale platforms Virtual tours and immersive experiences Automated customer service through chatbots Integration of physical and digital channels during negotiations Post-sale follow-up and customer relationship management This level of integration allows information to flow in a structured and consistent manner, enhancing the customer experience while optimizing internal business processes. Benefits of an Omnichannel Strategy Implementing an omnichannel strategy in real estate projects offers clear advantages for all stakeholders: Enhances buyer confidence through continuous and consistent service Improves operational efficiency by centralizing processes and data Facilitates information management, enabling more informed decision-making Strengthens long-term customer relationships, even after the transaction is completed In a market where customer experience plays an increasingly critical role, omnichannel becomes a true differentiating factor. Innovation Also Transforms Real Estate Legal Practice The evolution of customer interaction models in the real estate market requires corresponding adaptations in the legal structuring of projects. Contracts, marketing strategies, data protection frameworks, and regulatory compliance must be aligned with these new, integrated models of customer engagement. At Roqueñí Abogados, we support our clients in the legal structuring of real estate projects that evolve in step with new market dynamics. More than legal advisors—we are your business partners.

PropTech in Mexico: Protecting Your Real Estate Investment in the Digital Era

The digital transformation of Mexico’s real estate sector is advancing at an unprecedented pace. Automated leasing platforms, AI-driven asset-management systems, and digital tools designed to streamline contractual processes are no longer the future concepts—they are a fundamental part of today’s reality in the real estate environment.

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