The real experience of buying a rental property in Antioquia (2026)

If you want to rent out property in Antioquia in 2026, you are looking at one of Colombia's strongest rental markets, where Medellin alone saw a 378% jump in foreign direct investment compared to 2024.

This guide breaks down exactly what foreign landlords need to know about yields, tenant demand, regulations, and realistic income numbers based on current data.

We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest market conditions and regulatory changes.

And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Antioquia.

Can I legally rent out a property in Antioquia as a foreigner right now?

Can a foreigner own-and-rent a residential property in Antioquia in 2026?

As of early 2026, foreigners can legally own residential property in Antioquia and rent it out under exactly the same rules as Colombian citizens, with no nationality-based restrictions on ownership or landlord rights.

The most common structure for foreign landlords in Antioquia is direct personal ownership registered via a public deed (escritura publica), though some investors use Colombian SAS companies for liability separation or multi-property portfolios.

The main limitation foreigners face is not a legal ban but practical friction: you will need a Colombian tax ID (RUT/NIT) to operate cleanly, and building bylaws in many Medellin condos can block short-term rentals regardless of your ownership status.

If you're not a local, you might want to read our guide to foreign property ownership in Antioquia.

Do I need residency to rent out in Antioquia right now?

You do not need Colombian residency to own or rent out property in Antioquia, and many foreign landlords manage their investments remotely while living abroad full-time.

However, you should plan on obtaining a Colombian tax identification number (RUT/NIT) to collect rental income properly, invoice through agencies, and file tax returns, even if you never become a resident.

A local bank account is not legally required to collect rent, but it is practically essential because Colombian tenants and property managers typically pay via local transfers, and it simplifies paying building fees, utilities, and repairs.

Remote property management in Antioquia is entirely feasible using local inmobiliarias for long-term rentals (typically charging 8% to 12% of rent) or full-service operators for short-term rentals (charging 18% to 30% of revenue), making physical presence optional.

What rental strategy makes the most money in Antioquia in 2026?

Is long-term renting more profitable than short-term in Antioquia in 2026?

As of early 2026, short-term rentals in Antioquia's prime tourist zones can generate higher gross revenue, but long-term rentals often deliver better risk-adjusted returns after accounting for management fees, vacancy, and compliance costs.

A well-managed short-term rental in Medellin's El Poblado or Laureles might gross 40 to 60 million COP annually (about $9,500 to $14,000 USD or 8,800 to 13,000 EUR), while a comparable long-term rental typically brings 30 to 42 million COP (about $7,000 to $10,000 USD or 6,500 to 9,200 EUR), though the short-term figures come with far higher operating costs.

Properties in walkable, amenity-rich neighborhoods like El Poblado, Laureles-Estadio, and Envigado favor short-term renting financially because they attract digital nomads, medical tourists, and business travelers willing to pay premium nightly rates.

What's the average gross rental yield in Antioquia in 2026?

As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield for residential properties in Antioquia's main market (Medellin metro) sits around 7% to 8%, which is notably higher than many comparable Latin American cities.

The realistic range covering most residential properties in Antioquia spans from about 5.5% gross yield for premium El Poblado apartments to around 9% for well-located units in emerging neighborhoods like Belen or Los Colores.

Studios and one-bedroom apartments in Medellin typically achieve the highest gross rental yields in Antioquia because they attract the largest tenant pool (singles, couples, digital nomads) and have lower purchase prices relative to rental income.

By the way, we have much more granular data about rental yields in our property pack about Antioquia.

What's the realistic net rental yield after costs in Antioquia in 2026?

As of early 2026, the average net rental yield after all costs for residential properties in Antioquia typically falls between 3.5% and 5.5% for long-term rentals, and between 5% and 9% for well-run short-term rentals.

The realistic range most Antioquia landlords actually experience spans from about 3% net (for high-cost El Poblado towers with premium admin fees) to around 6% net (for mid-market apartments in Laureles or Envigado with reasonable expenses).

The three biggest cost categories eating into Antioquia gross yields are: building administration fees (cuota de administracion) which run 300,000 to 900,000 COP monthly in amenity-heavy buildings, property tax (predial) averaging 0.3% to 0.6% of cadastral value annually, and management fees which range from 8% for long-term to 25% or more for short-term operators.

You might want to check our latest analysis about gross and net rental yields in Antioquia.

What monthly rent can I get in Antioquia in 2026?

As of early 2026, typical monthly rents in Medellin's foreigner-popular zones run about 2.2 to 3.2 million COP ($520 to $760 USD or 480 to 700 EUR) for studios, 2.6 to 4.2 million COP ($620 to $1,000 USD or 570 to 920 EUR) for one-bedrooms, and 3.6 to 6.0 million COP ($860 to $1,430 USD or 790 to 1,320 EUR) for two-bedrooms.

A realistic entry-level rent for a decent studio in Antioquia starts around 1.5 to 2.2 million COP monthly ($360 to $520 USD or 330 to 480 EUR) in neighborhoods like Belen, Los Colores, or Itagui that offer good value for tenants.

A typical mid-range one-bedroom apartment in Laureles or Envigado rents for about 2.8 to 3.8 million COP monthly ($670 to $900 USD or 610 to 830 EUR), which is the sweet spot for young professionals and digital nomads.

A mid-to-high two-bedroom apartment in El Poblado or premium Laureles commands about 4.5 to 6.5 million COP monthly ($1,070 to $1,550 USD or 990 to 1,430 EUR), attracting expat families and longer-stay corporate tenants.

If you want to know more about this topic, you can read our guide about rents and rental incomes in Antioquia.

What are the real numbers I should budget for renting out in Antioquia in 2026?

What's the total "all-in" monthly cost to hold a rental in Antioquia in 2026?

As of early 2026, the total monthly holding cost for a typical rental apartment in Medellin runs about 600,000 to 1,500,000 COP ($145 to $360 USD or 130 to 330 EUR), covering administration fees, property tax allocation, insurance, and basic maintenance reserve.

The realistic range for most standard Antioquia rental properties spans from about 450,000 COP monthly ($110 USD or 100 EUR) for a modest unit in a simple building, up to 2,000,000 COP ($480 USD or 440 EUR) for a premium tower in El Poblado with extensive amenities.

The single largest contributor to monthly holding costs in Antioquia is typically the building administration fee (cuota de administracion), which can reach 700,000 to 900,000 COP monthly in high-amenity buildings with pools, gyms, and 24-hour security.

You want to go into more details? Check our list of property taxes and fees you have to pay when buying a property in Antioquia.

What's the typical vacancy rate in Antioquia in 2026?

As of early 2026, the typical vacancy rate for long-term rentals in Antioquia's Medellin metro sits around 8% to 12% annually, which translates to roughly one to one-and-a-half months of vacancy per year for a well-priced unit.

A landlord in Antioquia should realistically budget for about one month of vacancy per year in strong-demand areas like Laureles or Envigado, extending to 1.5 to 2 months if the unit is priced aggressively or targets a narrow tenant profile.

The main factor causing vacancy rate differences across Antioquia neighborhoods is tenant pool depth: areas near universities, metro stations, and employment centers (like Laureles-Estadio or central Envigado) fill faster than isolated or car-dependent locations.

Tenant turnover in Antioquia peaks in December and January when lease cycles often end and tenants relocate for the new year, so landlords should expect higher vacancy risk during this period and plan marketing accordingly.

We have a whole part covering the best rental strategies in our pack about buying a property in Antioquia.

Where do rentals perform best in Antioquia in 2026?

Which neighborhoods have the highest long-term demand in Antioquia in 2026?

As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods with the highest overall long-term rental demand in Antioquia are Laureles-Estadio, Envigado (central zones near transit), and El Poblado, which consistently attract tenants across multiple demographics.

Families looking for long-term rentals in Antioquia gravitate toward Envigado, Laureles (for its walkability and parks), and Sabaneta, where newer buildings offer family-friendly amenities and access to quality schools.

Students searching for rentals in Antioquia cluster in Laureles/San Joaquin (near Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana), Conquistadores, and the Stadium corridor (Los Colores), where rents are more affordable and nightlife is accessible.

Expats and international professionals seeking long-term rentals in Antioquia concentrate in El Poblado (especially Manila, Provenza, and Astorga), Laureles near the Primer Parque, and increasingly in Envigado as a quieter alternative with good infrastructure.

By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Antioquia.

Which neighborhoods have the best yield in Antioquia in 2026?

As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods delivering the best rental yields in Antioquia are Belen, Los Colores/Estadio, and select pockets of Itagui, where purchase prices remain moderate relative to solid tenant demand.

The estimated gross rental yield range for these top-yielding Antioquia neighborhoods spans from about 7% to 9%, compared to 5.5% to 6.5% in pricier El Poblado where purchase costs have outpaced rent growth.

The main characteristic allowing these neighborhoods to achieve higher yields is their accessibility to Medellin's metro system combined with lower square meter prices, which attracts working-class and middle-class tenants who provide stable, long-term occupancy.

We cover a lot of neighborhoods and provide a lot of updated data in our pack about real estate in Antioquia.

Where do tenants pay the highest rents in Antioquia in 2026?

As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods where tenants pay the highest rents in Antioquia are El Poblado (especially Manila and Provenza), premium Laureles-Estadio, and top-tier Envigado near Calle de la Buena Mesa, where monthly rents for standard apartments run 4 to 7 million COP ($950 to $1,670 USD or 880 to 1,540 EUR).

A typical two-bedroom apartment in these premium Antioquia neighborhoods commands about 5 to 8 million COP monthly ($1,190 to $1,900 USD or 1,100 to 1,760 EUR), with penthouses and luxury units pushing well above 10 million COP.

What makes these neighborhoods command Antioquia's highest rents is their concentration of high-end restaurants, coworking spaces, medical facilities, and walkable lifestyle amenities that attract tenants willing to pay for convenience and prestige.

The tenant profile renting in these highest-rent Antioquia neighborhoods typically includes foreign executives, medical tourism patients (El Poblado specifically), digital nomads on extended stays, and wealthy Colombian families seeking secure, full-service buildings.

What do tenants actually want in Antioquia in 2026?

What features increase rent the most in Antioquia in 2026?

As of early 2026, the top three property features that increase monthly rent the most in Antioquia are reliable high-speed internet (critical for the digital nomad market), secure 24-hour porteria with controlled building access, and outdoor space like a balcony with city or mountain views that leverage Medellin's pleasant climate.

The single most valuable feature in Antioquia's rental market, reliable fiber internet, can add 10% to 15% to achievable rent because remote workers and expats treat connectivity as non-negotiable and will pay premium to avoid disruptions.

One commonly overrated feature that Antioquia landlords invest in but tenants rarely pay extra for is air conditioning, because Medellin's year-round spring climate (averaging 22C) means most tenants simply do not need it and view it as an unnecessary utility expense.

An affordable upgrade delivering strong ROI for Antioquia landlords is installing blackout curtains and quality mattresses, which cost under 2 million COP combined but dramatically improve tenant satisfaction scores and justify higher rents, especially for short-term rentals.

Do furnished rentals rent faster in Antioquia in 2026?

As of early 2026, furnished apartments in Antioquia typically rent about 2 to 4 weeks faster than unfurnished units because they attract mobile tenants like expats, digital nomads, and relocating professionals who want move-in-ready convenience.

Furnished rentals in Antioquia command a rent premium of roughly 15% to 30% over comparable unfurnished units, though landlords should factor in higher wear-and-tear costs, owner-paid utilities (common expectation for furnished), and furniture replacement reserves.

How regulated is long-term renting in Antioquia right now?

Can I freely set rent prices in Antioquia right now?

Landlords in Antioquia can freely set the initial rent at whatever price the market will bear when signing a new lease, with no government-mandated caps on starting rents for residential properties.

However, once a tenant is in place, annual rent increases in Antioquia are capped under Ley 820 de 2003, typically at the prior year's inflation rate (IPC), which was 5.1% for December 2025, meaning landlords in early 2026 can increase rents by roughly that percentage after 12 months at the same price.

What's the standard lease length in Antioquia right now?

The most common lease length for residential rentals in Antioquia is one year, which is the default term under Ley 820 de 2003 when parties do not specify otherwise, though shorter or longer terms can be freely negotiated.

Unlike many countries, Colombia's Ley 820 restricts cash security deposits for residential leases, so Antioquia landlords typically use alternative guarantees like a fiador (personal guarantor), a rental insurance policy (poliza de arrendamiento), or agency-backed screening rather than collecting upfront deposit months.

When using alternative guarantees like a poliza, there is no traditional deposit to return, but if any deposit structure is used, landlords must return it within the timeframe specified in the contract, typically 30 days after the tenant vacates, minus documented deductions for damages beyond normal wear.

How does short-term renting really work in Antioquia in 2026?

Is Airbnb legal in Antioquia right now?

Airbnb-style short-term rentals are legal in Antioquia, but operators must comply with Colombia's tourism framework under Ley 2068 de 2020, which requires registration in the National Tourism Registry (RNT) and adherence to guest reporting requirements.

To legally operate a short-term rental in Antioquia, you need to register with the RNT through Confecamaras (the official registry portal), which involves submitting your property details, paying registration fees, and renewing annually to maintain compliance.

Colombia does not impose a nationwide cap on the number of nights you can rent short-term per year, but the real restriction often comes from building bylaws (reglamento de propiedad horizontal) in Medellin condos, which can legally prohibit or limit short-term rentals regardless of your RNT status.

The most common penalty for operating an unlicensed or non-compliant short-term rental in Antioquia is fines from the Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio, and increasingly, platforms like Airbnb are requiring RNT numbers for listings, making non-compliance a practical barrier to booking visibility.

By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Antioquia.

What's the average short-term occupancy in Antioquia in 2026?

As of early 2026, the average annual occupancy rate for short-term rentals in Antioquia's main market (Medellin) sits around 47% at the median, though top-performing properties achieve 70% to 85% occupancy.

The realistic occupancy range most Antioquia short-term rentals experience spans from about 23% for entry-level properties with poor location or reviews, up to 85% or higher for optimized listings in prime El Poblado or Laureles locations.

The highest occupancy months for short-term rentals in Antioquia are December through February (holiday season and Feria de las Flores spillover) and June through August (North American summer travel), when both domestic and international tourism peak.

The lowest occupancy months for Antioquia short-term rentals typically fall in September through November, when tourism slows after peak seasons and before the December holiday surge, making this period critical for dynamic pricing strategies.

Finally, please note that you can find much more granular data about this topic in our property pack about Antioquia.

What's the average nightly rate in Antioquia in 2026?

As of early 2026, the average nightly rate (ADR) for short-term rentals in Antioquia's Medellin market sits around 300,000 COP ($72 USD or 66 EUR), though this varies significantly by property type and location.

The realistic nightly rate range covering most Antioquia short-term rental listings spans from about 150,000 COP ($36 USD or 33 EUR) for basic studios in secondary locations, up to 600,000+ COP ($145+ USD or 135+ EUR) for premium apartments in El Poblado with views and top amenities.

The typical nightly rate difference between peak season (December to January) and off-season (October to November) in Antioquia runs about 30% to 50% higher during peak, meaning a property averaging 300,000 COP nightly might command 400,000 to 450,000 COP during holidays.

Is short-term rental supply saturated in Antioquia in 2026?

As of early 2026, the short-term rental market in Antioquia's prime zones (especially El Poblado and central Laureles) is highly competitive with over 12,000 active listings in Medellin alone, though well-positioned properties still achieve strong performance.

The current trend in Antioquia short-term rental supply shows continued growth, with new listings entering the market as investors chase tourism demand, but stricter RNT enforcement and building bylaw restrictions are beginning to slow the rate of new supply.

The most oversaturated Antioquia neighborhoods for short-term rentals are El Poblado (particularly the Provenza and Manila micro-zones) and the Laureles core near Primer Parque, where competition is fierce and mediocre listings struggle to maintain occupancy.

Neighborhoods in Antioquia that still have room for new short-term rental supply include Envigado (especially near Calle de la Buena Mesa), the northern edge of Laureles near Floresta, and emerging areas like Robledo and Aranjuez where urban renewal is attracting younger travelers seeking authentic experiences.

What sources have we used to write this blog article?

Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Antioquia, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can ... and we don't throw out numbers at random.

We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.