Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Argentina Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Argentina Property Pack
Deciding whether to buy or rent property in Argentina requires careful consideration of the country's unique economic environment and real estate dynamics.
The Argentine property market presents both opportunities and challenges, with rental costs ranging from $335-$700 monthly for one-bedroom apartments in Buenos Aires, while purchase prices average $2,300-$2,500 per square meter. The decision becomes more complex when factoring in Argentina's high inflation rate of 70-110% annually, peso instability, and the widespread use of US dollars in real estate transactions.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Argentina, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
The choice between buying and renting in Argentina depends largely on your timeline, risk tolerance, and ability to transact in US dollars.
Current market conditions favor buyers with dollar access and long-term investment horizons, while renters benefit from flexibility amid economic uncertainty.
| Factor | Buying Advantage | Renting Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Currency Protection | USD-denominated asset preserves value | Lower USD exposure for short stays |
| Inflation Impact | Property value rises with inflation | Easier to relocate if costs become unaffordable |
| Market Access | Growing mortgage availability (+1000% YoY) | No financing requirements |
| Transaction Costs | One-time 4-7% purchase costs | No upfront transaction fees |
| Liquidity | 60-day average sale time in Buenos Aires | Complete flexibility to move |
| Annual Returns | 5.5-6% rental yields possible | No maintenance or HOA responsibilities |
| Long-term Wealth | Real estate ownership builds equity | Capital preserved for other investments |
How much does it currently cost to rent a one-bedroom apartment in Buenos Aires or other major Argentine cities?
As of September 2025, renting a one-bedroom apartment in Buenos Aires costs between $335 and $700 per month in the city center, depending on the neighborhood and apartment quality.
Premium neighborhoods like Palermo, Recoleta, and Puerto Madero command the highest rents at $600-$700 monthly, while more affordable central areas like San Telmo or Barracas range from $335-$450. Outside the city center, one-bedroom apartments rent for $250-$400 monthly.
In other major Argentine cities, rental costs are significantly lower. CĂłrdoba offers one-bedroom apartments for $200-$350 monthly, while Mendoza ranges from $180-$320. Rosario falls between $220-$380 for similar units. These prices reflect the USD-denominated rental market, as most landlords prefer dollar-based contracts to protect against peso devaluation.
Most rental contracts are now structured in US dollars or peso-equivalent with monthly adjustments tied to the official exchange rate. This practice has become standard since Argentina's currency instability makes peso-only contracts risky for landlords.
It's something we develop in our Argentina property pack.
What is the average purchase price per square meter in the same neighborhoods where you would consider renting?
The average purchase price per square meter in Buenos Aires ranges from $2,300 to $2,500 USD in most central neighborhoods where rental apartments are commonly available.
Premium neighborhoods command significantly higher prices: Puerto Madero reaches $5,500-$6,500 per square meter, Palermo Hollywood ranges from $3,200-$4,200, and Recoleta falls between $3,500-$4,800 per square meter. More affordable central areas like San Telmo or Barracas offer properties at $1,800-$2,300 per square meter.
Outside Buenos Aires, prices drop considerably. CĂłrdoba averages $1,200-$1,600 per square meter in desirable areas, while Mendoza ranges from $1,100-$1,500. Rosario falls between $1,000-$1,400 per square meter for quality locations.
A typical one-bedroom apartment in central Buenos Aires spans 45-55 square meters, translating to purchase prices between $120,000-$160,000 for average-quality units. Premium properties can reach $200,000-$300,000 for the same size.
How much has property value historically appreciated or depreciated in Argentina over the past 10-20 years?
Argentine property values have experienced significant volatility over the past two decades, with real USD-adjusted values currently sitting 60-70% below their mid-2010s peaks.
| Period | Nominal Price Change (ARS) | Real Price Change (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2005-2010 | +180-250% | +45-65% |
| 2011-2015 | +300-450% | +15-25% (peak years) |
| 2016-2019 | +150-200% | -35-50% |
| 2020-2022 | +200-300% | -25-40% |
| 2023-2024 | +80-120% | +5-10% (stabilization) |
| 2025 YTD | +60-90% | +8-12% |
The dramatic difference between nominal and real returns reflects Argentina's chronic inflation and currency devaluation. While peso-denominated prices have risen dramatically, dollar-adjusted values collapsed during major devaluation periods in 2018-2019 and 2020-2022.
Since 2023, the market has shown signs of stabilization with renewed foreign investment and improved economic reforms. Current forecasts suggest 5-10% annual USD-denominated appreciation through 2027, provided political and economic stability continues.
What is the current annual inflation rate in Argentina, and how does it impact both rent increases and mortgage payments?
Argentina's annual inflation rate as of September 2025 ranges from 70% to 110%, depending on the measurement period and methodology used.
This hyperinflationary environment directly impacts rental agreements, with most landlords implementing quarterly or semi-annual rent adjustments tied to inflation indices or the official USD exchange rate. Peso-denominated leases typically increase by 60-110% annually, making them unsustainable for many tenants.
Mortgage payments in pesos face similar pressures, with interest rates often exceeding 40-100% APR to compensate for inflation risk. This makes traditional peso mortgages largely impractical, leading to the emergence of USD-linked mortgage products and cash transactions.
Most real estate transactions now occur in US dollars to preserve value stability. Rental contracts increasingly specify dollar amounts with peso payments at the daily official exchange rate, protecting both landlords and tenants from inflation erosion.
The high inflation rate makes holding cash in pesos extremely costly, often pushing both investors and residents toward real estate as an inflation hedge and store of value.
What are the prevailing mortgage interest rates, and how easy is it for foreigners or locals to access financing?
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Mortgage interest rates in Argentina are extremely high, typically ranging from 40% to 100% APR for peso-denominated loans, making traditional financing largely unviable.
Recent banking reforms have led to a dramatic increase in mortgage issuance—up over 1,000% year-on-year from a historically low base. However, this growth comes from introducing USD-linked mortgage products with more reasonable rates of 8-15% APR for qualified borrowers.
Access to financing remains significantly easier for Argentine residents with formal employment and credit history. Foreigners face additional requirements including tax ID (CDI) registration, proof of income source, and often higher down payment requirements of 40-50% versus 20-30% for locals.
Banks typically require borrowers to demonstrate income 4-5 times the monthly mortgage payment and maintain accounts with the lending institution for 6-12 months before approval. The mortgage-to-income ratio is usually capped at 25-30% for peso loans and 20-25% for dollar loans.
Most foreign buyers still purchase properties with cash due to financing complexity, though conditions are improving with specialized programs for non-resident investors.
How much are the annual property taxes, homeowner association fees, and other recurring ownership costs?
Property taxes in Buenos Aires range from $800 to $2,500 annually for central neighborhoods, while outer areas cost $500-$1,800 yearly.
Homeowner association (HOA) fees vary significantly based on building amenities and maintenance requirements. Basic buildings charge $50-$80 monthly, mid-range properties with security and common areas cost $100-$150, while premium buildings with pools, gyms, and full services can reach $200-$300 monthly.
Additional ownership costs include building insurance ($200-$500 annually), municipal services that aren't covered by HOA fees ($100-$300 yearly), and potential special assessments for major building repairs. Total annual recurring costs typically range from $1,500-$4,000 for a standard one-bedroom apartment.
These costs are generally lower than many developed markets but represent a significant percentage of rental income, particularly important for investment property calculations.
It's something we develop in our Argentina property pack.
How often do landlords increase rent in Argentina, and by what percentage on average each year?
Argentine landlords typically increase rent every 6-12 months, with annual adjustments averaging 60-110% for peso-denominated contracts, closely tracking the country's high inflation rate.
USD-denominated rental contracts, which have become increasingly common, see more modest annual increases of 5-15%, reflecting global inflation and local market dynamics rather than Argentine peso depreciation. These contracts often include clauses allowing for adjustments based on official exchange rate fluctuations.
Rental law establishes some protection frameworks, but enforcement remains challenging during periods of extreme economic volatility. Many landlords prefer shorter lease terms or dollar-denominated agreements to maintain flexibility in high-inflation environments.
Lease agreements often include inflation adjustment clauses tied to official government indices, though many landlords and tenants negotiate based on parallel market rates that better reflect actual economic conditions.
The frequency and magnitude of rent increases make budgeting challenging for peso-earning tenants, driving demand for stable housing costs through property ownership or dollar-earning employment.
What is the expected rental yield if you buy a property and decide to rent it out instead of living in it?
Rental yields in Argentina currently average 5.5-6% annually for residential properties in major cities, with some markets like Mendoza reaching up to 6.6%.
Buenos Aires rental yields vary by neighborhood: premium areas like Puerto Madero and Palermo offer 4.5-5.5% due to higher purchase prices, while emerging neighborhoods like Villa Crick or Barracas can achieve 6.5-7.5% yields. These calculations assume USD-denominated rental income and purchase prices.
Yields have improved since 2023 as rental demand increased faster than property prices, making investment properties more attractive. The calculation becomes more favorable when factoring in potential property appreciation of 5-10% annually in USD terms.
Rental yields should be calculated net of management costs (8-12% of rental income), vacancy periods (typically 1-2 months annually), and maintenance expenses (2-4% of property value yearly). After these deductions, net yields typically range from 4-5.5%.
Investment properties benefit from Argentina's relatively strong tenant protection laws, which provide income stability once reliable tenants are established, though this also means longer eviction processes if problems arise.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Argentina versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.
What legal protections exist for tenants versus property owners, and how easy is it to enforce contracts in practice?
Argentina provides substantial tenant protections through its rental laws, establishing minimum lease terms of three years and specific procedures for rent adjustments and evictions.
Tenant rights include protection against arbitrary eviction, regulated rent increase procedures, and the right to lease renewal under specific conditions. Landlords must provide proper notice for increases and cannot terminate leases without valid legal grounds during the protected period.
However, contract enforcement proves challenging in practice due to slow judicial processes and economic volatility. Eviction procedures can take 6-18 months to complete, even with valid grounds, creating significant risk for property owners. This delay encourages landlords to be extremely selective with tenant screening.
Both parties increasingly rely on bank guarantees, insurance products, and USD-denominated contracts to mitigate enforcement risks. Property management companies often handle tenant relations and legal procedures, charging 8-12% of rental income for these services.
The legal system's practical limitations have led to informal resolution preferences, with many disputes settled through negotiation rather than court proceedings due to time and cost considerations.
How stable is the Argentine peso, and what role do U.S. dollars play in real estate transactions?
The Argentine peso is extremely unstable, having lost approximately 96% of its value against the US dollar since 2019, making it one of the world's most volatile currencies.
US dollars dominate Argentine real estate transactions, with an estimated 85-90% of property purchases conducted entirely in cash dollars. This dollarization occurs at all price levels, from modest apartments to luxury properties, as both buyers and sellers seek currency stability.
Property listings, price negotiations, and final contracts typically specify USD amounts, with peso payments accepted only at the official exchange rate on transaction day. This system protects both parties from currency fluctuation during the purchase process.
The parallel dollar market (often called "blue dollar" or "MEP dollar") trades at significant premiums to the official rate, creating complexity for transactions and requiring careful attention to exchange mechanisms used in contracts.
Banking restrictions and capital controls make moving dollars in and out of Argentina challenging, leading many investors to maintain dollar holdings within the country through real estate ownership rather than bank deposits.
What are the transaction costs when buying property, including notary fees, stamp duty, and commissions?
Total transaction costs for buying property in Argentina range from 4% to 7% of the purchase price, with all fees typically paid in US dollars.
| Cost Type | Percentage Range | Typical Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Notary Fees | 1.0-2.0% | $1,500-$3,200 |
| Stamp Duty & Transfer Tax | 1.5-3.0% | $2,400-$4,800 |
| Real Estate Commission | 3.0-4.0% | $4,800-$6,400 |
| Legal Fees | 0.5-1.0% | $800-$1,600 |
| Property Registration | 0.2-0.5% | $320-$800 |
| Title Insurance (optional) | 0.3-0.8% | $480-$1,280 |
Notary fees are mandatory and include document preparation, verification, and registration services. The notary (escribano) plays a crucial role in Argentine real estate transactions, ensuring legal compliance and proper title transfer.
Real estate commissions are typically split between buyer and seller, with each party paying 1.5-2% to their respective agents. However, this can be negotiated, particularly in direct buyer-seller transactions.
Additional costs may include property survey fees ($300-$600), translation services for foreign buyers ($200-$500), and CDI tax ID registration for non-residents ($150-$300).
How liquid is the property market in Argentina—how long does it typically take to sell a property if you need to exit?
The Argentine property market has shown improved liquidity since 2024, with well-located apartments in Buenos Aires selling within 60 days on average.
Market liquidity varies significantly by location and property type. Premium neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, CĂłrdoba, and Mendoza see faster sales, while secondary cities or unique properties may require 3-6 months. Large apartments or houses typically take longer to sell than one- and two-bedroom units.
Recent market improvements stem from increased foreign investment, growing mortgage availability, and economic stabilization efforts. Properties priced competitively in USD attract multiple offers, while peso-priced listings face longer market times due to currency uncertainty.
Factors affecting sale speed include realistic pricing (within 5-10% of comparable recent sales), property condition, location accessibility, and clear title documentation. Properties requiring significant repairs or with legal complications can take 6-12 months to sell.
The emergence of online property platforms and improved marketing techniques has reduced average sale times compared to 2020-2022, when properties commonly remained on the market for 4-8 months.
It's something we develop in our Argentina property pack.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
The decision between buying and renting in Argentina ultimately depends on your financial capacity, timeline, and risk tolerance in a volatile economic environment.
For those with USD access and long-term investment horizons, property ownership offers inflation protection and potential appreciation, while renters maintain flexibility crucial in Argentina's uncertain economic climate.
Sources
- The LatinVestor - Average Rent Buenos Aires
- The LatinVestor - Buenos Aires Apartment Costs
- Aparthotel - Average Rent in Argentina
- The LatinVestor - Square Meter Prices Buenos Aires
- The LatinVestor - Argentina Housing Market
- The LatinVestor - Argentina Price Forecasts
- Adventures in CRE - Latin America Real Estate Markets
- Fazwaz - Argentina Property for Rent