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Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Argentina Property Pack
Property taxes and fees in Argentina can add up to 7-10% of your purchase price in the first year, not including ongoing annual taxes. Understanding these costs upfront helps you budget accurately for your Argentine property investment.
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.
Property buyers in Argentina face transfer taxes of 1.5-1.8%, notary fees of 1-3%, stamp duty of 3.5%, and annual property taxes of 0.5-1.2% of fiscal value.
For a $200,000 property, expect approximately $26,480 in total first-year costs including all taxes, fees, and the first year's property tax obligations.
| Cost Type | Typical Rate | Cost for $200,000 Property |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Tax | 1.5% | $3,000 |
| Notary Fees | 1.5% | $3,000 |
| Stamp Duty | 3.5% | $7,000 |
| Registration Fees | 1% | $2,000 |
| Annual Property Tax | 1% | $2,000 |
| Municipal/Service Fees | 0.5% | $1,000 |
| Legal Fees (optional) | 1% | $2,000 |
What property prices should you expect when buying a house in Argentina?
Property prices in Argentina vary significantly depending on location and property type.
In Buenos Aires, the average price reaches $2,460 per square meter citywide as of September 2025. Premium neighborhoods like Puerto Madero command prices up to $6,500 per square meter, while more affordable areas start around $1,500 per square meter.
A typical 60-square-meter apartment in a mid-tier Buenos Aires neighborhood costs approximately $136,000. The median home sale price across Buenos Aires averages $355,000 based on recent market data from June 2025.
Outside Buenos Aires, property prices drop considerably. Secondary cities like Córdoba and Rosario offer properties at 30-50% lower prices than the capital, making them attractive for budget-conscious buyers seeking Argentine real estate exposure.
How is the property transfer tax calculated and what rate applies?
Argentina charges a property transfer tax called "Impuesto de Transferencia de Inmuebles" on all property purchases.
The standard transfer tax rate is 1.5% of the purchase price, typically paid by the buyer. However, in Buenos Aires and some other jurisdictions, the rate can be 1.8% for each party - meaning 3.6% total split between buyer and seller, though buyers often negotiate to cover both portions.
For a $200,000 property purchase, you would pay $3,000 in transfer tax at the standard 1.5% rate. If you're covering both portions in Buenos Aires, this could increase to $7,200 total.
The tax is calculated on the higher of the declared purchase price or the official fiscal value assigned by local authorities, preventing undervaluation schemes.
What are the typical notary and registration fees as a percentage of purchase price?
Notary and registration services are mandatory for all property transactions in Argentina and represent significant closing costs.
Notary fees typically range from 1% to 3% of the purchase price, with most transactions falling in the 1-1.5% range. Registration fees add another 0.5-1.5% of the purchase price to complete the property title transfer process.
Combined, these essential services generally represent 1.5-4.5% of your total purchase price. For a $200,000 property, expect to pay $2,000-$6,000 in notary fees and $1,000-$3,000 for registration.
These fees are non-negotiable and required by Argentine law to ensure proper property title transfer and legal documentation.
What are the annual property tax rates in different Argentine provinces and cities?
Annual property tax rates vary by province and municipality across Argentina.
| Location | Annual Tax Rate | Calculation Base |
|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires City | 0.5%-1.2% | Fiscal Value |
| Buenos Aires Province | 0.8%-1.5% | Fiscal Value |
| Córdoba | 0.6%-1.3% | Fiscal Value |
| Mendoza | 0.7%-1.4% | Fiscal Value |
| Santa Fe | 0.5%-1.8% | Fiscal Value |
| Rosario | 0.6%-1.1% | Fiscal Value |
| Other Provinces | 0.5%-2.0% | Fiscal Value |
How much would annual property tax cost in pesos and US dollars for your target purchase price?
Annual property tax calculations depend on the fiscal value assessment, which is typically lower than market value.
For a $200,000 property with fiscal value assumed close to market value at a 1% annual rate, you would pay $2,000 USD annually in property tax. As of September 2025, with the peso trading around 922.4 ARS per USD, this equals approximately 1,844,800 Argentine pesos.
However, fiscal values often lag behind market prices. If your property's fiscal value is assessed at 70% of market value, your annual tax on the same $200,000 property would be $1,400 USD or about 1,291,360 pesos.
Property tax payments are typically made in quarterly installments, though some municipalities offer small discounts for annual prepayment.
What municipal taxes and service fees add to your annual property costs?
Municipal services and additional local taxes create ongoing annual expenses beyond basic property tax.
Municipal taxes covering street lighting, cleaning, and local services typically add 0.5-1% of property value annually. For condominium apartments, building administration fees range from $500-$1,500 USD per year depending on building amenities and services.
Additional municipal charges may include garbage collection fees ($50-200 annually), security district fees in gated communities ($200-800 annually), and infrastructure improvement assessments that vary by location.
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Total municipal and service fees typically range from $750-$2,500 annually for a standard residential property, varying significantly based on location and property type.
What is Argentina's stamp duty rate and how much would it cost for your property value?
Stamp duty in Argentina is a significant transaction cost that varies by province.
In Buenos Aires, stamp duty is typically 1.75% paid by the buyer and 1.75% by the seller, totaling 3.5% of the purchase price. Some provinces have lower rates, and certain exemptions may apply for primary residences below specific value thresholds.
For a $200,000 property purchase, stamp duty would cost $3,500 if you're only paying the buyer's portion, or $7,000 if covering both buyer and seller portions as often negotiated.
First-time homebuyers purchasing primary residences may qualify for partial exemptions in certain provinces, potentially reducing this cost by 25-50% depending on local regulations.
Are there additional one-time administrative or legal fees beyond notary costs?
Several additional professional and administrative fees accompany Argentine property purchases beyond standard notary services.
Independent legal representation typically costs 0.5-1% of the purchase price if you hire your own lawyer beyond the notary. Property inspections, while not mandatory, are highly recommended and cost $200-500 USD.
Other potential costs include title insurance (optional but recommended at $300-800), property survey verification ($150-400), and various small administrative fees for document preparation and filing that typically total under $500.
Real estate agent commissions, if applicable, typically run 3-4% plus 21% VAT, though these are often split between buyer and seller or paid entirely by the seller depending on market conditions and negotiations.
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What income tax rate applies if you rent out your Argentine property?
Rental income from Argentine properties is subject to progressive income tax rates for individuals.
Tax rates range from 5% to 35% based on your total annual income, including rental receipts. The tax applies to net rental income after deducting legitimate expenses such as property maintenance, management fees, property taxes, and agent commissions.
Non-resident property owners face additional complexity as rental income may be subject to withholding taxes by tenants or property managers, typically at rates of 21-35% depending on the rental amount and tenant type.
Proper expense documentation is crucial for minimizing your taxable rental income. Common deductible expenses include repairs, property management fees (typically 8-12% of rental income), insurance premiums, and annual property taxes.
What capital gains taxes apply when you sell your Argentine property?
Argentina imposes capital gains tax on property sales at a flat 15% rate on the realized gain.
The taxable gain is calculated as the difference between your sale price and your adjusted purchase price, which includes the original cost plus qualifying improvements and transaction costs. Properties held for longer periods may qualify for inflation adjustments to the cost basis.
Primary residence exemptions may apply if you've lived in the property for at least two years before selling, potentially eliminating or reducing capital gains tax liability up to certain value thresholds.
Non-resident sellers face additional withholding requirements, with buyers typically required to withhold 13.5% of the gross sale price as advance payment toward the seller's capital gains tax obligation.
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.
Do property tax rates or fees differ for foreign buyers compared to Argentine citizens?
Property tax rates and most transaction fees are identical for foreign and Argentine buyers.
Transfer taxes, notary fees, registration costs, and annual property taxes apply equally regardless of nationality. However, non-resident property owners may face additional wealth tax obligations if their Argentine properties exceed specific value thresholds.
Wealth tax rates for non-residents range from 0.5% to 2.25% annually on property values exceeding approximately $300,000 USD equivalent, though this threshold and rates change periodically based on government policy.
Foreign buyers should also consider currency exchange implications, as all taxes and fees must be paid in Argentine pesos, potentially creating additional costs depending on exchange rate fluctuations between purchase and payment dates.
What is your estimated total first-year tax and fee bill combining all property-related costs?
A comprehensive first-year cost breakdown helps you budget accurately for Argentine property ownership.
| Cost Category | Typical Rate | Cost for $200,000 Property |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Tax | 1.5% | $3,000 |
| Notary Fees | 1.5% | $3,000 |
| Registration Fees | 1% | $2,000 |
| Stamp Duty (buyer portion) | 1.75% | $3,500 |
| Annual Property Tax | 1% | $2,000 |
| Municipal/Service Fees | 0.5% | $1,000 |
| Legal Fees (optional) | 1% | $2,000 |
| Property Inspection | Flat Fee | $300 |
For a $200,000 property purchase, your total first-year costs would be approximately $16,800 in mandatory fees plus $2,300 in optional services, totaling $19,100. If you cover both buyer and seller stamp duty portions, add another $3,500 for a total of $22,600.
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These calculations assume market-rate pricing and standard fee structures, though actual costs may vary based on specific location, property type, and negotiated terms with service providers.
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.
Property taxes and fees in Argentina represent a significant portion of your total investment cost, typically ranging from 7-10% of purchase price in the first year.
Understanding these costs upfront allows you to budget properly and avoid unexpected financial surprises during your Argentine property purchase process.
It's something we develop in our Argentina property pack.
Sources
- Average House Prices in Argentina
- Buy Argentina Property FAQs
- Moving to Argentina to Buy Property
- Global Property Guide Argentina
- Taxation in Argentina
- Dentons Argentina Tax Guide
- Multilaw Real Estate Guide Argentina
- Expat Focus Argentina Property Guide
- Argentina Property Taxes and Costs
- Chambers Private Wealth Guide Argentina