Is property ownership in Argentina secure for foreigners?

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

Who is the author of this content?

THE LATINVESTOR

A team specialized in real estate investing in LATAM countries

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Argentina. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At The LatinVestor, we explore the Argentine real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Rosario. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

Can foreigners legally own property anywhere in Argentina or are there restrictions in certain regions?

Foreigners can legally own urban residential and commercial properties throughout Argentina with the same rights as Argentine citizens.

For urban properties including houses, apartments, and commercial buildings, foreigners face minimal restrictions and only need to obtain a CDI tax identification number. This applies to all major cities like Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Rosario, and Mendoza.

However, significant restrictions apply to rural land purchases. Law 26.737 limits foreign ownership to a maximum of 15% of total rural land per province and nationally. Individual foreigners can own up to 1,000 hectares in core agricultural provinces including Buenos Aires, Santa Fe, and Córdoba.

Foreigners are completely prohibited from purchasing land within 150 kilometers of international borders or 50 kilometers of maritime borders. Land adjacent to major water bodies is also generally off-limits to foreign buyers.

As of September 2025, the current administration has discussed potentially relaxing some of these rural land restrictions, but the existing legal framework remains in place.

What percentage of property ownership in Argentina is currently held by foreigners?

No comprehensive national statistics are published for all property types, making it difficult to determine the exact percentage of foreign ownership across Argentina's real estate market.

For rural land, foreigners hold no more than 15% in any province or nationwide due to legal restrictions established by Law 26.737. This cap includes specific nationality quotas that further limit concentrations of ownership by citizens from any single country.

Major foreign landholdings are concentrated among a small number of very large transactions, with foreign corporations or high-net-worth individuals controlling hundreds of thousands of hectares. These large-scale purchases typically involve agricultural or forestry operations rather than residential development.

In urban markets like Buenos Aires, foreign ownership appears more concentrated in premium residential areas and commercial districts, though exact percentages remain unpublished by government agencies.

It's something we develop in our Argentina property pack.

Are there limits on the size of land a foreigner can purchase, especially in rural or border areas?

Urban properties have no enforced maximum size restrictions for foreign buyers, allowing unlimited ownership of residential and commercial real estate in cities and towns.

Property Location	Maximum Size Limit	Additional Restrictions
Urban Areas	No limit	CDI tax ID required only
Core Agricultural Provinces	1,000 hectares per foreigner	15% provincial ownership cap
Other Rural Areas	Varies by province	Registry certification required
Border Zones (150km)	Zero - prohibited	Complete foreign ownership ban
Maritime Zones (50km)	Zero - prohibited	Complete foreign ownership ban
Water-Adjacent Land	Generally prohibited	Case-by-case evaluation
Protected Areas	Varies by designation	Special permits required

How long does the property purchase process typically take for a foreign buyer?

The typical property purchase process for foreign buyers takes 4 to 6 weeks from initial offer to final title registration.

Urban property transactions can sometimes be completed faster, particularly when buyers have their CDI tax identification and documentation prepared in advance. Experienced buyers with all paperwork in order have completed purchases in as little as 3 weeks.

Rural property transactions require additional time due to mandatory certification from the National Rural Land Registry, potentially extending the process to 8-10 weeks. This certification verifies compliance with foreign ownership limits and border zone restrictions.

The process includes obtaining a CDI tax ID (if not already held), conducting property searches, making a reservation deposit, signing the purchase contract, completing the title transfer, and registering the property with local authorities.

Delays can occur due to bureaucratic processes, incomplete documentation, or issues discovered during title searches, so buyers should plan for potential extensions beyond the typical timeline.

What are the average transaction costs and taxes that foreigners must pay when buying property in Argentina?

Total transaction costs for foreign property buyers in Argentina typically range from 8-12% of the property purchase price, with some sources citing a more specific range of 10.5-11%.

The property transfer tax represents 1.8% of the purchase price and is paid by the buyer. Notary fees range from 1-1.5% of the property value, while legal fees typically cost 2% plus 21% VAT.

Real estate agent commissions are usually 2% plus 21% VAT, though this may be negotiable depending on the transaction. Various local and municipal taxes, registry fees, and service charges add additional costs throughout the process.

Additional expenses include property inspection fees, title insurance (if chosen), translation services for documents, and potential currency exchange costs when bringing funds into Argentina.

These costs are generally higher than many other Latin American countries, so foreign buyers should budget accordingly and factor these expenses into their total investment calculation.

Is it possible for foreigners to hold property under their own name, or is a local company or trust required?

Foreigners can hold property in their own name without requiring a local company or trust for standard real estate transactions in Argentina.

Direct personal ownership is the most common and straightforward approach for foreign buyers, requiring only a CDI tax identification number and compliance with standard purchase procedures. This applies to both residential and commercial properties in urban areas.

Some buyers choose to use Argentine companies or trusts (fideicomiso) for asset protection and estate planning purposes, but this is optional rather than mandatory. These structures may provide benefits for inheritance planning or liability protection for commercial properties.

Trust structures can be particularly useful for high-value transactions or when multiple foreign investors want to purchase property together, but they add complexity and ongoing administrative costs.

It's something we develop in our Argentina property pack.

How safe is the legal system in protecting a foreign buyer's title against disputes or government intervention?

Argentina's Constitution provides strong protection for property rights, including those of foreign owners, and titles registered through the official deed process are generally secure.

The legal system offers robust constitutional protection for property ownership, with expropriation requiring just compensation and due process. Foreign owners have the same legal standing as Argentine citizens in property disputes and court proceedings.

However, the legal system can be slow, with property disputes sometimes taking years to resolve through the courts. This makes thorough due diligence and proper title verification essential before completing any purchase.

Best practices include using an independent local attorney, verifying clear title for at least the past 10 years, and considering title insurance for high-value transactions. Professional legal representation is particularly important for foreign buyers unfamiliar with Argentine property law.

While the legal framework is solid, Argentina's history of economic instability creates some background uncertainty, making proper legal procedures and documentation even more critical for foreign investors.

What are the risks of property expropriation in Argentina and how often has it happened in recent decades?

Expropriation of private residential and commercial property occurs rarely in Argentina, with most major cases involving large foreign-owned infrastructure or resource assets rather than typical real estate investments.

The most notable recent expropriation was the Repsol-YPF case in 2012, where the government nationalized the Spanish oil company's Argentine operations. This involved energy infrastructure rather than residential or commercial real estate.

For normal property owners, expropriation risk is considered low, though Argentina's history of economic turbulence and government intervention creates some background risk that buyers should acknowledge.

Constitutional protections require just compensation for any expropriation, and the government must demonstrate public necessity or utility. Private residential and small commercial properties are highly unlikely targets for government intervention.

The greater risks for property owners typically involve currency devaluation, capital controls, and economic instability rather than direct government seizure of real estate assets.

Are there restrictions on transferring property proceeds out of Argentina if the foreign owner later sells?

Capital controls exist that can restrict transferring property sale proceeds abroad, particularly during periods of economic instability or currency pressure.

Historically, Argentina's central bank has imposed various restrictions on foreign currency transfers, requiring approvals and sometimes forcing currency exchanges at official rates that differ significantly from parallel market rates.

Dollar-denominated property transactions are common and legal, and wire transfers for property purchases and sales are generally possible, but repatriating large sums may face bureaucratic delays or regulatory requirements.

The specific restrictions change frequently based on economic conditions and government policy, making it essential to understand current regulations at the time of sale rather than relying on historical precedents.

Buyers should consult with local financial and legal experts about current repatriation rules and consider this factor when evaluating the liquidity of their Argentine property investment.

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 are the inheritance laws—will property in Argentina automatically pass to foreign heirs without complications?

Argentine inheritance law is governed by forced heirship rules, meaning a set proportion of the estate must go to close relatives regardless of the deceased's will, but foreign heirs can inherit property.

Spouses, children, and parents have forced heirship rights to specific portions of the estate, limiting how much of the property can be freely bequeathed to other beneficiaries or organizations.

Foreign heirs can legally inherit Argentine property, but local probate procedures must be completed to transfer title. This process requires working with Argentine courts and may need coordination with inheritance procedures in the heir's home country.

International estate planning becomes more complex when Argentine property is involved, as heirs may need to deal with tax obligations and legal procedures in multiple jurisdictions.

Property owners should work with estate planning attorneys familiar with both Argentine law and their home country's regulations to structure inheritance plans that minimize complications for their heirs.

How stable is the peso versus the US dollar when paying for property, and what exchange controls should a buyer expect?

The Argentine peso is not stable against the US dollar, with significant devaluation occurring regularly, which is why most large property transactions are completed in US dollars.

Exchange controls are frequently implemented during economic stress, requiring currency conversion at official rates that can diverge dramatically from parallel market rates. These controls can change rapidly based on economic conditions and government policy.

Property buyers bringing funds into Argentina may face requirements to exchange money at official rates, while sellers may encounter restrictions on converting pesos back to dollars or transferring funds abroad.

The gap between official and parallel exchange rates has historically been substantial during periods of economic instability, creating additional costs and complications for property transactions.

Buyers should factor currency risk and exchange control restrictions into their investment calculations and consider working with experienced local financial advisors who understand current regulations.

What steps can a foreign buyer take to verify clear title, unpaid taxes, and zoning compliance before finalizing a purchase?

Foreign buyers should hire independent legal counsel specialized in Argentine real estate law as the first and most critical step in the due diligence process.

Essential verification steps include:

1. **Complete Title Search** - Obtain a comprehensive title and debt search covering at least the past 10 years to identify any liens, encumbrances, or ownership disputes2. **Seller Verification** - Confirm the seller's legal identity and authority to sell the property through official documentation and registry searches 3. **Tax Status Review** - Verify that all property taxes, municipal charges, and utility bills are current and paid, with no outstanding obligations4. **Zoning Compliance Check** - Confirm the property's legal zoning designation and ensure all structures comply with local building codes and regulations5. **Documentation Review** - Request and verify all property agreements, permits, and legal documents related to the transaction

Consider purchasing title insurance for high-value transactions to provide additional protection against undiscovered title defects. This is particularly important given the complexity of Argentine property law and the potential for bureaucratic complications.

Professional property inspections can identify structural issues or code violations, while environmental assessments may be necessary for larger properties or those in sensitive areas.

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.

Sources

1. WSC Legal - Executive Order 70/23 Rural Land Law
2. The LatinVestor - Foreigners Buy Land Argentina
3. The LatinVestor - Moving Argentina Buy Property
4. The LatinVestor - Can Foreigners Argentina
5. Global Property Guide - Argentina Taxes and Costs
6. Chambers - Investing in Argentina
7. Global Property Guide - Argentina Buying Guide
8. Armenian Lawyer - Argentina Investment Guide