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
Argentina offers foreign buyers full ownership rights for most residential properties, but the costs beyond the purchase price can catch you off guard if you don't understand how local stamp taxes, notary fees, and registry charges work together.
The biggest variable is stamp duty, which changes depending on whether you buy in Buenos Aires City, Buenos Aires Province, or another region, and this single tax can shift your total costs by several percentage points.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest regulations and market conditions in Argentina.
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 Argentina.
Overall, how much extra should I budget on top of the purchase price in Argentina in 2026?
How much are total buyer closing costs in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, total buyer closing costs in Argentina typically range from 3% to 6% of the purchase price for a standard resale property, which means a 150,000 USD apartment would require roughly 4,500 to 9,000 USD (about 4,100 to 8,200 EUR) in additional fees and taxes.
If you keep expenses to the bare legal minimum and qualify for stamp duty exemptions, you could reduce closing costs to around 1.5% to 3% of the price, translating to approximately 2,250 to 4,500 USD (2,050 to 4,100 EUR) on a 150,000 USD property.
However, if you face the full stamp duty rate, need extensive legal support, or buy from a developer where VAT may be embedded, you should plan for closing costs up to 10% to 12% of the purchase price, which means up to 18,000 USD (16,400 EUR) on that same property.
The main factors that push you toward the low or high end include which province or city you buy in (Buenos Aires City has higher stamp duty than Buenos Aires Province), whether you qualify for the primary residence exemption, and whether the seller is a developer or a private individual.
What's the usual total % of fees and taxes over the purchase price in Argentina?
The usual total percentage of fees and taxes in Argentina for a typical resale home sits between 4% and 7% of the purchase price, with most buyers landing somewhere in the middle of that range.
A realistic low-to-high range that covers most standard property transactions in Argentina is 3% on the favorable end (with exemptions and lean costs) to 9% on the higher end (full stamp duty, comprehensive services, complex title situations).
Government taxes, primarily stamp duty, typically account for roughly half of that total percentage, while professional service fees including the notary, registry charges, and certificates make up the other half.
By the way, you will find much more detailed data in our property pack covering the real estate market in Argentina.
What costs are always mandatory when buying in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, the mandatory costs when buying property in Argentina include stamp duty (Impuesto de Sellos) at rates varying by jurisdiction, notary (escribano) fees for preparing and executing the deed, property registry inscription charges, and certificates for title verification and inhibition checks.
Optional but highly recommended costs for foreign buyers include sworn translation services if you don't read Spanish fluently, an independent legal review separate from the notary, a technical inspection for older buildings, and a tax advisor if you plan to rent out the property or may become tax resident later.
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What taxes do I pay when buying a property in Argentina in 2026?
What is the property transfer tax rate in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, the property transfer tax (known as Impuesto de Sellos or stamp duty) in Argentina varies by jurisdiction, with Buenos Aires City charging 3.50% of the transaction value (or 2.70% for properties under 226 million ARS) and Buenos Aires Province charging 2.0% (20 per thousand).
There are no extra transfer taxes specifically for foreigners buying property in Argentina, so you pay the same stamp duty rates as local buyers regardless of your nationality or residency status.
Buyers generally do not pay VAT on standard residential resale purchases between private individuals, but VAT at 21% may apply when the seller is a developer or VAT-registered business, and this is sometimes embedded in the purchase price rather than invoiced separately.
Stamp duty is typically paid at the time of deed signing, coordinated by the notary who acts as the withholding agent, and it is commonly split 50/50 between buyer and seller by negotiation, though this split is not legally required.
Are there tax exemptions or reduced rates for first-time buyers in Argentina?
In Buenos Aires City, buyers can qualify for a stamp duty exemption if the property is their sole residence ("vivienda única"), used exclusively for permanent family occupation, and the deed value does not exceed 226 million ARS (approximately 200,000 USD), which can eliminate the 3.50% tax entirely.
If you buy property through a company instead of as an individual in Argentina, you face similar stamp duty obligations on the transaction, but ongoing taxes like corporate income tax on rental revenue and different reporting requirements will apply to the company structure.
Yes, there is a tax difference between new-build and resale properties because developer sales may include VAT in the pricing structure, and first-time buyers of new homes may benefit from certain broker fee limitations under Law 24.441 which caps buyer-side commissions at 1.5%.
To qualify for the CABA stamp duty exemption, buyers must demonstrate they do not own another property in Buenos Aires City at the time of purchase, the dwelling must be for single-family permanent occupation, and the notary verifies these conditions before applying the exemption.
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.
Which professional fees will I pay as a buyer in Argentina in 2026?
How much does a notary or conveyancing lawyer cost in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, notary (escribano) fees in Argentina typically range from 1% to 2.5% of the property price plus 21% VAT on those fees, which means for a 150,000 USD property you should budget approximately 1,800 to 4,500 USD (1,650 to 4,100 EUR) for the notary's services and related paperwork.
Notary fees in Argentina are typically charged as a percentage of the property price rather than a flat rate, with the percentage decreasing slightly for higher-value properties and increasing for complex transactions requiring additional deeds or certifications.
Translation and interpreter services for foreign buyers generally cost a few hundred dollars for straightforward deals, roughly 200 to 500 USD (180 to 450 EUR), but certified translations of multiple documents like powers of attorney or foreign corporate documents can push this higher.
A tax advisor is recommended if you plan to rent out the property or may become tax resident, and typical costs range from 0.2% to 0.7% of the transaction value or a fixed fee of approximately 500 to 2,000 USD (450 to 1,800 EUR) depending on complexity.
We have a whole part dedicated to these topics in our our real estate pack about Argentina.
What's the typical real estate agent fee in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, real estate agent fees in Argentina typically run between 3% and 4% of the purchase price plus 21% VAT, though Law 24.441 caps buyer-side commissions at 1.5% for new homes, which means agent costs can range from 1,800 to 7,200 USD (1,650 to 6,600 EUR) on a 150,000 USD property.
In Argentina, the seller often pays most or all of the broker commission in practice, but this is negotiable, and buyers should confirm early in the process exactly who pays what portion and whether one or two brokers are involved in the deal.
The realistic low-to-high range for agent fees in Argentina is 0% on the buyer side (if the seller covers everything) up to 4% plus VAT on the buyer side in markets where both parties pay, with the Buenos Aires market typically seeing buyers pay somewhere between 0% and 2% after negotiation.
How much do legal checks cost (title, liens, permits) in Argentina?
Legal checks in Argentina including title search, liens verification (inhibitions), and permit review are typically bundled into the notary's work and registry certificate fees, costing approximately 500 to 1,500 USD (450 to 1,350 EUR) as a combination of registry fees and administrative costs.
If you need a formal property valuation in Argentina, expect to pay roughly 200 to 500 USD (180 to 450 EUR) for a standard residential unit, with more complex or higher-value properties commanding higher appraisal fees.
The most critical legal check that should never be skipped in Argentina is the domain and inhibition certificate search through the Property Registry (Registro de la Propiedad Inmueble), which confirms the seller has clear title and there are no liens, embargoes, or legal blocks on the property.
Buying a property with hidden issues is something we mention in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying real estate in Argentina.
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What hidden or surprise costs should I watch for in Argentina right now?
What are the most common unexpected fees buyers discover in Argentina?
The most common unexpected fees buyers discover in Argentina include stamp duty split surprises (assuming 50/50 when the seller negotiates differently), unpaid building charges (expensas) that become your problem at closing, "extra" notary paperwork fees for powers of attorney or urgency, and bank transfer or currency exchange friction costs.
Yes, there can be unpaid property taxes or building debts (expensas arrears) that a buyer could inherit if not caught before closing, which is why the notary should provide clearance certificates showing the property is free of municipal taxes, utility bills, and building consortium debts.
Buyers do get scammed with fake listings or fake fees in Argentina, typically through pressure to wire "reservation" money to non-standard accounts, fake administrative charges, or listings where the supposed seller has no actual authority to sell the property.
Fees that are usually not disclosed upfront by sellers or agents in Argentina include the registry and certificate bundle costs (small individually but meaningful together), translation and certification fees for foreign documents, and any costs to resolve minor title irregularities discovered during due diligence.
In our property pack covering the property buying process in Argentina, we go into details so you can avoid these pitfalls.
Are there extra fees if the property has a tenant in Argentina?
If the property has a tenant in Argentina, you may face extra costs for legal review of the existing lease, potential negotiation or compensation for early termination if you need vacant possession, and administrative steps to transfer utilities and building consortium records, typically adding 500 to 2,000 USD (450 to 1,800 EUR) in professional fees.
When purchasing a tenanted property in Argentina, the buyer inherits the existing lease contract and must honor its terms until expiration, meaning you become the new landlord with all associated rights and obligations under the lease.
It is generally not possible to terminate an existing lease immediately after purchase in Argentina, as tenants have legal protections and the lease runs to its natural end unless both parties agree to early termination, often requiring compensation to the tenant.
A sitting tenant typically affects the property's market value or negotiating position in Argentina by potentially lowering the price 5% to 15% compared to a vacant unit, though investors seeking rental income may view tenanted properties positively if the lease terms are favorable.
If you want to optimize your rental strategy, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Argentina.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Argentina. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which fees are negotiable, and who really pays what in Argentina?
Which closing costs are negotiable in Argentina right now?
The closing costs that are negotiable in Argentina include the stamp duty split between buyer and seller (commonly 50/50 but not legally required), broker commission allocation, and seller-paid clearance of arrears like unpaid expensas or minor title fixes.
Closing costs that are fixed by law or regulation and cannot be negotiated in Argentina include the registry inscription fees (set by the official fee schedule), stamp duty rates (set by provincial or city tax law, though the split is negotiable), and mandatory certificate fees from the Property Registry.
A typical discount or reduction buyers can realistically achieve on negotiable fees in Argentina is shifting the full stamp duty burden onto the seller (saving you 1.35% to 1.75% of the price) or having the seller cover expensas arrears, effectively reducing your out-of-pocket costs by several thousand dollars on a typical transaction.
Can I ask the seller to cover some closing costs in Argentina?
Yes, asking the seller to cover some closing costs in Argentina is common and often successful, particularly if you discover arrears during due diligence, the property has complications like a sitting tenant, or you offer the seller certainty and a fast closing timeline.
The specific closing costs sellers are most commonly willing to cover in Argentina include their share (or more) of the stamp duty, outstanding expensas (building fees), unpaid municipal taxes, and minor title curing costs that would otherwise delay the transaction.
Sellers are more likely to accept covering closing costs in Argentina when the market is soft, the property has been listed for a long time, the seller needs to close quickly, or when the buyer is making a cash offer with minimal contingencies.
Is price bargaining common in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, price bargaining is common and expected in Argentina's residential property market, with most asking prices treated as starting points for negotiation rather than final figures, especially for properties listed in USD.
Buyers in Argentina typically negotiate mid-single-digit percentages below the asking price, generally landing 3% to 7% (4,500 to 10,500 USD or 4,100 to 9,600 EUR on a 150,000 USD property) lower for well-priced listings, though larger discounts of 10% or more are possible for overpriced properties, urgent sellers, or units with condition issues.
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What monthly, quarterly or annual costs will I pay as an owner in Argentina?
What's the realistic monthly owner budget in Argentina right now?
A realistic monthly owner budget for a typical apartment in Buenos Aires in early 2026 ranges from 150 to 400 USD (140 to 365 EUR or approximately 150,000 to 400,000 ARS), covering expensas (building fees), local taxes, utilities, and basic maintenance reserves.
The main recurring expense categories that make up this monthly budget in Argentina are expensas (building common charges, typically the largest item for apartments), local property taxes (ABL in Buenos Aires City), utility bills (electricity, gas, water), and building insurance or maintenance reserves.
The realistic low-to-high range for monthly owner costs in Argentina is about 50 to 150 USD (45 to 135 EUR) for an older building with minimal amenities, up to 300 to 600 USD (275 to 550 EUR) or more for a modern building with a pool, gym, 24-hour security, and premium location.
The monthly cost that tends to vary the most in Argentina is expensas (building fees), because they depend heavily on the building's amenities, staff salaries (especially doormen), age, and any special assessments for repairs or upgrades, and these fees have been rising 50% to 65% annually due to inflation.
You can see how this budget affect your gross and rental yields in Argentina here.
What is the annual property tax amount in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, annual property taxes in Argentina (primarily ABL in Buenos Aires City or Impuesto Inmobiliario in the provinces) typically cost 0.1% to 0.3% of the property's market value, which translates to roughly 150 to 450 USD (135 to 410 EUR or 150,000 to 450,000 ARS) per year for a typical apartment valued at 150,000 USD.
The realistic low-to-high range for annual property taxes in Argentina is approximately 500 USD (450 EUR) for modest properties up to 1,500 USD (1,350 EUR) or more for higher-value properties, with Buenos Aires City generally charging 0.5% to 1.2% of the fiscal (assessed) value rather than the market value.
Property tax in Argentina is calculated based on the property's fiscal valuation (valuación fiscal) determined by local authorities, which is typically 30% to 70% below the actual market value, then multiplied by the applicable rate set in the annual provincial or city tax law.
Some exemptions or reductions are available for certain property owners in Argentina, including potential discounts for early payment of the full annual amount, exemptions for disabled persons or senior citizens in some jurisdictions, and special treatment for properties used as primary residences under specific conditions.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Argentina. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
If I rent it out, what extra taxes and fees apply in Argentina in 2026?
What tax rate applies to rental income in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, the effective tax rate on rental income for non-resident foreign property owners in Argentina is approximately 21% of gross rent, calculated through a withholding system that applies 35% tax to a deemed net income of 60% of your rental receipts (35% x 60% = 21%).
Resident landlords in Argentina can deduct expenses from rental income taxes including property taxes, maintenance costs, insurance, and depreciation, which can significantly reduce the effective tax burden, while non-residents under the presumed-net withholding approach have more limited deduction mechanics.
The realistic effective tax rate range after deductions for typical resident landlords in Argentina is approximately 5% to 15% of gross rental income depending on actual expenses, while non-residents generally face the fixed 21% effective rate through the withholding system with fewer deduction opportunities.
Foreign property owners who are non-residents do pay a different rental income tax structure than residents in Argentina, facing the 21% effective withholding rate (35% on deemed 60% net income) versus residents who pay progressive income tax rates of 5% to 35% on actual net rental income after deductions.
Do I pay tax on short-term rentals in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term rentals in Argentina (like Airbnb) are taxable and may trigger additional registration requirements with local authorities, possible turnover-type taxes (Ingresos Brutos at around 4% in Buenos Aires), and higher compliance burdens compared to traditional long-term rentals.
Yes, short-term rental income is often taxed differently than long-term rental income in Argentina because it may be treated as a commercial or service activity rather than a simple rental, potentially subjecting it to gross income tax (Ingresos Brutos) and requiring formal business registration with tax authorities.
If you want to optimize your rental strategy, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Argentina.
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If I sell later, what taxes and fees will I pay in Argentina in 2026?
What's the total cost of selling as a % of price in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total cost of selling a property in Argentina typically ranges from 3% to 7% of the sale price, covering broker commission, any seller share of stamp duty, capital gains tax (if applicable), and legal/notarial fees on the seller's side.
The realistic low-to-high percentage range for total selling costs in Argentina is about 2% (if you sell without an agent and have no capital gains tax liability) to 10% (if you pay full broker commission, bear most of the stamp duty, and owe capital gains tax).
The specific cost categories that typically make up the total selling costs in Argentina include real estate agent commission (3% to 4% plus VAT, commonly seller-paid), the seller's share of stamp duty (negotiable, often 1.35% to 1.75%), and potentially the 15% cedular capital gains tax on any profit.
The single cost that is usually the largest contributor to selling expenses in Argentina is the broker commission, which at 3% to 4% plus 21% VAT can represent 3.6% to 4.8% of the sale price if the seller covers it entirely.
What capital gains tax applies when selling in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, the capital gains tax rate when selling property in Argentina is 15% (known as the "impuesto cedular"), applied to the gain calculated as the difference between your sale price and your original purchase cost for properties acquired from 2018 onward.
The main exemption to capital gains tax available in Argentina is the "casa habitación" (primary residence) exemption, which can eliminate the 15% tax entirely if you sell your principal home and meet certain conditions, including using the proceeds to acquire another primary residence within a specific timeframe.
Foreigners do not pay extra or a different capital gains rate when selling property in Argentina, but non-resident sellers face withholding mechanics and certificate processes (through ARCA) that can feel more administratively burdensome and require additional paperwork and timing coordination with the notary.
The capital gain in Argentina is calculated as the sale price minus your original purchase price, with adjustments allowed for documented improvements and costs of acquisition, though inflation adjustment mechanisms have changed over time and you should confirm current rules with a local tax advisor.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Argentina compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
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 Argentina, 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.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| Boletín Oficial de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires | It's the official legal record for Buenos Aires City taxes and rates. | We used it to anchor the 2026 stamp duty rates that apply in CABA. We then translated those legal rates into practical buyer cost ranges. |
| Normas GBA (Buenos Aires Province) | It's the Province of Buenos Aires' official consolidated legal database. | We used it to confirm the PBA stamp duty rate for real estate conveyances. We used it as a benchmark to show how costs vary between jurisdictions. |
| ARCA (ex AFIP) Cedular Tax Guide | It's the federal tax authority's own step-by-step guidance for taxpayers. | We used it to confirm the 15% capital gains tax and the primary residence exemption. We used it to build the "sell later" tax section in plain language. |
| Argentina.gob.ar ITI Derogation Notice | It's an official government communication explaining a major tax change. | We used it to confirm the old 1.5% ITI transfer tax was abolished. We used it to avoid giving outdated tax advice to buyers. |
| DNRPI (Property Registry Fee Schedule) | It's the registry's own published fee schedule for services. | We used it to support realistic line items for registry certificates and inscription charges. We used it to triangulate fees beyond taxes. |
| Colegio de Escribanos de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires | It's the main professional body for notaries in Buenos Aires City. | We used it to locate the correct 2026 CABA legal texts and fee structures. We used it as a navigation and sanity-check source alongside official publications. |
| PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries (Argentina) | It's a widely used professional reference that consolidates tax rules. | We used it to cross-check headline VAT and capital gains rates. We used it as a second source to validate our federal tax sections. |
| CUCICBA (Buenos Aires Brokers' Body) | It's the statutory professional regulator for brokers operating in CABA. | We used it to ground what "market standard" brokerage practices look like. We used it to frame who usually pays the agent and what is negotiable. |
| La Nación (Property Section) | It's a major national newspaper with data-backed property reporting. | We used it to produce realistic monthly owner-cost examples for expensas. We used it only for measurable data, not opinions. |
| Registro de la Propiedad Inmueble (Buenos Aires Province) | It's the provincial property registry for title inscriptions in PBA. | We used it to anchor that provincial deals also require registry certificates. We used it to justify registry-fee budgeting outside CABA. |
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