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Buenos Aires: Foreign-run Airbnb success rates

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Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Argentina Property Pack

property investment Buenos Aires

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Foreign-run Airbnbs represent a significant segment of Buenos Aires' vacation rental market, with international hosts managing thousands of properties across the city.

These foreign-operated listings typically achieve higher nightly rates and better occupancy rates than local hosts, particularly in premium neighborhoods like Palermo and Recoleta, generating monthly revenues between $1,000-$1,200 compared to the city average of $795-$900.

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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 Mendoza. 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.

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How many foreign-run Airbnbs are currently listed in Buenos Aires?

Buenos Aires currently has approximately 31,533 active Airbnb listings as of September 2025.

Foreign hosts operate an estimated 20-25% of these listings, which translates to roughly 6,300-7,900 properties managed by international owners.

The exact number of foreign-run listings isn't published by Airbnb, but market analysis suggests this percentage is particularly high in tourist-focused neighborhoods like Palermo, Recoleta, and Puerto Madero.

Most foreign hosts are investors from the United States, Europe, and other Latin American countries who purchased properties specifically for short-term rental income.

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What is the average nightly rate that foreigners charge compared to local hosts?

Foreign hosts typically charge $44-$57 per night compared to local hosts who average $35-$40 per night.

The city-wide average nightly rate across all listings is $40, but foreign-run properties consistently command premium pricing due to better amenities and professional management.

In premium neighborhoods like Palermo Soho and Recoleta, foreign-run listings often reach $60-$80 per night, while local hosts in the same areas typically charge $45-$55.

Foreign hosts justify higher rates through superior furnishing, faster response times, and multilingual support that appeals to international guests.

Local hosts sometimes price more modestly, especially in outer neighborhoods, to compete on value rather than luxury amenities.

How often are foreign-run Airbnbs booked each month on average?

Foreign-run Airbnbs in Buenos Aires average approximately 20 bookings per month, translating to about 241 nights booked annually.

These booking frequencies align closely with city-wide averages, though foreign-run properties in prime locations often exceed this benchmark during peak tourist seasons.

High-performing foreign-run listings in Palermo and Recoleta can achieve 22-25 bookings per month during summer months (December-March).

Booking patterns for foreign-operated properties closely track international tourism seasonality, with higher demand during Argentine summer and major holidays.

The average stay duration for guests at foreign-run properties is 3-4 nights, slightly shorter than local-run properties which average 4-5 nights per booking.

What is the average occupancy rate for foreign-run listings in Buenos Aires?

Foreign-run Airbnb listings achieve occupancy rates between 64-69% in top neighborhoods, compared to the city-wide average of 66%.

Neighborhood Foreign-run Occupancy City Average
Palermo 68-72% 65%
Recoleta 65-69% 63%
Puerto Madero 66-70% 64%
San Telmo 62-66% 60%
Belgrano 64-68% 62%
Villa Crespo 60-64% 58%

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How much do foreign hosts typically earn per month and per year after expenses?

Foreign hosts typically earn $1,000-$1,200 gross monthly revenue, compared to the Buenos Aires average of $795-$900.

Annual gross revenues for foreign-run properties commonly range from $9,000-$12,000+, with premium listings in Palermo and Recoleta reaching $15,000+ annually.

After expenses, foreign hosts typically net 50-65% of gross revenue, translating to $500-$780 monthly profit or $6,000-$9,360 annually.

Higher-end foreign-managed properties with professional services can achieve net profits of $800-$1,000+ monthly during peak seasons.

Net profitability varies significantly based on property management costs, which tend to be higher for foreign hosts due to remote management requirements.

What percentage of foreign-run Airbnbs are managed remotely versus on-site?

Approximately 60-80% of foreign-run Airbnbs operate through remote management compared to only 20-30% of local-hosted properties.

Most foreign hosts hire local property management companies that charge 10-20% of gross revenue for comprehensive services including guest communication, cleaning, and maintenance.

Remote management is particularly common among foreign investors who purchased properties solely for investment purposes and don't reside in Argentina.

The remaining 20-40% of foreign hosts manage properties themselves, typically expats who live in Buenos Aires at least part-time or maintain regular presence in the city.

Professional property management services have grown significantly to serve the foreign host market, offering bilingual support and international payment processing.

What are the main expenses foreigners face when running Airbnbs in Buenos Aires, and how do they compare to local hosts?

Foreign hosts face similar base expenses to local hosts but typically pay 15-25% more due to remote management requirements and premium service providers.

1. **Property Management**: 10-20% of revenue (vs 5-10% for locals)2. **Cleaning Services**: $15-25 per turnover (vs $10-18 for locals) 3. **Utilities**: $80-120 monthly (similar to locals)4. **Insurance**: $30-50 monthly (vs $20-35 for locals)5. **Maintenance**: $100-200 monthly (vs $60-150 for locals)6. **Tax Compliance**: $50-100 monthly for professional services7. **Marketing/Photography**: $200-500 initial setup (vs $100-300 for locals)

Foreign hosts often invest more in initial setup costs, premium furnishing, and professional photography to justify higher nightly rates.

Remote management fees represent the largest expense differential, as foreign hosts typically require comprehensive local support services.

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

How do guest reviews and ratings for foreign-run listings compare to those run by locals?

Foreign-run Airbnb listings typically achieve review scores as high or higher than local hosts, particularly where professional management is implemented.

Average ratings for foreign-managed properties range from 4.6-4.8 stars compared to 4.4-4.7 for local hosts, with the advantage most pronounced in communication and check-in experience categories.

Foreign hosts often excel in areas like response time, multilingual communication, and standardized processes that international guests appreciate.

Professional property management services used by foreign hosts typically maintain strict quality standards and rapid issue resolution that contribute to higher guest satisfaction.

Local hosts sometimes receive better ratings for personal touches and local recommendations, but foreign hosts compensate with consistency and reliability.

infographics rental yields citiesBuenos Aires

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Which neighborhoods in Buenos Aires attract the most successful foreign-run Airbnbs?

Palermo, Recoleta, Puerto Madero, and Belgrano concentrate the most successful foreign-run Airbnb operations in Buenos Aires.

Neighborhood Average Nightly Rate Occupancy Rate
Palermo Soho $55-75 70-75%
Recoleta $50-65 65-70%
Puerto Madero $60-80 66-71%
Palermo Hollywood $52-68 68-73%
Belgrano $45-60 64-69%
San Telmo $40-55 62-67%

How do local regulations and taxes specifically affect foreign hosts?

Foreign hosts must register their properties with Buenos Aires tourism authorities and pay occupancy taxes ranging from 3-5% of gross revenue.

Registration requirements include providing property ownership documentation, tax identification numbers, and compliance with zoning regulations for short-term rentals.

Foreign hosts face the same tourism tax obligations as locals but often require professional assistance for compliance, adding $50-100 monthly in administrative costs.

Property income tax rates apply to foreign hosts at standard rates, but tax treaty benefits may apply depending on the host's country of residence.

Regulatory enforcement remains relatively lenient as of September 2025, with penalties primarily affecting unregistered or non-compliant properties rather than targeting foreign ownership specifically.

What percentage of foreign-run Airbnbs operate legally versus informally in Buenos Aires?

Approximately 75-85% of foreign-run Airbnbs operate legally with proper registration and tax compliance, compared to 70-80% of local hosts.

Foreign hosts tend toward legal compliance due to higher visibility, professional management services that handle registration, and concerns about penalties affecting international investments.

The remaining 15-25% of foreign-operated listings run informally, typically individual overseas landlords without local property management support.

Legal compliance rates are highest among foreign hosts using professional property management services, which typically handle registration and tax obligations as standard practice.

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

How has demand for foreign-run Airbnbs in Buenos Aires changed over the past 3 years?

Demand for foreign-run Airbnbs has grown rapidly since 2022, driven by Argentina's post-pandemic tourism recovery and increased international visitor arrivals.

International guest bookings, which represent up to 71% of all Buenos Aires Airbnb reservations, have surged 150-200% from 2022 lows to 2025 levels.

Foreign-hosted listings experienced particularly strong demand growth in 2024-2025 as international tourism reached pre-pandemic levels and Argentina's favorable exchange rates attracted more visitors.

New foreign-run listings have increased by approximately 40-50% since 2023, with most growth concentrated in Palermo, Recoleta, and emerging neighborhoods like Villa Crespo.

Occupancy rates for foreign-run properties improved from 45-55% in 2022 to current levels of 64-69%, reflecting both increased demand and more professional market positioning.

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. Airbtics - Annual Airbnb Revenue in Buenos Aires
  2. AirROI - Buenos Aires Market Report
  3. The LatinVestor - Airbnb Buenos Aires Analysis
  4. Georgetown Americas - International Tourism Impact
  5. Airbtics - Best Airbnb Markets
  6. Buenos Aires Herald - Airbnb Effect
  7. Airbnb - Summer Travel Trends