Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Argentina Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Buenos Aires' property market is included in our pack
If you are a foreigner planning to buy residential property in Buenos Aires in 2026, understanding the extra costs beyond the purchase price is essential to avoid surprises at closing.
This guide breaks down all the taxes, fees, and hidden costs you will face as a buyer in Buenos Aires City (CABA), with real numbers and official sources.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest regulations and market conditions in Buenos Aires.
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 Buenos Aires.
Overall, how much extra should I budget on top of the purchase price in Buenos Aires in 2026?
How much are total buyer closing costs in Buenos Aires in 2026?
As of early 2026, total buyer closing costs in Buenos Aires typically range from 6% to 10% of the purchase price, which on a USD 150,000 apartment means roughly USD 9,000 to USD 15,000 (or approximately EUR 8,300 to EUR 13,800).
The minimum extra budget possible in Buenos Aires, when you qualify for stamp duty relief and skip the buyer agent, can be as low as 2% of the price, meaning around USD 3,000 (EUR 2,760) on that same USD 150,000 property.
On the high end, if you pay full stamp duty, use a buyer agent at 4%, and face a complex notary situation, you should plan for up to 11% in closing costs, which translates to about USD 16,500 (EUR 15,200) on a USD 150,000 purchase.
The main factors that push your Buenos Aires closing costs toward the low or high end include whether you qualify for CABA's stamp duty exemption for primary residences, whether you hire a buyer-side real estate agent, and how complex your transaction documents are (especially for foreign buyers needing powers of attorney or extra certifications).
What's the usual total % of fees and taxes over the purchase price in Buenos Aires?
For a typical foreign buyer using a broker in Buenos Aires, the usual total percentage of fees and taxes over the purchase price falls between 6% and 10%.
This range covers most standard residential property transactions in Buenos Aires, though buyers who negotiate hard on agent fees or qualify for tax relief can sometimes land closer to 4%, while complex deals can reach 11%.
Within this total, government taxes (mainly stamp duty) typically account for around 1.5% to 3.5%, while professional service fees (notary, agent, certificates) make up the remaining 3% to 7% depending on your choices.
By the way, you will find much more detailed data in our property pack covering the real estate market in Buenos Aires.
What costs are always mandatory when buying in Buenos Aires in 2026?
As of early 2026, the mandatory costs when buying property in Buenos Aires include the notary fees (escribano) for preparing the deed, required government certificates, registry filings, and stamp duty when applicable.
Optional but highly recommended costs for Buenos Aires buyers include independent legal review (especially for older buildings or foreign buyers), professional translation services if you do not speak Spanish, and a currency exchange buffer since many fees are paid in Argentine pesos while prices are quoted in USD.
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What taxes do I pay when buying a property in Buenos Aires in 2026?
What is the property transfer tax rate in Buenos Aires in 2026?
As of early 2026, the main property transfer tax buyers face in Buenos Aires City is the stamp duty (Impuesto de Sellos), which typically results in a buyer share of around 1.75% of the purchase price in standard transaction structures.
There are no extra transfer taxes specifically targeting foreigners in Buenos Aires, as the stamp duty rate depends on transaction structure and eligibility for exemptions rather than the buyer's nationality.
Most resale residential purchases in Buenos Aires do not include VAT on the purchase price, but VAT can apply in new-build or developer transactions where the taxable element is tied to the construction component rather than the land.
Stamp duty in Buenos Aires is triggered when the formal deed or contract is executed, and your notary typically handles the payment through the City's official stamp duty filing process.
Are there tax exemptions or reduced rates for first-time buyers in Buenos Aires?
Buenos Aires City offers stamp duty relief for buyers purchasing their primary or only home (vivienda unica), which can significantly reduce or eliminate the stamp duty depending on the property value and 2026 CABA rules.
If you buy property through a company instead of as an individual in Buenos Aires, your tax treatment changes for future rental income and you face additional compliance costs, though the stamp duty process itself remains similar.
There is a meaningful tax difference between new-build and resale properties in Buenos Aires, primarily because new-build purchases from developers may trigger VAT on the construction portion while typical resales do not.
To qualify for stamp duty exemptions in Buenos Aires, first-time buyers must typically demonstrate that the property will be their primary residence and that the purchase price falls within the threshold set by the 2026 CABA tax law, which your notary can confirm for your specific case.
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 Buenos Aires in 2026?
How much does a notary or conveyancing lawyer cost in Buenos Aires in 2026?
As of early 2026, notary fees in Buenos Aires typically range from 1.5% to 3% of the purchase price, meaning on a USD 150,000 property you would pay roughly USD 2,250 to USD 4,500 (EUR 2,070 to EUR 4,140) for the notary, certificates, and registry filings combined.
Notary fees in Buenos Aires are usually charged as a percentage of the property price based on official fee tables, plus additional fixed charges for specific certificates and administrative items that should be itemized in your quote.
Translation and interpreter services for foreign buyers in Buenos Aires typically cost between USD 200 and USD 600 for basic support, rising to USD 600 to USD 1,500 (EUR 550 to EUR 1,380) if you need powers of attorney translated or full bilingual contract review.
A tax advisor in Buenos Aires is highly recommended if you plan to rent the property or buy through a company, with consultation fees typically ranging from USD 300 to USD 1,000 (EUR 275 to EUR 920) for a focused transaction and rental planning session.
We have a whole part dedicated to these topics in our our real estate pack about Buenos Aires.
What's the typical real estate agent fee in Buenos Aires in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical buyer-side real estate agent fee in Buenos Aires is 3% to 4% of the purchase price, which on a USD 150,000 property means approximately USD 4,500 to USD 6,000 (EUR 4,140 to EUR 5,520).
Unlike many countries where only sellers pay the agent, in Buenos Aires both buyer and seller commonly pay their own agent commissions, which is why buyer closing costs can jump significantly when you use an agent.
The realistic range for buyer agent fees in Buenos Aires runs from 3% on the low end (sometimes negotiable on higher-value properties) to 4% plus VAT on the service at the high end.
How much do legal checks cost (title, liens, permits) in Buenos Aires?
Legal checks including title search, liens verification, and permits review in Buenos Aires are often bundled into the notary's work, but if you commission an independent lawyer review, expect to pay USD 300 to USD 1,200 (EUR 275 to EUR 1,100) depending on the building's complexity.
A property valuation fee in Buenos Aires, if you want an independent appraisal for negotiation leverage or financing purposes, typically costs USD 200 to USD 600 (EUR 185 to EUR 550) for a standard apartment.
The most critical legal check you should never skip in Buenos Aires is verifying that no unpaid debts, liens, or building assessments are attached to the property, which your notary handles through official debt certificates.
Buying a property with hidden issues is something we mention in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying real estate in Buenos Aires.
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What hidden or surprise costs should I watch for in Buenos Aires right now?
What are the most common unexpected fees buyers discover in Buenos Aires?
The most common unexpected fees buyers discover in Buenos Aires include much higher building charges (expensas) than anticipated, additional notary paperwork fees not itemized upfront, foreign exchange friction when converting USD to pesos for tax payments, and extraordinary building assessments for repairs like elevators or facades.
Unpaid property taxes or building debts can transfer to the new owner in Buenos Aires, which is why you must insist your notary obtains up-to-date debt certificates and ensures the deed properly allocates any arrears to the seller.
Foreigners are sometimes targeted by scams involving fake listings or inflated fees in Buenos Aires, so you should only pay deposits into verifiable accounts, use a licensed broker registered with CUCICBA, and route critical payments through your notary's documented process.
Fees that sellers and agents in Buenos Aires often fail to disclose upfront include small but numerous notary administrative line items, planned building extraordinary charges, and document legalization costs for foreign buyers.
In our property pack covering the property buying process in Buenos Aires, we go into details so you can avoid these pitfalls.
Are there extra fees if the property has a tenant in Buenos Aires?
If the property has a tenant in Buenos Aires, you may face extra costs of USD 300 to USD 800 (EUR 275 to EUR 735) for additional documentation review, coordination with the tenant, and potentially legal fees if you need to negotiate terms.
When purchasing a tenanted property in Buenos Aires, you inherit the existing lease agreement and must honor its terms until expiration, which means you become the landlord with all associated obligations under Argentine rental law.
Terminating an existing lease immediately after purchase is generally not possible in Buenos Aires unless the lease has a specific clause allowing it or you negotiate a buyout with the tenant, as tenant protections in Argentina are relatively strong.
A sitting tenant typically reduces a property's market value by 5% to 15% in Buenos Aires and weakens your negotiating position, though it can also provide immediate rental income if that aligns with your investment goals.
If you want to optimize your rental strategy, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Buenos Aires.
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 Buenos Aires?
Which closing costs are negotiable in Buenos Aires right now?
In Buenos Aires, the closing costs that are commonly negotiable include the buyer agent commission (especially on higher-value deals), some notary fees beyond the base tariff, and who pays for minor administrative items like extra certificates or copies.
The closing costs that are fixed by law and cannot be negotiated in Buenos Aires include the stamp duty rate when applicable (it is a government tax, not a service fee), mandatory registry filing fees, and the base notarial tariff structure.
Buyers in Buenos Aires can realistically achieve a 0.5% to 1% reduction on total closing costs by negotiating agent commissions down, comparing multiple notary quotes, and clearly defining in the contract which party covers each administrative expense.
Can I ask the seller to cover some closing costs in Buenos Aires?
In Buenos Aires, there is a moderate likelihood that a seller will agree to cover some of your closing costs, particularly in slower market conditions or when properties have been listed for a long time.
The specific closing costs sellers are most commonly willing to cover in Buenos Aires include part of the buyer's agent fee, some administrative notary items, or agreeing on a price reduction that effectively absorbs a portion of your closing costs.
Sellers in Buenos Aires are more likely to accept covering closing costs when the market favors buyers, when the property has been on the market for several months, or when they need to close quickly for personal reasons.
Is price bargaining common in Buenos Aires in 2026?
As of early 2026, price bargaining is common and expected in Buenos Aires, particularly for older apartments, units with high building charges, or properties where sellers need to close quickly.
Buyers in Buenos Aires typically negotiate 5% to 10% below the asking price in normal market conditions, which on a USD 150,000 listing could mean a USD 7,500 to USD 15,000 (EUR 6,900 to EUR 13,800) reduction, though prime neighborhoods like Palermo or Recoleta may see less flexibility than areas like Caballito or Villa Urquiza.
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What monthly, quarterly or annual costs will I pay as an owner in Buenos Aires?
What's the realistic monthly owner budget in Buenos Aires right now?
A realistic monthly owner budget in Buenos Aires for a typical apartment ranges from ARS 350,000 to ARS 600,000 (approximately USD 290 to USD 500, or EUR 265 to EUR 460), covering building charges, property tax, utilities, and basic maintenance.
The main recurring expense categories in Buenos Aires are the building charges (expensas), the city property tax (ABL/Inmobiliario), utilities like electricity, gas, and water, and occasional maintenance or repair costs.
Monthly owner costs in Buenos Aires can range from as low as ARS 150,000 (USD 125, EUR 115) for a small unit in a building with few amenities, to over ARS 800,000 (USD 665, EUR 610) for a large apartment in a building with 24/7 security, pool, and extensive common areas.
The monthly cost that varies the most in Buenos Aires is the building charges (expensas), which depend heavily on building size, amenities, staff, and whether any extraordinary assessments for repairs are in progress.
You can see how this budget affect your gross and rental yields in Buenos Aires here.
What is the annual property tax amount in Buenos Aires in 2026?
As of early 2026, the annual property tax in Buenos Aires (called ABL or Inmobiliario) varies based on your property's fiscal valuation, but for a typical residential apartment you might pay ARS 100,000 to ARS 400,000 per year (approximately USD 85 to USD 335, or EUR 78 to EUR 310).
The realistic range for annual property taxes in Buenos Aires stretches from under ARS 80,000 (USD 65, EUR 60) for smaller or lower-valued properties to over ARS 600,000 (USD 500, EUR 460) for large or premium-valued homes.
Property tax in Buenos Aires is calculated based on the Valuacion Fiscal Homogenea (a standardized fiscal valuation) of your property, which the City assigns, and this tax is split into 12 monthly bills throughout the year.
Certain property owners in Buenos Aires may qualify for reductions on their ABL, such as seniors or properties with specific use categories, which you can verify through AGIP once you own the property.
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 Buenos Aires in 2026?
What tax rate applies to rental income in Buenos Aires in 2026?
As of early 2026, rental income in Buenos Aires is typically subject to Impuesto a las Ganancias (income tax), with rates that depend on your total taxable income and can range from around 5% to 35% for individuals under the progressive scale.
Landlords in Buenos Aires can deduct certain expenses from rental income, including a specific percentage deduction allowed by AFIP for residential leases used as primary housing, which reduces your taxable base.
After applying the allowed deductions, the realistic effective tax rate for typical landlords in Buenos Aires often falls between 10% and 25% of net rental income, depending on your overall income level and expense documentation.
Foreign property owners who are non-residents may face different withholding mechanisms and compliance requirements when earning rental income in Buenos Aires, making it advisable to consult a local tax advisor before renting out your property.
Do I pay tax on short-term rentals in Buenos Aires in 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term rental income in Buenos Aires is taxable and requires compliance with AFIP registration and invoicing requirements, plus Buenos Aires City has an additional registration obligation for tourist rentals.
Short-term rental income is generally taxed under the same income tax framework as long-term rentals in Buenos Aires, though the administrative compliance is more demanding because you must register with the City's short-term rental registry and may face additional tourism-related requirements.
If you're thinking about Airbnb rental strategies in Buenos Aires, be aware that the City requires formal registration through the TAD system and the tourism authority actively enforces these rules.
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If I sell later, what taxes and fees will I pay in Buenos Aires in 2026?
What's the total cost of selling as a % of price in Buenos Aires in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total cost of selling a property in Buenos Aires (excluding any capital gains tax) typically ranges from 4% to 7% of the sale price.
The realistic range for total selling costs in Buenos Aires can be as low as 3% if you sell without an agent and have a straightforward transaction, or as high as 8% if you have complex documentation and need extensive notary services.
The specific cost categories that make up selling expenses in Buenos Aires include the seller agent commission (usually around 3%), notary and administrative fees, required certificates, and any outstanding building debts or taxes that must be cleared before transfer.
The single largest contributor to selling expenses in Buenos Aires is typically the real estate agent commission, which at around 3% of the sale price represents roughly half of most sellers' total costs.
What capital gains tax applies when selling in Buenos Aires in 2026?
As of early 2026, capital gains tax on property sales in Buenos Aires depends heavily on your tax residency status, when you acquired the property, and whether you sell as an individual or through a company, making it essential to consult a tax advisor for your specific situation.
Exemptions to capital gains tax may be available in Buenos Aires for primary residence sales or based on your acquisition date, but these depend on your individual circumstances and the current interpretation of Argentine tax law.
Foreign sellers who are non-residents may face withholding mechanisms and additional paperwork requirements when selling property in Buenos Aires, though they do not automatically pay a higher rate simply for being foreign.
The capital gain in Buenos Aires is generally calculated as the difference between your sale price and your documented acquisition cost, potentially adjusted for improvements and inflation depending on the applicable tax regime at the time of sale.
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 Buenos Aires, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| AGIP (CABA tax authority) | Official tax authority for Buenos Aires City property charges. | We used it to define what ABL/Inmobiliario is and how it is billed. We anchored our ongoing owner costs section to these official CABA rules. |
| Buenos Aires City (GCBA) Stamp Duty Portal | Official City government portal for stamp duty procedures. | We used it to confirm stamp duty exists and when it is paid. We framed our tax section around this official process. |
| Colegio de Escribanos (2026 Tax Update) | Official notaries' professional body with direct links to laws. | We used it to confirm the 2026 CABA tax framework was published. We referenced it to explain stamp duty rate changes for 2026. |
| Colegio de Escribanos (Notary Fee Tables) | Official reference point for notarial fee structures in CABA. | We used it to justify standardized notarial fees exist. We grounded our notary cost estimates in these official tables. |
| CUCICBA (Buenos Aires Broker Regulator) | Regulatory body for real estate brokers in Buenos Aires City. | We used it to ground our buyer-side agent commission ranges. We explained who pays what using their legal framework discussion. |
| BCRA (Central Bank Exchange Rates) | Argentina's central bank and authoritative source for FX rates. | We used it to explain why buyers see peso-denominated fees on USD deals. We recommended same-day conversion checks for budgeting. |
| Argentina.gob.ar (ITI Repeal Notice) | Official national government portal on tax law changes. | We used it to clarify the old ITI is not the main buyer tax in 2026. We avoided outdated transfer tax assumptions. |
| AFIP/ARCA (Rental Owner Registration) | National tax authority portal for rental compliance. | We used it to explain the compliance path for renting out property. We supported our rental section with official guidance. |
| GCBA Short-Term Rental Registry | Official City process for registering tourist rentals. | We used it to show Airbnb-style renting requires registration. We flagged this as a real compliance cost for short-term landlords. |
| TN (citing ConsorcioAbierto) | Major national outlet with clearly attributed expensas dataset. | We used it to produce a practical early 2026 estimate for monthly building charges. We only used it for numeric benchmarks, not legal rules. |
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