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
Foreigners can legally buy property in Argentina with rights nearly equal to locals, no residency requirements, and a straightforward process that requires only obtaining an Argentine Tax ID number (CDI).
The Argentine property market offers significant opportunities for foreign investors and residents, with Buenos Aires leading at $1,800-$3,500 USD per square meter, while regions like Mendoza and Córdoba provide more affordable options between $1,000-$2,400 USD per square meter. Total transaction costs typically range from 10.5-11% of the purchase price, including transfer taxes, notary fees, and legal costs.
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.
Argentina welcomes foreign property buyers with minimal restrictions, requiring only a tax ID (CDI) for urban properties, though rural and border areas have special limitations.
The purchase process involves obtaining a CDI, conducting due diligence through local lawyers, and completing transactions through public notaries, with total costs reaching 10.5-11% of property value.
| Aspect | Requirements/Details | Cost/Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Requirements | Valid passport + CDI (Tax ID) | 1-2 weeks for CDI |
| Residency Status | No residency/visa required | Not applicable |
| Physical Presence | Can buy remotely with power of attorney | Optional site visit |
| Legal Representation | Lawyer + Public Notary mandatory | 2-3% of property value |
| Total Transaction Costs | Transfer tax, stamp duty, fees | 10.5-11% of purchase price |
| Mortgage Availability | Available but selective approval | 3-14% interest rates |
| Popular Locations | Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Mendoza | $1,000-$3,500 USD/m² |
Can foreigners legally buy property in Argentina, and are there any restrictions compared to locals?
Foreigners can legally buy property in Argentina with rights nearly equal to Argentine citizens.
The Argentine legal system places no nationality-based restrictions on urban and residential property purchases. You do not need residency, citizenship, or any specific visa to buy property as a foreigner. The only mandatory requirement is obtaining an Argentine Tax ID number (CDI) before completing the transaction.
However, restrictions apply to rural properties, border areas, and water-adjacent land. Foreign ownership is capped at 15% of rural land area in each province, with individual nationality limited to 30% of that quota. Personal ownership is restricted to 1,000 hectares in core agricultural areas, and properties in sensitive security zones near borders or along major water sources require special government approval.
Urban residential properties face no such limitations, making Argentina one of the most accessible real estate markets in Latin America for foreign investors.
Are the rules different depending on the nationality of the buyer?
The rules do not differentiate by buyer nationality for urban and residential property purchases.
All foreigners face the same regulations regardless of their passport origin - whether American, European, Asian, or from any other region. The legal framework treats all non-Argentine nationals equally when purchasing residential and commercial properties in urban areas.
The only nationality consideration applies to rural land ownership, where the 30% quota limitation per nationality within the overall 15% foreign ownership cap could theoretically affect buyers from countries with high agricultural investment levels in specific provinces.
This uniform approach makes Argentina particularly attractive compared to other Latin American countries that may have varying restrictions based on reciprocity agreements or specific nationality preferences.
Do I need to be a resident or have a specific visa to purchase property?
No residency, visa, or citizenship requirements exist for foreign property buyers in Argentina.
You can purchase property as a tourist, temporary visitor, or from your home country without any immigration status in Argentina. The only legal requirement is obtaining a CDI (Argentine Tax ID number), which can be acquired with just your passport and proof of Argentine address such as a hotel receipt or rental agreement.
This policy makes Argentina exceptionally accessible compared to countries like Brazil or Mexico that often require specific visa categories or residency permits for property purchases.
It's something we develop in our Argentina property pack.
Is it mandatory to be physically present in Argentina to complete the purchase?
Physical presence is not mandatory for completing property purchases in Argentina.
You can conduct the entire transaction remotely using a properly notarized and apostilled power of attorney. Many foreign buyers visit Argentina only for initial property viewings and market research, then complete the purchase process from their home countries.
The power of attorney must be prepared according to Argentine legal standards, notarized in your home country, and receive an apostille certification for international recognition. Your designated representative (typically your Argentine lawyer) can then act on your behalf for all transaction steps including contract signing, payment transfers, and deed registration.
However, visiting Argentina allows for better property inspection, market understanding, and relationship building with local professionals, which can significantly improve your investment decisions.
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What is the step-by-step process for buying property as a foreigner, and what documents are required?
The Argentine property purchase process follows six clear steps with specific documentation requirements.
Step 1: Obtain CDI (Tax ID) - Visit a local AFIP office with your passport and proof of Argentine address (hotel receipt or rental agreement). Processing takes 1-2 weeks.
Step 2: Property Search and Reservation - Make a deposit of $1,000-$10,000 USD to reserve your chosen property and begin the formal purchase process.
Step 3: Due Diligence and Legal Review - Your lawyer and notary verify property title, outstanding debts, zoning compliance, and obtain registry certificates (certificado de dominio, certificado de inhibiciones).
Step 4: Purchase Agreement - Sign a reservation contract (boleto de compraventa) typically requiring a 20-30% deposit of the total purchase price.
Step 5: Final Closing (Escritura) - The public notary oversees the transfer and registration of the deed, remaining payment is completed, and ownership is officially registered.
Step 6: Title Registration - The property title is registered with the local Property Registry, completing the legal transfer process.
Required Documents: Valid passport, CDI (Tax ID), proof of Argentine address, and power of attorney if conducting the transaction remotely.
Do I need to hire a lawyer or notary, and what role do they play in the transaction?
Hiring both a lawyer and public notary is mandatory for property transactions in Argentina.
The lawyer provides legal advice, performs comprehensive due diligence, reviews contracts and property titles, and helps negotiate terms. They ensure your interests are protected throughout the transaction and verify that all legal requirements are met before proceeding to closing.
The public notary (escribano público) is required by law for deed transfers. They authenticate all documents, ensure transaction legality, oversee the final closing process, and register the transaction with government authorities. The notary serves as an impartial party guaranteeing the legal validity of the property transfer.
Combined legal and notary fees typically cost 2-3% of the property value, making professional representation a significant but essential investment in protecting your purchase.
What taxes, fees, and other costs should I expect when buying and later selling a property?
| Cost/Fee Type | Rate/Amount | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Property Transfer Tax (ITI) | 1.5-1.8% of sale price | At purchase |
| Stamp Duty | 2-4% (varies by province) | At purchase |
| Notary Fees | 1-2% of property value | At closing |
| Registration Fees | 0.5-1% of property value | At closing |
| Legal Fees | 1-2% of property value | Throughout process |
| Real Estate Agent Fees | 2-4% (usually split) | At closing |
| Municipal Property Tax | 1.2-1.5% annually | Ongoing ownership |
| Personal Asset Tax (Non-residents) | 0.5-0.75% annually | Ongoing ownership |
Can foreigners get a mortgage in Argentina, what are the typical rates and conditions, and how can I improve my chances of approval?
Mortgages are available for foreigners in Argentina, but approval requirements are stricter than for local buyers.
Local banks including BBVA Argentina, Santander, and Banco Galicia offer mortgage products to foreigners, typically requiring 30-50% down payments compared to 20% for locals. Interest rates range from 3% to 14% depending on loan type, with UVA-indexed loans (inflation-adjusted) generally offering lower initial rates than fixed-rate mortgages.
To improve approval chances, provide comprehensive financial documentation including income verification from your home country, demonstrate legal status in Argentina through your CDI and local address, maintain strong credit history, and consider working with international banks that have Argentine operations. Some buyers also collateralize loans with additional assets or seek co-signers.
The "seña" (reservation deposit) typically represents 5-10% of the property value, paid separately from the mortgage down payment requirements.
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.
Where do foreigners most often settle in Argentina, and why?
Buenos Aires attracts the majority of foreign property buyers due to its cultural richness, urban amenities, and vibrant international community.
Bariloche and the broader Patagonia region appeal strongly to retirees and outdoor enthusiasts seeking natural beauty, cooler climates, and recreational opportunities including skiing, hiking, and lake activities. The area offers a more relaxed lifestyle compared to Buenos Aires while maintaining good infrastructure and services.
Mendoza draws wine enthusiasts and those seeking affordable living costs, excellent climate, and a growing expat community. The region combines urban conveniences with proximity to world-class wineries and Andean mountain scenery.
Córdoba and Rosario attract foreigners interested in university towns, growing economies, and more affordable property prices while still offering metropolitan amenities and cultural activities.
Coastal areas including Mar del Plata and Puerto Madryn also see foreign investment, particularly for vacation properties and tourism-related investments.
Which areas currently offer the best mix of liveability, rental income potential, tourism demand, and long-term capital growth, based on the latest data?
Buenos Aires neighborhoods including Palermo, Recoleta, and Puerto Madero offer the strongest combination of investment factors.
These areas demonstrate high rental demand from both locals and international visitors, strong tourism appeal, excellent infrastructure, and the best capital appreciation prospects in Argentina. Puerto Madero particularly stands out with modern developments and waterfront locations commanding premium prices and rents.
Bariloche and Patagonian locations excel in tourism demand and vacation rental potential, especially during peak seasons. Properties near ski resorts and lake areas generate strong seasonal income while attracting long-term capital appreciation from international buyers seeking recreational properties.
Mendoza provides balanced opportunities with growing wine tourism, reasonable property prices, expanding expat communities, and steady rental demand from both residents and visitors to the wine regions.
It's something we develop in our Argentina property pack.
What is the current breakdown of average property prices across cities and regions?
| City/Region | Average Price (USD/m²) | Market Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires (Premium Areas) | $2,500-$3,500 | Puerto Madero, Recoleta premium |
| Buenos Aires (Mid-Range) | $1,800-$2,500 | Palermo, Belgrano, Villa Crick |
| Bariloche | $1,800-$2,700 | Lake and ski resort proximity |
| Patagonia (General) | $1,300-$2,200 | Varies by location and amenities |
| Mendoza (Central) | $1,400-$2,000 | Wine region, urban areas |
| Córdoba | $1,200-$2,100 | University town, growing economy |
| Rosario | $1,100-$1,900 | Industrial city, good value |
| Coastal Areas | $1,000-$2,400 | Seasonal variation, tourism dependent |
What are the most common mistakes and pitfalls foreigners face when buying property in Argentina, and how can I avoid them?
The most frequent mistake is inadequate due diligence on property legal status, debts, and encumbrances.
Common Pitfalls:
1. Skipping comprehensive property checks - Failing to verify outstanding debts, legal claims, or zoning issues can result in costly surprises after purchase.
2. Inadequate legal representation - Using inexperienced lawyers or notaries, or attempting transactions without proper professional guidance leads to legal complications.
3. Currency and payment complications - Argentina's volatile peso creates exchange rate risks, and cash payment logistics can be complex for remote buyers.
4. Rural property assumptions - Assuming all land can be freely purchased without understanding foreign ownership caps and approval requirements for border and rural areas.
5. Underestimating total costs - Failing to budget for the full 10.5-11% transaction costs including taxes, fees, and professional services.
Prevention Strategies: Always hire experienced local lawyers and public notaries, conduct comprehensive due diligence including registry checks and debt verification, understand exactly what you're legally permitted to buy, clarify payment methods and currency considerations early in the process, and budget for all transaction costs upfront.
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.
Argentina presents exceptional opportunities for foreign property buyers with its accessible legal framework, diverse market options, and competitive pricing across major cities.
Success requires proper legal representation, thorough due diligence, and understanding of local market conditions, but the potential returns and lifestyle benefits make Argentina an attractive destination for international real estate investment.
Sources
- Argentina Asado - Property Buying Guide
- Global Property Guide - Argentina
- The LatinVestor - Moving to Argentina
- The LatinVestor - Buying Process
- The LatinVestor - Real Estate for Foreigners
- The LatinVestor - Land Purchase Rules
- The LatinVestor - Americans Buying Property
- Life Abroad Hero - Property Guide
- Lawzana - Real Estate Lawyers
- Global Property Guide - Taxes and Costs