Can foreigners buy property in Buenos Aires?

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Yes, the analysis of Buenos Aires' property market is included in our pack

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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 Buenos Aires. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

Can foreigners legally buy property in Buenos Aires and are there any restrictions compared to locals?

Foreigners can legally buy and own real estate in Buenos Aires with virtually the same rights as Argentine locals.

The key requirement is obtaining a CDI (tax identification number), but no specific residency status or visa is necessary. Property rights for foreigners are fully protected under Argentine law, making Buenos Aires one of the most foreign-friendly real estate markets in Latin America.

For urban properties in Buenos Aires, there are no restrictions whatsoever - the purchase process is identical whether you're a local or a foreigner. You have the same ownership rights, can sell freely, and face no limitations on the type or number of properties you can own within the city limits.

The only restrictions apply to rural and agricultural land outside Buenos Aires, where foreign ownership is capped at 15% of total rural land nationally, with individual foreigners limited to 1,000 hectares maximum.

As of September 2025, this legal framework remains stable and continues to attract international property investors to the Buenos Aires market.

Do buyers from certain countries face different rules or limitations?

No specific country faces additional rules or limitations when buying urban property in Buenos Aires - restrictions apply equally to all non-Argentine nationals regardless of their nationality.

Whether you're from the United States, Brazil, China, Germany, or any other country, the purchase process and legal requirements remain identical. All foreign buyers need the same documentation: a valid passport and a CDI tax identification number.

For rural land purchases (which don't apply to most Buenos Aires buyers), there's only one nationality-related rule: total holdings by foreigners of the same nationality cannot exceed 30% of the national 15% cap on foreign rural land ownership.

Some countries have bilateral investment treaties with Argentina that provide additional protections, but these don't change the fundamental buying process or create preferential treatment.

The Argentine government treats all foreign property buyers equally, making Buenos Aires an attractive destination for international real estate investment without discriminatory policies based on country of origin.

Do you need to be a resident or have a specific visa to purchase property?

You do not need Argentine residency or any specific visa to purchase property in Buenos Aires - only a CDI tax identification number is required.

This means you can buy property as a tourist, temporary visitor, or from abroad without establishing legal residency in Argentina. The CDI (Clave de Identificación) serves as your tax identification for the property transaction and can be obtained with just your passport.

Many foreign buyers complete their purchases while visiting Argentina on tourist visas, which are typically valid for 90 days and can be extended. Others buy property from abroad using legal representatives with power of attorney.

While residency isn't required for purchase, owning property in Buenos Aires can support future residency applications if you decide to relocate permanently. Property ownership demonstrates economic ties to Argentina, which immigration authorities view favorably.

This flexible approach makes Buenos Aires particularly attractive for investors who want to diversify their real estate portfolio internationally without the bureaucratic hurdles of establishing residency first.

Do you have to be physically present in Argentina to complete the purchase?

Physical presence in Argentina is not mandatory to complete a property purchase if you have proper legal representation through a power of attorney.

You can authorize a trusted representative (typically your lawyer) to act on your behalf during the final signing and closing process. This power of attorney must be properly executed and often requires authentication at an Argentine consulate in your home country.

However, being physically present offers significant advantages including direct oversight of the transaction, ability to inspect the property one final time, and immediate resolution of any last-minute issues that may arise during closing.

Most successful foreign buyers choose to be present for the final signing at the escribano's (notary's) office, as this is when the largest financial transfer occurs and ownership officially changes hands.

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

What is the step-by-step process for buying property as a foreigner, and what documents are required?

Is hiring a lawyer mandatory, and what role do they play in the transaction?

Hiring an escribano (notary public) is legally mandatory in Argentina, while hiring a separate lawyer is highly recommended but not required by law.

The escribano conducts the official title search, verifies all legal documentation, ensures compliance with Argentine property law, and oversees the final signing and registration process. They act as an impartial party protecting both buyer and seller interests and are licensed legal professionals specialized in property transactions.

A separate lawyer provides additional protection by negotiating contract terms, reviewing all agreements before you sign, conducting independent due diligence, and advising on tax implications and investment structure. They work exclusively for your interests, unlike the escribano who serves both parties.

Legal fees typically range 1-2% of the property value for a lawyer, while escribano fees cost 1-2% of the property value and are usually split between buyer and seller.

Foreign buyers especially benefit from legal representation due to language barriers, unfamiliarity with Argentine law, and the complexity of international money transfers and tax implications.

What are the taxes, fees, and other costs involved in buying and later selling a property?

Total transaction costs for buying property in Buenos Aires typically range 8-12% of the purchase price when including all taxes, fees, and professional services.

Property transfer tax costs 1.5% of the purchase price, while stamp duty varies by province but typically ranges 2-4%. Notary fees add another 1-2% of the property value, and registration fees cost 0.5-1% of the value.

Real estate agent commissions total 3-4% of the purchase price, often split between buyer and seller. Legal fees add 1-2% of the property price for independent representation beyond the mandatory escribano.

Ongoing annual costs include ABL property tax (0.5-1.2% of fiscal value, typically below market value) and IBP personal property tax (0.25-1.5% yearly, varying by municipality).

When selling, capital gains tax applies at rates of 15-35% depending on your tax residency status and how long you've owned the property. Holding periods longer than two years often qualify for reduced rates.

Can foreigners get a mortgage in Argentina, and if so, what are the typical rates, conditions, and tips for approval?

Local Argentine banks do offer mortgages to foreigners, but options are extremely limited and approval can be challenging, leading most foreign buyers to pay cash.

Down payment requirements typically range 30-50% of the property value, significantly higher than mortgages available to Argentine residents. Interest rates fluctuate considerably due to Argentina's volatile economic environment and inflation concerns.

Banks require extensive documentation including proof of stable foreign income, local banking relationships, and often prefer borrowers with some form of Argentine residency or work authorization. The approval process can take several months and may require multiple bank applications.

Tips for improving mortgage approval chances include establishing a relationship with a major Argentine bank before property shopping, maintaining substantial deposits in Argentine bank accounts, and providing comprehensive income documentation translated and apostilled.

Most successful foreign property buyers in Buenos Aires plan to pay cash or arrange financing in their home countries, using Argentine mortgages only as a backup option due to the complexity and limited availability.

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What are the most popular areas among foreigners, and why are they attractive?

Palermo stands out as the most popular neighborhood among foreign buyers, particularly Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood, due to its vibrant dining scene, active nightlife, and strong rental demand from tourists and expats.

Recoleta attracts foreigners seeking elegance and sophistication, with its French-inspired architecture, world-class cultural attractions like the Recoleta Cemetery, and excellent walkability. The neighborhood offers a more refined lifestyle while maintaining strong property values.

San Telmo appeals to foreign buyers interested in Buenos Aires' cultural heritage, famous for its antique markets, tango scene, and bohemian atmosphere. The neighborhood offers more affordable entry points while maintaining tourist appeal.

Belgrano draws families and long-term residents with its green spaces, excellent schools, and more residential character while still providing easy access to downtown Buenos Aires.

These neighborhoods combine livability for residents with strong rental income potential from Buenos Aires' robust tourism industry, making them ideal for both investment and personal use.

Which neighborhoods currently have the best combination of livability, rental yields, tourism demand, and long-term price growth potential?

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 is the current breakdown of property prices across Buenos Aires and surrounding regions?

Buenos Aires property prices average USD 2,200-2,500 per square meter citywide as of September 2025, with significant variation between neighborhoods and property types.

Premium neighborhoods like Palermo and Recoleta command USD 3,500-4,300 per square meter, representing the highest values in the city due to their amenities, location, and international buyer demand.

The median home price across Buenos Aires reached USD 355,000 in 2025, though this includes a wide range from starter apartments around USD 150,000 to luxury properties exceeding USD 1 million in the most exclusive areas.

Emerging neighborhoods like Villa Crick and Barracas offer entry points around USD 1,800-2,200 per square meter, providing opportunities for buyers seeking value appreciation potential in up-and-coming areas.

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

What are the most common mistakes and pitfalls foreigners face when buying property there, and how can they be avoided?

The most critical mistake is failing to verify clear property titles and hidden liens, which can result in legal complications or financial losses after purchase.

Currency and money transfer issues represent another major pitfall, as Argentina heavily regulates capital flows and foreign exchange. Many buyers underestimate the complexity of moving funds from abroad and fail to comply with Argentine financial regulations.

Misunderstanding the true cost of ownership leads to budget overruns, as many foreigners focus only on purchase price while overlooking ongoing taxes, maintenance fees, and transaction costs that can add 8-12% to the total investment.

Skipping local legal advice or relying solely on the escribano without independent representation leaves foreign buyers vulnerable to contract terms they don't fully understand or tax implications they haven't considered.

Overestimating mortgage availability causes financing problems, as many foreigners assume they can obtain financing similar to their home countries, only to discover limited options and strict requirements that favor cash purchases.

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.

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

Sources

1. The LatinvestOR - Argentina Real Estate for Foreigners
2. Global Property Guide - Argentina Buying Guide
3. Expat Focus - Argentina Property Buying Guide
4. The LatinvestOR - Moving to Argentina Property Guide
5. WSC Legal - Argentina Real Estate Timing
6. The LatinvestOR - Argentina Property Buying Process
7. Life Abroad Hero - Argentina Property Guide
8. Expat Focus - Argentina Property Financing
9. Lawzana - Argentina Real Estate Lawyers
10. The LatinvestOR - Buenos Aires Price Forecasts