Can foreigners buy property in Mendoza?

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

Yes, the analysis of Mendoza's property market is included in our pack

Who is the author of this content?

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

How this content was created 🔎📝

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 Mendoza, Buenos Aires, and Córdoba. 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.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

Can foreigners legally buy property in Mendoza, and are there any restrictions compared to Argentine citizens?

Foreigners can legally buy property in Mendoza with exactly the same rights as Argentine citizens.

The Argentine Constitution explicitly guarantees equal property rights for all foreigners and citizens, making Mendoza one of the most accessible property markets in Latin America. As of September 2025, there are virtually no restrictions on foreign property ownership in urban areas.

For rural properties, older laws previously imposed a 15% foreign ownership cap and a 1,000 hectare limit per person or entity. However, these restrictions have been largely repealed under recent reforms (DNU 70/23, effective December 29, 2024), shifting the market toward full parity between foreigners and citizens across all property types.

The only remaining restrictions apply to border and security zones, where prior government approval is required for property purchases near international borders, military zones, or coastal lands. This requirement applies equally to all foreigners regardless of nationality.

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

Are there differences in rules for foreigners from certain countries or regions?

No, there are no different rules for foreigners based on their nationality or country of origin.

All foreign nationals receive equal treatment under Argentine national law when purchasing property in Mendoza. Whether you're from the United States, Europe, Asia, or any other region, the legal requirements and process remain identical.

This uniform approach extends to all aspects of property ownership, including purchase procedures, documentation requirements, tax obligations, and ownership rights. The only distinction made in Argentine property law is between residents and non-residents, not between different nationalities.

Some countries have reciprocal agreements with Argentina that may affect certain administrative processes, but these do not create different property ownership rules or restrictions based on nationality.

Do foreigners need to have residency, a visa, or any specific immigration status before buying property in Mendoza?

No specific residency, visa, or immigration status is required to purchase property in Mendoza.

Foreign buyers can purchase property while on tourist status with just a valid passport and a CDI (Tax ID number). The CDI can be obtained in 1-2 business days at any AFIP office in Argentina by presenting your passport and proof of address in Argentina.

For proof of address, even a hotel receipt or temporary rental contract ordinarily suffices, making the process accessible for tourists and short-term visitors. You don't need to establish permanent residency, obtain a work visa, or meet any minimum stay requirements.

While having residency might make certain aspects of the process easier (such as opening a local bank account), it's not a legal requirement for property ownership. Many foreign investors successfully purchase properties in Mendoza while maintaining their primary residence in other countries.

Is it necessary for the buyer to be physically present in Argentina during the purchase process?

Physical presence in Argentina during the purchase process is optional.

Purchases can be completed remotely through a power of attorney (POA), allowing you to appoint a local representative to handle the transaction on your behalf. This makes it possible to buy property in Mendoza without traveling to Argentina.

However, some steps may be easier or faster to complete in person. Obtaining your CDI tax ID and opening a local bank account (if needed) can typically be processed more quickly when done in person rather than through a representative.

If you choose to use a power of attorney, ensure it's properly drafted by a qualified attorney and includes specific authorization for all aspects of the property purchase, including signing contracts, making payments, and completing the title transfer process.

What is the full step-by-step process to buy property in Mendoza as a foreigner, and which documents are required?

The property purchase process in Mendoza follows a standardized seven-step procedure that typically takes 30-60 days to complete.

1. **Choose a property and negotiate terms** - Work with a licensed real estate agent to identify suitable properties and negotiate price and conditions.2. **Obtain CDI (Tax ID)** - Visit an AFIP office with your passport and proof of address to get your Argentine tax identification number.3. **Sign Boleto de Compraventa (Purchase Agreement)** - Execute the initial purchase contract with typically a 10% deposit, usually paid in USD cash.4. **Conduct due diligence** - Have a notary public (escribano) and optionally a lawyer verify the property title, check for liens, and confirm regulatory compliance.5. **Execute Escritura Publica (Title Deed Transfer)** - Complete the formal title transfer with a notary at closing, where the balance of purchase price is paid.6. **Register the property** - File the new ownership with the Registry of Property in Mendoza to finalize legal ownership.7. **Pay applicable taxes and fees** - Settle all transfer taxes, registration fees, and other closing costs.

Required documents include your passport (original and copies), CDI tax ID, proof of address in Argentina, signed purchase agreement, title documents from the seller, and if purchasing remotely, a properly executed power of attorney. For large transactions, proof of funds source and legality may be requested.

Is hiring a lawyer mandatory, and what should you look for when choosing one?

Hiring a lawyer is not strictly mandatory but is strongly recommended for foreign property buyers in Mendoza.

While the escribano (notary public) handles most legal aspects of the transaction, they represent both buyer and seller equally and don't provide buyer-specific advocacy. A lawyer provides independent representation to review contracts, conduct additional due diligence, manage risks, verify property titles, and advise on currency transfers, taxes, and regulatory obligations.

When choosing a lawyer, look for someone with real estate law specialization and experience working with international buyers. They should be familiar with the Mendoza property market, offer transparent fixed-fee structures, and provide strong references from other foreign clients.

Essential qualities include fluency in your language, understanding of cross-border transactions, knowledge of recent regulatory changes affecting foreign ownership, and the ability to coordinate with notaries, agents, and tax authorities throughout the process.

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

What taxes, fees, and other costs apply when purchasing and later reselling a property in Mendoza?

Total transaction costs when purchasing property in Mendoza typically range from 5.6% to 9% of the property value.

Cost Type	Percentage	Description
Notary fees	2-3%	Escribano services for title transfer
Agent commission	3-4%	Real estate agent fees
Registration taxes	1.2-1.5%	Property registration and transfer taxes
Stamp taxes	0.5-1%	Document and contract taxes
Legal fees	1-2%	Optional attorney fees
Other costs	0.5-1%	Currency conversion, POA, misc fees

When reselling property, similar cost structures apply. Capital gains taxes are levied on profits from property sales, though principal residence exemptions may apply for certain situations. Additional costs include bank or currency conversion fees for international transfers, costs for powers of attorney if using a proxy, and ongoing property maintenance and community fees where applicable.

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

Mortgage options for foreigners in Argentina are very limited, with most transactions conducted as cash purchases.

Argentine banks rarely grant mortgages to foreigners without permanent residency or established local credit history. When mortgages are available to non-residents, interest rates typically range from 15-25% APR with strict qualification requirements including substantial down payments, proof of international income, and extensive documentation.

The best approach for foreign buyers is to bring funds in USD and plan for cash transactions. International wire transfers are the standard method for bringing purchase funds into Argentina, though buyers should verify current currency conversion policies and any transfer restrictions well in advance.

For those seeking financing options, establishing Argentine residency first significantly improves mortgage prospects. Local banks may also require proof of employment, Argentine tax returns, and substantial local banking relationships before considering mortgage applications from foreign applicants.

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 areas in Mendoza are the most popular among foreigners, and why?

The most popular areas among foreign buyers in Mendoza include the City Center, Chacras de Coria, Maipú, Luján de Cuyo, and Godoy Cruz.

**City Center (Microcentro)** attracts foreigners seeking urban lifestyle amenities, walkability, and cultural attractions. The area offers excellent access to restaurants, theaters, shopping, and public transportation, making it ideal for those wanting a cosmopolitan living experience.

**Chacras de Coria** is highly sought after for its upscale, leafy, semi-rural environment and proximity to renowned wine estates. This area has developed a strong expat community and offers luxury properties with vineyard views and easy access to wine tourism activities.

**Maipú** serves as the gateway to wine country and has become increasingly attractive for investment properties due to growing wine tourism. The area offers good value for money while providing access to world-class wineries and tourist amenities.

**Luján de Cuyo** appeals to buyers interested in vineyard estates and wine country living, offering excellent potential for both residential use and tourism rental properties. **Godoy Cruz** attracts foreigners with its modern suburban amenities, convenient location, and strong rental demand from local professionals and families.

Which neighborhoods or towns offer the best potential for living, high rental income, or capital appreciation, based on the latest livability index, rental yields, tourism statistics, and growth forecasts?

Based on 2025 market data, different areas of Mendoza excel in different investment categories.

Area	Best For	Key Strengths
Chacras de Coria	Living & Appreciation	Very high livability, luxury market, strong expat community
Maipú	Rental Income	7-9% rental yields, high tourism demand, wine tourism growth
Luján de Cuyo	Mixed Investment	6-8% yields, high appreciation, vineyard estates
City Center	Lifestyle Living	High livability, walkable, cultural amenities
Godoy Cruz	Steady Returns	Modern amenities, consistent rental demand

For maximum rental income, Maipú offers the highest yields at 7-9% due to wine tourism growth and increasing demand for short-term rentals. Chacras de Coria provides the best combination of living quality and capital appreciation, particularly for luxury properties. Luján de Cuyo offers balanced investment potential with good yields and appreciation prospects, especially for properties with vineyard access or views.

What are the average property prices in Mendoza, broken down by city, neighborhood, and type of property?

Property prices in Mendoza vary significantly by location and property type, with luxury wine country areas commanding premium prices.

Area	Apartments (USD/sqm)	Houses (USD)	Rural/Wine Estates
City Center	$1,200-1,600	$120,000-250,000	N/A
Chacras de Coria	$1,500-2,500	$200,000-500,000	$450,000+
Maipú	$900-1,200	$80,000-180,000	$300,000+
Luján de Cuyo	$1,100-1,400	$130,000-300,000	$400,000+
Godoy Cruz	$1,000-1,300	$110,000-220,000	N/A

Prices vary widely within each area depending on property size, amenities, condition, and whether properties are located in gated communities or have special features like vineyard access. Wine estates and rural properties in premium locations can command significantly higher prices, particularly those with established vineyards or tourism facilities.

As of September 2025, the Mendoza property market has shown steady growth, with wine country properties experiencing particularly strong appreciation due to increased international interest in Argentine wine tourism and investment.

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

Foreign buyers commonly make several critical mistakes that can be easily avoided with proper preparation and professional guidance.

1. **Not verifying title and ownership thoroughly** - Always use qualified lawyers and notaries for comprehensive due diligence to verify clear title and check for liens or disputes.2. **Underestimating total transaction costs** - Budget 6-9% of property value for all closing costs, including notary fees, taxes, agent commissions, and legal fees.3. **Assuming mortgages are readily available** - Plan to bring USD cash for purchases, as bank financing options for non-residents remain very limited.4. **Missing ongoing tax obligations** - Establish proper annual tax payment arrangements and understand resale tax implications before purchasing.5. **Working with unregistered or informal agents** - Only work with licensed real estate agents and legal representatives with proper credentials and references.6. **Ignoring border and rural land restrictions** - Verify the legal status of properties in border zones or rural areas, even after recent regulatory changes.7. **Improperly drafting power of attorney documents** - If not present in Argentina, ensure POA documents are properly drafted with specific authorization for all purchase activities.8. **Failing to plan currency exchange and transfers** - Research USD conversion policies and wire transfer requirements well in advance of closing dates.9. **Relying solely on agent advice without independent legal counsel** - Secure independent legal advice for contract review and regulatory guidance, especially regarding recent law changes.

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.

Sources

1. Moving to Argentina - Property Buying Guide
2. Can Americans Buy Property in Argentina
3. Argentina Real Estate for Foreigners
4. Global Property Guide - Argentina
5. Argentina Property Legalities and Costs
6. Executive Order 70-23 Rural Land Law
7. Lawyers Argentina - Buying Guide
8. Expat Focus - Argentina Property Guide