Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Chile Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Chile Property Pack
This is a detailed, data-backed guide about renting out residential property in Chile as a foreigner in 2026.
We cover legal requirements, rental yields, costs, neighborhoods, short-term vs long-term strategies, and everything else you need to make an informed decision.
We constantly update this blog post with fresh data so you always have the most current information.
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 Chile.
Insights
- Non-resident landlords in Chile face a 35% additional tax on rental income, which can reduce net yields from around 5% gross to under 3% net if not structured carefully.
- Santiago's short-term rental market averages about 50% occupancy at roughly $68 per night, meaning you need tight cost control to outperform long-term renting.
- Chile has no nationwide rent control, so landlords can freely set initial rents, but most contracts include UF or IPC inflation indexing clauses for annual adjustments.
- Gastos comunes (building fees) in Santiago apartments often run CLP 60,000 to 150,000 monthly, sometimes exceeding property tax as the largest holding cost.
- Professional multifamily buildings in Santiago report single-digit vacancy rates, but individual landlords should budget for about one month vacant per year.
- Metro proximity in Santiago can add 10% to 15% to monthly rent, making it the single most valuable location feature for Chilean tenants.
- Furnished rentals in Chile typically command a 15% to 25% rent premium, but they also bring higher turnover and maintenance costs that can offset the gains.
- Santiago Centro, Independencia, and parts of Estación Central offer gross yields around 5% to 6%, higher than premium areas like Vitacura or Las Condes.
- Chile requires tourist accommodation providers to register with SERNATUR, meaning Airbnb hosts face formal compliance obligations beyond just platform rules.
Can I legally rent out a property in Chile as a foreigner right now?
Can a foreigner own-and-rent a residential property in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, Chile allows foreigners to own residential property and rent it out without needing citizenship or permanent residency, since ownership rights are the same for locals and non-locals.
The most common ownership structure for foreign investors in Chile is direct personal ownership, though some use a Chilean company (Sociedad por Acciones or SpA) for liability protection or tax planning purposes.
The main practical barrier is not ownership itself but the paperwork around tax compliance, since you will need a Chilean tax identity (RUT) to sign contracts, declare income, and interact with the tax authority.
Chile's rental framework under Ley 18.101 applies equally to all landlords regardless of nationality, so the rules for leases, disputes, and evictions are contract-driven rather than foreigner-specific.
If you're not a local, you might want to read our guide to foreign property ownership in Chile.
Do I need residency to rent out in Chile right now?
Residency is not required to rent out property in Chile, but you do need to be able to operate legally, which practically means obtaining a Chilean tax number (RUT) to sign contracts and file tax declarations.
A local tax identification number is essential because SII (Chile's tax authority) requires you to declare rental income, and most formal processes like notarizing leases require a RUT.
While a local bank account is not legally mandatory, it makes rent collection much easier since most Chilean tenants pay monthly via domestic transfers, and international transfers add friction and fees.
Managing a rental remotely from abroad is common in Chile, typically using a local property manager who handles tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance, and tax filing on your behalf.
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What rental strategy makes the most money in Chile in 2026?
Is long-term renting more profitable than short-term in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, long-term renting in Chile typically offers more predictable and stable returns, while short-term renting can generate higher gross income but only if you manage operations tightly and pick the right location.
A well-managed long-term rental in Santiago might generate around CLP 5 million per year (roughly $5,200 USD or €4,800 EUR) in net income, while a comparable short-term rental could reach CLP 6 to 8 million (roughly $6,200 to $8,300 USD or €5,700 to €7,600 EUR), but with much higher operational costs and vacancy risk.
Short-term renting tends to outperform in central Santiago neighborhoods like Lastarria and Providencia, coastal areas like Viña del Mar during summer, and anywhere with strong tourist or business traveler demand and limited hotel supply.
What's the average gross rental yield in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield for residential properties in Chile sits around 4.5% to 5.5% per year, with Santiago typically falling in the middle of that range.
The realistic range spans from about 3.5% gross yield in premium neighborhoods like Vitacura and Las Condes up to around 6% in more affordable central areas like Santiago Centro and Independencia.
Studios and small one-bedroom apartments generally achieve the highest gross yields in Chile because their lower purchase prices relative to rent create a more favorable ratio than larger family units.
By the way, we have much more granular data about rental yields in our property pack about Chile.
What's the realistic net rental yield after costs in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average net rental yield after all costs for residential properties in Chile typically falls between 2.5% and 3.8% for long-term rentals, and can range from 2% to 4.5% for short-term rentals depending on execution.
Most landlords in Chile realistically experience net yields ranging from about 2% in high-cost premium areas up to around 4% in efficient, well-managed properties in mid-market neighborhoods.
The three main cost categories that reduce gross to net yield in Chile are the gastos comunes (building fees that can exceed CLP 100,000 monthly), the 35% Impuesto Adicional tax for non-resident landlords, and contribuciones (property tax paid quarterly based on assessed value).
You might want to check our latest analysis about gross and net rental yields in Chile.
What monthly rent can I get in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical monthly rents in Santiago are around CLP 350,000 ($360 USD or €330 EUR) for a studio, CLP 420,000 ($435 USD or €400 EUR) for a one-bedroom, and CLP 600,000 ($620 USD or €570 EUR) for a two-bedroom apartment.
A decent entry-level studio in Santiago rents for roughly CLP 300,000 to 430,000 per month, which translates to about $310 to $445 USD or €285 to €410 EUR.
A typical mid-range one-bedroom apartment in Santiago commands around CLP 320,000 to 520,000 monthly, equivalent to approximately $330 to $540 USD or €305 to €495 EUR.
A standard two-bedroom apartment in Santiago rents for about CLP 450,000 to 750,000 per month, which works out to roughly $465 to $775 USD or €430 to €715 EUR.
If you want to know more about this topic, you can read our guide about rents and rental incomes in Chile.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Chile 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 are the real numbers I should budget for renting out in Chile in 2026?
What's the total "all-in" monthly cost to hold a rental in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total all-in monthly cost to hold a typical rental apartment in Santiago (excluding mortgage) runs about CLP 200,000 to 350,000, which is roughly $205 to $360 USD or €190 to €330 EUR.
The realistic range spans from around CLP 150,000 ($155 USD or €140 EUR) for a basic unit with low building fees up to CLP 400,000 or more ($415 USD or €380 EUR) for premium buildings with amenities and higher management costs.
In Chile, the gastos comunes (monthly building fees covering maintenance, security, and common areas) often represent the largest single holding cost, regularly reaching CLP 60,000 to 150,000 per month in Santiago apartments with concierge service.
You want to go into more details? Check our list of property taxes and fees you have to pay when buying a property in Chile.
What's the typical vacancy rate in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical vacancy rate for rental apartments in Santiago runs around 5% to 10% for well-located properties, with professional multifamily buildings reporting single-digit vacancy.
A landlord in Chile should realistically budget for about one month of vacancy per year (roughly 8%) in liquid central areas, or up to two months (roughly 17%) in slower neighborhoods or with less competitive units.
The main factor driving vacancy differences across Santiago neighborhoods is proximity to Metro stations and employment centers, since tenants strongly prioritize walkable commutes and will pay premiums or accept waiting lists for well-connected buildings.
Tenant turnover in Chile tends to peak between December and February (summer and vacation season) and again around March when the academic and work year starts, so landlords often see higher vacancy during these transition periods.
We have a whole part covering the best rental strategies in our pack about buying a property in Chile.
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Where do rentals perform best in Chile in 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest long-term demand in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods with the highest overall long-term rental demand in Santiago are Providencia (especially around Metro Manuel Montt), Ñuñoa (near Plaza Ñuñoa), and Santiago Centro in walkable pockets like Lastarria and Bellas Artes.
Families looking for long-term rentals in Chile gravitate toward Las Condes (residential zones away from nightlife), La Reina, and Vitacura because these neighborhoods offer good schools, green spaces, and a quieter suburban feel.
Student rental demand in Chile concentrates in Barrio República (the classic university neighborhood), San Joaquín and Macul near major campuses, and parts of Estación Central with good Metro access to universities.
Expats and international professionals seeking long-term rentals in Chile typically prefer Las Condes (especially the El Golf business district), Vitacura, and upscale parts of Providencia because of proximity to international schools, embassies, and corporate offices.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Chile.
Which neighborhoods have the best yield in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods with the best rental yields in Santiago are Santiago Centro (non-premium central pockets), Independencia, and select parts of Estación Central with strong Metro connectivity.
These top-yielding neighborhoods in Chile typically achieve gross rental yields in the range of 5% to 6%, compared to 3.5% to 4.5% in premium areas like Vitacura or Las Condes.
The main characteristic allowing these neighborhoods to achieve higher yields is their combination of lower purchase prices per square meter with relatively strong rental demand from students, young professionals, and workers who prioritize affordability and transit access over prestige.
We cover a lot of neighborhoods and provide a lot of updated data in our pack about real estate in Chile.
Where do tenants pay the highest rents in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods where tenants pay the highest rents in Santiago are Vitacura, Las Condes (especially the El Golf area), and prime corridors of Providencia.
A standard two-bedroom apartment in these premium Santiago neighborhoods typically rents for CLP 800,000 to 1,500,000 per month, which translates to roughly $825 to $1,550 USD or €760 to €1,430 EUR.
The main characteristic making these neighborhoods command the highest rents is their concentration of international-standard amenities, including proximity to top private schools, upscale shopping centers, corporate headquarters, and low-density streets with mature trees and security.
The typical tenant profile in these highest-rent Santiago neighborhoods includes senior executives at multinational companies, diplomatic families, successful business owners, and expatriates whose employers cover housing allowances as part of relocation packages.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Chile. 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.
What do tenants actually want in Chile in 2026?
What features increase rent the most in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three property features that increase monthly rent the most in Chile are Metro walkability (being within 5 to 10 minutes of a station), 24/7 concierge with controlled access, and in-unit or in-building laundry facilities.
Metro proximity is the single most valuable feature in Santiago, typically adding a 10% to 15% rent premium compared to otherwise similar units further from public transit.
One commonly overrated feature that landlords invest in but Chilean tenants do not pay much extra for is high-end kitchen appliances, since most renters prioritize location and security over luxury finishes they could upgrade themselves.
One affordable upgrade that provides a strong return in Chile is adding blackout curtains and good insulation, which reduces heating costs (especially important in Santiago's colder months) and appeals to tenants who work shifts or value sleep quality.
Do furnished rentals rent faster in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, furnished apartments in Chile typically rent about one to two weeks faster than unfurnished units, especially in central Santiago neighborhoods popular with expats, students, and young professionals who want to move in immediately.
Furnished rentals in Chile generally command a rent premium of about 15% to 25% over comparable unfurnished units, though this premium comes with higher wear-and-tear costs and more frequent inventory management.
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How regulated is long-term renting in Chile right now?
Can I freely set rent prices in Chile right now?
Chile does not have a nationwide rent control system, so landlords can freely set initial rent prices based on market conditions and negotiate directly with tenants.
Rent increases during a tenancy are not capped by law, but most Chilean rental contracts include a clause that adjusts rent annually according to the UF (Unidad de Fomento) or IPC (consumer price index), which effectively ties increases to inflation rather than arbitrary landlord decisions.
What's the standard lease length in Chile right now?
The standard lease length for residential rentals in Chile is 12 months, though 6-month contracts are also common for smaller units, with renewals typically happening automatically unless either party gives notice.
Chilean law does not impose a strict maximum on security deposits, but the market standard is one month of rent, with two months occasionally requested for higher-risk situations or furnished properties.
At the end of a tenancy in Chile, the landlord must return the security deposit within a reasonable period (typically within 30 days), minus any documented deductions for unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear, or outstanding utility bills.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Chile 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.
How does short-term renting really work in Chile in 2026?
Is Airbnb legal in Chile right now?
Airbnb-style short-term rentals are not illegal in Chile, but if you operate tourist accommodation, you are expected to register with SERNATUR (the national tourism authority) under the country's tourism services framework.
To operate legally, you should register through the SERNATUR tourism services portal, which involves declaring your property and meeting basic classification requirements for tourist lodging.
Chile does not have a single nationwide cap on the number of nights per year you can rent short-term, but individual condominium bylaws may impose their own restrictions, which are often stricter than national law.
The most common consequence for operating a non-compliant short-term rental in Chile is facing fines from municipal authorities, pressure from your building administration, or being flagged by platforms if complaints accumulate.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Chile.
What's the average short-term occupancy in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average annual occupancy rate for short-term rentals in Santiago is around 45% to 55%, with the market-wide average sitting close to 50% according to AirDNA data.
The realistic range for short-term rental occupancy in Chile spans from about 35% for poorly positioned or overpriced listings up to 65% or higher for well-managed properties in prime tourist and business traveler locations.
The highest occupancy months for short-term rentals in Chile are typically December through February (summer vacation season) and September through November (spring, when business travel and events pick up).
The lowest occupancy months tend to be June through August (winter), when tourism drops and domestic travel slows, making it harder to fill short-term units without significant price cuts.
Finally, please note that you can find much more granular data about this topic in our property pack about Chile.
What's the average nightly rate in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average nightly rate for short-term rentals in Santiago is around CLP 60,000 to 70,000, which translates to roughly $62 to $72 USD or €57 to €67 EUR.
The realistic range for nightly rates in Chile spans from about CLP 35,000 ($36 USD or €33 EUR) for basic studios in less central areas up to CLP 150,000 or more ($155 USD or €143 EUR) for premium apartments in top neighborhoods like Providencia or Las Condes.
During peak season (December to February), nightly rates in Chile typically run 20% to 40% higher than off-season rates, meaning a unit averaging CLP 65,000 in winter might command CLP 80,000 to 90,000 in summer.
Is short-term rental supply saturated in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, the short-term rental market in central Santiago is moderately saturated, meaning new listings face real competition and must differentiate on price, quality, or location to achieve good occupancy.
The number of active short-term rental listings in Santiago has been relatively stable over the past year, with some growth in emerging neighborhoods but consolidation in oversupplied central areas.
The most oversaturated neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Chile are Providencia (especially near Costanera Center), Santiago Centro around Lastarria, and parts of Las Condes where many similar units compete for the same business traveler pool.
Neighborhoods in Chile that still have room for new short-term rental supply include up-and-coming areas like Ñuñoa, less touristy parts of Recoleta, and coastal towns outside peak season where demand is growing but supply remains limited.
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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 Chile, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Biblioteca del Congreso Nacional - Ley 18.101 | Chile's official legislative library with the consolidated rental law text. | We used it to summarize what's actually regulated in long-term rentals. We also used it to avoid folklore rules that aren't nationwide law. |
| Servicio de Impuestos Internos - Asistente Arriendo | Chile's tax authority with official rental income declaration workflows. | We used it to describe what you must do in practice to report rental income. We also used it to support the tax identity requirement for operating rentals. |
| Global Property Guide - Chile Rental Yields | Long-running international property dataset with location breakdowns. | We used it to anchor average gross yield estimates and city comparisons. We used it as a triangulation layer alongside other sources. |
| AirDNA - Santiago Short-Term Rental Data | Widely used short-term rental analytics provider with transparent methodology. | We used it to estimate short-term occupancy and average daily rates. We used it to discuss saturation and neighborhood performance. |
| Portalinmobiliario - Santiago Listings | One of Chile's biggest property marketplaces reflecting real asking rents. | We used it to sanity-check rent levels you'll actually see when shopping today. We used it as a market cross-check against consultancy averages. |
| Colliers Chile - Multifamily Report | Major global real estate consultancy with published research methodology. | We used it to anchor vacancy and availability ranges for Santiago's rental market. We used it to avoid made-up vacancy assumptions. |
| Tesorería General de la República - Contribuciones | Chile's government treasury explaining how property tax works. | We used it to describe the quarterly payment cadence and assessed value basis. We used it to keep holding costs concrete and Chile-specific. |
| Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas - IPC | Chile's official statistics office publishing the headline inflation measure. | We used it to explain why many leases index rent increases to inflation. We used it as the reference for real rent adjustments over time. |
| SERNATUR - Tourism Services Portal | Chile's national tourism authority running the official accommodation registry. | We used it to confirm registration requirements for tourist accommodation. We used it to anchor the Airbnb legality discussion in Chile's framework. |
| CMF Chile - Bank Account Requirements | Chile's financial regulator publishing consumer-facing banking rules. | We used it to explain what banks typically require to open accounts. We used it to guide decisions about local banking realistically. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Chile. 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.
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