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Foreign buyers are increasingly drawn to Chile's diverse property markets, from cosmopolitan Santiago to coastal gems like Viña del Mar and emerging southern destinations.
As of September 2025, expats are purchasing properties across Chile with Santiago leading in volume, followed by coastal areas and southern lake regions that offer both lifestyle benefits and investment potential.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Chile, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
Most foreigners buy property in Santiago, Viña del Mar, Valparaíso, and increasingly in southern regions like Puerto Varas and Pucón, with apartments and houses being the preferred property types.
Chile offers minimal restrictions for foreign buyers, with property prices ranging from $80,000 in emerging areas to over $500,000 for luxury properties in prime locations.
| Location | Property Type | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Santiago (Las Condes, Providencia) | Apartments, luxury condos | $100,000 - $500,000+ |
| Viña del Mar / Valparaíso | Oceanfront condos, apartments | $150,000 - $250,000+ |
| Puerto Varas / Pucón | Lakefront homes, vacation properties | $250,000 - $500,000 |
| La Serena / Coquimbo | Beachfront properties, houses | $80,000 - $250,000 |
| Antofagasta (Northern cities) | Mining-related housing, apartments | $90,000 - $300,000 |
| Iquique (Emerging) | Free trade zone properties | $70,000 - $200,000 |
| Valdivia (Southern emerging) | Rural farms, lake properties | $100,000 - $400,000 |
Where do most foreigners usually buy property in Chile?
Most foreigners buy property in Santiago, which accounts for approximately 60% of all foreign property purchases in Chile as of September 2025.
Santiago attracts the highest number of expat buyers due to its economic opportunities, established infrastructure, and diverse neighborhood options. The capital city offers neighborhoods like Las Condes, Providencia, and Vitacura that specifically cater to international residents with high-quality amenities and established expat communities.
Outside Santiago, coastal cities Viña del Mar and Valparaíso represent the second-largest category of foreign purchases, particularly among buyers seeking vacation homes or rental investment properties. These cities attract approximately 25% of foreign property transactions, driven by their beachfront locations and cultural atmosphere.
Southern lake regions including Puerto Varas, Pucón, and Valdivia have emerged as the third most popular destination, capturing about 10% of foreign purchases. These areas appeal to expats seeking natural landscapes, exclusivity, and recreational properties near lakes and mountains.
Northern cities like Antofagasta and La Serena complete the distribution with the remaining 5% of transactions, primarily driven by mining industry professionals and emerging investment opportunities.
What are the most popular cities or regions for expats to settle in?
Santiago remains the top choice for expats seeking permanent residence, with Las Condes, Providencia, and Vitacura being the most expat-friendly neighborhoods.
Las Condes offers modern high-rise living with excellent shopping centers, international schools, and proximity to business districts, making it ideal for working professionals and families. Property prices in Las Condes typically range from $150,000 to $400,000 for apartments and $300,000 to $800,000 for houses.
Providencia provides a more bohemian atmosphere while maintaining urban conveniences, with tree-lined streets and cultural venues attracting creative professionals and retirees. Apartment prices in Providencia generally start at $120,000 and reach $350,000 for premium units.
Vitacura represents the most upscale option, featuring luxury residences, exclusive clubs, and high-end restaurants, with properties ranging from $200,000 for apartments to over $1 million for luxury homes.
It's something we develop in our Chile property pack.
Are there coastal areas that attract a lot of foreign buyers?
Viña del Mar leads coastal foreign property purchases, attracting buyers with its beaches, casino, and well-developed tourist infrastructure.
Viña del Mar's beachfront condos and apartments typically range from $150,000 to $300,000, with luxury oceanfront properties exceeding $500,000. The city's established rental market makes it particularly attractive for investment-focused buyers seeking short-term rental income from tourists.
Valparaíso, Chile's cultural capital and UNESCO World Heritage site, appeals to buyers seeking character properties and artistic communities. Restored colonial houses in Valparaíso's historic neighborhoods range from $100,000 to $400,000, depending on location and renovation level.
La Serena and Coquimbo in the north represent emerging coastal markets, offering lower entry prices between $80,000 and $200,000 for beachfront apartments. These cities are experiencing increased foreign interest due to their proximity to Santiago (4-hour drive) and developing tourism infrastructure.
Iquique, benefiting from its free trade zone status, attracts foreign buyers with tax advantages and property prices ranging from $70,000 to $200,000 for apartments and small houses near the beach.
Do expats also invest in properties in Santiago, or mainly outside the capital?
Expats invest heavily in Santiago properties, with the capital representing approximately 65% of all foreign real estate investments in Chile.
Santiago's property market offers expats both residential and investment opportunities, with many purchasing apartments for rental income in student-heavy areas like Ñuñoa and San Miguel, where yields can reach 6-8% annually on properties priced between $80,000 and $150,000.
Commercial real estate investments in Santiago include office spaces in Las Condes and Providencia, where foreign investors can achieve 5-7% annual returns on properties starting at $200,000 for small commercial units.
Outside Santiago, expats primarily focus on vacation rental investments in coastal areas and southern lake regions. Vacation properties in Puerto Varas and Pucón generate seasonal rental income, with well-located properties earning $50-100 per night during peak summer months (December-February).
The diversification strategy is common, with many expats owning one property in Santiago for steady rental income and another in coastal or lake areas for vacation use and seasonal rental potential.
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What types of properties are foreigners typically buying—apartments, houses, or land?
Apartments represent 55% of foreign property purchases in Chile, followed by houses at 30%, vacation homes at 10%, and land at 5%.
| Property Type | Percentage of Foreign Purchases | Primary Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Apartments | 55% | Santiago, Viña del Mar, Antofagasta |
| Houses | 30% | Santiago suburbs, Puerto Varas, La Serena |
| Vacation Homes | 10% | Pucón, coastal areas, lake regions |
| Land | 5% | Rural areas, development zones |
In Santiago, expats prefer apartments in high-rise buildings with security, parking, and amenities, particularly in neighborhoods like Las Condes where 1-2 bedroom units range from $120,000 to $250,000.
Houses attract families and retirees, especially in suburban Santiago areas like La Reina and Ñuñoa, where 3-4 bedroom houses cost between $200,000 and $400,000. Southern cities like Puerto Varas see strong demand for houses with lake or mountain views, priced from $250,000 to $500,000.
Vacation homes in ski and lake resort areas like Pucón command premium prices due to rental potential during peak seasons, with well-located properties generating $3,000-5,000 monthly during summer months.
Are there specific neighborhoods that are known to be expat-friendly?
Las Condes, Providencia, and Vitacura in Santiago are the most expat-friendly neighborhoods, offering international amenities and established foreign communities.
Las Condes provides the highest concentration of international services, including English-speaking healthcare facilities, international schools like Nido de Águilas, and major shopping centers like Parque Arauco. The neighborhood hosts approximately 40% of Santiago's expat population.
Providencia attracts creative professionals and young expats with its walkable streets, metro accessibility, and vibrant nightlife scene. The area features numerous cafes, restaurants, and cultural venues within walking distance, making it ideal for expats without cars.
Vitacura caters to affluent expats seeking luxury amenities, exclusive clubs, and proximity to international corporations. The neighborhood houses several embassies and international business centers, creating a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Outside Santiago, Viña del Mar's Reñaca neighborhood specifically attracts foreign residents with its beachfront lifestyle and established expat services. Puerto Varas in the south has developed a strong German-Chilean community that welcomes international residents.
It's something we develop in our Chile property pack.
How much do properties in these popular areas usually cost?
Property prices in expat-popular areas vary significantly based on location, with Santiago commanding the highest prices followed by coastal and southern destinations.
| Area | Apartment Price Range (USD) | House Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Santiago (Las Condes) | $150,000 - $400,000 | $300,000 - $800,000 |
| Santiago (Providencia) | $120,000 - $350,000 | $250,000 - $600,000 |
| Santiago (Vitacura) | $200,000 - $500,000 | $400,000 - $1,000,000+ |
| Viña del Mar | $150,000 - $300,000 | $200,000 - $500,000 |
| Valparaíso | $100,000 - $250,000 | $150,000 - $400,000 |
| Puerto Varas | $120,000 - $280,000 | $250,000 - $500,000 |
| La Serena | $80,000 - $200,000 | $120,000 - $300,000 |
Luxury properties in prime locations command significant premiums, with penthouses in Las Condes reaching $1.5 million and oceanfront estates in Viña del Mar exceeding $1 million. Entry-level properties for budget-conscious expats start around $80,000 in emerging areas like La Serena or $100,000 in established markets like Valparaíso.
Are there any restrictions on foreigners buying property in Chile?
Chile imposes almost no restrictions on foreign property ownership, making it one of the most open real estate markets in Latin America.
Foreigners enjoy the same property rights as Chilean citizens, including the ability to purchase land, apartments, houses, and commercial real estate without residency requirements. The only significant restriction applies to properties within 10 kilometers of international borders, which require special government permission for security reasons.
Border restrictions primarily affect northern regions near Peru and Bolivia, and southern areas near Argentina, where properties require approval from the Ministry of National Defense. This process typically adds 30-60 days to the purchase timeline but is routinely approved for legitimate buyers.
Foreign buyers can own property under tourist status without obtaining residency, though many choose to pursue temporary or permanent residency for tax and banking advantages. The RUT (tax identification number) is required for all property transactions but can be obtained quickly through Chilean consulates or in-country applications.
No minimum investment thresholds exist, allowing foreigners to purchase properties of any value from studio apartments to large estates without additional requirements.
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 legal steps does an expat need to take to complete a purchase?
The property purchase process in Chile requires seven essential steps that can be completed entirely remotely with proper legal representation.
First, obtain a RUT (Rol Único Tributario) tax identification number from any Chilean consulate or tax office, which typically takes 1-3 business days and costs approximately $15. The RUT is mandatory for all property transactions and banking activities in Chile.
Second, engage a qualified Chilean lawyer specializing in real estate to conduct due diligence, including title searches, debt verification, and legal compliance checks. Legal fees typically range from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on property value and complexity.
Third, conduct a comprehensive title search at the local Real Estate Registry (Conservador de Bienes Raíces) to verify clear ownership, liens, and legal restrictions. This process costs approximately $50-100 and takes 3-5 business days.
Fourth, sign a purchase agreement (contrato de compraventa) that includes price, payment terms, possession date, and contingencies. A deposit of 10% is standard, held in escrow until closing.
Fifth, complete the transaction at a notary public (notario) where both parties sign the final deed, typically within 30-45 days of the purchase agreement. Notary fees range from $300 to $800 based on property value.
Sixth, register the property transfer at the local Real Estate Registry within 30 days of signing, paying registration fees of approximately 0.2% of the property value.
Seventh, pay all applicable taxes including transfer tax (varies by municipality), stamp tax (0.2% of property value), and initial property tax assessments.
Do most expats buy for living, renting out, or as an investment?
Expat property purchases in Chile split roughly equally between personal residence (40%), investment/rental (35%), and vacation homes (25%).
Personal residence purchases concentrate in Santiago's expat-friendly neighborhoods and coastal cities where buyers plan to live full-time or part-time. These buyers typically prioritize location, amenities, and community over pure financial returns.
Investment-focused buyers target rental properties in Santiago's university areas, coastal vacation destinations, and emerging markets with high growth potential. Rental yields in Santiago average 5-7% annually, while vacation rental properties in coastal areas can achieve 8-12% yields during peak seasons.
Vacation home buyers often purchase properties in Pucón, Puerto Varas, or coastal areas for personal use during Chilean summer months (December-February) while renting them during off-seasons. These properties serve dual purposes as lifestyle investments and income generators.
Mixed-use strategies are increasingly common, with expats purchasing primary residences in Santiago while maintaining vacation properties in coastal or lake regions that generate seasonal rental income when not in personal use.
It's something we develop in our Chile property pack.
Are there upcoming areas where foreign property interest is growing?
Iquique leads emerging markets with 45% year-over-year growth in foreign property inquiries, driven by its free trade zone benefits and northern Chile mining boom.
The Coquimbo region, including La Serena and Coquimbo cities, shows 35% annual growth in foreign interest due to improved highway connections to Santiago and developing tourism infrastructure. Property prices remain 30-40% lower than comparable coastal markets, attracting value-seeking investors.
Valdivia in southern Chile experiences 30% growth in foreign property searches, particularly for rural properties and lake access land. The city's university presence and natural beauty appeal to retirees and lifestyle buyers seeking affordable alternatives to expensive lake resort towns.
Northern coastal cities like Caldera and Huasco gain attention from mining industry professionals and investors, with property prices rising 15-20% annually as infrastructure development accelerates.
Los Lagos region properties, particularly around lesser-known lakes and rural areas, attract foreign buyers seeking farm properties, eco-tourism ventures, and agricultural investments at prices 50-60% below established lake resort markets.
What challenges do expats face when buying and owning property in Chile?
Language barriers represent the primary challenge, as all legal documents, contracts, and official procedures require Spanish fluency or professional translation services.
Legal system navigation proves complex for foreign buyers unfamiliar with Chilean real estate law, notary requirements, and registry procedures. Hiring qualified bilingual lawyers adds $1,500-3,000 to transaction costs but prevents costly mistakes and delays.
Currency exchange volatility affects purchase prices and ongoing costs, with the Chilean peso fluctuating 15-25% annually against major foreign currencies. Many expats hedge currency risk by timing purchases during favorable exchange periods or negotiating USD-denominated contracts where permitted.
Property management challenges arise for non-resident owners, particularly those purchasing investment properties requiring tenant management, maintenance coordination, and tax compliance. Professional property management services charge 8-12% of rental income but provide essential local support.
Bureaucratic processes move slowly by international standards, with property registrations, utility connections, and permit approvals often taking 30-60 days longer than expected. Remote buyers face additional delays in document apostilling and international banking transfers.
Tax implications vary significantly based on residency status, with non-residents facing different rates for rental income and capital gains. Professional tax advice costs $500-1,500 annually but ensures compliance with both Chilean and home country obligations.
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.
Chile's property market offers exceptional opportunities for foreign buyers seeking both lifestyle and investment benefits across diverse geographic regions.
With minimal restrictions, established legal frameworks, and growing market segments, Chile provides a secure environment for international property investment in 2025.
Sources
- Global Property Guide - Chile Buying Guide
- TalkPal - Top Cities for Expats in Chile
- Becker Abogados - Best Areas to Buy Real Estate in Chile
- Expat Exchange - Best Places to Live in Chile
- Expat.cl - Where to Live in Chile
- The LatinVestor - Can Foreigners Buy Property in Chile
- Own Property Abroad - Buying Property in Chile Guide
- Immigration Chile - Buying Real Estate
- Multilaw - Real Estate Guide Chile
- Becker Abogados - How to Buy Property in Chile Remotely