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
Buying property in Chile as a foreigner comes with specific costs, taxes, and fees that many international buyers underestimate.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest regulations, market practices, and cost structures in Chile.
Understanding these expenses upfront will help you budget accurately and avoid surprises during your Chilean property purchase.
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.
Overall, how much extra should I budget on top of the purchase price in Chile in 2026?
How much are total buyer closing costs in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, total buyer closing costs in Chile typically range from 1.5% to 5% of the purchase price, which translates to roughly 1,500,000 to 5,000,000 CLP (approximately 1,500 to 5,000 USD or 1,400 to 4,600 EUR) for every 100,000,000 CLP property.
If you keep expenses to the bare legal minimum in Chile by paying cash and handling paperwork yourself, you might get away with costs as low as 1.2% of the purchase price, covering only mandatory notary fees and property registry inscription.
On the high end, buyers in Chile who take out a mortgage and require extra legal assistance should realistically plan for up to 5% of the purchase price, especially when stamp tax, bank fees, and professional services are all included.
Whether your closing costs in Chile fall at the low or high end depends mainly on whether you finance with a mortgage (which triggers stamp tax), how complex the property's title history is, and whether you need translation or interpreter services as a foreigner.
What's the usual total % of fees and taxes over the purchase price in Chile?
The usual total percentage of fees and taxes over the purchase price in Chile sits between 1.5% and 4.5%, with the exact amount depending heavily on whether you take out a mortgage.
For most standard residential transactions in Chile, the realistic range is 1.5% to 2.5% for cash purchases and 3% to 4.5% for mortgage-financed deals, covering all typical administrative and tax costs.
In Chile, the bulk of this total percentage goes to professional service fees like notary costs, registry inscription, and legal assistance rather than government taxes, since Chile does not have a large property transfer tax like many European countries.
By the way, you will find much more detailed data in our property pack covering the real estate market in Chile.
What costs are always mandatory when buying in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, the mandatory costs when buying property in Chile include notary fees for deed formalization, property registry inscription at the Conservador de Bienes Raices, basic certificates and documentation, and if you finance with a mortgage, the stamp tax on loan documents.
Optional but highly recommended costs for foreign buyers in Chile include hiring an independent real estate lawyer for title review, getting extra lien and debt checks on the property, commissioning a technical inspection, and using a certified translator or interpreter if you are not fluent in Spanish.
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What taxes do I pay when buying a property in Chile in 2026?
What is the property transfer tax rate in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, Chile does not have a traditional property transfer tax like many countries in Europe or North America, which means buyers are not automatically charged a large government tax simply for purchasing residential property.
There are no extra transfer taxes specifically targeting foreigners buying property in Chile, as foreign buyers pay the same buyer-side taxes and fees as Chilean citizens.
Buyers in Chile may pay VAT (19%) on residential property purchases, but this typically applies only in specific situations such as buying new construction directly from a developer or when the seller is classified as a habitual seller under Chilean tax law.
Stamp duty in Chile, known as Impuesto de Timbres y Estampillas, is triggered mainly when you take out a mortgage because it applies to credit instruments and loan documents rather than to the property transfer itself, with rates ranging from 0.033% to 0.4% depending on the loan term.
Are there tax exemptions or reduced rates for first-time buyers in Chile?
Chile does not offer a straightforward first-time buyer tax exemption or reduced rate on closing costs like some countries do, though certain housing regimes like DFL2 can provide benefits that are more relevant to ongoing ownership and rental taxation.
If you buy property in Chile through a company instead of as an individual, you lose access to certain personal exemptions like the 8,000 UF lifetime capital gains exemption and may face corporate tax rates of 27% on real estate profits.
There is a meaningful tax difference between buying new-build and resale property in Chile because new construction purchased directly from a developer is typically subject to 19% VAT, while resale transactions between private individuals generally are not.
To qualify for any available exemptions or benefits in Chile, first-time buyers must provide proper documentation proving eligibility, which typically involves working with a lawyer who can confirm your status and file the correct paperwork with tax authorities.
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.
Which professional fees will I pay as a buyer in Chile in 2026?
How much does a notary or conveyancing lawyer cost in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, notary fees for deed formalization in Chile typically cost under 1% of the purchase price, plus registry inscription fees at the Conservador de Bienes Raices which add another 0.5% to 1%, totaling roughly 800,000 to 1,800,000 CLP (approximately 800 to 1,800 USD or 750 to 1,650 EUR) on a 100,000,000 CLP property.
Notary and registry fees in Chile are generally calculated as a percentage of the property price, though minimum fee thresholds may apply for lower-value transactions.
Translation or interpreter services for foreign buyers in Chile typically cost between 150,000 and 500,000 CLP (approximately 150 to 500 USD or 140 to 460 EUR) for basic signing assistance, with higher costs if you need certified translations of multiple documents.
A tax advisor is not mandatory for a basic property purchase in Chile, but if you plan to rent out the property or expect capital gains questions later, professional tax advice typically costs between 300,000 and 1,500,000 CLP (approximately 300 to 1,500 USD or 275 to 1,380 EUR) depending on complexity.
We have a whole part dedicated to these topics in our our real estate pack about Chile.
What's the typical real estate agent fee in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical real estate agent fee in Chile ranges from 2% to 4% of the purchase price plus 19% VAT on the commission, which means a 100,000,000 CLP property could involve commission costs of 2,380,000 to 4,760,000 CLP (approximately 2,380 to 4,760 USD or 2,190 to 4,380 EUR).
In Chile, the seller most commonly pays the real estate agent fee, but buyers may end up paying if they hire a dedicated buyer's agent or if the transaction is structured that way through negotiation.
The realistic range for agent fees in Chile spans from 2% at the low end for straightforward transactions to 4% or higher for complex deals or premium properties, and this is always negotiable depending on the property value and market conditions.
How much do legal checks cost (title, liens, permits) in Chile?
Legal checks in Chile, including title search, lien verification, and permits review, typically cost between 100,000 and 400,000 CLP (approximately 100 to 400 USD or 90 to 370 EUR) for basic certificates, with more complex due diligence running 300,000 to 1,000,000 CLP (approximately 300 to 1,000 USD or 275 to 920 EUR).
Property valuation fees in Chile, often required by banks when you take out a mortgage, typically cost between 150,000 and 500,000 CLP (approximately 150 to 500 USD or 140 to 460 EUR) depending on the bank and city.
The most critical legal check that should never be skipped in Chile is the title study (estudio de titulos) combined with lien verification at the Conservador de Bienes Raices, because ownership only transfers after registration and you need to confirm there are no hidden encumbrances.
Buying a property with hidden issues is something we mention in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying real estate in Chile.
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What hidden or surprise costs should I watch for in Chile right now?
What are the most common unexpected fees buyers discover in Chile?
The most common unexpected fees buyers discover in Chile include mortgage stamp tax and bank setup costs that are higher than anticipated, building maintenance fees (gastos comunes) in apartments, regularization costs for unpermitted renovations, and foreign exchange and wire transfer fees when moving funds from abroad.
Yes, there are unpaid property taxes or debts a buyer could inherit in Chile, but you can protect yourself by checking the contribuciones status and payment history through official SII and TGR systems before completing the purchase.
Scams with fake listings or fake fees do occur in Chile, most commonly through fake reservation deposits, copied listings by fraudulent agents, or pressure to pay outside secure escrow arrangements, so you should always verify title through official channels and pay only through traceable methods.
Fees not typically disclosed upfront by sellers or agents in Chile include building regularization costs for unpermitted work, outstanding condominium debts, and the true extent of municipal contribution debts on the property.
In our property pack covering the property buying process in Chile, we go into details so you can avoid these pitfalls.
Are there extra fees if the property has a tenant in Chile?
If the property has a tenant in Chile, extra fees can include legal costs of 200,000 to 800,000 CLP (approximately 200 to 800 USD or 185 to 735 EUR) to review or renegotiate the existing lease, plus potential lost opportunity costs from delayed move-in.
When you buy a tenanted property in Chile, you inherit the existing rental contract and must honor its terms until it expires or is legally terminated, which means you cannot simply evict the tenant upon purchase.
Terminating an existing lease immediately after purchase is generally not possible in Chile because tenant protection laws require respecting the lease term, and early termination typically requires mutual agreement or specific legal grounds.
A sitting tenant in Chile typically affects the property's market value negatively for owner-occupiers but can be neutral or positive for investors, and it often gives buyers more negotiating power to reduce the asking price by 5% to 10%.
If you want to optimize your rental strategy, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Chile.
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.
Which fees are negotiable, and who really pays what in Chile?
Which closing costs are negotiable in Chile right now?
Negotiable closing costs in Chile include real estate agent commission splits, some legal fees, allocation of who pays for specific certificates, and repair credits that can offset your closing budget.
Closing costs that are fixed by law or regulation in Chile and cannot be negotiated include registry inscription fees at the Conservador de Bienes Raices, stamp tax rates on mortgage documents, and mandatory notary fees that follow regulated schedules.
Buyers in Chile can typically negotiate a 10% to 20% reduction on professional fees like lawyer costs and agent commissions, especially for higher-value properties or when working with repeat service providers.
Can I ask the seller to cover some closing costs in Chile?
The likelihood that a seller will agree to cover some closing costs in Chile is moderate and depends heavily on market conditions, with buyers having more success in slower markets or with properties that have been listed for a long time.
Sellers in Chile are most commonly willing to cover agent fees, specific certificate costs, and sometimes contribute toward notary expenses as part of the overall deal negotiation.
Sellers in Chile are more likely to accept covering closing costs when the market favors buyers, when the property has been on the market for several months, or when you are offering a quick and straightforward closing process.
Is price bargaining common in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, price bargaining is common in Chile for resale properties, though the extent varies significantly by neighborhood, property type, and how long the listing has been on the market.
Buyers in Chile typically negotiate 3% to 8% below the asking price for resale properties, which on a 100,000,000 CLP property means potential savings of 3,000,000 to 8,000,000 CLP (approximately 3,000 to 8,000 USD or 2,760 to 7,360 EUR), with more room for negotiation on stale or overpriced listings.
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What monthly, quarterly or annual costs will I pay as an owner in Chile?
What's the realistic monthly owner budget in Chile right now?
A realistic monthly owner budget in Chile for a mid-range apartment runs between 150,000 and 400,000 CLP (approximately 150 to 400 USD or 140 to 370 EUR), covering recurring expenses beyond your mortgage payment.
The main recurring expense categories in this monthly budget for Chile include condominium maintenance fees (gastos comunes), utilities like electricity and water, home insurance, and a reserve for ongoing maintenance.
The realistic range for monthly owner costs in Chile spans from 100,000 CLP (approximately 100 USD or 92 EUR) for a basic house with no common fees to 600,000 CLP (approximately 600 USD or 550 EUR) or more for a premium apartment with extensive amenities.
Building maintenance fees (gastos comunes) tend to vary the most in Chile because they depend heavily on building amenities like pools, gyms, security, and elevators, with premium buildings in Santiago charging significantly more than basic properties.
You can see how this budget affect your gross and rental yields in Chile here.
What is the annual property tax amount in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, annual property tax (contribuciones) in Chile typically ranges from 0.5% to 1.4% of the fiscal assessed value, paid in four quarterly installments in April, June, September, and November.
The realistic range for annual property taxes in Chile spans from zero for properties below the exemption threshold of approximately 47,000,000 CLP fiscal value, up to 1,400,000 CLP or more (approximately 1,400 USD or 1,290 EUR) annually for higher-value properties.
Property tax in Chile is calculated based on the avaluo fiscal (fiscal assessed value) determined by the Servicio de Impuestos Internos (SII), which is typically 50% to 70% of the market value, with rates of 1.2% to 1.4% applied progressively above exemption thresholds.
Exemptions and reductions in Chile include a residential property exemption on the first 47,000,000 to 57,000,000 CLP of fiscal value, plus potential elderly homeowner benefits and special treatment for certain property types like agricultural land.
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.
If I rent it out, what extra taxes and fees apply in Chile in 2026?
What tax rate applies to rental income in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, rental income in Chile is taxed at progressive rates from 0% to 40% for tax residents under the Global Complementary Tax, while non-resident foreigners face a flat 35% tax on gross rental income with no possibility of deductions.
Landlords in Chile who are tax residents can deduct eligible expenses from rental income, including mortgage interest, property taxes (contribuciones), depreciation, maintenance costs, and management fees, which can significantly reduce taxable income.
After deductions, the realistic effective tax rate for typical resident landlords in Chile ranges from 5% to 25% depending on total annual income and how well expenses are documented and applied.
Foreign property owners who are not Chilean tax residents do pay a different and much higher rental income tax rate of 35% on gross rental income, which makes tax planning particularly important for international investors in Chilean real estate.
Do I pay tax on short-term rentals in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term rental income in Chile is taxable and may be treated as furnished rental income subject to 19% VAT if you provide services like cleaning, linens, or other hotel-style amenities along with the accommodation.
Short-term rental income in Chile can be taxed differently than long-term rentals because when you provide additional services, it may be classified as a commercial activity subject to VAT and potentially different income tax treatment than passive rental income.
If you want to optimize your rental strategy, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Chile.
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If I sell later, what taxes and fees will I pay in Chile in 2026?
What's the total cost of selling as a % of price in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total cost of selling a property in Chile typically ranges from 3% to 6% of the sale price, covering all standard transaction expenses.
The realistic range for total selling costs in Chile spans from 3% for straightforward sales where the buyer covers more costs, up to 6% or more when the seller pays full agent commission and has capital gains tax obligations.
The specific cost categories that make up this total in Chile include real estate agent commission (typically 2% to 4%), notary and administrative closing costs (around 0.5% to 1%), potential capital gains tax, and any early mortgage repayment penalties if applicable.
The single largest contributor to selling expenses in Chile is usually the real estate agent commission, which at 2% to 4% plus 19% VAT represents the bulk of transaction costs for most sellers.
What capital gains tax applies when selling in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, capital gains tax on property sales in Chile is generally 10% on the profit for properties acquired after 2004, though individual taxpayers benefit from a cumulative lifetime exemption of up to 8,000 UF (approximately 280,000 USD).
Exemptions to capital gains tax in Chile include properties purchased before 2004 which are fully exempt, and the 8,000 UF lifetime exemption for individuals which can shelter significant gains from taxation.
Foreigners who are not Chilean tax residents do not pay an extra capital gains rate, but they are subject to a 35% Additional Tax on gains and do not benefit from the 8,000 UF exemption that Chilean residents receive.
Capital gain in Chile is calculated as the sale price minus the purchase price adjusted for inflation using the IPC (consumer price index), and documented improvement costs can also be added to your cost basis to reduce the taxable gain.
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Servicio de Impuestos Internos (SII) | Chile's official tax authority for all tax regulations. | We used it to confirm stamp tax rules and rates. We verified tax filing requirements and compliance procedures for property transactions. |
| ChileAtiende | Government portal explaining citizen obligations clearly. | We used it to confirm property tax payment schedules and procedures. We verified registration requirements and documentation needed for purchases. |
| Tesoreria General de la Republica (TGR) | Chile's treasury and official payment collection authority. | We used it to confirm where property tax payments are made. We verified payment procedures for foreign property owners. |
| Becker Abogados | Major Chilean law firm specializing in real estate. | We used it to understand how taxes apply in real transactions. We cross-referenced professional fee ranges for foreign buyers. |
| Global Property Guide | International property research publisher with consistent methodology. | We used it to benchmark transaction costs across markets. We validated tax concepts and general cost categories. |
| Expat.cl | Long-running expat resource summarizing Chilean tax realities. | We used it to understand capital gains taxation post-reform. We cross-checked rental income tax treatment for foreigners. |
| Grant Thornton Chile | Major accounting firm with authoritative tax guidance. | We used it to verify property tax rates and payment schedules. We confirmed non-resident taxation rules for rental and capital gains. |
| Multilaw Real Estate Guide | Legal network providing jurisdiction-specific real estate guidance. | We used it to confirm notary and registry fee structures. We verified legal process requirements for property acquisition. |
| Baker McKenzie | Global law firm with authoritative real estate practice. | We used it to understand escrow and closing procedures. We verified buyer and seller cost allocation practices. |
| Santander Trade | Major bank with comprehensive country tax system guides. | We used it to verify property tax exemption thresholds. We confirmed residential property tax rate structures. |
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