What are the best areas for real estate in Chile? (2026)

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

What's the Current Real Estate Market Situation by Area in Chile?

Which areas in Chile have the highest property prices per square meter in 2026?

As of early 2026, the top three areas in Chile with the highest property prices per square meter are Vitacura (particularly the Nueva Costanera and Alonso de Cordova corridor), Las Condes (especially the El Golf and Sanhattan districts), and Lo Barnechea (notably La Dehesa), all located in Santiago's northeastern sector.

In these most expensive neighborhoods of Chile, typical prices range from approximately 100 to 130 UF per square meter, which translates to roughly CLP 4,000,000 to CLP 5,200,000 per square meter at January 2026 UF values.

Each of these premium areas in Chile commands high prices for distinct reasons:

• Vitacura (Nueva Costanera): lakefront Parque Bicentenario access, luxury retail, and embassy proximity.
• Las Condes (El Golf): concentration of corporate headquarters, five-star hotels, and Metro Line 1.
• Lo Barnechea (La Dehesa): large lots, Andean foothill views, and top-tier international schools.
• Providencia (Pedro de Valdivia Norte): walkability, cultural amenities, and strong Metro connectivity.

Which areas in Chile have the most affordable property prices in 2026?

As of early 2026, the most affordable areas for property investment in Chile include Quilicura (around Av. Matta and Lo Marcoleta), Puente Alto (near Plaza de Puente Alto and the Concha y Toro corridor), San Bernardo (central areas and rail corridors), and Renca (along the Vicuna Mackenna-Brasil axis) in Greater Santiago.

In these more affordable neighborhoods of Chile, typical prices range from approximately 50 to 65 UF per square meter, which translates to roughly CLP 2,000,000 to CLP 2,600,000 per square meter, nearly half the cost of premium eastern comunas.

Buyers should expect different trade-offs in each of these lower-priced areas of Chile: Quilicura offers newer stock but weaker resale liquidity; Puente Alto has strong Metro access but higher tenant turnover; San Bernardo benefits from rail connectivity but has older building stock; and Renca may see future appreciation from Metro Line 7 but currently lacks walkable amenities.

You can also read our latest analysis regarding housing prices in Chile.

Which Areas in Chile Offer the Best Rental Yields?

Which neighborhoods in Chile have the highest gross rental yields in 2026?

As of early 2026, the neighborhoods in Chile with the highest gross rental yields are Santiago Centro (particularly the Republica, Ejercito, and Santa Isabel corridors) at approximately 6.0% to 7.0%, Independencia (around Hospitales and Av. Independencia) at roughly 6.0% to 6.8%, and Estacion Central (select buildings near Ecuador and Alameda) at 6.5% to 7.5% for well-chosen properties.

Across Chile as a whole, typical gross rental yields for residential investment properties range from 3.5% to 5.5%, with Santiago averaging around 4.7% and mining cities like Antofagasta reaching 6.1% to 6.2% due to strong worker housing demand.

The main reasons these top-yielding neighborhoods in Chile deliver higher returns than other areas vary by location:

• Santiago Centro (Republica/Santa Isabel): massive student and young professional tenant pool near universities and Metro.
• Independencia (Hospitales): constant healthcare worker demand from major hospital clusters.
• Estacion Central (Ecuador/Alameda): lower purchase prices combined with strong transit connectivity.
• Nunoa (Irarrazaval/Plaza Nunoa): balanced yields of 4.5% to 5.5% with better resale liquidity.

Finally, please note that we cover the rental yields in Chile here.

Which Areas in Chile Are Best for Short-Term Vacation Rentals?

Which neighborhoods in Chile perform best on Airbnb in 2026?

As of early 2026, the top-performing Airbnb neighborhoods in Chile are Providencia (Manuel Montt and Los Leones area) with occupancy rates around 70% and average nightly rates of USD 58, Las Condes (El Golf district) achieving 72% occupancy at USD 76 per night, Vitacura (Nueva Costanera) commanding USD 114 per night at 61% occupancy, and Lastarria/Bellas Artes in Santiago Centro for its walkable, cultural appeal.

Top-performing Airbnb properties in these Chile neighborhoods typically generate monthly revenues ranging from CLP 800,000 (around USD 900) for median performers up to CLP 1,900,000 (around USD 2,100) for premium properties in Vitacura with excellent amenities and reviews.

Each of these top Airbnb neighborhoods in Chile outperforms others for distinct reasons:

• Providencia (Manuel Montt/Los Leones): walkable restaurants, Metro access, and safe streets attract both tourists and business travelers.
• Las Condes (El Golf): proximity to corporate offices and five-star hotels draws executive travelers.
• Vitacura (Nueva Costanera): premium positioning and Parque Bicentenario access justify highest nightly rates.
• Lastarria/Bellas Artes: museums, cafes, and European-style walkability appeal to culture-focused visitors.

By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in Chile.

Which tourist areas in Chile are becoming oversaturated with short-term rentals?

The three tourist areas in Chile showing signs of oversaturation with short-term rentals are Lastarria/Bellas Artes in Santiago Centro, Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepcion in Valparaiso, and parts of Renaca in Vina del Mar where seasonal competition is intense.

In these oversaturated areas of Chile, the density of active short-term rental listings is substantial: Santiago alone has over 10,500 active Airbnb listings as of mid-2025, with heavy concentration in central tourist-friendly neighborhoods where multiple investor-owned units compete on the same blocks.

The main indicator that these areas in Chile have reached oversaturation is the emergence of price competition during shoulder seasons, where hosts aggressively discount to maintain occupancy, and median monthly revenues fall significantly below peak performers, signaling that only best-in-class properties can sustain profitable operations year-round.

Which Areas in Chile Are Best for Long-Term Rentals?

Which neighborhoods in Chile have the strongest demand for long-term tenants?

The neighborhoods in Chile with the strongest demand for long-term tenants are Nunoa (Plaza Nunoa, Irarrazaval, and Chile-Espana corridors), Providencia (Manuel Montt to Los Leones and Pedro de Valdivia Norte), Santiago Centro (Republica and Santa Isabel), and Las Condes (Apoquindo and El Golf) for higher-budget corporate tenants.

In these high-demand neighborhoods of Chile, vacancy rates are extremely low, with occupancy reaching 98% for small apartments in Santiago as of late 2025, and well-located units in Providencia and Nunoa typically leasing within 30 days of listing.

The tenant profiles driving demand vary by neighborhood in Chile:

• Nunoa (Plaza Nunoa/Irarrazaval): young professionals and couples seeking lifestyle amenities and Metro access.
• Providencia (Manuel Montt/Los Leones): mid-career professionals and expats prioritizing walkability and safety.
• Santiago Centro (Republica/Santa Isabel): students and entry-level workers near universities and transit hubs.
• Las Condes (Apoquindo/El Golf): corporate executives and diplomats with higher housing budgets.

The key amenity that makes these neighborhoods especially attractive to long-term tenants in Chile is strong Metro connectivity combined with walkable access to restaurants, parks, and daily services, which explains why properties near Metro stations in Providencia and Nunoa command rent premiums of 10% to 15% over comparable units farther from transit.

Finally, please note that we provide a very granular rental analysis in our property pack about Chile.

What are the average long-term monthly rents by neighborhood in Chile in 2026?

As of early 2026, average monthly rents for a typical 2-bedroom apartment in Chile's main neighborhoods range from approximately 10 to 14 UF (CLP 400,000 to 560,000) in La Florida and Independencia, up to 20 to 30 UF (CLP 800,000 to 1,200,000) in premium areas like Vitacura and Las Condes.

For entry-level apartments in Chile's most affordable rental neighborhoods like Santiago Centro (Republica corridor), Independencia, and La Florida, typical monthly rents for a 1-bedroom unit range from CLP 280,000 to CLP 400,000 (roughly 7 to 10 UF).

In mid-range neighborhoods of Chile like Nunoa (Plaza Nunoa), San Miguel, and parts of La Florida near Metro, typical monthly rents for a 2-bedroom apartment range from CLP 400,000 to CLP 600,000 (roughly 10 to 15 UF).

In Chile's most expensive rental neighborhoods including Vitacura (Nueva Costanera), Las Condes (El Golf), and Lo Barnechea (La Dehesa), typical monthly rents for a 2-bedroom apartment range from CLP 800,000 to CLP 1,200,000 (roughly 20 to 30 UF), with luxury units exceeding CLP 1,500,000.

You may want to check our latest analysis about the rents in Chile here.

Which Are the Up-and-Coming Areas to Invest in Chile?

Which neighborhoods in Chile are gentrifying and attracting new investors in 2026?

As of early 2026, the top neighborhoods in Chile currently gentrifying and attracting new investors are Barrio Yungay in Santiago (west of Centro), Quinta Normal (around Matucana and the museum corridor), the Macul-Nunoa border (Rodrigo de Araya and Grecia corridors), and selected areas of Cerro Baron in Valparaiso adjacent to the classic tourist hills.

These gentrifying neighborhoods in Chile have experienced annual price appreciation rates of approximately 4% to 6% in recent years, outpacing the broader market average of 2% to 3%, as urban renewal projects and cultural anchors attract younger residents and lifestyle-focused buyers.

Which areas in Chile have major infrastructure projects planned that will boost prices?

The areas in Chile with major infrastructure projects expected to boost property prices are the corridors along Metro Line 9 (connecting Puente Alto through La Pintana, San Ramon, La Granja, San Joaquin, and San Miguel to central Santiago), Metro Line 8 stations (serving Providencia, Nunoa, Macul, La Florida, and Penalolen), and future Metro Line 7 areas (from Renca through Cerro Navia to Vitacura).

The specific infrastructure projects underway or planned in these areas of Chile include Metro Line 9 (27 km, 19 stations, USD 2.73 billion investment, construction started August 2025 with first section opening expected 2030), Metro Line 8 (19 km connecting eastern comunas, construction expected to begin 2027), and the announced Line A light rail connecting Santiago's international airport to Metro Line 7.

Historically in Chile, areas near new Metro stations have seen property price increases of 10% to 20% within two to three years of line opening announcements, and additional appreciation of 5% to 10% once operations begin, based on patterns observed with previous Metro expansions in Providencia and Las Condes.

You'll find our latest property market analysis about Chile here.

Which Areas in Chile Should I Avoid as a Property Investor?

Which neighborhoods in Chile with lots of problems I should avoid and why?

The neighborhoods in Chile with significant problems that investors should generally avoid include certain high-density investor corridors in Estacion Central (particularly some towers near Alameda and Ecuador with reputational issues), oversupplied micro-areas of Santiago Centro with heavy small-unit competition, and coastal properties designed exclusively for Airbnb without viable long-term rental alternatives.

The main problems affecting each of these neighborhoods in Chile are specific:

• Estacion Central (some Alameda/Ecuador towers): building quality concerns, maintenance disputes, and tenant overcrowding.
• Santiago Centro (oversupplied corridors): rental price wars, high vacancy risk, and weaker resale liquidity.
• Coastal STR-only properties: extreme seasonality, off-peak vacancy, and no fallback rental income.

For these neighborhoods in Chile to become viable investment options, building-level governance would need to improve in Estacion Central's problematic towers, supply-demand balance would need to stabilize in oversaturated Santiago Centro corridors, and coastal properties would need floor plans and amenities suitable for year-round residential tenants.

Buying a property in the wrong neighborhood is one of the mistakes we cover in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Chile.

Which areas in Chile have stagnant or declining property prices as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the areas in Chile with stagnant or declining property prices include oversupplied investor corridors in parts of Santiago Centro, some high-density developments in Estacion Central, southern regions facing economic challenges, and coastal areas vulnerable to climate concerns and seasonal tourism volatility.

These stagnant areas in Chile have experienced price growth of essentially 0% to negative 2% in real terms over the past two to three years, with some southern regions showing nominal declines of 3% to 4% annually while national urban averages posted modest nominal gains.

The underlying causes of price stagnation or decline vary by area in Chile:

• Santiago Centro (oversupplied corridors): excessive small-unit inventory competing for the same tenant pool.
• Estacion Central (select towers): building reputation issues deterring quality tenants and buyers.
• Southern regions: economic headwinds, population outflow, and reduced agricultural/tourism activity.
• Coastal areas: environmental concerns about sea level rise and flooding limiting long-term buyer interest.

Which Areas in Chile Have the Best Long-Term Appreciation Potential?

Which areas in Chile have historically appreciated the most recently?

The areas in Chile that have historically appreciated the most over the past five to ten years are the northeastern Santiago comunas of Vitacura, Las Condes, Providencia, and Lo Barnechea, along with strong performers like Nunoa that started from a lower base.

The approximate appreciation these top-performing areas in Chile have achieved varies:

• Vitacura: cumulative appreciation of 40% to 50% over the past decade, driven by scarcity and luxury demand.
• Las Condes: approximately 35% to 45% over ten years, supported by corporate and expat demand.
• Providencia: around 30% to 40% appreciation, benefiting from walkability and Metro connectivity.
• Nunoa: roughly 25% to 35% growth, outperforming as demand spilled over from pricier eastern comunas.

The main driver of above-average appreciation in these areas of Chile was the combination of constrained land supply in desirable locations, strong job and amenity concentration, excellent Metro connectivity, and sustained demand from both local high-income residents and international buyers.

By the way, you will find much more detailed trends and forecasts in our pack covering there is to know about buying a property in Chile.

Which neighborhoods in Chile are expected to see price growth in coming years?

The neighborhoods in Chile expected to see the strongest price growth in the coming years are Nunoa (Chile-Espana, Plaza Nunoa, and Irarrazaval), Providencia (Eliodoro Yanez and Los Leones corridor), Macul and La Florida corridors along the future Metro Line 8 stations, and selected areas of Quinta Normal near the Matucana cultural corridor.

The projected annual price growth for these high-potential neighborhoods in Chile varies:

• Nunoa (Chile-Espana/Irarrazaval): 4% to 6% annually, driven by deep demand and strong amenities.
• Providencia (Los Leones/Eliodoro Yanez): 3% to 5% annually, benefiting from future Metro Line 8 connectivity.
• Macul/La Florida (Line 8 corridors): 5% to 7% once construction advances, with early movers capturing upside.
• Quinta Normal (Matucana corridor): 4% to 6% as cultural anchors and Metro Line 7 plans mature.

The single most important catalyst expected to drive future price growth in these neighborhoods of Chile is the confirmation and advancement of Metro construction, as connectivity improvements have historically triggered 10% to 20% price increases in station-adjacent areas within three years of opening.

What Do Locals and Expats Really Think About Different Areas in Chile?

Which areas in Chile do local residents consider the most desirable to live?

The areas in Chile that local residents consider the most desirable to live are Vitacura (especially near Parque Bicentenario and Nueva Costanera), Providencia (Pocuro and Pedro de Valdivia Norte), Las Condes (El Golf and San Carlos de Apoquindo), and increasingly Nunoa for its balance of amenities and relative affordability.

The main qualities that make these areas most desirable to locals in Chile vary:

• Vitacura (Bicentenario/Nueva Costanera): green spaces, low density, and proximity to luxury retail and dining.
• Providencia (Pocuro/Pedro de Valdivia Norte): walkability, safety, cultural amenities, and excellent Metro access.
• Las Condes (El Golf/San Carlos de Apoquindo): proximity to international schools, corporate offices, and family-friendly infrastructure.
• Nunoa (Plaza Nunoa/Irarrazaval): neighborhood character, parks, restaurant scene, and more accessible pricing.

These locally-preferred areas of Chile are typically home to upper-middle and high-income professionals, established families with children in private schools, and retirees seeking quality healthcare access and safe, walkable environments.

Local preferences in Chile largely align with what foreign investors typically target, with the exception that locals often value neighborhood character and family networks more than pure yield, while foreign investors may prioritize rental returns and liquidity over lifestyle factors.

Which neighborhoods in Chile have the best reputation among expat communities?

The neighborhoods in Chile with the best reputation among expat communities are Providencia (Manuel Montt to Los Leones and Pedro de Valdivia Norte), Las Condes (El Golf and Apoquindo corridor), Vitacura (Bicentenario edge and Nueva Costanera), and increasingly Nunoa (Plaza Nunoa) for expats seeking a more local vibe at lower cost.

The main reasons expats prefer these neighborhoods over others in Chile are:

• Providencia: walkable streets, bilingual services, cafes, and strong Metro connectivity without excessive prices.
• Las Condes (El Golf): international schools, corporate headquarters, embassy proximity, and familiar retail brands.
• Vitacura: upscale environment, green spaces, and perceived safety for families with higher budgets.
• Nunoa: authentic neighborhood feel, excellent food scene, and better value than premium eastern comunas.

The expat profiles most commonly found in these popular neighborhoods of Chile include corporate executives and diplomats in Las Condes and Vitacura, remote workers and entrepreneurs in Providencia and Nunoa, and retirees from North America and Europe seeking quality of life in established areas with reliable healthcare.

Which areas in Chile do locals say are overhyped by foreign buyers?

The three areas in Chile that locals commonly say are overhyped by foreign buyers are the tourist-focused hills of Valparaiso (Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepcion), some Santiago Centro boutique pockets (Lastarria), and premium-priced developments in parts of Renaca in Vina del Mar.

The main reasons locals believe these areas in Chile are overvalued or overhyped are:

• Valparaiso (Cerro Alegre/Cerro Concepcion): beautiful views mask building maintenance issues, seismic concerns, and limited year-round services.
• Santiago Centro (Lastarria): tourist charm attracts foreign buyers, but day-to-day livability and parking are challenging.
• Vina del Mar (Renaca): dramatic summer appeal obscures harsh off-season vacancy and weather.

Foreign buyers typically see charm, walkability, and tourist appeal in these areas of Chile that locals do not value as highly because residents prioritize practical factors like building maintenance quality, year-round amenities, parking availability, and realistic rental income over aesthetic appeal or vacation lifestyle.

By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the experience of buying a property as a foreigner in Chile.

Which areas in Chile are considered boring or undesirable by residents?

The areas in Chile that residents commonly consider boring or undesirable include car-dependent outer comunas with weak retail clusters, purely office-adjacent zones that empty after work hours, and residential pockets far from Metro access without walkable parks, restaurants, or neighborhood character.

The main reasons residents find these areas of Chile boring or undesirable are:

• Car-dependent outer comunas: lack of walkable amenities, limited nightlife, and long commutes to central Santiago.
• Office-zone peripheries: deserted after business hours with few restaurants or social venues nearby.
• Metro-distant residential blocks: require car ownership for daily errands and offer limited community feel.

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.