Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Argentina Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Argentina Property Pack
Argentina offers foreign buyers nearly identical property rights as locals, with minimal restrictions outside of rural and border areas.
As of September 2025, the Argentine real estate market presents significant opportunities for international investors, with Buenos Aires leading urban property demand and Patagonia emerging as a premier destination for second homes and rental investments.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Argentina, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
Foreign buyers can purchase most property types in Argentina without residency requirements, though they must obtain a CDI tax ID and hire local legal representation.
Total transaction costs typically range from 8-15% of purchase price, while mortgage financing remains extremely limited for non-resident foreigners.
| Key Requirement | Details | Timeline/Cost |
|---|---|---|
| CDI Tax ID | Mandatory identification number from AFIP | 1-2 weeks, Free |
| Legal Representation | Lawyer + Public Notary (escribano) | 1-2% + 1-2% of value |
| Transfer Tax | Property Transfer Tax (ITI) | 1.5-1.8% of price |
| Stamp Duty | Provincial tax varies by location | 2-4% of price |
| Physical Presence | Not required (power of attorney option) | Optional |
| Mortgage Availability | Very limited for non-residents | 15-45% annual rates |
| Popular Regions | Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Bariloche | $800-2,800/m² |
Can foreigners buy the same types of property as locals in Argentina?
Foreigners can purchase and own virtually all property types in Argentina with nearly identical rights as Argentine citizens.
The Argentine constitution guarantees equal ownership, rental, and inheritance rights to foreign buyers for urban residential, commercial, and apartment properties. This includes condominiums, houses, commercial buildings, and urban land throughout major cities like Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Mendoza.
However, rural land purchases face specific restrictions with a 15% foreign ownership cap per province and a maximum of 1,000 hectares per person or entity in key agricultural regions. Properties near international borders, navigable waters, or strategic coastal areas require additional government approval and may be completely off-limits to foreign buyers.
As of September 2025, these restrictions primarily affect large-scale agricultural investments rather than typical residential or commercial property purchases that most foreign buyers pursue.
Are there differences in property rights based on nationality?
Property rights remain largely consistent across nationalities, but Argentina applies a "reciprocity principle" for foreign buyers.
This principle means Argentina grants property rights to foreigners when their home country extends similar rights to Argentine citizens. U.S. and EU citizens face no special restrictions beyond the standard limitations for sensitive border, coastal, or water-adjacent areas.
Citizens from countries with restrictive foreign property laws may encounter additional scrutiny or limitations. The reciprocity assessment typically occurs during the due diligence phase when your lawyer verifies your eligibility for property ownership.
Brazilian, Chilean, and most European nationals enjoy full property rights, while buyers from countries with significant foreign ownership restrictions should verify their status before proceeding with any purchase.
Do you need residency or a visa to buy property in Argentina?
No residency or specific visa is required to purchase property in Argentina as a foreigner.
You only need to obtain a CDI (Clave de Identificación) tax ID number from AFIP, Argentina's tax authority. This process takes 1-2 weeks and doesn't require residency status, though you may need to visit Argentina or work through a representative to complete the application.
Non-residents can purchase, own, rent out, and resell property without any visa requirements. Argentina doesn't operate a citizenship-through-investment program specifically for property buyers, though investor residency is available for those presenting qualifying investment projects worth at least ARS 1,500,000 and meeting immigration requirements.
The CDI serves as your tax identification for all property-related transactions and ongoing obligations like annual property taxes.
Is physical presence required to complete the purchase?
Physical presence in Argentina is not mandatory to complete property transactions, though being present offers significant advantages.
Buyers can appoint a legal representative through a power of attorney to handle all aspects of the purchase process on their behalf. This power of attorney must be notarized and often requires authentication through Argentine consular services in your home country.
However, visiting Argentina allows you to inspect properties personally, meet with your legal team, understand local market conditions, and build relationships with real estate professionals. Many successful foreign buyers recommend at least one visit during the due diligence phase.
It's something we develop in our Argentina property pack.
Remote transactions require absolute trust in your legal representation and thorough documentation of all agreements and property conditions.
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What is the step-by-step purchase process and required documents?
The Argentine property purchase process follows a structured seven-step approach requiring specific documentation and professional involvement.
- Hire licensed professionals: Engage a corredor inmobiliario (real estate agent), abogado inmobiliario (real estate lawyer), and escribano público (public notary)
- Obtain CDI tax ID: Apply through AFIP with passport and supporting documentation
- Due diligence phase: Your legal team verifies title deed, outstanding debts, zoning compliance, and legal claims through certificado de dominio and certificado de inhibiciones
- Initial agreement: Sign preliminary boleto de compraventa and pay deposit (typically 20-30% of purchase price)
- Final contract preparation: Escribano oversees final due diligence and prepares definitive sale documents
- Signing and transfer: Complete escritura (title deed) signing and property registration with Land Registry
- Final registration: Pay all taxes, complete registration, and receive certified copy of new title
Required documents include: notarized passport copy, CDI certificate, sale-purchase contract, title deed (escritura), building permits for new construction, cadastral documents, energy certificate, proof of tax payments, and property regulation compliance certificates.
Do you need a lawyer and what should you expect?
Hiring a real estate lawyer is absolutely critical and legally required for property purchases in Argentina.
Your abogado inmobiliario manages all due diligence processes, verifies property documentation, investigates ownership history, drafts and reviews contracts, resolves potential disputes, and represents you during official signings with the escribano. They coordinate with real estate agents, banks, government authorities, and other professionals throughout the transaction.
Expect your lawyer to conduct comprehensive title searches, verify the seller's legal capacity to sell, check for outstanding debts or liens, confirm zoning compliance, and ensure all tax obligations are current. They also handle currency exchange requirements and tax obligations for foreign buyers.
Legal fees typically range from 1-2% of the property value plus 21% VAT, making their expertise an essential investment for navigating Argentina's complex property regulations and protecting your interests as a foreign buyer.
What taxes and fees should you expect when buying and selling?
Property transactions in Argentina involve substantial taxes and fees that foreign buyers must budget for carefully.
| Cost/Tax Type | Amount | When Due |
|---|---|---|
| Property Transfer Tax (ITI) | 1.5-1.8% of purchase price | At closing |
| Stamp Duty | 2-4% (varies by province) | At closing |
| Notary Fees | 1-2% of value + 21% VAT | At closing |
| Registration Fees | 0.5-1% of value | At closing |
| Real Estate Agent Fees | 3-4% (often split buyer/seller) | At closing |
| Legal Fees | 1-2% of value | At closing |
| Annual Property Tax (IBP) | 0.25-1.5% yearly | Annually |
| Capital Gains Tax (selling) | 15-35% on profits | When selling |
Currency exchange costs add another layer of expense since properties are typically priced in USD but paid in Argentine pesos, potentially resulting in 2% foreign exchange losses. Budget 10-15% of purchase price for total transaction costs.
Are mortgages available to foreigners and what are current rates?
Mortgage financing for foreign non-residents is extremely limited and subject to restrictive conditions in Argentina.
Local banks rarely offer mortgages to foreign buyers without Argentine residency status, substantial local income, or significant investment history in the country. When available, interest rates for foreign buyers range from 15-45% annually with limited terms, making cash purchases the standard approach.
Banks typically require legal proof of Argentine income, residency documentation, highest CDI credit rating, and extensive financial documentation. Most successful foreign buyers arrange financing in their home countries using existing assets as collateral rather than pursuing Argentine mortgages.
The Argentine peso's volatility and high inflation rates make peso-denominated mortgages particularly risky for foreign buyers, while USD-denominated loans are virtually unavailable to non-residents.
Best practice involves securing financing before beginning your property search, whether through home country lenders or cash reserves.
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 cities are most popular among foreigners and what are the market indicators?
Buenos Aires dominates foreign buyer preferences, followed by Mendoza, Córdoba, and Patagonian destinations like Bariloche.
| City/Region | Average Price per m² | Rental Yield (2025) | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires | $1,500-2,800 | 3.2-5.1% | Highest demand, premium amenities, cultural center |
| Mendoza | $800-1,400 | 4.8% | Wine tourism, retiree-friendly, growing economy |
| Córdoba | $1,000-1,700 | 4.0% | University town, business hub, affordable living |
| Bariloche | $1,600-2,200 | 5.0%+ | Nature tourism, year-round rental demand |
| Salta/Tucumán | $500-1,200 | 4.5% | Emerging markets, strong rental growth |
| Rosario | $900-1,500 | 4.2% | Industrial center, river access, growing market |
| Mar del Plata | $1,100-1,800 | 3.8% | Coastal resort, seasonal rental income |
Buenos Aires consistently ranks highest for livability due to world-class healthcare, cultural amenities, and infrastructure. Tourism numbers show strong growth in Patagonia, Mendoza wine regions, and Buenos Aires cultural districts through 2024-2025.
Growth forecasts indicate moderate price appreciation in Buenos Aires and tourist areas through 2026, with rental yields remaining stable between 3.2-5.5% depending on location and property type.
What are current average prices per square meter in different regions?
Argentine property prices vary significantly by location, with Buenos Aires commanding premium rates and emerging markets offering value opportunities.
As of September 2025, Buenos Aires prime neighborhoods like Palermo and Recoleta reach $2,800 per square meter, while emerging areas start around $1,500 per square meter. The capital's consistent demand from both locals and foreigners maintains these premium valuations despite broader economic challenges.
Regional markets offer substantially lower entry points, with Mendoza averaging $800-1,400 per square meter and northern cities like Salta starting around $500 per square meter. Patagonian destinations like Bariloche command premium prices of $1,600-2,200 per square meter due to limited supply and strong tourism demand.
Coastal areas and university towns typically fall in the $900-1,700 range, offering balanced investment opportunities with steady rental demand and moderate appreciation potential.
It's something we develop in our Argentina property pack.
What are the most common mistakes foreign buyers make?
Foreign buyers frequently underestimate the importance of proper legal representation and comprehensive due diligence.
- Skipping professional legal help: Not hiring qualified local lawyers and escribanos leads to title issues, hidden debts, and regulatory violations
- Ignoring property restrictions: Failing to verify restrictions on rural, border, or coastal properties before committing to purchases
- Proceeding without CDI: Starting property searches without obtaining required tax identification, causing delays and complications
- Underestimating total costs: Budgeting only purchase price without accounting for 10-15% in taxes, fees, and currency exchange losses
- Inadequate due diligence: Not confirming properties are free of liens, litigation, or zoning violations that can void transactions
- Poor contract terms: Using informal agreements instead of proper Spanish legal documentation with specific terms and conditions
- Non-refundable deposits: Losing substantial deposits due to insufficient research or changing investment plans
- Currency exchange timing: Poor timing of peso conversions leading to significant additional costs
Successful foreign buyers invest time in market research, establish relationships with qualified professionals, and maintain realistic timelines for complex transactions involving international documentation and verification processes.
What are the fiscal implications in Argentina and your home country?
Property ownership in Argentina creates tax obligations in both Argentina and your home country that require careful planning.
In Argentina, you must pay annual property tax (IBP) ranging from 0.25-1.5% of assessed value, plus capital gains tax of 15-35% on profits when selling, calculated based on holding period and gain amount. Rental income generates additional income tax obligations that must be filed annually with AFIP.
Mortgage interest is deductible against rental income, while property improvements can be depreciated over time. All tax filings must be completed in Spanish through Argentine tax authorities, typically requiring local accounting assistance.
Most countries require disclosure of foreign property assets on annual tax returns, with rental income and capital gains potentially subject to taxation in your home jurisdiction. Double taxation treaties between Argentina and many countries provide some relief, but specific rules vary significantly.
Consult qualified tax advisors in both Argentina and your home country before purchasing to optimize cross-border compliance, minimize tax burdens, and ensure proper reporting of all property-related income and gains.
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.
Argentina offers foreign buyers an accessible entry point into South American real estate with minimal legal restrictions and strong property rights protections.
Success requires proper preparation, qualified local representation, and realistic budgeting for substantial transaction costs and ongoing tax obligations.
Sources
- TheLatinvestor - Argentina Real Estate for Foreigners
- Global Property Guide - Argentina Buying Guide
- Expat Focus - Argentina Property Buying
- TheLatinvestor - Moving to Argentina
- TheLatinvestor - Foreigners Buying Land
- Argentina Asado - Property Legalities
- WSC Legal - Real Estate Timing
- Lawyers Argentina - House Buying Guide