How to buy property in Mendoza as a foreigner?

Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Argentina Property Pack

Yes, the analysis of Mendoza's property market is included in our pack

Who is the author of this content?

THE LATINVESTOR

A team specialized in real estate investing in LATAM countries

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Mendoza. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At TheLatinvestor, we explore the Argentine real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Mendoza, Buenos Aires, and Córdoba. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

What property rights do foreigners have in Mendoza compared to locals?

Foreigners enjoy almost identical property ownership rights as Argentine citizens in Mendoza's urban areas.

You can freely purchase apartments, houses, commercial properties, and urban land throughout Mendoza province without nationality restrictions. The Argentine constitution guarantees equal property rights for foreign investors, making the process straightforward for international buyers.

The primary limitations affect rural land ownership, where foreigners cannot own more than 15% of rural land in any municipality or exceed 1,000 hectares in certain designated areas. Properties located in border security zones or near strategic water sources also face ownership restrictions.

For residential and commercial real estate in cities like Mendoza, Maipú, and Luján de Cuyo, your nationality provides no disadvantage compared to local buyers.

It's something we develop in our Argentina property pack.

What residency or visa requirements exist for property purchases?

No residency status or special visa is required to buy property in Mendoza as a foreigner.

You can complete a property purchase while visiting Argentina on a standard tourist visa, which allows stays up to 90 days for most nationalities. The only mandatory requirement is obtaining a CDI (Argentine Tax Identification Number), which serves as your taxpayer identification for the transaction.

Property ownership itself does not grant you residency rights or citizenship pathways in Argentina. If you plan to live in Argentina long-term, you'll need to pursue residency through separate immigration channels unrelated to your property investment.

The CDI can typically be obtained through your legal representative, sometimes without requiring your physical presence at the tax office.

Do you need to be physically present in Argentina to complete the purchase?

Physical presence is typically required for the final closing ceremony at the notary's office.

While you can conduct property searches, negotiations, and preliminary contracts remotely, Argentine law requires the final "Escritura" (deed signing) to occur in person at a notary's office. This ceremony legally transfers ownership and must be witnessed by the notary public.

However, you can appoint a local legal representative with power of attorney to act on your behalf if you cannot be present for closing. This requires preparing specific legal documentation before your departure from Argentina or through an Argentine consulate in your home country.

The CDI tax identification can often be obtained by your lawyer without your physical presence, though some tax offices may require your attendance.

What are the exact steps and required documents for buying property?

The property buying process in Mendoza follows a structured six-step procedure with specific documentation requirements.

Step	Action Required	Documents Needed
1. Property Search	Identify target property through agents or online platforms	Passport, proof of funds
2. Legal Team	Hire local real estate agent and lawyer/escribano	Signed representation agreements
3. Tax ID (CDI)	Obtain Argentine tax identification number	Passport, proof of address
4. Preliminary Contract	Sign Reserva or Boleto de Compraventa	CDI, deposit payment (20-30%)
5. Due Diligence	Lawyer performs title search and verification	Property title, municipal certificates
6. Final Closing	Escritura signing at notary office	All previous documents, remaining payment

Essential documents include your passport, proof of address (from home country or Argentina), CDI tax identification, preliminary purchase contract, and proof of payment method.

Is hiring a local lawyer mandatory and what should they handle?

While not legally mandatory, hiring a local lawyer or escribano (notary public) is essential for foreign buyers in Mendoza.

Your legal representative handles critical tasks including comprehensive title searches to verify ownership and identify any liens or debts attached to the property. They prepare all purchase contracts, ensure compliance with Argentine property laws, and coordinate the final closing process at the notary's office.

Additional services include obtaining your CDI tax identification, arranging power of attorney documentation if needed, and providing guidance on local real estate practices and regulations.

Legal fees typically range from 1-2% of the property purchase price, making this a worthwhile investment to protect against potential legal complications that could be costly for foreign buyers unfamiliar with Argentine property law.

What are the taxes, fees, and costs when buying and reselling property?

Total transaction costs for buying property in Mendoza range from 6-11% of the purchase price.

Cost Category	Percentage	Description
Transfer Tax	3%	Provincial tax on property transfers
Notary Fees	1-2%	Legal documentation and registration
Real Estate Commission	3-4%	Agent fees (often split buyer/seller)
Registration Fees	0.5-1%	Property registry and municipal costs
Annual Property Tax	1.2-1.5%	Ongoing municipal tax based on assessed value
Capital Gains Tax (Resale)	Variable	Applied to non-residents, subject to tax treaties

When reselling, expect similar transaction costs plus potential capital gains tax obligations for foreign sellers, which vary based on your residency status and any double-taxation treaties between Argentina and your home country.

It's something we develop in our Argentina property pack.

Can foreigners get mortgages in Argentina and what are the conditions?

Mortgage availability for foreigners in Argentina is extremely limited, with most property transactions requiring cash payment.

Local banks rarely offer financing to non-resident foreigners due to currency controls, economic volatility, and strict lending requirements. When mortgages are available, interest rates can exceed 50-80% annually in peso terms, making them prohibitively expensive for most international buyers.

To improve your chances of mortgage approval, you would need to establish Argentine residency, demonstrate local income sources, maintain substantial bank deposits in Argentina, and work with specialized mortgage brokers familiar with foreign buyer requirements.

Most successful foreign property purchases in Mendoza are completed with cash payments, often sourced from overseas transfers through official exchange channels or blue-chip swap arrangements to navigate currency restrictions.

Which areas in Mendoza are most popular among foreign buyers?

Ciudad de Mendoza and its affluent suburban areas attract the majority of foreign property investment.

The city center offers urban amenities, established international communities, and proximity to cultural attractions, making it ideal for both residential living and rental investment. Residential neighborhoods surrounding the city provide better value while maintaining access to services.

Chacras de Coria stands out as the premium choice for affluent foreign buyers, offering upscale residential developments, proximity to renowned wineries, and a quiet lifestyle favored by retirees and wine enthusiasts.

Maipú and Luján de Cuyo are increasingly popular for their combination of wine country lifestyle, tourism rental potential, and more moderate property prices compared to central Mendoza.

These areas benefit from established expat communities, better infrastructure, and higher potential for capital appreciation driven by tourism and wine industry growth.

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 neighborhoods offer the best investment potential?

Investment potential varies significantly across Mendoza's neighborhoods based on livability, rental yields, and growth forecasts.

Area	Livability Score	Rental Potential	Capital Appreciation	Growth Forecast
Ciudad de Mendoza	High	High	Moderate	Strong
Chacras de Coria	Very High	Moderate	High	Strong
Luján de Cuyo	High	Moderate	High	Good
Maipú	Moderate	Good	Moderate	Moderate
Godoy Cruz	Moderate	High	Moderate	Good

Areas near the city center and wine regions typically offer stronger rental yields, especially for short-term vacation rentals targeting wine tourism. Properties in established neighborhoods with good infrastructure and proximity to amenities tend to appreciate more consistently over time.

What are current property prices across Mendoza regions?

Property prices in Mendoza vary significantly by location and property type, with premium areas commanding substantial premiums over basic residential zones.

Ciudad de Mendoza urban apartments start around $800-$1,500 per square meter, while houses range from $1,000-$2,500 per square meter depending on neighborhood quality and proximity to the city center.

Chacras de Coria represents the premium market segment, with residential properties ranging from $1,500-$3,000 per square meter due to its upscale character and winery proximity.

Luján de Cuyo wine estate properties typically cost $1,200-$2,500 per square meter, while the more affordable Maipú area offers options from $900-$1,700 per square meter.

These prices remain considerably lower than Buenos Aires real estate but higher than rural Mendoza province towns, making the region attractive for both lifestyle and investment purposes.

It's something we develop in our Argentina property pack.

What common mistakes should foreign buyers avoid?

Foreign buyers frequently encounter preventable problems that can result in significant financial losses or legal complications.

1. **Skipping professional legal representation** - Attempting to navigate Argentine property law without qualified local counsel2. **Inadequate due diligence** - Failing to verify clear title, outstanding debts, or zoning compliance issues3. **Assuming mortgage availability** - Planning purchases based on unavailable financing options4. **Ignoring currency transfer logistics** - Underestimating complexities of moving funds through official channels5. **Overpaying professional fees** - Accepting inflated commission or legal fees without comparing market rates6. **Rural land restriction violations** - Purchasing restricted rural properties without understanding foreign ownership limits7. **Tax obligation misunderstanding** - Failing to plan for ongoing property taxes and potential capital gains obligations

Working with experienced professionals and conducting thorough research before committing to any property purchase helps avoid these costly mistakes that have affected numerous foreign buyers.

What are the fiscal implications of property ownership for foreigners?

Foreign property owners in Mendoza face several ongoing tax obligations and potential benefits depending on their home country's tax treaty with Argentina.

Rental income generated from Mendoza properties is subject to Argentine income tax at progressive rates, with non-residents potentially facing withholding taxes applied at the source of payment.

Annual property taxes range from 1.2-1.5% of assessed property value and are payable to municipal authorities regardless of your residency status.

Capital gains tax applies to non-residents when selling properties held for less than two years, though specific rates and exemptions depend on double-taxation treaties between Argentina and your country of residence.

If your home country maintains a tax treaty with Argentina, you may be able to offset Argentine taxes against your domestic tax obligations, potentially reducing your overall tax burden on property-related income and gains.

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.

Sources

1. Arab MLS - Can a Foreigner Buy Property in Argentina
2. TheLatinvestor - Argentina Real Estate for Foreigners
3. TheLatinvestor - Can Americans Buy Property in Argentina
4. TheLatinvestor - Mendoza Property Guide
5. TheLatinvestor - US Citizen Property Ownership in Argentina
6. TheLatinvestor - Moving to Argentina and Buying Property
7. Overseas Property Alert - Mendoza Real Estate Market Overview
8. Life Abroad Hero - Guide to Buying Property in Argentina