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Are Montevideo property prices going up now? (June 2025)

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

property investment Montevideo

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

Montevideo's property market continues its steady upward trajectory in 2025, with moderate price increases across most neighborhoods despite some short-term volatility.

As we reach mid-2025, property prices in Uruguay's capital have shown resilience with a nominal 2.9% increase in 2024, though inflation-adjusted figures reveal a more complex picture. The market is experiencing strong foreign investor interest, particularly in luxury segments, while government incentives continue to support new development and urban renewal projects.

If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Uruguay, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.

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.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At The Latinvestor, we explore the Uruguayan 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 Montevideo, Punta del Este, and Maldonado. 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 are the current average property prices in Montevideo as of June 2025?

Montevideo's residential property market shows a citywide average of $2,420 to $2,704 USD per square meter as of mid-2025.

Premium neighborhoods command significantly higher prices, with Carrasco leading at $4,260 USD per square meter, followed by Punta Carretas and Punta Gorda at over $4,000 USD per square meter. Popular coastal areas like Pocitos, Malvín, and Parque Rodó average around $3,500 USD per square meter.

Mid-range neighborhoods such as La Blanqueada and Cordón range from $2,950 to $3,250 USD per square meter, while central areas including Centro and Tres Cruces average approximately $2,800 USD per square meter. More affordable options exist in areas like Las Acacias and Peñarol, where prices range from $750 to $875 USD per square meter.

Typical property prices vary dramatically by location and type. A studio apartment in Ciudad Vieja costs around $100,000 USD, while a two-bedroom unit in Pocitos reaches approximately $200,000 USD. Luxury penthouses in Carrasco can command $500,000 USD or more.

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

How much have property prices increased in Montevideo over the past year?

Montevideo property prices increased by 2.9% in nominal terms during 2024, though inflation-adjusted figures tell a different story.

When accounting for inflation, real property prices actually declined by 4.09% in 2024, indicating that while nominal prices rose, purchasing power decreased. This follows a pattern of varying growth rates over recent years: 0.91% in 2023, 3.41% in 2022, and a strong 9.66% increase in 2021.

The market experienced significant quarterly volatility throughout 2024, with Q4 showing a sharp 8.78% jump following a 6.87% decline in Q3. This volatility reflects both seasonal patterns and changing economic conditions affecting buyer confidence.

Specific property types showed different performance levels. Two-bedroom homes saw median sale prices increase by 10.6% from October 2023 to October 2024, while newly built houses experienced a more modest 1.2% nominal increase.

These mixed signals suggest a market in transition, with certain segments performing better than others despite overall economic pressures.

Which neighborhoods in Montevideo experienced the fastest property price growth in 2024-2025?

Neighborhood Avg. Price (USD/sqm) Growth Trend Key Drivers
Centro/Ciudad Vieja $2,800-$3,000 Fastest appreciation Urban renewal projects, government incentives, cultural revitalization
Carrasco $4,260 3-7% forecast 2025 Luxury market, high-net-worth foreign buyers, premium positioning
Cordón $2,950-$3,250 High transaction volume Young professionals, trendy area, good value proposition
Pocitos $3,500 Steady, high demand Coastal location, expat favorite, established prestige
Punta Carretas $4,000+ Sustained interest Upscale retail, vibrant lifestyle, shopping centers
Malvín $3,500 Strong investment potential Family-friendly, more affordable than prime coastal areas

What types of properties are seeing the biggest price increases in Montevideo?

Luxury properties and newly built sustainable apartments are leading price appreciation in Montevideo's residential market.

Luxury penthouses in premium areas like Carrasco and Punta Carretas, priced at $500,000 USD and above, are forecast to appreciate 5-7% annually. These properties attract high-net-worth foreign buyers, particularly from Argentina and Brazil, creating sustained upward pressure on prices in the luxury segment.

Newly built apartments incorporating sustainable features and energy-efficient designs have experienced price increases of 4.43% in early 2023, with continued strong demand. The market shows particular interest in units with green building certifications and modern amenities.

Affordable studios and one-bedroom apartments in revitalized areas represent another high-growth category. These properties, particularly in Centro, Ciudad Vieja, and Cordón, benefit from urban renewal initiatives and demographic shifts toward city center living.

Large family homes in sought-after neighborhoods continue to attract foreign buyers, especially those relocating from neighboring countries, maintaining steady appreciation in this segment.

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How have recent economic reforms and tax policies affected Montevideo property prices in 2024-2025?

The Promoted Housing Law and new tax incentives have significantly boosted Montevideo's property market development and price stability.

Law 18.795, known as the Promoted Housing Law, continues providing tax exemptions on income and property transfer taxes for qualifying investments. Recent 2020-2024 reforms eliminated price ceilings, allowed more studio and one-bedroom units, and enabled mixed-use ground floors, dramatically increasing development flexibility.

New property tax regulations introduced in 2024-2025 offer additional incentives for sustainable construction and green building certifications such as LEED. These policies align with global ESG trends and have sparked increased interest in eco-friendly developments.

The impact has been substantial, with a record 185 promoted projects approved in 2023, expanding housing options particularly in previously underdeveloped areas. This surge in new construction has helped maintain price stability while supporting moderate appreciation across different market segments.

These tax policies have made Uruguay, and especially Montevideo, more attractive to both local and foreign investors, contributing to sustained demand and supporting the market's gradual upward trajectory.

What are the property price forecasts for Montevideo through 2026 and beyond?

Period Annual Appreciation Key Drivers and Notes
2025 2-4% (modest, stable) Steady demand, infrastructure upgrades, continued foreign interest
2025-2027 3-5% Infrastructure investment impact, urban renewal projects completion
2025-2035 3-5% (projected) Long-term growth tied to GDP expansion, stable political environment
2025-2045 3-5% (historical average) No major bubbles expected, subject to global economic trends
Luxury Segments 5-7%+ potential Carrasco, Pocitos, Ciudad Vieja could exceed average ranges
Emerging Coastal 10-15% in some areas Areas outside Montevideo showing higher growth potential

How does current demand in Montevideo compare to the past five years?

Montevideo property demand remains robust in 2025, with transaction volumes increasing 3.9% in early 2024 compared to the previous year.

The metropolitan area's population reached 1,781,000 in 2024, driving continued urbanization and housing demand. This demographic growth provides a solid foundation for sustained market activity, particularly in family-oriented neighborhoods and affordable housing segments.

Foreign buyer interest has reached its highest levels in years, with investors from Argentina, Brazil, and Europe showing increased activity. This international demand particularly concentrates in luxury and coastal segments, with some high-end neighborhoods seeing foreign buyers account for up to two-thirds of premium transactions.

Compared to the past five years, demand has steadily increased since the post-pandemic recovery. Transaction volumes rose 15% in 2022 and have continued growing, though at a more moderate pace. The market has stabilized from the dramatic swings of 2020-2021 into a pattern of consistent, measured growth.

This sustained demand trajectory supports price stability and moderate appreciation forecasts for the coming years.

What role are foreign investors playing in Montevideo's property market in 2025?

Foreign investors are playing an increasingly significant role in Montevideo's property market, with no legal restrictions limiting their participation.

Uruguay treats foreign buyers equally to local purchasers, allowing full ownership rights without additional restrictions or requirements. This policy has attracted substantial international interest, particularly from neighboring countries and Europe.

Argentine, Brazilian, and European buyers are especially active, concentrating their investments in luxury and coastal segments. In premium neighborhoods like Carrasco, Pocitos, and Punta Carretas, foreign buyers account for 30-66% of high-end transactions, making them a key market driver.

The foreign buyer surge reflects several factors: Uruguay's political stability, favorable tax environment, quality of life, and competitive property prices compared to other regional capitals. Many foreign investors view Montevideo real estate as both a lifestyle investment and portfolio diversification strategy.

This international demand provides market liquidity and supports price appreciation, particularly in sought-after areas where foreign buyers compete for limited premium inventory.

infographics comparison property prices Montevideo

We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Uruguay 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.

How do current mortgage rates and financing conditions affect Montevideo property buyers in 2025?

As of June 2025, Uruguay's Central Bank maintains its key rate at 9.25%, while mortgage rates range from 6-10%, remaining regionally competitive despite recent increases.

These mortgage rates, while higher than historical lows, still offer reasonable financing conditions compared to other South American markets. Local banks provide various mortgage products, typically requiring 20-30% down payments for residential properties.

The current interest rate environment may dampen affordability for some buyers, particularly first-time purchasers and those seeking larger loan amounts. However, the rates have not significantly deterred foreign buyers, who often purchase properties outright or secure financing from their home countries.

Financing conditions favor buyers with strong credit profiles and stable income sources. The banking sector remains well-capitalized and willing to lend, though underwriting standards have become more stringent compared to the ultra-low rate environment of previous years.

Overall, while financing costs have increased, they remain manageable and have not created major barriers to market participation for qualified buyers.

How do Montevideo property prices compare to other South American capitals in 2025?

City Avg. Price (USD/sqm, central) Market Characteristics
Montevideo $2,420-$2,704 Competitive pricing, high quality of life, stable legal framework
Buenos Aires $2,900-$3,500 Higher prices, economic volatility, currency risk concerns
Santiago $3,000-$4,000 Premium regional market, strong economy, higher overall costs
Lima $2,200-$2,800 Similar pricing to Montevideo, emerging market dynamics
Bogotá $1,800-$2,500 Lower entry costs, developing market infrastructure
São Paulo $2,500-$4,500 Wide price range, luxury districts command premium pricing

What are the main risks and potential downsides for Montevideo property investment in 2025?

Several risk factors could impact Montevideo property values, though most remain manageable within the current market context.

Inflation pressure represents the most immediate concern, as evidenced by the 4.09% decline in real property prices in 2024 despite nominal gains. This trend suggests that property returns may not keep pace with overall cost increases, affecting real investment yields.

Interest rate levels at 9.25% for the Central Bank rate could dampen buyer affordability and slow transaction volumes. While current mortgage rates remain competitive regionally, further increases could price out marginal buyers and reduce demand pressure.

The ongoing construction boom, supported by government incentives, could lead to local oversupply in certain segments. If demand growth slows while new supply continues entering the market, this imbalance could pressure prices downward.

Economic shocks, whether global downturns or regional instability, pose risks to foreign buyer demand, which has become a crucial market driver. Any reduction in international investor interest could significantly impact premium segments where foreign buyers dominate.

Short-term market volatility, as demonstrated by the quarterly price swings in 2024, indicates sensitivity to changing economic conditions and investor sentiment shifts.

What is the outlook for rental yields and investment returns in Montevideo for 2025-2026?

Montevideo rental yields currently average 4-6% gross returns, positioning the market competitively within the regional context.

Prime neighborhoods like Pocitos and Carrasco typically generate yields on the lower end of this range due to higher property values, while emerging areas and more affordable segments can achieve returns toward the upper range. The rental market benefits from steady demand from both locals and expatriates working in Montevideo.

Investment returns face mixed prospects for 2025-2026. While rental income remains stable, capital appreciation may be modest given current economic pressures and inflation concerns. Investors should expect total returns in the 6-10% range annually, combining rental yields with moderate price appreciation.

The vacation rental market, particularly in areas attractive to tourists and short-term visitors, offers potentially higher yields but requires more active management. Properties suitable for Airbnb and similar platforms in well-located neighborhoods can generate 8-12% gross returns.

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

Currency stability and Uruguay's favorable tax treatment for real estate investment support the investment case, though investors should monitor inflation trends and their impact on real returns.

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. ApartHotel Uruguay Analysis
  2. Global Property Guide Uruguay Price History
  3. The Latinvestor Montevideo Property Analysis
  4. The Latinvestor Montevideo Price Forecasts
  5. Global Property Guide Uruguay Home Price Trends
  6. Real Estate in Uruguay Market Analysis 2024
  7. The Latinvestor Montevideo Real Estate Market
  8. The Latinvestor Montevideo Best Areas
  9. The Latinvestor Uruguay Foreigner Tips
  10. Ecovis Uruguay Real Estate Market