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Punta Del Este's property market is experiencing strong upward momentum with prices likely to continue rising in 2026.
The resort town has averaged 6-10% annual price appreciation over the past decade, driven by robust international demand, limited prime inventory, and major luxury developments coming online. Current market conditions suggest property values will increase further in 2026, particularly in waterfront and central areas.
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Punta Del Este property prices are expected to rise in 2026, continuing a decade-long trend of 6-10% annual appreciation.
Strong international buyer demand, limited prime inventory, and major luxury developments support continued price growth across all property segments.
| Market Indicator | Current Status (2025) | 2026 Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Price Growth | 6-10% per year (past decade) | Continued appreciation expected |
| Apartment Prices | $4,000/sq m average | Rising trend likely |
| Luxury Waterfront Prices | $5,000-$10,000/sq m | Strong growth anticipated |
| International Buyers | 75% of luxury purchases | Sustained demand expected |
| New Supply | Major projects delivering 2025-2026 | Moderate supply increase |
| Rental Yields | 4-6% long-term, 7-10% seasonal | Stable to improving |
| Tourism Growth | 650,000+ visitors in 2024 | 10-12% annual growth projected |
How much did property prices in Punta Del Este increase on average per year over the past 10 years?
Punta Del Este property prices have averaged 6-10% annual increases over the past decade.
The general market has shown approximately 6.9% annual growth in USD terms from 2015 to 2025. This consistent appreciation reflects the resort town's growing international reputation and limited supply of prime properties.
Luxury beachfront areas have performed even better, often exceeding 10% annual growth. Neighborhoods like La Barra, José Ignacio, Playa Brava, and Manantiales have led this appreciation due to their exclusivity and direct ocean access. These premium locations attract the highest-spending international buyers, driving sustained price growth.
The steady appreciation rate positions Punta Del Este as one of South America's most consistent real estate performers. This track record provides confidence for investors considering property purchases in the market.
It's something we develop in our Uruguay property pack.
What is the current average price per square meter for apartments and for houses in Punta Del Este?
As of September 2025, apartment prices in Punta Del Este average $4,000 per square meter.
Luxury beachfront apartments command significantly higher prices, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 per square meter. These premium properties offer direct ocean views, private beach access, and top-tier amenities that justify the price premium.
Houses in Punta Del Este have a median price of approximately UYU 96,000 per square meter, equivalent to about $2,300 per square meter at current exchange rates. This reflects the diverse range of residential properties available, from modest homes to luxury estates.
The pricing structure reflects clear market segmentation, with waterfront and central properties commanding premium rates while outskirt areas offer more affordable entry points for buyers.
How do prices differ between waterfront properties, central neighborhoods, and outskirts areas?
| Area Type | Apartments (avg/sq m) | Houses |
|---|---|---|
| Waterfront (José Ignacio, La Barra, Manantiales) | $5,000–$10,000 | $2M–$20M luxury homes |
| Central Neighborhoods (Roosevelt, Aidy Grill) | ~$4,000 | ~$2,300/sq m |
| Outskirts Areas | Entry-level from $150,000/unit | Lower average per sq m |
| Premium Beachfront | Up to $10,000+ | Ultra-luxury estates $10M+ |
| Emerging Developments | $3,000–$4,500 | $1,800–$2,500/sq m |
What was the volume of property sales in 2024 and 2025, and how does it compare with the historical average?
Property sales volume in 2024-2025 remains robust and above historical averages.
The luxury segment has experienced a 30% increase in transaction volume over the past five years. This surge reflects growing international interest in Punta Del Este as both a vacation destination and investment opportunity.
General sales activity has consistently exceeded historical averages, driven primarily by international buyers from Argentina and Brazil. These neighboring countries' residents continue to view Punta Del Este as a safe haven for real estate investment.
The sustained sales volume indicates healthy market liquidity and buyer confidence. Strong transaction activity supports continued price appreciation by demonstrating consistent demand across property segments.
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How many new residential projects or units are expected to be delivered in 2025 and 2026?
Multiple high-profile residential developments are scheduled for delivery in 2025 and 2026.
The Cipriani Resort, Residences & Casino represents the largest project, with a USD 500 million investment creating three luxury towers. This development will deliver units through 2026, adding significant premium inventory to the market.
El Nido Beach & Surf Homes, an USD 80 million gated community, is expected to complete in 2026. This project focuses on luxury beachfront properties with direct surf access, targeting high-end recreational buyers.
Additional gated communities and luxury apartment buildings are planned across Punta Del Este. These developments will expand supply in both central areas and emerging neighborhoods, providing more options for buyers across different price points.
The new supply should help meet growing demand while potentially moderating price increases in some segments.
What is the current rental yield percentage for long-term and seasonal rentals in Punta Del Este?
Punta Del Este offers attractive rental yields for both seasonal and long-term properties.
Seasonal rentals can achieve yields of 7-10% annually, with peak occupancy rates reaching 90-95% during the high season. The summer months from December to March drive the strongest rental performance, as tourists and seasonal residents flock to the resort town.
Long-term rentals provide more stable returns of 4-6% annually. This market has strengthened as more people choose Punta Del Este for permanent residency, creating year-round rental demand beyond the traditional tourist season.
The dual rental market allows property owners to maximize returns by switching between seasonal and long-term strategies based on market conditions and personal preferences. Many investors use seasonal rentals during peak months while maintaining long-term tenants during off-season periods.
It's something we develop in our Uruguay property pack.
How many international buyers purchased properties in Punta Del Este in 2024 compared to 2019?
International buyers dominated Punta Del Este's luxury property market in 2024, accounting for 75% of high-end purchases.
This represents a significant increase from 2019 levels, reflecting growing international recognition of Punta Del Este as a prime investment destination. Argentine and Brazilian buyers continue to lead foreign purchases, while American buyers are showing increased interest.
Property inquiries from foreign buyers increased by 20% in 2024 compared to previous years. This surge demonstrates expanding global awareness of Punta Del Este's investment potential and lifestyle offerings.
The strong international buyer presence supports price stability and growth, as foreign purchasers typically have higher budgets and are less sensitive to local economic fluctuations than domestic buyers.
What are the latest mortgage interest rates in Uruguay and how have they trended in the past 5 years?
Current mortgage interest rates in Uruguay range from 7.5% to 9% per annum for USD-denominated loans.
Both floating and fixed rates for shorter terms fall within this range, making Uruguay's mortgage rates moderate compared to other regional markets. The rates apply to both residential and investment property purchases.
Over the past five years since 2020, rates have remained relatively stable with slight upward movement. Uruguay's central bank has maintained conservative monetary policy, keeping rates competitive for international borrowers.
The stable rate environment supports continued property investment by providing predictable financing costs for both local and international buyers. Moderate rates combined with strong property appreciation create favorable leverage opportunities for investors.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Uruguay 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.
How much did construction costs (materials and labor) increase annually in Uruguay over the past 3 years?
Construction costs in Uruguay have increased by 7-13% annually over the past three years from 2022 to 2025.
Both materials and labor costs have risen significantly due to global supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures. These increases affect new development costs and renovation projects across all property segments.
The rising construction costs contribute to property price appreciation by increasing the replacement cost of buildings. New developments must factor higher construction expenses into their pricing, supporting overall market values.
Developers have adapted by sourcing materials more strategically and adjusting project timelines to manage cost increases. Despite higher costs, strong demand continues to support new project development across Punta Del Este.
What was Uruguay's inflation rate and GDP growth in 2024, and what are the forecasts for 2025 and 2026?
Uruguay's inflation rate reached approximately 5% in 2024, while GDP growth achieved about 2.5%.
Economic forecasts for 2025 and 2026 project GDP growth to remain steady at 2-3% annually. This moderate growth rate reflects Uruguay's stable economic environment and conservative fiscal policies.
Inflation is expected to stabilize near 5% over the forecast period. The controlled inflation environment supports real estate investment by providing predictable cost increases and preserving purchasing power.
Uruguay's economic stability compared to regional neighbors makes it an attractive destination for international property investment. The predictable economic environment reduces investment risk and supports long-term property value appreciation.
How many tourists visited Punta Del Este in 2024, and what is the projected growth for 2025 and 2026?
Punta Del Este welcomed over 650,000 visitors in 2024, representing a strong recovery and record arrivals.
Tourism projections for 2025 and 2026 forecast annual growth of 10-12%. This robust growth expectation is driven by enhanced infrastructure, expanded event programming, and increased international promotion efforts.
The growing tourism sector directly supports property values by increasing demand for both seasonal rentals and vacation homes. Higher visitor numbers drive rental income potential and create demand for hospitality-related real estate.
Major events, improved air connectivity, and Uruguay's reputation for safety continue to attract international visitors. This tourism growth underpins the real estate market's long-term investment appeal.
It's something we develop in our Uruguay property pack.
What is the current inventory of properties listed for sale, and how many months of supply does it represent?
Current property inventory in Punta Del Este represents approximately 4-6 months of supply in prime areas.
Waterfront and city center locations show the tightest inventory levels, reflecting strong demand and limited new construction in these established areas. The low inventory supports continued price appreciation in premium segments.
Outskirt areas have somewhat higher inventory levels, providing more options for buyers seeking value opportunities. New deliveries in 2025-2026 should help ease inventory pressure, particularly in emerging neighborhoods.
The balanced inventory situation favors sellers in prime locations while offering opportunities for strategic buyers in developing areas. Market conditions support both immediate sales and selective purchasing strategies.
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.
Punta Del Este's property market outlook for 2026 remains strongly positive, with multiple factors supporting continued price appreciation.
The combination of limited prime inventory, sustained international demand, and major luxury developments creates favorable conditions for property value growth across all market segments.
Sources
- The LatinVestor - Punta Del Este Price Forecasts
- Gateway to South America - Punta Del Este Real Estate Market 2025
- The LatinVestor - Punta Del Este Property Market
- The LatinVestor - Average House Price in Uruguay
- Properstar - Punta Del Este House Prices
- LatAm FDI - Transformation of Punta Del Este
- La Cite Uruguay - Punta Del Este Property Market
- Global Property Guide - Uruguay Price History
- BinaryX - Best Countries Real Estate Investment 2025
- The LatinVestor - Uruguay Real Estate Market