Buying real estate in Colombia?

We've created a guide to help you avoid pitfalls, save time, and make the best long-term investment possible.

What is the price per square meter in Colombia?

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

buying property foreigner Colombia

Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Colombia Property Pack

Colombia's property market offers diverse pricing across different regions and property types, with significant variations between urban centers like Bogotá and Medellín compared to coastal cities like Cartagena and Barranquilla. Property prices per square meter in Colombia range from COP 2,000,000 in rural areas to over COP 15,000,000 in premium urban neighborhoods as of September 2025.

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

How this content was created 🔎📝

At The LatinVestor, we explore the Colombian 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 Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena. 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.

Which city or region in Colombia should you focus on for property investment?

Colombia's major cities offer distinct price points and investment opportunities for property buyers.

Medellín remains the top choice for foreign investors, with El Poblado neighborhood leading at COP 7,500,000-12,000,000 per m² as of September 2025. Bogotá's premium areas like Zona Rosa and Chapinero command even higher prices at COP 8,000,000-15,000,000 per m², making it the most expensive market in Colombia.

Cartagena attracts investors seeking coastal properties, with Old City apartments averaging COP 6,000,000-10,000,000 per m², while new developments in Bocagrande range from COP 5,500,000-9,000,000 per m². Cali offers more affordable options in neighborhoods like Granada at COP 4,500,000-7,500,000 per m².

Barranquilla presents the most budget-friendly major city option, with prime areas in the Norte sector averaging COP 4,000,000-6,500,000 per m².

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

How does location type affect property prices per square meter?

Urban, suburban, and rural locations in Colombia show dramatic price differences that directly impact your investment returns.

Urban centers command premium pricing, with Medellín's El Poblado and Bogotá's Zona Rosa representing peak urban values at COP 7,500,000-15,000,000 per m². These areas offer complete infrastructure, security, and proximity to business districts.

Suburban areas typically price 30-50% lower than urban centers, with Medellín's Envigado averaging COP 5,000,000-8,000,000 per m² and Bogotá's Suba ranging from COP 4,500,000-7,000,000 per m². These locations provide more space and quieter environments while maintaining city access.

Rural properties offer the lowest prices at COP 2,000,000-4,000,000 per m², primarily for land purchases in coffee-growing regions or coastal areas outside major cities.

Proximity to transportation hubs, shopping centers, and business districts adds COP 1,000,000-3,000,000 per m² to property values across all location types.

What property types offer the best value per square meter?

Different property types in Colombia show significant price variations that affect your overall investment strategy.

Property Type Average Price per m² (COP) Typical Size Range
New Apartments 6,000,000 - 12,000,000 60-120 m²
Resale Apartments 4,500,000 - 9,000,000 70-150 m²
Houses (Urban) 5,500,000 - 10,000,000 120-300 m²
Houses (Suburban) 3,500,000 - 7,000,000 150-400 m²
Townhouses 4,000,000 - 8,000,000 100-200 m²
Land (Urban) 8,000,000 - 20,000,000 200-1000 m²
Land (Rural) 2,000,000 - 5,000,000 1000+ m²

How does property size impact the price per square meter?

Property size in Colombia follows an inverse relationship with price per square meter, where larger properties typically offer better value per m².

Small apartments (50-80 m²) command premium prices per m² at COP 8,000,000-13,000,000 in prime locations due to high demand from young professionals and investors. Medium-sized apartments (80-120 m²) average COP 6,500,000-10,000,000 per m², offering the best balance of space and value.

Large apartments (120+ m²) and houses typically price at COP 5,500,000-9,000,000 per m², as the larger size appeals to a smaller buyer pool. Luxury properties above 200 m² may command premium pricing again due to their exclusivity, reaching COP 10,000,000-15,000,000 per m² in top neighborhoods.

Land purchases show different dynamics, with smaller urban plots (200-500 m²) commanding COP 15,000,000-25,000,000 per m², while larger rural plots (1000+ m²) average COP 2,000,000-5,000,000 per m².

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What should you expect to pay for properties in Colombian pesos?

Colombian peso pricing varies significantly across different markets and property categories as of September 2025.

In Medellín's El Poblado, expect to pay COP 800,000,000-1,200,000,000 for a 100 m² apartment, while similar properties in Bogotá's Zona Rosa range from COP 1,000,000,000-1,500,000,000. Cartagena's Old City properties typically cost COP 600,000,000-1,000,000,000 for comparable sizes.

Houses in suburban areas of major cities range from COP 500,000,000-1,200,000,000 for 150-250 m² properties, depending on location and amenities. Budget-conscious buyers can find quality apartments in secondary cities like Bucaramanga or Pereira for COP 300,000,000-600,000,000.

Luxury properties in premium locations can exceed COP 2,000,000,000, particularly in Medellín's El Poblado penthouses or Bogotá's exclusive neighborhoods like La Cabrera.

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

How do current exchange rates affect your property purchase?

Exchange rates significantly impact foreign buyers' purchasing power in Colombia's real estate market.

As of September 2025, the USD trades at approximately 4,100-4,300 COP, maintaining strength that benefits American buyers. A COP 1,000,000,000 property costs roughly USD 230,000-245,000 at current rates, compared to USD 270,000-290,000 when the peso was stronger in early 2023.

European buyers using EUR face similar advantages, with the euro trading at approximately 4,500-4,700 COP, making Colombian properties particularly attractive for EU investors. Canadian buyers benefit from the CAD trading at roughly 3,000-3,200 COP.

Exchange rate volatility can impact your investment returns, with the Colombian peso historically fluctuating 10-20% annually against major currencies. Timing your purchase during peso weakness periods can save significant amounts on your property investment.

How do property condition and age affect pricing?

Property condition and age create substantial price variations across Colombia's real estate market.

New construction (0-5 years) commands premium pricing at 15-25% above market averages, with developers in Medellín and Bogotá charging COP 9,000,000-13,000,000 per m² for modern amenities and warranties. Well-maintained properties (5-15 years) typically price at market rates of COP 6,500,000-10,000,000 per m² in prime areas.

Older properties (15-30 years) often price 20-30% below market rates at COP 4,500,000-7,500,000 per m², but may require renovation investments of COP 1,000,000-2,500,000 per m². Properties over 30 years old can offer significant discounts but may need major updates to electrical, plumbing, and structural systems.

Recently renovated older properties can achieve near-market pricing, making renovation projects potentially profitable for investors willing to invest time and capital in improvements.

What amenities and features add value to Colombian properties?

Specific amenities and features significantly impact property values and rental yields in Colombia's competitive market.

1. **Security features** add COP 500,000-1,500,000 per m² to property values, including 24/7 security guards, controlled access, and surveillance systems2. **Swimming pools and gyms** increase values by COP 300,000-800,000 per m², particularly important in Medellín and Cartagena's hot climates 3. **Parking spaces** add COP 50,000,000-150,000,000 per space in urban centers, with underground parking commanding premium prices4. **Modern kitchen appliances** and high-end finishes contribute COP 200,000-600,000 per m² to overall valuations5. **Balconies with city or mountain views** can add COP 400,000-1,200,000 per m², especially in Medellín's valley setting6. **Air conditioning** throughout the property adds COP 150,000-400,000 per m² in coastal cities like Cartagena and Barranquilla7. **Elevator access** in buildings over 3 floors adds COP 100,000-300,000 per m² to apartment values
infographics rental yields citiesColombia

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Colombia 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 do local market averages compare across Colombian neighborhoods?

Neighborhood-specific pricing reveals significant opportunities and premium markets throughout Colombia's major cities.

Medellín's El Poblado leads premium pricing at COP 7,500,000-12,000,000 per m², while neighboring Laureles offers better value at COP 5,500,000-8,500,000 per m² with excellent infrastructure. Envigado provides suburban appeal at COP 5,000,000-8,000,000 per m².

Bogotá's Zona Rosa and Chapinero command top prices at COP 8,000,000-15,000,000 per m², while Suba and Kennedy offer affordable options at COP 3,500,000-6,000,000 per m². La Candelaria provides historic charm at COP 4,000,000-7,000,000 per m².

Cartagena's Old City apartments average COP 6,000,000-10,000,000 per m², while Bocagrande offers modern high-rises at COP 5,500,000-9,000,000 per m². Newer developments in Serena del Mar range from COP 4,500,000-7,500,000 per m².

What current market trends are affecting Colombian property prices?

Colombia's real estate market shows several key trends influencing property values and investment opportunities in 2025.

Foreign investment continues driving price appreciation in major cities, with American and European buyers particularly active in Medellín and Cartagena markets. Digital nomad influx has increased demand for furnished apartments in El Poblado and Zona Rosa, pushing rental rates up 15-25% since 2023.

Construction costs have stabilized after 2022-2023 increases, but labor shortages continue affecting new project timelines. Interest rates in Colombia remain relatively high at 10-13% for local buyers, creating opportunities for cash purchasers to negotiate better prices.

Infrastructure improvements including Medellín's new metro line and Bogotá's airport expansion are boosting property values in affected areas by 10-20%. Climate-conscious buyers increasingly prefer newer buildings with energy-efficient features and sustainable certifications.

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

What additional costs should you factor into your budget?

Colombian property purchases involve several mandatory and optional costs that significantly impact your total investment.

Cost Type Percentage/Amount Notes
Notary Fees 0.3% - 0.7% Of property purchase price
Registry Fees 1% - 1.5% Government registration costs
Legal Fees 0.5% - 1% Attorney representation
Property Tax 0.5% - 1% annually Based on cadastral value
HOA Fees COP 400,000 - 900,000/month Building administration
Insurance COP 200,000 - 500,000/year Property and liability coverage
Utilities Setup COP 500,000 - 1,500,000 Initial connections and deposits

How have property prices changed over recent years?

Colombian property price evolution shows steady appreciation across major markets with regional variations.

Medellín's El Poblado experienced consistent growth from COP 6,500,000 per m² in 2022 to COP 7,500,000-12,000,000 per m² in 2025, representing 15-20% annual appreciation. Bogotá's premium areas grew from COP 7,000,000 per m² to current levels of COP 8,000,000-15,000,000 per m².

Cartagena showed more volatile pricing, with tourist area properties fluctuating between COP 5,000,000-8,000,000 per m² in 2022-2023 before stabilizing at COP 6,000,000-10,000,000 per m² in 2024-2025. Cali and Barranquilla demonstrated steady but modest growth of 8-12% annually.

Rural and secondary city properties lagged major urban centers, with average annual appreciation of 5-8% compared to 12-18% in prime urban locations. The peso's weakness against major currencies amplified returns for foreign investors during this period.

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. DANE - National Administrative Department of Statistics
  2. Banco de la República de Colombia
  3. MetroCuadrado Real Estate Platform
  4. Finca Raíz Property Portal
  5. Properati Colombia
  6. Ciencuadras Real Estate
  7. CAMACOL - Colombian Chamber of Construction
  8. Superintendencia de Notariado y Registro