Buying real estate in Uruguay?

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

Is it a good time to buy a property in Uruguay in 2024?

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property market Uruguay

Everything you need to know is included in our Uruguay Property Pack

Are you thinking of investing in property in Uruguay? Are you unsure when would be the best time to proceed?

When it comes to market timing, people have varying opinions. Your Uruguayan friend might tell you that now is the ideal time to buy property, while your colleagues in Montevideo may think that prices will soon decline.

At TheLatinvestor, when we create articles or update our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Uruguay, we believe in solid evidence and concrete data, not mere opinions or rumors.

We have thoroughly examined all the official reports and statistics available on government websites. Now, we have a comprehensive database of reliable information and we can help you determining whether it is currently advantageous to purchase real estate in Uruguay.

Let's get started!

How is the property market in Uruguay currently?

Uruguay is, today, a very stable country

Positive

If you want to invest in real estate, prioritize stability as it safeguards against market fluctuations and uncertainties. It is an information you need as a foreigner looking to buy a property in Uruguay.

You are probably already familiar with the fact that Uruguay is known for its strong stability. The last Fragile State Index reported for this country is 35.2, which is an extraordinary number.

Uruguay has a strong democratic tradition, and the government has implemented economic policies that have helped to reduce poverty and inequality, making it a very stable country. Furthermore, the social and political stability of Uruguay has been maintained over the years by the strong consensus between the main political parties.

This country offers a stable ground for investment. Let's proceed to assess the economic forecast.

Uruguay will keep growing in the next 5 years

Positive

Before investing in properties, make sure the country's economy is in good shape.

As per the IMF's forecasts, Uruguay will end 2023 with a growth rate of 2%, which shows the country is on the right path. Regarding 2024, we're talking 2.9%.

Besides that, the economy will keep growing since Uruguay's economy is expected to increase by 11.3% during the next 5 years, resulting in an average GDP growth rate of 2.3%.

The expected sustainable growth rate in Uruguay is a good thing for someone who wants to invest in real estate because it demonstrates a strong, long-term economic growth potential, and provides a stable environment for real estate investments.

However, there are other factors to consider beyond GDP growth.Uruguay gdp growth

Uruguay's population is getting (a bit) richer

Positive

When considering real estate purchases, it's crucial to carefully evaluate population growth and GDP per capita because:

  • a growing population means more people needing homes
  • a higher GDP per person means people have more money to spend on housing (which can lead to increased property value over time)

In Uruguay, the average GDP per capita has changed by 4.4% over the last 5 years. Despite being minimal, there is still some observable growth.

This means that, if you purchase a contemporary apartment in Montevideo and rent it out, you will find that each year, you'll attract more tenants with sufficient funds to cover the rent.

If you're considering purchasing and renting it out, this trend is a good thing. Then, the demand for rentals is predicted to increase in Uruguayan cities such as Montevideo, Punta Del Este, or Colonia in 2024.

No high rental yields in Uruguay

Neutral

Now, let's delve into the rental yield.

It's the annual rental income of a property divided by its price. For example, if a property in Uruguay is purchased for $500,000 USD and generates $20,000 USD in annual rental income, the rental yield would be 4%.

Based on the data provided by Numbeo, rental properties in Uruguay promise gross rental yields from 3.1% and 5.8%. You can find a more detailed analysis (by property and areas) in our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Uruguay.

It indicates a moderate level of income generation.

Uruguay rental yields

Everything you need to know is included in our Uruguay Property Pack

In Uruguay, there is a foreseen trend of strong inflation

Positive

In two words, inflation is when money devalues.

It's when your regular asado barbecue costs 600 Uruguayan pesos instead of 500 Uruguayan pesos a couple of years ago.

If you're contemplating investing in a property, high inflation can offer several advantages:

  • Property values have a tendency to increase over time, potentially leading to capital appreciation.
  • Inflation can result in higher rental rates, thereby increasing the cash flow from the property.
  • Inflation reduces the real value of debt, making mortgage payments more affordable.
  • Real estate can act as a hedge against inflation, effectively preserving the value of the investment.
  • Diversifying into real estate provides stability during inflationary periods.

In line with IMF predictions, over the next 5 years, Uruguay will have an inflation rate of 25.1%, which gives us an average yearly increase of 5.0%.

It means that Uruguay is expected to experience strong inflation. If that happens, buying property now could be a smart move. There's a chance that the property's value will increase over time, allowing you to sell it for a higher price and make a profit

Is it a good time to buy real estate in Uruguay then?

Let's wrap things up!

Looking ahead to 2024, purchasing property in Uruguay holds promise due to a combination of favorable indicators. The country's exceptional stability provides a secure foundation for property investment. A stable environment minimizes risks and fosters investor confidence, creating a favorable climate for real estate transactions.

Uruguay's projected growth over the next five years underlines its potential as an attractive property market. Economic expansion suggests the possibility of appreciating property values, offering investors an opportunity for capital gains over time. Moreover, the upward trajectory of the population's economic status enhances the demand for housing and real estate, potentially driving up property prices.

One notable advantage for property investors in Uruguay is the foreseen trend of strong inflation. While inflation can erode the value of money, it can also positively impact property values, making real estate a potential hedge against rising prices. This could contribute to the appreciation of property investments over time.

Despite the absence of high rental yields in Uruguay, the combination of stability, growth prospects, increasing wealth, and the potential benefits of inflation on property values could outweigh the impact of lower rental income. In conclusion, 2024 presents a favorable juncture for property investment in Uruguay, but investors should consider their objectives and risk tolerance while evaluating these signals.

We sincerely hope this article has provided you with beneficial information!. If you need to know more, you can check our our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Uruguay.

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.

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