How Much Does a House in Argentina Cost?
Understand the complete financial picture and process of buying property in Argentina, including market trends, valuation, and transaction expenses.
The real estate market in Argentina is influenced by economic factors and regional differences. Understanding current conditions and associated costs is important for potential buyers.
Current Property Market Landscape
Property prices in Argentina are denominated in US dollars, reflecting the currency’s stability in an economy prone to high inflation. As of mid-2025, Buenos Aires shows a significant recovery in residential property values. The citywide average price for residential properties ranges from US$2,200 to US$2,500 per square meter. Prices vary substantially by neighborhood, with premium areas like Puerto Madero commanding higher rates, exceeding US$5,000 to US$6,500 per square meter. In contrast, mid-range neighborhoods like Palermo average around US$3,172 per square meter, and more affordable areas such as Caballito are closer to US$2,268 per square meter.
A 60-square-meter apartment in a mid-tier Buenos Aires neighborhood might cost around US$136,000. Two-bedroom apartments in prime Buenos Aires locations have average prices ranging from US$156,000 for standard units to over US$300,000 for luxury properties. While nominal prices rose 5-7% in 2024 and early 2025, real values, adjusted for high inflation, have seen significant declines. Despite this, the market is showing strong recovery momentum, with transaction volumes up significantly year-on-year.
Beyond Buenos Aires, property costs differ. In provinces like Córdoba and Mendoza, real estate is generally more accessible. For example, in Córdoba, apartment prices average around ARS 224,751 per square foot, and houses average ARS 111,992 per square foot. Mendoza offers vineyard properties and land, with prices for 30- to 40-acre pieces starting as low as US$75,000. The real estate market in Argentina reached US$38,166.1 million in 2024 and is projected to grow, driven by economic stability and residential demand.
Factors Influencing Home Valuation
Factors contribute to the varying valuation of homes across Argentina. Location is a primary determinant, with properties in prestigious neighborhoods or those offering proximity to amenities like schools, commercial centers, and public transport commanding higher prices. For example, areas such as Puerto Madero, Palermo, and Recoleta in Buenos Aires consistently exhibit the highest per-square-meter values due to their desirability and infrastructure. Conversely, emerging or less developed neighborhoods offer more accessible price points, reflecting their current market position and potential for future growth.
Property type also influences valuation. Apartments, particularly smaller units, are popular investments due to their lower entry cost and versatility in the rental market. Houses, especially those with unique features like gardens or multiple bedrooms, appeal to a different segment of buyers and can vary widely in price based on their size and condition. New constructions often command a premium over resale properties, with apartments under construction in Buenos Aires costing approximately 31% more than used apartments, reflecting higher construction costs. The age and condition of a property play a substantial role, as older homes may require significant renovation, while well-maintained or recently updated properties fetch higher prices.
Broader economic influences also impact property values. High inflation rates, while making nominal prices appear to rise, can lead to a decrease in real property values over time. Conversely, improved access to mortgage financing has expanded the buyer pool and stimulated market activity. Government policies, including the repeal of rent control laws, have led to an increase in rental supply and a subsequent shift in the market, encouraging investment. Foreign investment and deregulation are also anticipated to drive annual growth in USD terms over the coming years.
Comprehensive Transaction Costs
Purchasing property in Argentina involves additional costs beyond the agreed-upon sale price. Real estate agent commissions typically range from 3% to 4% of the sale price, plus Value Added Tax (VAT), and can be paid by the buyer, seller, or split depending on the agreement. These fees compensate agents for facilitating the transaction, from marketing to negotiation.
Notary fees, known as “escritura fees,” are another significant expense, amounting to 2% of the property’s value, plus VAT. These fees cover the services of the Escribano Público (notary public), who is a legal professional responsible for drafting and authenticating the public deed (escritura pública), ensuring the legality of the transaction. The notary also conducts due diligence, verifying the property’s legal status and ensuring clear title.
Property transfer taxes are also applicable. While a national tax of 1.5% paid by the seller was repealed in July 2024, local taxes remain, such as a 3.5% city tax in Buenos Aires typically split between the buyer and seller. Stamp duties (Impuesto de Sellos) are levied by provincial governments and can vary; these are taxes on the formal documentation of the transaction. Property registration fees are also incurred to record the new ownership with the property registry, ensuring legal recognition of the transfer. These various charges, excluding the purchase price, can collectively add approximately 7% to 10% to the total cost of acquiring property in Argentina.
Overview of the Buying Process
The property acquisition process in Argentina begins with a formal offer, accompanied by a deposit to reserve the property. This initial step, known as reserva, demonstrates a buyer’s intent and takes the property off the market for a specified period. The deposit amount is usually a small percentage of the total purchase price.
Following the reserva, the parties proceed to sign a preliminary agreement called a boleto de compraventa. This document outlines the terms and conditions of the sale, including the purchase price, payment schedule, and any contingencies. At this stage, the buyer pays a larger portion of the purchase price, around 10% to 30%, which is held in escrow. During this phase, thorough due diligence is conducted. This involves the buyer verifying the property’s title, checking for any encumbrances such as mortgages or liens, and ensuring all taxes and utility bills are current.
The culmination of the buying process is the signing of the escritura pública, or public deed. This document is executed before a notary public (Escribano Público), who ensures all legal requirements are met and that the transaction is properly documented. The remaining balance of the purchase price is paid at this time. The notary then handles the registration of the new ownership with the local Property Registry, which officially transfers the title to the buyer and provides legal recognition of the property acquisition.