Buying Property in Argentina: A Guide for Expats in Córdoba and Beyond

UPDATED ON NOVEMBER 26, 2024

A potential expat recently asked me how much it would cost to buy property in Argentina. So, I decided to do some research and this is what I discovered. 

The Cost of Owning a Home

The cost of an affordable middle-class home will run you about 500,000 pesos minimum, which is about 81,860 U.S. dollars. Some homes can cost over a million Argentine pesos, which is approximately 163,720 U.S. dollars.

Updated on November 26, 2024: As of 2024, the real estate market in Argentina has changed significantly. Due to inflation and currency fluctuations, the cost of a middle-class home in Córdoba now ranges from 40 million to 80 million pesos, roughly $110,000 to $220,000 USD at the current exchange rate of 360 pesos per USD. 

Realtors vs Banks 

I highly recommend that you buy from a realtor (called an inmobiliaria in Argentina) rather than using a bank to buy your home. A realtor can enhance the value of your U.S. dollars from the average 6 pesos per USD to about 7 or 8 pesos per USD. This enhanced dollar value is known as “Dólar Blue.” This will significantly reduce the cost of the property you want to buy in U.S. dollars. The enhanced dollar process itself is called cotizar. Keep that in mind when dealing with the realtor.

You can handle the negotiation and purchase of your property with the realtor from the States via phone or email, but I strongly encourage you to visit Argentina and the different neighborhoods first before buying property. You never want to go in blind. Plus, if you have children, you’re going to want to take a look at the schools in the area. I would avoid public schools here, at least in Córdoba. The private schools are a lot neater and more organized.

Updated on November 26, 2024: The Dólar Blue rate remains a key factor when buying property, with rates now fluctuating around 750 pesos per USD. Private schools are still the recommended option in Córdoba due to their better infrastructure and educational quality.

Best Neighborhoods In Cordoba 

Here are some of the best neighborhoods (barrios) to live in if you move to Córdoba:

• Barrio Maipú
• Barrio Ayacucho
• Nueva Córdoba
• Urca
• Argüello - known for its middle to upper class families
• Valle Escondido - Gated Community

You can also buy property further north in Córdoba, like in “Cerro De Las Rosas,” but it’s much more expensive there.

Updated on November 26: Cerro De Las Rosas continues to be one of the most prestigious neighborhoods, with property prices now reaching 150 million pesos or more. Nueva Córdoba remains a top choice for expats due to its proximity to amenities.

Neighborhoods To Avoid When Buying Property In Cordoba 

• Neighborhoods to Avoid When Buying Property in Córdoba

  • Alta Córdoba and Cofico: Once high-class neighborhoods, this area has slowly gone downhill. There have been reports of theft and assaults in the area.
  • Barrio San Vicente: Not safe at night. There are a lot of break-ins.
  • Barrio Colón: It’s okay, but you risk occasional graffiti on your walls, and you can’t park your car outside overnight—it might get vandalized or stolen.
  • Barrio Rivadavia: Same explanation as Barrio Colón.
  • Barrio Crisol - Same Explanation as Barrio Colon, San Vicente and Rivadavia

  Updated on November 26: These neighborhoods continue to face security issues. For expats, it’s crucial to research and visit areas personally, as safety levels can vary street by street.

Buenos Aires

If you’ve read my recent entries about my two trips to Buenos Aires this year, you might be encouraged to buy property in the capital of Argentina. I’d like to point out that while I was never a victim of a crime there, some expats and natives have claimed that it’s an unsafe area, especially during political uprisings and protests.

If you choose to move to the capital, then I recommend that you stay within the area known as “La CABA” (Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires). Think of this area as the equivalent to Washington, D.C. Some expats and Argentinians have reported that the area beyond “La CABA” is considered dangerous. Think of “La CABA” as Manhattan, and the rest of the Buenos Aires region as Brooklyn and the Bronx.

Updated on November 26: Real estate in Buenos Aires remains an attractive option, but safety concerns persist in areas outside La CABA. Property prices in desirable neighborhoods like Palermo, Recoleta, and Belgrano now range from $1,500 to $3,000 USD per square meter, depending on the location and condition of the property.

Renting A Home Or Apartment 

If you choose to rent, the price range for a decent home will cost anywhere from 2,500 (409 USD) to 4,000 (654 USD) Argentine pesos a month. I recommend Nueva Córdoba as it has several condos and apartment complexes. The area is near the downtown area (“El Centro”), where you’ll find several shopping centers, McDonald’s, Burger King, theaters, Starbucks, and bookstores. Nueva Córdoba also happens to be a popular choice for expats and international students.

Updated on November 26: Rental prices have increased drastically due to inflation. A one-bedroom apartment in Nueva Córdoba now costs between 180,000 to 300,000 pesos per month, roughly $250 to $400 USD.

Check The Classifieds 

I’d advise that you check the classifieds from the Argentine newspaper, La Voz Del Interior. This website provides photos of properties, price ranges (in some cases), and realtors (inmobiliarias) to contact.

Updated on November 26: The La Voz Del Interior classifieds remain a good resource for property searches. However, online platforms like Zonaprop and Argenprop now offer more detailed listings and updated pricing.

RE/MAX Argentina 

Click here to go to the RE/MAX Argentina site. It can also provide you with information and give you access to a local realtor. 

Accountants Versus Lawyers 

No matter what people tell you, lawyers don't have the same value here as they do in the States. So, if you hire one to help you deal with the purchase of properties, you're wasting your time. Hire an accountant instead. Accountants in Argentina know all you need to know about the tax laws and requirements for owning properties.

Learn The Language 

My final recommendation would be that you learn the basic concept of Spanish, and if possible, learn the differences between Argentine Castilian and other forms of Spanish commonly heard in the U.S. You’d be surprised by how such subtle differences can result in a huge misunderstanding here.

Check out my article on the differences between Argentine Castilian and other Latin American Spanish.

Updated on November 26: Learning Spanish remains critical. Online resources like Italki or language exchange apps like Tandem can help accelerate your learning, especially for Argentine-specific vocabulary and phrases.

Check out my article on the differences between Argentine Castilian and other Latin American Spanish.