COMPLETE GUIDE TO RENT, BUY AND INVEST IN REAL ESTATE IN ARGENTINA
COMPLETE GUIDE TO RENT, BUY AND INVEST IN REAL ESTATE IN ARGENTINA
Argentina is a diverse country with great opportunities for those looking to invest in real estate, rent apartments, or settle down. It features varied terrain, climate, and geography. On one side lies the sea and on the other the Andes mountain range—from the red soils of the north with extreme heat to the famed End of the World with its polar cold.
Whether you’re a foreigner interested in moving here or an investor seeking opportunities, this article provides a detailed guide on how to rent or buy housing, the best areas to invest in, the most sustainable regions, and how to set up basic services.
HOW CAN I RENT AN APARTMENT IN ARGENTINA AS A FOREIGNER?
If you are a foreigner or Argentine resident, let me tell you this country does not impose major restrictions; it’s straightforward and doesn’t take long to obtain the required documentation.
General Requirements:
Renting an apartment in Argentina does not require citizenship or permanent residency, but there are certain common steps and requirements:
Required Documentation: All these procedures or appointments are managed on the Argentine government’s ARCA website: https://www.afip.gob.ar/landing/default.asp
- Valid passport or ID document.
- CUIT or CUIL: the unique tax or labor code, which can be obtained on ARCA with your passport.
- Guarantee: Most traditional rental contracts require a property guarantee (real estate in Argentina backing the tenant). Alternatives for foreigners include:
- Surety insurance: companies like Finaer, Garantor, or Alquilando offer this service.
- Security deposit: typically equivalent to one or two months’ rent.
- Bank guarantee or international paystub.
Types of Rental:
- Traditional (36 months): regulated by the Rental Law. Requires a formal contract.
- Short‑term: more flexible and generally not regulated; ideal for newcomers. Formalized by direct agreement with the owner, though you risk unilateral changes without legal protection.
- Airbnb or other platforms: easy to use but more expensive. Recommended as an initial option.
Associated Costs:
- First month’s rent in advance.
- Real estate commission (typically one month, varies by province).
- Security deposit.
- Building fees, water, and individual utilities.
BUYING PROPERTY: REQUIREMENTS AND STEPS TO AVOID SCAMS
Buying property in Argentina as a foreigner is possible and legal. The country imposes few restrictions on non‑resident buyers, except in certain border or rural areas.
Requirements to Buy:
- CDI (Identification Key): similar to a CUIT for non‑residents. Obtained on ARCA with your passport.
- ARCA website: https://www.afip.gob.ar/landing/default.asp
- Local bank account: recommended for transfers and transactions.
- Notary (public notary): mandatory for any real estate transaction.
- US dollars in cash: most transactions are conducted in dollars due to peso volatility.
Buying Process:
To avoid scams, it’s important to know which websites are secure and reliable. Here are some recommended links:
Reservation: A deposit to secure purchase intent; not mandatory.
Purchase Agreement: Preliminary contract before the official transfer.
Deed: Signed before a notary who validates and registers the property in your name—the final step to full ownership.
Payment Methods:
- International transfers: may require bank declarations and compliance with currency regulations.
- Cash in dollars: common but must be declared upon entry.
- Cryptocurrencies: unofficial but accepted by some agencies, then converted to dollars.
DON’T FORGET TO SIGN THE DEED WITH A NOTARY; WITHOUT IT, YOU WON’T HAVE FULL OWNERSHIP!
BEST AREAS TO LIVE OR INVEST IN ARGENTINA
Choosing the right area is key whether you plan to live or invest. Here’s an overview of the main regions and their features:
Buenos Aires (City & Surroundings):
If you love the city’s authenticity and seek endless opportunities, the capital is ideal. It’s vast and not all neighborhoods are safe or reputable, so here are the best, most secure, and in‑demand areas for investors. 
- Palermo, Recoleta, Belgrano: premium areas with cultural and gastronomic offerings; high short‑term rental yields.
- Caballito, Villa Urquiza, Almagro: growing residential districts with long‑term potential.
- Southern & Western Greater Buenos Aires: Lomas de Zamora, Morón, Quilmes—good for dining and tourism, with jobs and services nearby but safety can vary.
Córdoba (Capital):
A great choice for engineers and agronomists. Key agricultural outputs include soy, corn, wheat, peanuts, livestock, and tourism. Well‑connected nationally. 
- Second‑largest city.
- Large student and professional population.
- Neighborhoods like Nueva Córdoba, Güemes, General Paz offer solid returns.
- Lower costs than Buenos Aires with dynamic economy and top public universities.
Mendoza:
Ideal for wineries and fruit production. Renowned for wine tourism and stunning landscapes. 
- Wine capital and oenotourism hub.
- Godoy Cruz, Quinta Sección offer excellent quality of life.
- Hot summers, cold winters with potential hail risks.
Rosario (Santa Fe):
Port city with a strong agro‑industrial economy. 
- Neighborhoods like Pichincha, Echesortu, Fisherton are up‑and‑coming.
- Strategic bioceanic corridor on the Paraná River.
- Export hub but some areas face safety issues.
Bariloche & Patagonia:
Home to Vaca Muerta’s energy fields and top tourist destinations. 
- High tourist rental potential.
- Seasonal investments tied to tourism.
- Tranquil lifestyle with mountain and lake scenery; higher costs and extreme climate.
THE MOST SUSTAINABLE PROVINCES
If you’re seeking sustainable investment or jobs, consider these provinces:
- Mendoza: solar and wind energy leader, quality water, organized urban planning.
- Córdoba: tech and sustainability hub with growing industrial parks.
- Neuquén: energy wealth from Vaca Muerta; good employment.
- San Luis: comprehensive sustainable development plan.
Top Job Markets:
- Buenos Aires (AMBA): multinational HQs, startups, public institutions.
- Córdoba City: tech, education, health sectors.
- Rosario: agro‑industry, ports.
- Tucumán: northern industrial hub.
PROVINCES WITH LOWER SERVICE QUALITY THAT FOREIGNERS TYPICALLY AVOID
Some regions face infrastructure challenges:
- Formosa & Chaco: low development indices, power outages, water access issues.
- Santiago del Estero & La Rioja (rural): poor internet, healthcare, transport.
- Remote Salta & Jujuy: beautiful but lacking basic daily services.
BASIC SERVICES IN ARGENTINA
Service setup varies by province. Southern regions may subsidize gas; Buenos Aires pays lower electricity taxes; northern areas have their own rules.
Water, Electricity & Gas:
Common steps:
- Present ID (DNI or passport).
- CUIT/CUIL/CDI as applicable.
- Copy of rental contract or deed.
- Previous owner’s bill for transfers.
Typical Providers:
- Electricity: Edesur, Edenor (AMBA), EPEC (Córdoba), EPRE (Mendoza).
- Gas: Metrogas, Ecogas, Gasnor, etc.
- Water: AySA (Buenos Aires), Aguas Cordobesas, Aguas Santafesinas.
Internet & Phone:
Providers like Claro, Movistar, Personal, Telecentro, Fibertel offer service. Requirements:
- ID document.
- Fixed address.
- Payment method (card or account).
- Sometimes existing service (e.g., electricity) is needed.
Tip: Contracts run 6–12 months. Check for fiber‑optic coverage.
Argentina offers many opportunities for renting, buying, or investing in real estate. Although there are economic and bureaucratic challenges, foreigners can operate with few legal barriers. Major cities guarantee services, job markets, and connectivity, while rural areas can pose daily‑life challenges.
It’s crucial to consult real estate and legal professionals and to spend time researching. Understanding each region’s nuances allows for more informed, secure decisions.
If you’re still undecided, read the story of a foreign investor who chose Argentina to maximize his capital—an account of his experiences and motivations.
Regards,
María Eugenia
This article was written by María Eugenia for Traveossa. All rights reserved.
Visit her Instagram profile here: @denmoza.ecolodge.
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