Accommodation in Colombia

Accommodation in Colombia is becoming pricier as the economy develops, but you’ll likely find housing remains affordable, especially if you’re earning in a foreign currency.

When choosing where to live, you’ll need to weigh up factors like cost, security and location. The country’s wealth disparity means you can find accommodation to suit almost any budget. You’ll generally be limited to a relatively small selection of middle- to upper-class neighbourhoods that offer security and proximity to public transport, supermarkets, department stores and restaurants.

Most expats settle in Bogotá, the culturally rich and bustling capital. Another favourite city is Medellín, known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ due to its comfortable climate. Cali, the capital of salsa dancing, Barranquilla, Santa Marta, and Cartagena, along the Caribbean coast, are also popular locations.

Whether you’re renting or buying, you may struggle to find and secure accommodation in Colombia without a sound knowledge of Spanish. You may also be more susceptible to exploitative landlords and various scams. If you’re unfamiliar with the local language and culture, enlist the help of a professional translator or a friend who speaks fluent Spanish.

Types of accommodation in Colombia

The type of accommodation in Colombia you choose will depend on the town or neighbourhood you want to live in, your family’s requirements and, of course, your budget. Generally, the further you move from the city centre, the more choice you’ll have and the more affordable the properties will be.

Modern apartment complexes in Colombia have good security and often offer amenities like a pool or a small gym. Older apartment blocks are usually more spacious and comfortable. They also tend to have thicker walls than more modern buildings. Houses are typically expensive and are generally situated further away from the city centre.

If you’re single or on a tight budget, you might consider renting a room in a private home. Many have private entrances, including access to the entire house and its amenities, while allowing you to improve your Spanish. Although Colombians tend to live at home until they get married, you may also be able to find a room in an apartment shared with Colombian roommates or fellow foreigners.

Furnished or unfurnished

Both furnished and unfurnished housing is available in the major urban centres, although furnished apartments are typically significantly more expensive.

Unfurnished apartments may not include many of the appliances you’d expect, such as refrigerators, washing machines and microwaves. That said, renting an unfurnished apartment is often much more affordable, and if you’re staying in the country for a year or more, you’ll likely find buying your own furnishings worthwhile.

Short lets

A short lease is a good option if you may only be in Colombia for a few months. They also allow new arrivals to get to know an area before committing to a long-term lease. A short let usually offers some flexibility in the length of the rental. These properties generally come furnished, and the price often includes utilities and services.

Useful links

• Airbnb Colombia
• Vrbo Colombia
• Booking.com Colombia

Finding accommodation in Colombia

Finding accommodation in Colombia may be difficult, especially if you don’t speak Spanish. There’s high demand for properties in the more affluent areas of every Colombian city. Establish your budget well in advance and research your preferred neighbourhoods to focus your search.

The best way to find an apartment is to walk around the desired neighbourhood, talk to locals and look for ‘se arrienda’ or ‘for rent’ signs, and contact the owners via phone or email. Many apartments and houses are rented out by individuals rather than agencies. It’s pretty unlikely that the owner will speak English, so consider enlisting the help of a Spanish-speaking friend.

You can also use a real estate agency, search the classifieds of local newspapers, or refer to expat forums where other foreigners may advertise available rooms or properties. There are several different online portals for people in Colombia looking for flatmates or advertising apartments. Some people moving to Colombia will be lucky enough to have a relocation company working on their behalf, who will assess your preferences and shortlist properties for you to view.

When searching the internet, avoid using English sites, which generally market to tourists. Local websites will yield a more significant number of options at greatly reduced prices.

When using a real estate agency, the landlord typically pays the agent’s commission, although it’s worth confirming this arrangement before committing to an agent.

Useful links

• Encuentra24
• Fincaraiz
• Point2Homes
• PremierCasa

Renting accommodation in Colombia

Renting accommodation in Colombia can be a tedious process. Rental agencies typically require you to fill out lots of paperwork and provide references. Renting a room in a shared house or apartment is generally more relaxed and informal.

The rental market is competitive and fast moving. Definitely do some research before leaving your home country and shortlist suitable cities and neighbourhoods in Colombia that will suit your needs and budget.

Making an application

After deciding on the area you want to live in and the type of property you’d like to rent, you’ll typically research properties online. You’ll then contact real estate agents to set up viewings.

Once you’ve found a suitable property and made a successful application, the estate agent will draw up the contract. Colombian real estate agencies require background credit checks. This may prove difficult if you don’t have a credit history in the country, but the landlord or agent will usually accept a salary slip or bank statement.

You and the landlord should make an inventory (inventario del inmueble ) at the beginning of your tenancy agreement. Both parties should keep a copy for their records. Sign the inventory and add it to the tenancy contract. It should typically include details of the contents of the property. You and the landlord or agent should note any damaged furniture or fittings.

Leases

You’ll need one or sometimes two Colombians to co-sign your rental agreement (known as a fiador ). These co-signers will generally need to be property owners and will be responsible for payments should you default. You may find that local friends are either unable or unwilling to take on this responsibility, but an employer will often help with the process.

Although real estate agencies tend to be strict about this requirement, you may be able to avoid the necessity of Colombian co-signers by paying a large percentage of the rent upfront or by negotiating directly with the landlord.

Rental contracts in Colombia usually last 12 months. This can vary from landlord to landlord, depending on the contract. Both landlords and tenants can legally terminate the contract early if the other party doesn’t comply with the terms set out in the lease agreement.

Deposits

Deposits are prohibited by law in Colombia. Instead, landlords use insurance companies to provide security against rent arrears and property damage.

This kind of policy typically covers the property owner for multiple months’ rent and a fixed amount for damage to the property. They’ll write the cost of the policy into the lease agreement. You’ll either have to pay a monthly charge added to the rental price or an annual lump sum.

Terminating the lease

Terminating your rental lease in Colombia involves several steps. Firstly, you must provide written notice to the landlord one to three months before the intended termination date – the notice period should be spelt out in the rental agreement. Should you fail to provide sufficient notice, you may be liable to pay compensation, typically equivalent to the rent for the remaining lease period.

It’s essential to carefully review your lease agreement, as it might contain specific clauses regarding early termination. Upon termination, you’re responsible for returning the property in its original condition, accounting for normal wear and tear. Lastly, you and the landlord should settle any outstanding financial matters, such as unpaid rent or utility bills, before parting ways.

Useful links

• Función Pública: Colombian Government Information Portal
• Utility Services Regulator

Utilities in Colombia

The cost of services like water, electricity, and gas in Colombia varies based on usage and strata. The strata system helps subsidise the cost of utilities in lower-income neighbourhoods. In the more desirable neighbourhoods of the city, you’ll pay more for these services. Many people in rural Colombia forgo the luxury of hot water, especially on the coast, where it’s sweltering and humid. Be sure to confirm that your chosen property has hot water.

Although this varies between rental agreements, it’s usually your responsibility to pay for services such as water and electricity. Ensure that your rental agreement stipulates who pays for utilities. Utilities are generally included in the rental price of short-term leases.

Electricity

Regional companies provide electricity in Colombia, and the three largest are Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM), CODENSA (now Enel Colombia) and Celsia. Your electricity provider will vary depending on location. Electricity bills are issued monthly, and you can usually pay online or at local payment points like supermarkets or banks. Most electricity providers in Colombia offer online account management, allowing you to easily track consumption and pay bills.

Gas

Gas supply in Colombia is distributed in two ways: natural gas pipelines and propane gas cylinders. Natural gas is available in major cities like Bogotá, Medellín and Cali, serviced by providers such as Gases de Occidente and EPM. Gas bills are issued once a month or every two months, depending on the provider and service. In more rural areas or smaller towns, you can purchase propane gas cylinders from authorised distributors and exchange empty cylinders at local petrol stations.

Water

Regional companies primarily manage water supply in Colombia, such as Empresa de Acueducto y Alcantarillado de Bogotá (EAAB) in Bogotá and Aguas de Manizales in Manizales. Expect monthly water bills, which you can pay at local payment points or through online account management, depending on the provider. Water supply in Colombia is generally reliable, although major cities like Bogotá have experienced water rationing during severe drought conditions.

Bins and recycling

Municipal authorities manage waste management and recycling services in Colombia, contracting private companies to handle waste collection and disposal. Depending on the area, bin collection services typically run once or twice a week. Familiarise yourself with the local waste disposal and recycling guidelines, as there may be separate collections for recyclable materials such as paper, plastic and glass.

Internet

Be aware of additional utility costs in Colombia, such as television and internet services. These services are generally provided by companies such as Claro, Tigo, Movistar and ETB (mainly in Bogotá). You can choose from a range of service packages, with monthly fees varying depending on the provider and package chosen. Account management for these services can usually be done online or via mobile applications.

Useful links

• Electricity and gas: CODENSA/Enel in Bogotá, EPM in Medellín and Antioquia, Celsia in Cali and Pereira, and Gases de Occidente
• Internet: Claro, Tigo, Movistar, ETB