Accommodation in Argentina

There is a wide variety of options for expats looking to rent or buy accommodation in Argentina. Buenos Aires has sleek modern apartments, while the countryside offers charming colonial houses – there’s really something for everyone, no matter what you can afford. After some major changes to rental laws in late 2023, the property market has bounced back hard, with prices climbing up from rock bottom. Additionally, the return of mortgage lending with dramatically reduced interest rates – falling from over 130 percent to around 30 percent in 2024 – has made property investment increasingly attractive and accessible.

The legal requirements and paperwork can be daunting if your Spanish isn’t great or you’re not familiar with the bureaucracy. A good real estate agent can be a lifesaver here – they’ll help you with figuring out the legal requirements and paperwork.

Beyond the property market, Argentina’s got a lot going for it. There is incredible history and culture everywhere you look, amazing food, and a music and arts scene that’s hard to beat. Plus, expat salaries go pretty far here – living costs are reasonable for those earning in a foreign currency.

Cost of Living in Argentina
Accommodation in Buenos Aires

Types of accommodation in Argentina

You’ll find all sorts of places to live in Argentina, from budget apartments to luxury homes. What’s available to you really comes down to where you want to live and how much you can spend. Below are some different types of accommodation available in Argentina.

Apartments

If you prefer to live in the city centre of Buenos Aires and other major cities, you’ll find high-rise apartments in modern buildings. They are particularly popular among young professionals and those who enjoy the convenience of having access to shops, restaurants and nightlife.

Houses

If you’re looking for more space and privacy, you may prefer to live in the suburbs. Large, stand-alone houses in residential areas are common in the suburbs of Buenos Aires and other cities in Argentina. They often come with gardens, swimming pools and garages and are particularly popular among families with children.

Gated communities

Gated communities are a popular choice among wealthy Argentinians and corporate employees. These communities offer a high level of security and privacy, with amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts and golf courses. Gated communities are typically located on the outskirts of cities or in the countryside.

Rural living

If you enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding and fishing, you may prefer to live in a country home. These types of properties are available across Argentina and range from comfortable family villas in hilly La Cumbre to Swiss-style chalets in Bariloche and even rustic homes in vineyards in Mendoza.

Furnished or unfurnished

Unfurnished rental properties in Argentina are usually devoid of furniture and household items, but do include basic fixtures such as bathroom fittings and kitchen appliances. Renting an unfurnished apartment is a good option for long-term stays or if you have your own furniture.

Furnished rentals are more commonly found in expat areas and downtown locations in larger cities. These rentals typically come with furniture, appliances and basic household items such as linens and kitchenware. Furnished apartments vary in their level of furnishings but typically include essential items like a bed, sofa, table, chairs, refrigerator, oven and washing machine. In some cases, furnished apartments may have additional amenities such as internet access, cable TV and air conditioning.

Short lets

Short-term rentals are perfect if you’re not planning to stick around long-term, and you can book anything from a weekend stay to several months. Keep in mind that demand for short-term accommodation tends to peak during Argentina’s summer months (December to March) when many international visitors arrive, so book in advance.

Besides furnished properties, there are also serviced apartments. These apartments are similar to furnished apartments, but they come with additional services such as cleaning and maintenance. Some serviced apartments also offer amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centres and 24-hour concierge services.

Useful links

• Airbnb
• Booking.com

Finding accommodation in Argentina

Finding accommodation in Argentina has become considerably easier since the market reforms of 2023. The dramatic increase in available rental properties means you have many more options. There are property rental websites that publish listings in English, and local Spanish websites and newspapers can also be useful.

Alternatively, you can enlist the services of a real estate agent, many of whom can speak English. These professionals will have a good idea of what’s available to rent or buy, as well as being able to speak the language and negotiate deposits and leases with the landlord. Bear in mind that for rentals, real estate agents typically charge one month’s rent as commission in Buenos Aires.

Useful links

• LatinCarib
• Zonaprop
• Argenprop
• Remax
• MercadoLibre

Renting accommodation in Argentina

When it comes to renting accommodation in Argentina, the market has seen a dramatic increase in available properties and real rental costs falling substantially (when adjusted for inflation).

Don’t be afraid to haggle over rent prices in Argentina, especially if you’re signing a long-term lease. You should do research on comparable properties in the area and be prepared to make a counteroffer. Since the regulatory changes, landlords now have much more flexibility in setting terms and pricing.

Leases

You can rent property in Argentina for short or long-term stays, with long-term leases typically lasting two years by default, although agreements can extend up to 10 years.

A significant change is that landlords can now take rent payments in foreign money – dollars, even Bitcoin – which helps dodge Argentina’s crazy inflation. As for pets, it’s a mixed bag. If you’ve got a furry friend, ask upfront about their pet policy and be ready for extra fees or paperwork like vaccination records.

References

Expect landlords to ask for references and run background checks. These measures are typically used by landlords or real estate agents to verify that you are reliable and trustworthy.

References usually come from previous landlords, employers, or other individuals who can vouch for your character and reliability. Background checks are pretty common too, especially for longer leases. They might check your credit, criminal record, and job history.

Deposits

When you sign a lease in Argentina, expect to pay your first month’s rent plus a security deposit – usually another month’s worth. It serves as insurance against damage or unpaid bills at the end of the lease period. By law, they can’t ask for more than one month’s rent per year as a deposit.

For long-term leases, you will likely need a guarantor (garantía) who can take financial responsibility for any damage you incur. This is typically someone who owns property in Argentina and can provide proof of income or assets. They co-sign the lease to ensure the lease will be paid in case of a breach.

If you don’t have a suitable guarantor, alternatives are available, such as hiring a rental guarantee company like Finaer or other financial institutions that offer guarantee services for a fee (typically equivalent to several months’ rent), or paying an additional deposit.

Terminating the lease

Terminating a lease in Argentina can be straightforward if you follow the proper procedures. Fixed-term leases usually end automatically, but if you have an open-ended lease, you’ll need to give your landlord written notice – how much notice depends on what your lease says.

Before vacating the property, ensure that the property is in good condition and that any damages have been repaired. The landlord inspects the property, and if there are no damages or outstanding bills, the landlord must return the full security deposit within 10 days of the termination of the lease.

Breaching the lease agreement can have legal and financial consequences, such as losing the security deposit or being sued for breach of contract.

Utilities in Argentina

Water, gas and electricity are provided by different companies depending on the area of the country, and you will need to contact the relevant company to set up an account. For the main utilities, you are often required to provide a deposit.

Electricity

Electricity in Argentina is provided by different companies depending on your location. In Buenos Aires, the main distributors are Edenor and Edesur. You’ll need to contact the relevant company to set up an account when moving into a new property. The setup process typically requires identification documents and proof of residence. Electricity costs have increased significantly with recent tariff adjustments, so budget accordingly.

Gas

Natural gas is widely used for heating, cooking, and hot water in Argentina. The main gas distributors also vary by region, with companies like Metrogas serving Buenos Aires.

Water

Water and sewerage services are typically provided by municipal companies or regional authorities. In Buenos Aires, AySA (Agua y Saneamientos Argentinos) is the main provider. Water quality is generally good in major cities, although some people prefer filtered or bottled water.

Bins and recycling

Bin collection and rubbish disposal are typically the responsibility of the local municipality, and you will need to check with your landlord or the municipality to find out when and how to dispose of waste. In some cases, you may be required to pay a fee for rubbish collection services.

Instead of a council tax, there is an annual property tax based on the value of the property, which is usually paid by the landlord.

Internet

Telephone, internet and cable services are available in most areas of the country, and several providers exist. Some of the most popular providers include Telecom Argentina, Telecentro, Claro and Movistar. You will need to contact the provider directly to set up an account and arrange for installation.

Useful links

• Telecom Argentina
• Telecentro
• Claro
• Movistar