Salento, Colombia

Real Estate in Colombia

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Aug 17, 2025

Summary:

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How do I find a place to live in Colombia?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"Traveling through Colombia i stumbled upon a town called Guatape 1 hour from Medellin," said one person in Guatape.

"Along with the points noted above, I think one of the most important aspects of finding a place here in Pereira is knowing where, what barrio you want to hang your hat. Pricing is going to be determined much on that. Pineras is more expensive than Cuba and so forth. But the quality of life is affected by such. Not any different than most everywhere else, bad neighborhoods cost less and vice versa," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Pereira.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Colombia?

"Anything you want. You can start at $40K to $300k. Nice neighborhoods around $70k and very luxurious country homes with swimming pools , air, cable, 5000', barbeque areas, security, etc. They are like fancy homes in a country club," said one person in Cartago.

"Expat homes and apartments in Colombia are typically modern, spacious and feature sleek contemporary designs. Most apartments come with amenities such as air-conditioning, fast Wi-Fi, washing machines and well-equipped kitchens. Common features include balconies, terraces or outdoor areas, allowing for those living in these apartments to get a taste of outdoor living. As cities become more cosmopolitan, developers have created several family-friendly buildings to cater to the demands of expat families, with large communal areas and modern security measures," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Colombia.

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Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

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What is the average cost of housing in Colombia?

If you are thinking about moving to Colombia, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The average cost of housing in Colombia generally varies in price depending on the location and size of the property. Generally, prices for housing in the major cities such as Bogota, Medellin, and Cali tend to be higher than in smaller cities and rural areas. On average, a studio apartment in a major city can range in cost from approximately US$150 to US$500 per month," explained one expat living in Colombia.

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Should I buy or rent a home in Colombia?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Colombia, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"We knew we had come to stay for several years or more. So we rented an unfurnished apartment. Some friends referred us to locals and the process was very easy. We bought a few things new like mattresses, TV and recliners, but all the rest of the furniture was used and we got some bargains. We had to buy lots of accessories, and those cost more than we counted on, but we have them now and they aren't going anywhere. In 3+ years, we have had 5 different homes. We could not have had all our adventures if we had purchased a home," explained one person living in Medellin, Colombia.

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What do I need to know when buying property in Colombia?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Colombia, they said:

"1. It is important to check a property’s official title to ensure that it is legally owned. 2. It is recommended to get an independent lawyer to review any contracts and agreements related to the purchase of property. 3. Local laws require a notary public to draw up any contract related to the purchase of real estate. 4. Buyers are required to pay taxes on the purchase of property in Colombia. 5. Depending on the location of the property, there may be additional taxes on purchases. 6. Be prepared to provide documentation of your identity and source of funds when purchasing property. 7. Property transfer registrations and payments can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to complete," said one foreigner living in Colombia.

Are foreigners allowed to own property in Colombia?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Colombia, they said...

"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in Colombia. The Colombian government has established a legal framework that allows foreign citizens to purchase and own real estate in the country. Foreigners can purchase property in their own name, or through a Colombian corporation. In order to purchase property, foreigners must obtain a visa and register with the Colombian government. Additionally, foreign citizens must open a bank account in Colombia and obtain a tax identification number," explained one person living in Colombia.

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Colombia what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"Rental properties in Colombia typically come with essential household appliances such as a refrigerator, stove and oven, washing machine and dryer, and hot water heater. They may also include common home furnishings such as a sofa, beds, dining table and chairs, and sometimes basic electronics and kitchenware. Some higher-end rentals may also include air-conditioning units or a dishwasher," explained one foreigner living in Colombia.

Additional Information about Searching for a Home in Colombia:

We asked foreigners in Colombia what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included...

"Expats can search for homes in Colombia by looking online for real estate websites that specialize in the Colombian market, such as Lamudi, VivaReal, and FincaRaiz. They can also search for local real estate agents who can help them find the perfect home. Additionally, expats can look for online forums and social media groups dedicated to expats living in Colombia, as these can be a great source of information and advice on finding a home," said one in Colombia.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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