Property
Equal ownership rights, but the maritime zone is different
Foreigners have the same property rights as nationals, and title is held in a reliable public folio-real registry. The major exception is the maritime-terrestrial zone: the first 50 metres from the high-tide line is inalienable public land, and the next 150 metres can only be held under municipal concession.
Key rules
- Transfers require a public deed before a notary and registration in the Registro Inmobiliario.
- The first 50 m of coastline cannot be owned, leased or occupied by anyone.
- Concessions in the 150 m zone are limited in duration and restricted for foreign holders to a minority interest.
- Transfer tax is 1.5% of registered value, plus stamps and notarial fees.
- Luxury-home tax (impuesto solidario) applies above a periodically updated construction-value threshold.
Governing law
- Código CivilProperty, possession and registration.
- Ley sobre la Zona Marítimo Terrestre (Ley 6043)Coastal public domain and concessions.
- Ley de Impuesto Solidario (Ley 8683)Luxury residence tax.
In practice
Verify the folio real and any plano catastrado before committing, and check whether the parcel touches the maritime zone — beachfront listings sold as freehold are a recurring source of disputes.