Argentina – Selling Property

What are the steps involved in selling property yourself in Argentina?

Whether you sell through a professional or independently, property transactions in Argentina follow a clearly prescribed legal sequence. The country’s Civil and Commercial Code requires that all transfers of real estate ownership be executed by means of a public deed. This means that no matter how you locate a buyer, completing the sale is impossible without the involvement of a notary public — known locally as an escribano.

The following outlines the step-by-step procedure for selling a property in Argentina:

1. Establish your asking price. Compare similar properties in the area or commission a formal independent valuation. Given the Argentine peso’s long history of volatility, property prices in Argentina are typically quoted and negotiated in US dollars, even where the underlying transaction involves pesos.
2. Advertise the property. Real estate agencies commonly promote listings through digital channels and major national newspapers such as Clarín and La Nación. For private sellers, Argentine portals including ZonaProp and Argenprop allow direct listings without agency involvement.
3. Secure any required permits (foreign owners only). Foreign nationals residing abroad who acquired their property before 1 January 2018 were historically required to obtain a special permit from ARCA (formerly AFIP) before the escribano could register the transaction. This document confirmed that the seller had met all applicable tax obligations. Check current requirements directly with ARCA, as the rules governing this requirement have undergone revisions.
4. Accept an offer and execute the boleto de compraventa. Once buyer and seller agree on a price, both parties sign this preliminary private purchase contract — the boleto. At this stage, the buyer typically pays a deposit of approximately 30% of the agreed purchase price. The contract creates binding legal obligations on both parties.
5. Appoint a notary public (escribano). Under Argentine law, a civil law notary acts in a role equivalent to that of a title and escrow company in other jurisdictions. As an impartial officer, the escribano verifies the legality of the transaction, prepares and certifies the title deed, reviews all supporting documentation, carries out searches against the Register of Real Property, and supervises the formal registration of the transfer.
6. Resolve all outstanding liabilities on the property. Prior to execution of the final deed, the seller must demonstrate that all property taxes, utilities, and any mortgages or encumbrances have been fully discharged. Outstanding debts are a frequent source of delay during the documentation review stage.
7. Execute the escritura (final deed). The escritura represents the formal closing of the transaction. At this point, all outstanding payments are made and the official deed of transfer is signed in the presence of the notary.
8. Register the transfer of ownership. In accordance with Law No. 17,801, all real property documentation must be submitted to the public registry of real estate for the relevant jurisdiction so that the transfer is enforceable against third parties.

Do most sellers in Argentina use an estate agent, or is private selling common?

In practice, the overwhelming majority of Argentine property sales are conducted through a licensed real estate agency (inmobiliaria). Although there is no statutory obligation to engage one, unassisted private sales are uncommon, particularly in urban centres such as Buenos Aires.

The Argentine property market is heavily cash-based and predominantly dollar-denominated, owing to the peso’s chronic instability. This environment makes transactions inherently more intricate, and personal trust carries considerable weight — factors that lend genuine value to established agent networks capable of connecting serious buyers and sellers.

Unlike jurisdictions with robust professional licensing frameworks — such as France or Spain, where estate agents must hold regulated qualifications and operate under strict professional standards — Argentina imposes comparatively limited requirements on those wishing to practise as realtors. This means the standard of service can vary widely, and both buyers and sellers are well advised to seek personal recommendations and verify credentials before retaining any agent.

Online listing platforms are extensively used throughout Argentina. Portals such as ZonaProp and Argenprop enable private sellers to advertise directly. Regardless of how a property is marketed, however, a notary must still be engaged to complete the legal transfer, and many sellers conclude that agency networks deliver materially faster results — especially in competitive markets.

In practice, the seller frequently bears most or all of the broker’s commission, although this is subject to negotiation. Parties should clarify at the outset precisely who is responsible for each portion of the commission and whether one or two brokers are involved in the transaction.

How does capital gains tax work when selling property in Argentina?

Argentina’s treatment of property gains differs markedly from that of many other countries. Rather than a standalone capital gains tax, profits on real estate disposals are taxed within the income tax framework, and the applicable rules turn critically on the date of original acquisition.

For properties acquired on or after 1 January 2018, a flat rate of 15% applies to the net capital gain — calculated as the difference between the sale price and the inflation-adjusted acquisition cost. Allowable deductions include the original purchase price, acquisition expenses, and costs of improvements, all of which may be adjusted to reflect inflation. This inflationary indexation is a distinguishing feature of the Argentine system: unlike many European regimes, it explicitly recognises the country’s elevated inflation rate when computing the taxable profit, and can substantially reduce the amount ultimately subject to tax.

The 15% rate applies to properties acquired on or after 1 January 2018 irrespective of how long the seller has held the asset — whether one month or a decade. Properties purchased before that date fall under the prior regime and may instead attract a transfer tax of 1.5% on the gross sale price rather than a gains-based levy. The rules in this area have been subject to legislative change, and sellers should always verify the current position with ARCA.

The taxable base and applicable rate for any given sale therefore depend directly on when the property was purchased. Where acquisition predates 1 January 2018, the transaction may attract different treatment or even an exemption; for acquisitions from that date onward, income tax at 15% on the net gain applies.

Foreign investors are generally subject to the same 15% rate as Argentine residents, but the mechanics of collection often differ. Non-resident sellers commonly face a withholding of 13.5% against gross proceeds where adequate cost documentation is not available. This withholding approach can produce a higher effective tax burden if deductible expenses cannot be properly substantiated — making thorough record-keeping essential.

Where the property was held in corporate rather than individual ownership, the applicable capital gains rate can reach 35% of the profit. Always obtain specialist tax advice from a qualified Argentine adviser and consult ARCA directly for the most up-to-date rates and thresholds before proceeding.

Are there other taxes or costs involved in selling property in Argentina?

Beyond the capital gains liability, sellers face a number of additional charges on completion. These vary across provinces and depend on whether an agent is engaged; the figures below are indicative and should be confirmed with a licensed notary or ARCA before you proceed.

Stamp tax (Impuesto de Sellos): Levied at between 2% and 4% of the declared deed value, stamp tax is typically shared between buyer and seller. The exact rate varies by province — Buenos Aires City, for example, applies a higher rate than Buenos Aires Province. Although a 50/50 split between the parties is customary, it is not a statutory requirement and remains open to negotiation.

Notary fees: Notary charges are negotiable and generally fall within a range of 1% to 1.5% of the property value, though some sources quote an upper bound of 2% as of 2024. In addition, parties should budget for ancillary costs — typically between 0.5% and 1% of the transaction value — covering items such as registry certificates, administrative filings, title searches, and deed-related duties. How these are allocated between buyer and seller is at the notary’s discretion and depends on the jurisdiction.

Estate agent commission: As of early 2026, agency fees in Argentina typically run between 3% and 4% of the sale price, plus 21% VAT. In central Buenos Aires, the prevailing rate sits within the same range. Commissions are negotiable, and the division of the fee between buyer and seller is not fixed by law in most cases.

Annual property tax (Contribuciones): Although not strictly a selling cost, all outstanding municipal property taxes must be cleared before completion. Annual property taxes in Argentina generally range from 1.2% to 1.5% of the property’s assessed value, and the municipal levy (Contribuciones) represents the principal ongoing fiscal burden for owners.

Personal Assets Tax (Bienes Personales): This wealth-based tax falls on assets held in Argentina as at 31 December each year. For the 2024 tax year, the non-taxable threshold stood at ARS 292,994,964. Foreign owners of Argentine real estate are within scope; given that thresholds are revised frequently, verify the current position directly with ARCA.

With the exception of stamp tax, all other fees and charges are subject to negotiation with the respective counterparty — whether notary, broker, or other service provider — which accounts for the considerable variation in total transaction costs. For authoritative current rates, consult the Colegio de Escribanos de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires and the tax authority for your province.

What legal requirements must sellers meet in Argentina?

Argentina does not have a system of mandatory energy performance certificates or pre-sale structural surveys comparable to, for instance, France’s regime of diagnostics immobiliers or Germany’s Energieausweis requirement. That said, sellers are subject to several important legal obligations that must be met before or at the point of completion.

Clear title and settlement of debts: Notaries are legally required to verify title, conduct registry searches, and confirm that the property is free of mortgages, charges, and unpaid taxes before any transfer can proceed. Sellers must produce documentation demonstrating that all encumbrances have been discharged.

Public deed requirement: Argentina’s Civil and Commercial Code makes it mandatory for all real estate ownership transfers to be executed by public deed. This is an absolute requirement — a privately drafted or informal written agreement cannot transfer legal title regardless of its content.

Registration of the transfer: Under Law No. 17,801, the deed of transfer must be submitted to the public registry of real estate in the relevant jurisdiction. Registration is what makes the change of ownership effective against third parties.

Tax clearance for foreign sellers: Historically, foreign nationals selling a property acquired before 1 January 2018 were required to obtain a special tax clearance from ARCA before the escribano could proceed with registration. This requirement was in force until at least July 2024, when changes were reportedly made. The current position should be confirmed directly with ARCA or a qualified Argentine tax adviser before any transaction is undertaken.

Local tax representative: Foreign sellers are required to designate either an Argentine resident individual or a locally registered Argentine entity as their tax representative. This person acts as a formal point of contact with ARCA and is a prerequisite for most tax-related procedures connected with the sale.

Frontier and security zone restrictions: Under Decree-Law No. 15,385/44 and subsequent amendments, foreign individuals and legal entities seeking to acquire — or dispose of — property situated in designated frontier or security zones require prior authorisation from the National Commission for Safety Areas. Sellers should confirm whether their property falls within any such restricted area before listing.

How does the exchange and completion process work in Argentina?

The Argentine system for completing a property sale follows a two-stage structure that will feel recognisable to anyone familiar with the Spanish or Italian models, though it differs from markets where exchange and completion occur simultaneously.

Stage 1 — The boleto de compraventa (preliminary contract): Once price and terms are agreed, both parties sign the boleto. Within approximately 15 days of agreeing the sale, the buyer pays a deposit of between 30% and 50% of the purchase price — this constitutes a genuine down payment rather than a reservation fee. The boleto is a legally enforceable contract. Should the buyer withdraw, the deposit is forfeited entirely. Should the seller withdraw, they become liable to pay the buyer twice the amount of the deposit received. This penalty structure is broadly comparable to the French compromis de vente model, where equivalent consequences attach to withdrawal by either party.

Stage 2 — The escritura (final deed): The escritura marks the formal closing of the transaction. All outstanding payments are settled, the official deed of transfer is signed in the notary’s presence, and legal ownership passes to the buyer. The notary coordinates payment of all applicable taxes and oversees the formal handover of title.

From the signing of the boleto to final registration of title, the process in Argentina typically takes between four and six weeks. The overall time from initial listing to receipt of funds will vary more widely depending on how quickly a suitable buyer is found and whether any complications arise with title verification or tax clearance.

Since the majority of Argentine property transactions are settled in cash — predominantly in US dollars — funds are customarily handed over at the notary’s office in cash or by certified bank transfer on the day of the escritura. This contrasts sharply with markets where electronic fund transfers are managed by a solicitor or conveyancer. Foreign sellers should plan carefully for the practicalities of receiving a large dollar or cash payment and subsequently repatriating the proceeds.

Is property exchange or part-exchange an option in Argentina?

Outright property exchange — where ownership of one property is swapped for another without a full monetary transaction — is legally recognised in Argentina under the Civil and Commercial Code’s provisions for contracts of permuta (barter or exchange). In practice, however, it is neither widespread nor well-developed as a mechanism in the Argentine residential market.

In countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States, part-exchange is most commonly offered by property developers as a sales incentive to prospective purchasers. In Argentina, equivalent arrangements are rare and tend to emerge only in particular circumstances — for instance, between two private parties who each wish to acquire the other’s property, or occasionally in transactions involving new-build units sold directly by developers.

From a foreign seller’s perspective, a direct exchange would still need to pass through a notary public and be documented by a formal public deed, as with any conventional sale. Both properties would require unencumbered title, and the usual tax obligations — including capital gains — would still apply, calculated by reference to the value attributed to each property in the exchange agreement. The fact that Argentine property values are typically denominated in US dollars can introduce additional complexity into the valuation of an exchange.

If you are exploring a property exchange, consult a qualified Argentine property lawyer or notary well before proceeding. The legal framework is in place, but practitioners with substantive experience in exchange transactions are considerably fewer than those handling standard sales, and due diligence requirements are every bit as demanding.

What should foreign sellers know about repatriating sale proceeds from Argentina?

Moving the proceeds of an Argentine property sale out of the country is among the most intricate aspects of the entire transaction for foreign nationals, and one that demands advance planning. Argentina has a long history of imposing currency controls, and although the regulatory framework has been shifting under the Milei administration, the rules are subject to rapid change and must be checked at the time of sale.

The predominance of cash transactions and the scarcity of accessible credit place foreign buyers — and, by extension, sellers — in a market where dollar-denominated deals are the norm. For sellers, converting those proceeds and transferring them abroad requires scrupulous compliance with the country’s foreign exchange rules. Regulated channels — including Argentina’s official exchange market — are the appropriate route both for bringing funds into the country and for taking them out, and repatriation of sale proceeds is no exception.

The Banco Central de la República Argentina (BCRA) is the authority responsible for setting currency transfer regulations. Sellers should consult the BCRA directly, or engage a specialist foreign exchange adviser with current Argentine expertise, before the sale is concluded. The amount that may be transferred abroad, the channels through which transfers must be routed, and the applicable exchange rate can all significantly affect how much ultimately reaches the seller’s home-country account.

Argentina has concluded double taxation agreements with a number of countries. Where your country of residence has such a treaty with Argentina, it may be possible to offset tax paid in Argentina against your liability at home — but the precise terms depend entirely on the individual treaty. Advice from a tax professional in both Argentina and your country of residence is essential.

Non-resident sellers are subject to withholding at source: buyers are generally required to withhold 13.5% of the gross sale price as an advance payment against the seller’s capital gains tax obligation. If you can provide clear documentary evidence of your original acquisition cost, it may be possible to have the tax computed on the actual net gain at 15% rather than against gross proceeds — a further reason to maintain complete and well-organised records of the original purchase and any subsequent capital expenditure on the property.

Given the complexity involved and the pace at which the regulatory environment can change, always obtain advice from both ARCA and a licensed Argentine tax specialist — together with a currency transfer adviser who has up-to-date knowledge of Argentine regulations — before finalising your sale.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it typically take to sell a property in Argentina from listing to completion?

Once an offer has been accepted, the formal transaction process in Argentina generally takes between four and six weeks through to final registration of title. The time required to find and agree terms with a buyer, however, varies considerably by location, asking price, and prevailing market conditions. Well-positioned properties in active Buenos Aires neighbourhoods can attract buyers within weeks, while assets in smaller or less liquid markets may require several months on the market.

Can I sell my Argentine property remotely, without travelling to Argentina?

Yes. Foreign nationals can manage the entire sale process without being physically present in Argentina by executing a Power of Attorney in favour of a local representative. The Power of Attorney must be notarised and apostilled in your country of residence, must expressly grant the relevant property-related powers, and may need to be authenticated at an Argentine consulate. Given the level of authority being delegated, selecting a highly experienced and trustworthy local lawyer or notary is of paramount importance.

What happens if the buyer pulls out after signing the boleto?

Where the buyer withdraws following execution of the boleto, the deposit — typically around 30% of the agreed purchase price — is forfeited in full. Conversely, if the seller is responsible for the breakdown, they are obliged to repay the buyer twice the amount of the deposit. These mutual financial penalties create a strong incentive for both parties to proceed to completion once the preliminary contract has been signed.

Do I need an Argentine tax identification number to sell my property?

Yes. All parties to an Argentine property transaction — whether buying or selling — must hold a valid Argentine tax identification number. Non-residents are required to obtain a CDI (Non-Resident Tax Identification Number) issued by the Federal Tax Authority (ARCA). This number is a prerequisite for executing the deed and registering the change of ownership. A local lawyer acting under a power of attorney can obtain it on your behalf, and no physical presence in Argentina is necessary for this purpose.

Is it possible to sell a property that was purchased in the seller’s name as an individual versus through a company?

Yes, but the tax consequences differ substantially. Where the property was held in an individual’s name, the 15% capital gains rate applies. Where it was acquired through a corporate entity, the applicable rate on the capital gain can be as high as 35%. It is strongly advisable to take specialist advice on your ownership structure before committing to a sale.

Are there any restrictions on foreign nationals owning or selling rural land in Argentina?

Decree No. 70/2023 repealed the Rural Lands Act, removing the restrictions on foreign ownership of rural land that previously applied. However, properties situated within designated frontier or security zones continue to require prior consent from the National Commission for Safety Areas before a foreign individual can dispose of them. Confirm whether your property is located within any such zone before placing it on the market.

Will the proceeds of my Argentine property sale be subject to tax in my home country as well?

The answer depends on your country of residence and the existence of any double taxation agreement between that country and Argentina. A great many countries tax their residents on worldwide income, which may encompass profits from the sale of overseas property. Tax paid in Argentina may be creditable against your home-country liability under the terms of an applicable treaty, but this varies from treaty to treaty. You should seek advice from a tax professional both in Argentina and in your country of residence.

What records should I keep to reduce my capital gains tax liability when selling?

Since the taxable gain is calculated on the net profit after allowable deductions — rather than on the gross sale price — thorough documentation of your costs is crucial for minimising the tax charge. Retain all original purchase deeds, evidence of improvement expenditure, notary receipts, and records of any other costs incurred during the period of ownership. Without adequate documentation, non-resident sellers risk defaulting to a 13.5% withholding applied against gross proceeds, which can result in a meaningfully higher effective rate of taxation.