Finding housing in Buenos Aires can feel overwhelming, especially with all the economic factors in Argentina. The inflation here significantly impacts both vacation rental options and long-term housing availability. Many people don’t realize how much price increase happens year after year, especially since 2022. The rental market in this city is constantly shifting, and navigating it can seem complicated without knowing a few essential things. One of the biggest hurdles is dealing with the red exchange rate and the blue dollar. These exchange rates are the difference between the official and unofficial rates, making renting an apartment feel like a guessing game if you don’t understand them.

From my experience of renting an apartment in Buenos Aires in 2022, I can tell you that knowing what you’re getting into is crucial. One thing that made the process less stressful for me was understanding the guarantee system, which requires someone to vouch for you when renting. This is just one of the housing laws you’ll encounter in the rental process here. Not all landlords follow these laws strictly, but understanding the basics can help you avoid any major surprises along the way. As price increases continue, it’s also important to be mindful of the housing price inflation, which has steadily risen since my 2022 rental experience.

Several factors influence the housing search in Buenos Aires. Inflation is key in how much you’ll pay for an apartment, and the price increase in recent years is significant. If you’re struggling with money issues, knowing the rate difference between the official rate and the blue dollar could help simplify your decision-making. Overall, renting an apartment in this city comes down to understanding the challenges posed by the local housing market, learning from others’ rental experiences, and being prepared to navigate these complexities, just as I did in 2022.

Where to Look for Apartments in Buenos Aires

When it comes to housing rental in Buenos Aires, there are a few key platforms you should explore. Airbnb is often the first choice, especially if you’re looking for short-term stays and prefer the convenience of using a platform where everything is handled for you. If you’re comfortable paying with your credit card and want to take advantage of the official rate, this option works well. However, for long-term housing, more affordable choices are available on local websites like Mercado Libre, ZonaProp, Argenprop, and Alternativa. These sites offer various rental options, from apartments to houses, suitable for both short-term and long-term stays in the city.

The rental search process in Buenos Aires can involve browsing through two main types of property listings: property listings by owner (dueño directo) or property listings by company from agencies like Inmobiliaria or Buenas Raices. The rental process can be a bit more expensive when dealing with property management companies, as they typically charge a commission of up to 20%, depending on the length of your lease. For those looking to stay in Buenos Aires for 3 months or longer, connecting with a local contact like Martin, who assists with long-term housing arrangements, can be helpful. You can reach him on Whatsapp at +54 911 4145 6443 and mention that you got Nicki’s number.

Navigating the rental process in Buenos Aires can be tricky, especially when factoring in inflation and its impact on housing rental prices. The inflation makes it crucial to understand the rate difference between the official rate and the blue dollar, as these fluctuations can affect your overall rental costs. Whether you’re going through a property management company or renting directly from the owner, knowing the ins and outs of the available rental search and rental options will help you find the best place for your stay.

Cost of Apartments in Argentina

The cost of living in Argentina can vary significantly depending on your location. In Buenos Aires, I paid USD 400 monthly for a one-bedroom apartment in the Balvanera, a central and popular area. On the other hand, in Córdoba Capital, the apartment price was much more affordable at USD 250 per month in the Alberdi neighbourhood. This shows the difference in rental prices between the two cities. The rental prices in Buenos Aires can be higher due to its size and demand, but even within Buenos Aires, there are variations based on the specific neighbourhood.

In major cities like Buenos Aires and Córdoba, you’ll find rental prices ranging from $300 to $1500/month depending on the apartment’s size, location, and overall housing rental market. If you’re looking for an affordable place, it will require more effort than just booking through Airbnb. For long-term stays, you can expect to face a higher rental price in the more central neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires, but there are still opportunities to find affordable housing in less expensive areas.

Whether you’re interested in an apartment in Buenos Aires or an apartment in Córdoba, understanding the rental prices in Buenos Aires and Córdoba will give you a clearer idea of what to expect during your rental search. The housing rental market offers a wide range of apartment rental options, but it’s essential to take your time to find the best deals based on your budget and preferred neighbourhood.

Inflation in Argentina is Very Real

Inflation in Argentina can have a significant impact on your rental price. For example, when I first rented my apartment in Córdoba in February 2022, I paid 46,000 pesos. But a few months later, when I rented the same apartment again, the price had increased to 50,000 pesos. This happened because of the peso/dollar exchange rate fluctuation, which made it more affordable for me, even though the price went up. Inflation in Argentina means that prices can change quickly, and even if you sign a 3-year contract, you can expect price increases over time.

Because of inflation, your rental price will likely go up after each year. For example, the price increase may happen after one year, so you won’t be paying the same peso amount by year 3 as you did in year 1 of the contract. The dollar amount might remain the same or change more or less, but the housing cost in pesos will fluctuate. This inflation impact on rental prices is something to remember when going through the rental process and apartment rental in Argentina.

Differing Prices in Buenos Aires

In Buenos Aires, prices for apartments vary significantly depending on the neighbourhood you choose. For instance, if you’re looking in upscale neighbourhoods like Belgrano or Palermo, you can expect rental prices to be higher. For example, I’ve seen apartments on Airbnb in Belgrano go for $400/week, with a 2-week maximum stay, while rental prices on Airbnb for apartments range from $700-$1200/month. However, if you’re open to exploring other areas, you might find better affordable rental options in neighbourhoods like San Telmo, Monserrat, or Almagro.

The price range in these more local areas is generally much more affordable. A one-bedroom apartment in a neighbourhood like this, with perks like 24-hour security, a rooftop swimming pool, a gym, and a laundry room, can be rented for as low as $400/mo on Mercado Libre or Zonaprop. To get these affordable prices, you’ll need to put in some extra effort—organizing visits, gathering the necessary documents, and paying in cash or potentially paying several months in advance.

When looking for housing rental in Buenos Aires, using local sites like Mercado Libre or Zonaprop will help you find more reasonable prices than Airbnb, where price fluctuations are common. Remember that factors like neighbourhood types and price reflection on the platform also impact price differences. By doing thorough rental searches, you can secure a great deal in a more affordable city.

Housing in Buenos Aires Key Words to Know

When searching for a place to stay in Buenos Aires, it’s essential to understand some key housing terms. For example, Alquiler Temporal refers to seasonal rent, usually for short stays. You will also come across words like Venta, which means to sell a property, and Ubicacion, meaning location. When you want to search, the verb Buscar is essential in finding places. Apartments or houses are often listed by a vendor (seller or renter) or through an Inmobiliaria/Buenas Raices, a property management company. Alternatively, you can deal directly with the Dueño Directo, meaning the owner of the property.

Understanding apartment types is crucial too— Departamento means an apartment, and depending on size, it could be a Monoambiente (studio apartment), Dos ambientes (1 bedroom + living room), or Tres ambientes (2 bedrooms + living room). In terms of amenities, you might find places with a Pileta (swimming pool), Terraza (terrace), or Lavaropa (washing machine). A Heladera (refrigerator) may also be included as part of the Inmuebles (structure) in some properties. Additionally, remember the expenses (expenses) involved in renting, which are costs for services like maintenance and security.

Renting Laws in Argentina

Renting in Argentina is governed by strict laws, and knowing your rights as a tenant is crucial. The rental contract in Argentina typically lasts for two years, but there are specific laws that protect tenants from unreasonable eviction or abrupt price hikes. For example, landlords must register rental contracts with the FIP (Federal Administration of Public Revenue), and both parties must agree on terms in writing. Tenants are often required to provide a guarantor, which can be an essential part of the rental process.

Regarding price increases, the law mandates that rent increases can only occur once a year, and they must be aligned with an official inflation rate. If you’re in a long-term rental, it’s essential to understand that inflation and currency fluctuations might impact the actual cost of your rent. Tenants must also know their responsibilities, like maintaining the property and paying for utilities. Furthermore, the rental laws give tenants the right to request repairs for essential amenities such as heating or plumbing. Understanding these rental laws will help ensure a smoother rental experience in Argentina.

Requirements

When you’re ready to rent a place in Buenos Aires, there are specific requirements you must meet. To start, you must sign a 3-year contract with the landlord. As a tenant, you must provide your DNI (national tax ID number) and proof of income. You’ll also need a guarantor, which is a guarantor who owns property in Buenos Aires and agrees to vouch for you. If you don’t pay your rent, the landlord can take action against the guarantor’s property. Additionally, you will generally be asked to pay 2 month’s rent in advance—this covers your deposit and first month’s rent.

Though it’s the law in Argentina that the owner or intermediary should not charge a commission, sometimes they still ask for it. Be prepared to pay an additional month’s rent as a commission sometimes. You might also be required to pay for the information, such as your guarantee and proof of income. The price for these documents can vary, but typically, it’s around 1500 pesos (about 7 USD) per page. However, in some cases, you might be asked to pay up to 6500 pesos (around 32 USD) per page. All of these costs are common when searching for apartments, and it’s essential to understand the rental process and rental experience before committing to anything.

Informes

When you’re looking to rent in Buenos Aires, information (documents) is an integral part of the process. The required information typically includes a recibo de sueldo (a salary receipt), a DNI photocopy, and a guarantee inmobiliaria (guarantor). If your guarantor supports you, they must also submit an informe de dominio del inmueble (proof of ownership) for their property. If multiple owners are on the property, each one must provide an informe de inhibition (inhibition report), which essentially means they agree to be your guarantor.

Even though the garantia inmobiliaria is required by law, you can often bypass this by offering to pay several months in advance (such as 6 months or even 1 year), especially if you are a foreigner without a DNI. Some owners may waive the guarantee and skip needing extra documents if you pay upfront. During our rental search in Buenos Aires, I didn’t need to show my documents since my boyfriend, an Argentine citizen, was able to provide his income and DNI. For a foreigner, offering to pay several months in advance is often a smart strategy to simplify the rental process and waive the guarantee.

The Process of Renting in Buenos Aires

When you’re ready to find housing in Buenos Aires, use websites that allow you to filter by price, location, and rooms. Many sites provide the contact person’s address, phone number, or WhatsApp number. In Argentina, it’s common to use WhatsApp to message the owner or intermediary to set up an appointment. Be punctual, but don’t be surprised if they arrive late.

If you’re looking to rent short-term, the process is often faster, with fewer documents required. It could be a quick meeting where you hand over the payment and get the keys. However, if you’re aiming for long-term rent, you’ll likely go through some back and forth with the landlord or intermediary while you gather all the necessary documents. Once everything is in order, you’ll meet again to sign the agreement and pay the first month’s rent.

Take photos and videos of each place you visit to keep track of the options. In some cases, after completing all the tasks, you may even be allowed to move in early, as we did when we got our keys about five days before the start of our first month. While the economy in Argentina is unstable, landlords may still show a lack of trust, which is why being prepared with the proper documents is essential.

Housing in Buenos Aires: After You Move In

Buying Furniture in Buenos Aires

When settling into your new apartment in Buenos Aires, Avenida Belgrano in the Balvanera neighbourhood is the place to go for furniture. The area is lined with blocks of furniture stores catering to all kinds of budgets. You’ll find everything from speciality shops selling baby furniture to stores with sofa beds, chairs, and other essential pieces. Take a Saturday afternoon to peruse various items and get an idea of prices. It’s a great way to explore different furniture types before making decisions.

Remember that ordering furniture can take a few days to several weeks. For example, when we bought a dark green sofa from Cirik Muebles, we got it delivered the following weekend. Still, if we’d been willing to wait, we could have chosen the colour and fabric type for a mustard yellow sofa, which arrived in about 40 days. While the delivery time can vary, you can also find options for an instant purchase and same-day delivery if you prefer something immediately.

If you’re looking for great deals on home goods, Mercado de Frutos in Tigre is another spot to check out. You’ll find fantastic prices and selections, whether shopping for living room furniture, home decor, or other items. Whether you need a quick buy or are willing to wait for delivery days, Buenos Aires offers plenty of options to make your new space feel like home.

Vintage and used furniture

If you want to add unique details to your apartment, San Telmo is the perfect place for antique lovers. The antique shops in this area offer a variety of vintage styles that can help you furnish your home with something truly special. However, remember that these pieces often come with a higher price tag. For a more budget-friendly option, head to the Mercado de las pulgas (flea market) in Colegiales, where you’ll find a covered market filled with old furniture. You may need to dig through piles of items, but the treasure hunt is worth the time.

Check out second-hand furniture stores in the Balvanera neighbourhood for even more affordable finds. One of our favourites is at the corner of Rincón and Moreno, where you can score deals on authentic antiques, like old antique lamps, for as low as $10 each. Just be cautious about places like the Ejército de Salvación, as they can be a rip-off. The prices are often close to those of brand-new furniture, so exploring other options is better if you’re on a budget.

In Buenos Aires, you can find used goods at a reasonable price, but always compare options to ensure you get the best value. Whether it’s furniture stores in Balvanera or a stroll through a flea market, you’ll be surprised by what you can find when you’re willing to take your time.

Get your furniture made in Buenos Aires

You’re in luck if you’re looking for custom-made furniture in Buenos Aires. There are some excellent wood shops or maderera in the city where you can get furniture tailored to your needs. One excellent option is Fierro, located at the corner of Av. Belgrano and Combate de los Pozos in the Balvanera district. They specialize in custom measurements and offer affordable pricing. For example, we bought a 1m wide round table for only 23,000 pesos (around 75 USD), half the price of similar new tables we found elsewhere. The only catch is you’ll need to paint and varnish it yourself, but that’s part of the fun if you enjoy DIY projects.

If you’re after more pre-made options, Andre’s Calidad, located at Av. Independencia 1534 offers a great selection of nightstands, stools, and shelves. While they don’t do custom orders, the prices here are some of the best in the city. You can also check out Maderera San Juan at Av for a slightly higher price. San Juan 3020, which offers custom orders. They have a variety of varnish and acrylic paint to choose from, perfect for personalizing your new pieces. Plus, if you’re into wood crafting, they also offer tiny furniture for dollhouses.

Articen at Av La Plata 757 is another wood shop worth considering for more budget-friendly options. They focus on pre-made pieces and custom orders, but don’t expect them to make everything to your specifications. Buenos Aires has something for everyone, whether you’re after wooden furniture, home decor, or simply exploring the options in local shops. It’s a great way to invest in quality pieces that uniquely touch your home.

Buying Home Goods in Buenos Aires

When setting up your new place in Buenos Aires, finding home goods like dishes, sheets, and rugs at the right price is essential. One great spot for this is Coto in Barracas (Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos 151), where you’ll find various products at affordable prices. They have everything you need to furnish your home, and the prices are some of the best in the city. For even more options, you can use Mercado Libre (like the Amazon of South America), where, if you have a DNI or an Argentine friend to help, you can enjoy fast delivery and find a wide range of products.

If you’re willing to spend more, Arredo is a chain store all over the city, offering quality home goods. They tend to have a higher price point, but with Arredo Factory outlet stores, you can score great deals on pre-made items like nightstands, stools, and shelves, though you might find some stains or mistakes in the manufacturing process. Another option is Colombraro, which specializes in plastics like hangers, trash cans, and organizing bins. It’s a bit more expensive, but you’ll find almost everything in one place.

For those on a tight budget, head to the local variety stores, commonly called Chinos. These Chinese-owned stores are scattered across the city, offering an impressive range of products—from candles to notebooks to picture frames and even socks. They offer great prices and are often a goldmine for items you didn’t even know you needed. These stores are perfect for anyone looking to save while outfitting their new home in Buenos Aires.

Getting Internet in Buenos Aires

When you move to Buenos Aires, getting wifi can be tricky. The process can take some time, so it’s essential to research the companies that offer wifi service in the area you plan to live. Not all companies cover every city area, so it’s best to check which ones serve your neighbourhood. Once you choose a provider, schedule your installation as soon as possible, as delays are common.

During our move, we experienced how slow the installation could be. We had to wait about 10 days before we finally got wifi, even though we were told, “We’ll call you.” Some companies you can consider for wifi installation in Buenos Aires include Alpha2000, Movistar, Tele-Centro, Claro, Fibertel, and Personal. Keep in mind that service reliability and installation times can vary, so always check the service areas and installation schedule before making a decision.

Housing in Buenos Aires Final Thoughts

Finding housing in Buenos Aires is an exciting journey, but you’ll need to be mindful of the soaring prices that have been steadily rising. Back in 2022, one-bedroom apartments were available for around $400-$500, but now the average prices are around $600-$700. While Buenos Aires remains an affordable place to live overall, housing costs are growing faster than other expenses like food and transportation, which are still quite reasonable. Researching and planning is a good idea, as living in this vibrant city could be worth it.

The growth of digital nomads flocking to Argentina has made the city more prevalent, driving prices up. Even with these expensive apartment costs, living costs are still lower than in many other cities. If you’re planning a move, remember to pin the photos below to Pinterest for future reference, and remember that the experience of living in Buenos Aires—with its mix of nature, vibrant city life, and affordability—will make it all worth it.

Final Thoughts

Housing in Buenos Aires can be complex due to inflation, fluctuating exchange rates, and varying rental prices across neighbourhoods. Understanding the local rental laws, including the guarantee system and rental contract terms, is essential to avoid surprises. Platforms like Mercado Libre and ZonaProp offer more affordable long-term rental options than Airbnb. Knowing key terms and requirements, like proof of income and a guarantor, will simplify your rental search. Despite the challenges, Buenos Aires offers a variety of options, from budget-friendly neighbourhoods to more luxurious areas. By navigating the complexities and doing thorough research, you can secure a comfortable place to stay in this vibrant city.

FAQs

1. What are the houses like in Buenos Aires?

Houses in Buenos Aires range from charming old European-style homes to modern apartments. Many feature courtyards, tall ceilings, and colourful facades.

2. Where is the best place to live in Buenos Aires?

Palermo is considered the best place to live in Buenos Aires for its parks, cafes, and trendy vibe. It’s safe, lively, and popular with locals and expats alike.

3. What is the 11 neighborhood in Buenos Aires?

Villa General Mitre is the 11th neighbourhood of Buenos Aires. It’s a quiet, residential area with local shops and a strong community vibe.

4.Who lives in Buenos Aires?

Buenos Aires is home to many people, including native Porteños and immigrants from Europe, Asia, and neighbouring Latin American countries. The city has a diverse, multicultural population.