The cost of buying property in Chile: taxes & fees
Buying property in Chile comes with various costs that can significantly affect your total investment. Understanding these fees is essential to budget accurately and avoid surprises.
This guide covers one-off purchase costs, recurring expenses, and offers a practical example based on typical property prices in Chile.
One-Off Purchase Costs
When purchasing a property in Chile, expect to pay several one-off costs on top of the purchase price. These generally include a transfer tax, notary fees, registration fees, and legal fees for conveyancing services.
- Transfer tax (Impuesto de Timbres y Estampillas): Generally ranges between 0.2% to 0.3% of the property's sale value.
- Notary and registration fees: Can vary significantly, but typically amount to around 1% of the property value.
- Legal fees: Usually range from 0.5% to 1% of the purchase price.
Estimated Total Percentage for Fees
As a rough estimate, you should budget around 2% to 4% of the property's purchase price for one-off costs. This percentage can vary depending on property value and location.
Worked Example
Consider a property priced at 100 million Chilean Pesos. Here's a rough breakdown of the costs:
- Transfer Tax: 0.25% of 100 million = 250,000 CLP
- Notary Fees: 1% of 100 million = 1,000,000 CLP
- Legal Fees: 0.5% of 100 million = 500,000 CLP
Total estimated one-off costs: 1,750,000 CLP, which is 1.75% of the property price. You would need to account for this in your budget.
Recurring Costs of Ownership
Once you've purchased a property, you'll encounter recurring expenses. These typically include annual property tax, community or condominium fees, utilities, and insurance.
- Annual property tax: Usually between 0.1% and 1% of the property's value, depending on the municipality.
- Community/Condo fees: Vary based on the property type and amenities, generally ranging from 20,000 to 100,000 CLP monthly.
- Utilities: Water, electricity, and gas will vary, but average approximately 50,000 to 100,000 CLP monthly.
Mortgage Costs for Non-Residents
If you're a non-resident looking to finance your property purchase with a mortgage, be prepared for additional challenges. Financial institutions in Chile may have different requirements for non-residents, including higher interest rates or larger down payments.
- Interest rates may vary considerably, often starting from around 5% per annum.
- Down payments for non-residents may range from 20% to 30% of the property's price.
- Consult a local bank or mortgage broker for tailored advice.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main costs when buying property in Chile?
Main costs include transfer tax, notary fees, registration fees, and legal fees, typically amounting to 2% to 4% of the property's price.
How much should I budget for recurring property expenses?
You may want to budget for annual property tax, community fees, utilities, and insurance, which can vary widely depending on the property.
Can non-residents obtain a mortgage in Chile?
Yes, but non-residents often face higher interest rates and stricter requirements. A local lawyer or mortgage broker can provide guidance.
Are property taxes fixed in Chile?
Property taxes in Chile vary by municipality and are generally between 0.1% and 1% of the property's assessed value.
What legal advice do I need when buying property in Chile?
It's advisable to engage a qualified local lawyer to navigate the legalities and ensure all transactions comply with Chilean law.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change — verify the current position with official sources and a qualified professional before acting. Last reviewed September 2026.