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Colombia is an attractive country to invest in real estate, and the low housing costs, compared to countries like the United States or England, position this Latin American country as a good option for investment.

However, If it is a foreigner who is going to carry out investment in real estate, there are some points that you have to be clear about when making your purchase, especially because taxes and rules change according to each country and in this article, We will give you a detailed guide of everything you need to know to have a successful sales process.

Starting with a fundamental part, you must remember that selling houses in Colombia can be delayed. According to a study carried out by Synapsis and published in Portafolio Magazine, these are the figures that account for this.

0
months is the estimated time to sell real estate in Colombia

According to the study, these are the main reasons the process is so delayed.

Owner's lack of time to show the property

Not finding suitable potential buyers

Somethings that you need to know to Selling Real Estate in Colombia

Now, we show you the step-by-step and important information you must keep in mind during your real estate sales process in Colombia.

First, foreigners are permitted to buy and sell real estate in Colombia. The process for selling in Colombia is essentially the same for both.

However, there are two important notes for foreigners to know when selling real estate in Colombia. 

Colombia has NO title insurance and NO escrow (except for new construction properties).

Apartment buildings in Laureles, Medellín
Apartment buildings in Laureles, Medellín

Preparing a Property for Sale in Colombia

Not all Colombians properly prepare real estate properties for sale or rent. For example, some properties on the market for sale and rent are dirty inside and have stained walls.

Preparing a property for sale in Colombia is similar to what is done in other countries. Here are six (6) tips for preparing a property for sale in Colombia:

Remove clutter

Clear out all the non-essentials and rent storage space for your things if needed.

Paint the interior

Old stained paint makes rooms look decrepit. A fresh coat of paint is normally worth the relatively small investment.

Professional cleaner

A clean home is more inviting to potential buyers, whereas a dirty home can turn them away.

Repair

Some damage, such as a stain on the ceiling or a leak in the toilet, can turn someone off from buying your house.

Good lighting

Illuminated spaces are more striking than dark ones

Great photos

The photos used in a listing can result in more viewings and help in the sales process.

What are the Steps to Selling Real Estate in Colombia?

There are six primary steps to selling real estate in Colombia:

Step 1: Find a Good Real Estate Agent

The first step in selling a property in Colombia is to find a good real estate agent. Working with a professional to sell your property has many benefits, as it is more difficult to sell a property yourself.

Percentage of Colombians who still use the traditional window advertising method as the only option to sell their properties.
70%

An experienced real estate agency can sell your home faster and for a better price than you can. If you are a foreigner in Colombia, it is important to find a bilingual agent.

In addition, before a real estate agent begins selling your property, they can be a great source of information to ensure the property is priced correctly. Don’t be like many sellers in Colombia who put a ridiculous price on their property, resulting in it sitting there for years without an offer.

Also, remember there is no licensing of real estate agents in Colombia. So, it’s possible to find real estate agents that aren’t very professional and have little experience.

Medellin Guru Real Estate Service

Our reliable partner, a leading real estate company, offers a wide range of services:

  • Transfer funds to Colombia
  • Legal analysis property background checks
  • Sales agreement
  • Deed registration
  • Legal representation
  • Investment visa
To sell real estate it is necessary to advise you with the best team
To sell real estate it is necessary to advise you with the best team

Step 2: Showing the Property to Prospective Buyers

Once you have found a real estate agent, you should receive requests to show the property.

In our previous section, we showed you some tips on how to prepare your house before selling it. Below, we leave you some advices that may be useful during your future buyer’s visit.

Don't be at home

It is better that not so many people are at home when showing the property.

No pets

Avoid bad moments, not everyone likes pets.

Open doors and windows

You will keep the space smelling good and illuminated.

Step 3: Negotiation and Verbal Offer

This is when a buyer negotiates with the seller for the price and terms.

This is when a lawyer will check a “certificado de tradición y libertad,” which is a history of the property, and a “certificado de paz y salvo,” predial that states municipal property taxes have been paid and a “certificado de paz y salvo de valorización” that verifies that taxes related to increases in the value of the property have been paid.

Also, if the property is located in an apartment building or gated community, a lawyer will check if there are a lot of unpaid administración fees (like HOA fees in the U.S.).  Some apartment buildings or gated communities do not properly collect administración fees from owners, resulting in insufficient maintenance funds.

If everything checks out, it is time to negotiate the price with the prospective buyer. Nothing is binding at this point.

To obtain your real estate it is necessary to first reach a verbal agreement
To obtain your real estate it is necessary to first reach a verbal agreement

Step 4: Promesa de Compraventa – the Purchase Agreement

After negotiation, a lawyer will draw up a purchase agreement, known as a “promesa de compraventa.”

This is a binding contract where you state the intention to sell at a given price, and the buyer states the intention to buy.

Colombians are sophisticated negotiators. So, it is common for Colombians to renegotiate right up to signing the “promesa de compraventa” at a notary.

You can also make changes if you feel they are needed before signing the purchase agreement contract at a notary. Be careful with the gringo pricing.

What is Included in a Typical Promesa de Compraventa?

Price and what items are included

Is the parking, storage, stove, curtains, etc. included? Keep in mind that parking may have a separate title. Also, the owner can remove anything not physically part of the apartment, including light bulbs and appliances. So, make sure what you want is included in the contract.

Down payment - Anticipo

Essentially a down payment to secure the deal and is usually 30 percent but can lower. This is negotiable.

Penalty Clause – Cláusula penal

The penalty clause covers if the buyer does not proceed with the deal and could lose the 10 to 20 percent down payment. If the seller does not proceed, the seller can be sued for a lien on the property for the agreed-upon penalty amount, usually 10 to 20 percent.

Settling of mortgages and liens

Transferring property in Colombia to a new owner is impossible unless it is free of mortgages, leans, taxes, and administration fees (HOA fees).

Commercial and declared value

In Colombia and many other countries in Latin America, there is a gap between commercial values (what a buyer pays) and declared value (what the government thinks the property is worth for taxes).

Taxes, HOA and rent are prorated

This is just a calculation that depends on the purchase date – taxes are paid yearly and prorated, administration (HOA fees) are paid monthly and prorated. If a rental property, rent should be prorated.

When to sign at the notary

The "promesa de compraventa" will included a date, time and location for the final closing when all parties exchange final payments (typically by Cheque de Gerencia issued by a bank or a bank transfer – keep in mind there is no escrow in Colombia), and the title is signed over from the previous owner to the new owner.

Step 5 – Closing at a Notary

If things go as planned in the “promesa de compraventa,” the closing happens on the date specified in the purchase agreement with the signing of titles, exchanging funds, and the new owner receiving keys to the purchased property.

However, sometimes issues arise, and this closing date may slip.

The final step to have your real estate is to sign at the notary
The final step to have your real estate is to sign at the notary

Step 6 – New Owner Gets the Title

If everything goes smoothly with the closing, a lawyer will ensure everything is done correctly with the “registro de instrumentos públicos,” which handles titles in Colombia.

Once the new “certificado de tradición y libertad” is issued, the new buyer can rest assured the property is his/hers. It typically requires about a week for this certificate.

What Are the Closing Costs Involved in Selling Real Estate in Colombia?

Selling real estate in Colombia involves closing costs, including taxes and fees. Closing costs at the time of purchase include notary and registration fees, legal fees, and real estate agent commissions.

Main closing costs in Colombia include

Retención en la Fuente

one (1) percent, paid by seller.

Registration

One (1) percent, split 50-50 by seller and buyer

Government tax

one zero point five (1.05) percent, split 50-50 by seller and buyer

Notary fees

Usually less than 1 million pesos, split 50-50 by buyer and seller.

In addition, the seller normally pays a real estate commission of 3 to 5 percent. For a lower commission, this is typical, with fewer services than a traditional Colombian real estate agency provides.

Also, the buyer pays legal fees for a title study, purchase contract, and closing/title change, which are typically fixed prices regardless of the property’s value. 

In addition, the seller would be responsible for paying at least a 3 to 5 percent commission to the real estate agency. And the buyer would be responsible for legal fees.

So, the seller would pay 5.5 to 7.5 percent of the purchase price for closing costs and the real estate agency commission. The buyer would roughly pay around 3.0 percent of the purchase price for closing costs and legal fees.

Are You Looking to Buy or Sell Real Estate in Colombia?

Medellin Guru has partnered with Real Estate by expatgroup.co to provide real estate services to foreigners and locals interested in buying and selling properties in Medellín and across Colombia.

Recognizing our readers’ demand for real estate guidance, this partnership with Real Estate by expatgroup.co aims to deliver trustworthy and comprehensive real estate services to our audience.

Banner Web MG - Real Estate EG

We chose to collaborate with Real Estate by expatgroup.co for buying and selling real estate services for several reasons:

  • Real Estate by expatgroup.co is recognized globally and is a familiar brand for foreigners.
  • As one of Colombia’s largest realtor companies, Real Estate by expatgroup.co has extensive coverage throughout the country, enabling it to serve various locations in Colombia.
  • They boast a robust team of agents, many of whom are bilingual in English and Spanish.
  • Real Estate by expatgroup.co ensures fair pricing through a thorough Comparative Market Analysis (ACM).

To access this real estate partner service from Real Estate by expatgroup.co, click the button below, complete a brief form, and receive a complimentary consultation offering insights into the local market, current pricing, and tips for buying or selling properties.

Medellin Guru Real Estate Service

Our reliable partner, a leading real estate company, offers a wide range of services:

  • Transfer funds to Colombia
  • Legal analysis property background checks
  • Sales agreement
  • Deed registration
  • Legal representation
  • Investment visa

Medellin Guru's Guide to Buying, Selling and Renting Apartments and Choosing a Neighborhood

On the Medellin Guru website, we have a comprehensive and up-to-date guide to buying, selling, and renting apartments and choosing a neighborhood in Medellín found in several articles, including:

Buying and Selling Apartments

Renting Unfurnished Apartments:

Renting Furnished Apartments:

Choosing a Neighborhood in Medellín:

Also, we have several articles that can be used to help foreigners choose a neighborhood in Medellín:

View of El Poblado taken from Pueblito Paisa Cerro Nutibara, photo by Jenny Bojinova

The Bottom Line: Selling Real Estate in Colombia – A Guide to Selling for Foreigners

Investing in real estate in a foreign country can be exciting and rewarding but also involves some risks. We have looked at the risks of investing in real estate in Colombia.

If you are a foreigner buying real estate in Colombia, it is also important to understand the steps involved in selling real estate in Colombia, plus the closing costs required, which are covered in detail in this article.

Keep in mind that selling can be much more difficult than buying. Also, selling real estate can take much longer than buying.

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