How to Buy Property in Colombia

Villa Arzobezpalda

More and more foreign investors are looking to buy property in Colombia. Tourism in major cities like Cartagena and Medellín is driving up demand (and prices) for vacation rental properties. So buying property in Colombia is now considered an increasingly lucrative passive investment opportunity.

But how do you buy a property in Colombia? Two Travel are not just on hand for your vacation. We also offer property purchase and management services for foreigners who want to buy a property (turnkey, remodel, plot), gain a passive income and have a place to stay in their favorite Colombian city.

Our concierge team works hand in hand with lawyers, notaries, tax and visa experts, and have partnered with property concierges, Double Double to expand our real estate offering and expertise.

Here’s our Guide on How to Buy Property in Colombia.

Which Colombian cities represent the best property investment opportunity?

Colombia is becoming a more and more popular tourist destination, with direct flights from the US and Europe meaning over 4.5 million people visited Colombia just before the pandemic, and as the pandemic eases, we’re seeing those tourist numbers bounce back up again.

Most tourists spend time using Cartagena and Medellín as a base to explore the Caribbean coast and the famous coffee zone. We recommend both of these cities to people looking to buy a property as a vacation rental in Colombia. And it’s easy to offer that property at a good price for rent through platforms like AirBnB.

Is the cost of property rising in Colombia?

Yes, property values in both Cartagena and Medellin are consistently on the rise. Both Cartagena and Medellin present vibrant economies and real estate continues to show strong and consistent growth, with prices rising in both cities as they become increasingly popular tourist destinations.

Expect to pay at least $600 million pesos ($160,000 USD) for properties in the tourist zones of Bocagrande in Cartagena or El Poblado in Medellín. However, the demand for vacation rentals is high, especially during the high seasons, where you can expect to charge higher rates for accommodation in sought after locations like these. You can expect upwards of 10% return on investment if you manage and market your property well.

How do I find a property to buy in Colombia?

If you’ve visited Colombia, you no doubt fell in love with the warmth of the people and the weather. Many investors buy property having visited as tourists initially. We recommend that you visit the areas you’re interested in, and then talk to a property concierge like us to help you find a property that meets your needs.

Online property listings sites are not great in Colombia, and you’ll often find out-of-date information on these websites. Partnering with a property concierge is highly recommended, so you find properties as they come onto the market, especially in competitive locations like Cartagena and Medellín.

Once we’ve helped you find the investment property of your dreams, we can guide you through the process and be on hand to negotiate the best deal for you, even if you’re not physically in Colombia at the time of the sale.

Do I need to speak Spanish to buy property in Colombia?

Speaking Spanish is very advantageous when doing business in Colombia, but we always recommend working with a bilingual guide and lawyer when buying property. Contracts and legal processes can be difficult to understand if you’re not fluent and a specialist in Colombian property law. The lawyers that we work with are trusted experts when it comes to foreign investment in property.

Do I need a visa to buy property in Colombia?

No, you do not. But you may be eligible for a Colombian investment visa through the purchase of a property.

What else do I need to know to buy property in Colombia?

The purchase process often moves very quickly. You could find a property and close the sale in as little as one week! Location is extremely important, and you should always ensure the legal checks on the land titles and construction rights are completed correctly. We can also advise you on requirements needed for renovation and remodelling.

The purchasing process in Colombia is completely different from many other countries. There is no title insurance and there is no Escrow. Our attorneys know the real estate laws and will do all the title and background checks to make sure the paperwork is in proper order before any contracts are signed.

You’ll need to pay some taxes and fees when purchasing property in Colombia. The fees usually amount to 1.65% of the property value. We will always inform you of all the fees involved.

There’s more information about our property purchase and property management services here, or contact us for an initial consultation. We’re on hand to help you buy and manage your property in Colombia.

Can I afford a Concierge Service and is it important?

Concierge Cartagena

Maybe you’ve never considered a concierge service for your vacation. It sounds expensive, doesn’t it! An indulgence that you’re not sure will deliver. But if you’re travelling in a group, for a special occasion, or on a time-poor business trip – it makes total sense. A concierge service can change what could have been stressful and chaotic, to stress free and unforgettable. Just ask the thousands of happy customers who have traveled with Two Travel.

It’s the little things that make all the difference, and when there are 100 little things on your list, and you don’t speak the language, why not get some help? After all, you’re on vacation!

So, what exactly does a Concierge do?

Picture the scene.

You and your family, friends, wedding guests, or business partners arrive at the airport exhausted after your flight. Rather than have to find a taxi for 8 people, a well-dressed young man is there to greet you, leading you away from the scrum to a plush air-conditioned minibus. The driver helps everyone with their bags and offers everyone a cold bottle of fresh coconut water as you set off to your villa.

On arrival, they offload all the bags for you and there’s a welcome cocktail waiting for you by the pool. The fridge is stocked with all the food and drink you requested before you arrived, and your concierge gives you a tour of the villa.

Historical Cartagena

During a quiet moment, he confirms that everything is organised for your brother’s birthday in two days – a surprise trip to the islands, followed by a private dinner at the most exclusive restaurant in the city and late night drinks and dancing on a very special roof terrace with your table being the best. He has some photos of the painting you commissioned, and it’s ready to see tomorrow, before its delivery the following day.

An hour later, after a dip in the pool, your concierge checks in on your plans for the night. You had suggested a tour of the city, but you’re all tired – no problem! He can change it to another day for you and arrange for catering from a great restaurant, so everyone can chill for the first evening away together.

Sounds great, doesn´t it?

Someone to make sure everything happens the way you want it, so you don’t have to worry, and neither do your friends nor family. As light touch as you need it to be. A concierge service is there to anticipate and solve issues, checking in to make sure your experience is flawless, and suggesting and making tweaks to your plans whenever you need them – especially helpful in a country like Colombia or Mexico – where the best experiences, access and deals are not found online, but through people “in the know”.

But is a Concierge Service expensive?

Well, not really. You know how much your flights will cost and you have a budget in mind for your accommodation, trips, and all those little things you love.

But it’s probably based on estimates from online booking services, which have outrageous additional booking fees on top of already expensive prices.

With a concierge service, you pay a 10% premium for at least 50% more value. Why?

Because our local concierge staff have direct relationships with villa owners, boat hire companies, tour guides, restaurants, local suppliers, bars, clubs, stores – the list goes on! This means you don’t get “gringo prices” for a one-size-fits-all tourist tour (trap) – you get guaranteed, high quality, exclusive and unique experiences with all the special touches that will make your time unforgettably special.

So special, you’ll never want to travel without a concierge service again!

  • And at Two Travel, all of our concierge staff are:
    • Locals
    • Fluent in Spanish and English,
    • Educated to degree level,
    • Experienced in providing first rate service every time,
    • Flexible to meet your daily changing needs.


A concierge is also your trouble shooter. Trips always have issues, and as we saw during the pandemic, travel conditions and options can change in a matter of days, and sometimes even hours.

We think a concierge is more important than ever – they’ve got your back. If plans have to change, they’ll deal with those changes or get your money back. They also know all the hottest and best spots in the city or local area – just tell them what you’re looking for – set them a challenge. They will deliver!

We have concierge teams in Cartagena, Medellin, Tulum and Mexico City right now, so if you’re planning a trip to Colombia or Mexico, get in touch to see if we can build your journey, and make your trip the best it can be.