Questions about buying a 1-bedroom in Pocitos

Yes — without any restrictions. Foreign buyers in Uruguay have exactly the same property rights as citizens. There are no nationality-based ownership quotas, no special visas required, no limitations on property type. You need only a valid passport. See: Ley 10,751.

No. You can purchase through a notarised power of attorney (poder notarial), allowing a representative in Uruguay to sign the deed on your behalf. This is a standard procedure used by many international buyers. Your notary will guide you through the process.

Yes. Uruguay imposes no restrictions on the repatriation of capital or income from real estate. You can freely convert and transfer sale proceeds and rental income abroad. This is one of the characteristics that makes Uruguay an attractive market for international investors.

Prices vary significantly by building age, floor, condition and extras. Resale 1-bedroom apartments in Pocitos typically start from USD 120,000–150,000 in older buildings. New developments generally begin from USD 185,000. Premium units on the rambla or in newer buildings with amenities can exceed USD 300,000. The average sold apartment in Montevideo is 62 m² at a size reference — Uruguay XXI 2024. Request our catalog for current pricing.

The main costs beyond the sale price are: Real Estate Transfer Tax (ITP) at 2% of the fiscal value; notary fees at approximately 3%; real estate agent commission at approximately 3% (typically split between buyer and seller). Total acquisition overhead is typically 5–7% above the agreed sale price. For new apartments qualifying under Ley 18,795, VAT on the first transfer may be exempt. See: Uruguay XXI Tax Guide.

Under Art. 5, Ley 10,751, all owners in a horizontal property building contribute to shared expenses proportional to their unit's value. For a 1-bedroom in Pocitos, monthly expensas typically range from USD 80–200, depending on building age, size and amenities (gym, pool, doorman, etc.). Ask to see at least 12 months of records before buying.

Under Ley 10,751, you have: (1) exclusive and full ownership of your apartment — its walls, floors, finishes and internal installations (Art. 2, 6); and (2) co-ownership of all common areas — the land, foundations, load-bearing walls, roof, entrance, stairs, lifts, courtyard and utility systems — proportional to your unit's value (Art. 3, 4). These rights are inseparable from your title.

Under Art. 18, Ley 10,751, every horizontal property building must be managed by an administrator and an owners' assembly. The assembly votes on major decisions — significant repairs, renovations, administrator appointment — and your vote is weighted by your unit's value. Since 2022, assemblies may be held digitally under Ley 20,058, which is useful for owners who are not always in Montevideo.

Internal renovations affecting only your apartment — floors, painting, internal partitions, kitchen fitout — are generally within your authority as owner. Any work affecting common structures (load-bearing walls, shared systems, facades) requires a technical report and assembly approval under Art. 13, Ley 10,751. Always confirm with your notary before beginning structural work.

Pocitos is Montevideo's most populated neighbourhood (69,107 residents per INE Census 2023), its most walkable coastal district, and the consistent first choice of both local and foreign buyers and renters. It offers the beach and rambla, excellent restaurants and shopping, transport links, remote work infrastructure, and a broad amenity base that sustains both personal enjoyment and rental demand year-round.

Yes. The 1-bedroom format attracts the widest range of tenants in Pocitos — couples, young professionals, expats, remote workers and seasonal renters — making it the most liquid format for both rental and resale. Montevideo concentrates 77% of Uruguay's national rental market, and the eastern coastal zone (where Pocitos sits) accounts for 18% of the city's rental activity. Uruguay XXI 2024

Neither is universally better — it depends on your priorities. New apartments offer modern layouts, no deferred maintenance and potential fiscal benefits under Ley 18,795, but typically at a higher entry price. Resale apartments often offer more space per dollar, deeper locations within Pocitos and the character of established buildings — but require more careful due diligence. See our full comparison on the New Apartments page.