New Developments in Pocitos
Contemporary open-plan apartments built to current standards in Uruguay's most liveable coastal neighbourhood. Designed for today's buyer — whether you're moving in or building a rental portfolio.
Why New?
Buying a new apartment in Pocitos means purchasing from a developer before or shortly after completion. The building is registered under the horizontal property regime, your unit is fully your own, and common areas are shared with other owners under the rules set out in Ley 10,751 (Uruguay's Horizontal Property Law, in force since 1946).
New 1-bedroom apartments in Pocitos typically range from 45 to 65 m² in usable area. Layouts are generally open-plan, with the kitchen integrated into the living space, a separate bathroom, and a proper bedroom. Many newer developments include building amenities such as a rooftop terrace, gym, bike storage or doorman — features that matter both for daily comfort and for long-term rental appeal.
Request New Apartment CatalogNew studios in Pocitos are typically designed with efficient open-plan layouts — maximising the feeling of space within a compact footprint.
New buildings come without the hidden costs that older stock can bring — aging pipes, outdated electrical systems or structural repairs already pending at the assembly.
New developments are incorporated to the horizontal property regime under Decreto-Ley 14,261, giving you a clean, registered title from the moment you purchase.
Legal & Fiscal Context
Uruguay has a specific framework that supports private investment in residential construction. Understanding it can meaningfully affect your purchase cost.
Passed in 2011, Ley 18,795 declared private investment in housing construction to be of national interest. By December 2023, it had channelled 1,312 projects involving nearly 35,000 housing units across Uruguay, 20,401 of which are completed. Uruguay XXI 2024
When you purchase a newly built apartment from a developer who has qualified under this framework, you may benefit from:
VAT exemption on the first transfer of the property
Net Worth Tax exemption for the building during construction and for three years after completion
Corporate Income Tax (IRAE) exemption for the developer on income from the first sale
Source: Intendencia de Montevideo — Construction & Real Estate
For larger developments, Uruguay's broader investment promotion framework (administered by COMAP) can provide additional fiscal relief at the developer level — which often translates to more competitive pricing for buyers.
New apartments sold under the promoted housing framework can carry a lower total acquisition cost than equivalent resale units — particularly when you factor in the absence of VAT on the first transfer. Always ask the developer whether their project qualifies under Ley 18,795 before comparing prices.
The Montevideo más cerca programme has increased allowed building heights in central and intermediate areas of the city, creating conditions for denser residential development in neighbourhoods like Pocitos. Approved projects benefit from exemptions on compensatory payments. Intendencia de Montevideo
Inside a New Pocitos 1-Bedroom
New developments in Pocitos tend to share certain features, though quality and finish vary by developer. Here is what a well-specified 1-bedroom looks like.
Typically 45–65 m² of usable area. Open-plan kitchen-living, a separate bedroom, one or two bathrooms and often a balcony or small terrace. Some units include a dedicated work nook.
Newer buildings in Pocitos often include a rooftop terrace or solarium, gym, co-working lounge, bike room and a staffed reception or entry control — amenities that improve daily comfort and rental attractiveness.
Fibre internet pre-wiring, video entry systems, gas-free electrical induction kitchens in some buildings and energy-efficient HVAC are increasingly standard in new Pocitos developments.
New buildings have a structural warranty period. You enter ownership knowing that major systems — plumbing, electrical, roof — are new, without the deferred maintenance risk of an older building.
Under Decreto-Ley 14,261, new buildings are formally incorporated into the horizontal property regime, giving you a clean registered title from day one — with your exclusive ownership of the unit and co-ownership of common areas clearly documented.
Most new developments in Pocitos offer parking spaces as an optional add-on. A garage is typically sold separately, ranging from USD 18,000–30,000 depending on the building. Worth considering for resale value.
New vs. Resale
There is no single right answer — it depends on your priorities. Here is an honest comparison.
| Factor | New Apartment | Resale Apartment |
|---|---|---|
| Price | From ~USD 185,000 for a 1BR | From ~USD 120,000–150,000 |
| Layout | Modern open-plan, efficient use of space | Traditional room layout — often larger total area |
| Maintenance risk | Minimal — systems are new | Variable — depends on building age and maintenance history |
| Building amenities | Typically included (gym, terrace, etc.) | Varies — many older buildings have fewer amenities |
| Fiscal benefits | Possible VAT exemption under Ley 18,795 | Standard ITP transfer tax applies |
| Location within Pocitos | Often on avenues — excellent access | Often on side streets — quieter setting |
| Character | Clean and uniform | More variety, personality and space per m² |
| Title clarity | Clean from day one | Requires notary due diligence on ownership history |
Market Context
Key figures from official sources on Uruguay's residential construction market.
Ready to see options
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