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Bargains in Bogota: Real Estate Investment in Bogota, Colombia

Written By: Jacquelyn Annete García Vadnais

Colombia is becoming a real estate market that investors are seriously considering for worthwhile real estate investments. Colombia has come a long way since a crime-ridden period in the 1990’s, which has put it back on the map for real estate investors that are looking to have a fruitful investment. Colombia’s real estate is projected to continue to increase in value due to an emerging, educated, middle class, abundant natural resources, and an ensuing demand for housing that has spiked as a result. These developments have also made the country more appealing to multinational corporations, as well as Colombian citizens wanting to return home. One of the most appealing cities to invest in real estate in Colombia is its capital city, Bogotá. If you are considering investing in real estate in Bogotá, Colombia, please regard the information below:

A Brief History of Colombia

Colombia has a diverse and fascinating history. Before the arrival of the Spaniards in 1500, Colombia was inhabited by the Amerindians. The Spanish founded Santa Marta, and Cartagena in 1533. Colombia gained its independence in 1819 when Simon Bolivar defeated the Spanish at the battle of Boyaca and a new country was formed that included modern-day Colombia, Panama, Venezuela, and Ecuador. In 1830, Colombia and modern-day Panama divided to form separate countries from the territories that constitute modern-day Ecuador and Venezuela. Colombia had many wars in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, this subsequently led to Panama gaining its independence in 1903. Modern day Bogotá is a cosmopolitan city with many historical influences in its art, architecture, and cuisine. There are world class opportunities for tourism, in the form of museums, a variety of unique food options, as well as historical buildings, churches, mosques, and synagogues to visit.

Advantages of Investing in Bogota that You Should Be Aware of

Bogotá, Colombia offers many benefits to prospective real estate investors. When deciding whether Bogotá, Colombia is the ideal fit for your investment portfolio, review the following advantages:

The Growing Middle Class

Colombia has experienced impressive growth of their middle class. In fact, as of 2015, there is a large percentage of Colombians in the middle class at 30.5%. This trend is projected to continue in the years ahead. Over the past eleven years, the price of real estate in Colombia has increased by an average of 10% per year. Analysts speculate that this will result in a higher percentage of Colombians with the ability to afford homes, leading to a further increase in real estate values.

Bogotá Is a Hub for University Students & Multinational Corporations

Bogotá is a location where most of Colombia’s universities are concentrated along with multinational corporations. Bogotá is also a city that has many direct flights daily from major US cities, like Miami, and New York. This makes it a convenient, strategic city for conducting business between Latin America, and the United States. There are 113 universities total in Bogotá that produce over 100,000 graduates per year. Analysts speculate that this glut of qualified individuals graduating from universities in Bogotá, along with increased regional and multinational investment from employers, will result in more people being able to afford their own homes. This should make the housing market quite attractive for future gains. This growth is projected to continue for as long as individuals in Colombia have the opportunity to attend university and find stable employment upon graduation.

Safety Has Improved

Colombia had severe safety concerns in the 1990’s related to drug trafficking. That said, in recent years, security has greatly improved in financial institutions as well as on the streets. Analysts have attributed this to stronger, more effective governance, as well as a growing, educated, middle class, and several targeted initiatives to improve crime across the country.

Affordable Lifestyle

Colombia overall has a very affordable lifestyle available. Even though Bogotá is the capital, it is still possible to get incredible coffee for about $1.50 per cup or a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant for approximately $20. In Colombia, it is possible for investors to get more from the money they spend there than other parts of the world.

Great Rental Yields

Bogotá’s rental yields continue to increase each year. Rental yields range from 6.5 – 9.6% respectively. That said, most rental yields fluctuate between 7 – 8%. According to analysts, figures will continue to increase as crime improves, more recent graduates are able to find gainful employment, and overall demand for rentals increases due to Colombia’s positive growth. Be warned however, that taxes tend to be high, at 33% for rental income earned by non-residents. Capital gains tax is a flat rate of 10%.

Strength in Tourism
Colombia has many incredible places to visit such as Cartagena, Medellín, and Bogotá. In addition, there are several small towns along the beaches ideal for a vacation. For many people that do travel to Colombia, it is highly recommended to have a at least day or two in Bogotá. This provides a stable tourism demand in Bogotá where real estate investors can decide to rent out their properties for more profit. In addition, the multitude of multinational companies that are present in Bogotá contribute to a demand for individuals to rent while they are assigned in Bogotá for a longer-term basis.

Total Transaction Costs Are Low in Colombia

In general, when individuals invest in real estate in Colombia, they pay between 5.28 – 6.44% of the property’s total value, which includes the typical real estate agent’s fee of between 3 – 4%. These rates are quite low comparatively, which provides an advantage to buying real estate in Colombia.

Final Remarks

Currently, Bogotá is very affordable for the potential future value it possesses. The reason for this is that Colombia is still recovering from the challenges that it faced in the 1990’s. That said, there are unique real estate opportunities present in Colombia that will not be there forever. For a younger real estate investor looking to get started or a seasoned real estate investor looking to diversify their portfolio, Bogotá is a worthwhile choice to consider. It will be fascinating to see how Bogotá’s real estate market grows in the years to come as Colombia continues to stabilize, and experience sustainable economic growth.

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Jacquelyn Annete Garcia Vadnais is an Investment Consultant and field expert blogger for Barracuda Consulting.

Jacquelyn has a JD/MBA from Suffolk University, an LL.M in International Law from the University of Miami, and a B.A. from the George Washington University in International Affairs with a Concentration in International Politics. Jacquelyn speaks English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese and has lived in ten countries. Jacquelyn has done work for firms such as Boston Consulting Group and has worked with firms based in over ten countries in the fields of Real Estate, International Law, Expat Living, International Business, Forex Trading, and Travel. She has also volunteered her time and expertise at the Victims Rights Law Center based in Boston, MA.

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