Buyer planning
The foreign buyer checklist before you make an offer
The cheapest mistake is the one you catch before the promesa. Use this as a working list for the property, the building, the paperwork, and the people around the deal.
1. Define the brief
- City and neighborhood, not just “Colombia”
- Primary home, second home, rental income, or eventual resale
- Total budget including closing, furnishing, renovation and carrying costs
- Non-negotiables: elevator, parking, pets, noise, walkability, views, building age
2. Separate the professionals
Do not make one person your broker, lawyer, inspector, tax adviser and currency guide. Ask who is paid by whom, and hire independent advice where the stakes justify it.
3. Check the property, not the pitch
- Title and ownership history reviewed independently
- Building rules and administration obligations understood
- Outstanding charges and property-level obligations checked
- Physical condition, renovation scope and recurring costs estimated
4. Compare the full cost
Asking price is only one line. Compare closing expenses, monthly administration, taxes, insurance where relevant, furnishing, renovation, vacancy risk, and the cost of moving money.
5. Build an exit test
Before you buy, ask who would realistically buy this unit from you later. A property can be wonderful to live in and still have a narrow resale market.
Ready for introductions?
Send the city, budget, timing and property type. We can route the brief to up to three relevant local professionals if you explicitly ask us to.