I want to buy in Uruguay. Where do I start?

First things first: anyone can buy

In Uruguay, there are no restrictions for foreign buyers. It doesn't matter the nationality, no prior residency is required, and there are no areas reserved for local citizens. If you have the capital and have found the property, you can buy it. With the same guarantees as any Uruguayan.

The notary: the figure that makes everything safer

In Uruguay, the person who protects the buyer in a real estate transaction is the public notary — equivalent to a notary in other countries in the region and the world. He is the legal professional who verifies that the property titles are in order, that there are no outstanding debts or liens, drafts all contracts, and officially registers the transaction. His intervention is mandatory: without a deed before a notary and registration in the Property Registry, there is no valid transfer of property. And that, in fact, is an advantage: it provides legal certainty from day one.

The step-by-step process

It all begins with the reservation ticket. Once the buyer and seller reach an agreement, the notary drafts this preliminary contract that formalizes all the conditions: price, payment method, and deadlines. At that moment, the buyer deposits a down payment, which usually amounts to 10% of the property's value, into the hands of the notary. That money is held in custody and secures the deal for both parties.

From there, the notary does his job: verifies the titles, reviews the legal history of the property, and manages everything necessary to reach the final step: the public deed. With the signing of the deed and its registration in the Property Registry, the buyer becomes the full owner, with full legal effectiveness.

What if I can't be present?

It's not a problem. Many international buyers complete the entire transaction remotely, through a power of attorney that authorizes a trusted representative to sign on their behalf. Visits can be done virtually, and the documentation is managed without the need to be physically in Uruguay.

The process is safe, well-regulated, and has decades of legal backing. What makes the difference is having the right team to guide you every step of the way.

Do you have questions about how the process works? Write to us. We are here to help you.

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