Following initial signs of slowdown in late 2025, Buenos Aires' real estate market has stalled in early 2026 with four consecutive months of declining mortgages, developer Miguel Chej Muse said. Prices present buying opportunities amid tight credit, while rentals remain active.
Developer Miguel Chej Muse described Buenos Aires' real estate market as entering a transitional slowdown phase after a record 2025, building on early warning signs like the 8.8% drop in November deeds. "We come from a very good 2025… but the trend reversed quickly," he said, noting drops in deed volumes into early 2026. Mortgages have declined for four straight months: “We're already at four straight months of decline… this is truly discouraging,” he added, blaming low credit-backed deals, stricter bank scorings, and rates of 15-18% that halted prior momentum. The mortgage lag affects sales 3-5 months later, fostering uncertainty.
Despite challenges, opportunities persist: square meter prices at 1,800-1,900 dollars lag the dollar's value. “It's a good opportunity to buy a nice apartment, because in a few years it will be much more expensive,” Muse advised. The rental market is robust with 14,000 listings, rents 30% below recent inflation (despite wage lags), yielding over 6% gross. Landlords prioritize reliable tenants over maximum profits. “It's a mature relationship between both sides… trying to make it work together,” he summarized.