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Real Estate News How to choose the ideal home according to age and what to take into account at each stage - Infobae

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How to choose the ideal home according to age and what to take into account at each stage - Infobae
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February 16, 2025


Priorities when looking for a property change over time. From the first home to the retirement home, keys to making the right choice and reference values



By Jose Luis Cieri







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A couple in a newly acquired home, it is essential to visit and inspect it so that there are no hidden defects before buying it (Illustrative image Infobae)

The choice of a home changes depending on the stage of life and the needs of each person. While young people look for modern properties with amenities and pet-friendly spaces (especially if it is a rental and the owners allow pets), older adults prioritize units with an elevator, spacious rooms and greater security.



Middle-aged adults (up to approximately 55 years old) and professionals often opt for functional homes, with additional spaces that allow them to work remotely.

The new generations prefer well-connected areas close to recreational areas such as gastronomic hubs, while older people choose to live on avenues or near shops.



Whether it is your first home or your retirement home, the price variation between rentals and sales is key given the diversity of options in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires.



Price list


According to Alejandro Moretti , a member of the board of directors of the Buenos Aires Real Estate Association, property values vary depending on the area. In the southern neighborhoods, a standard 40-year-old apartment with one bedroom and a balcony costs around USD 60,000 for sale and $400,000 for rent, while in the north and west of the city prices rise to USD 80,000 and $550,000, respectively.



“Each sector of the city has its own dynamics, and the values respond not only to the location, but also to the type of building and the services available in the area. In many cases, those looking to move at a certain age prefer buildings with a caretaker, because of the feeling of support in case of unforeseen events,” said Moretti.

Families looking for a property for the long term should consider the growth potential of the area. “It is key to look beyond the present and evaluate how the neighborhood can evolve in the coming years. Infrastructure, access and commercial development play an important role in the revaluation of a property,” said Moretti.







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It is vital that those who rent and have pets can find a home where the owners accept this option (Photo: Freepik)



Expanding neighborhoods usually offer better investment opportunities (for example: Núñez, Colegiales, Chacarita, in the north, Villa Devoto, Mataderos or Caballito in the west, and Parque Patricios and Monserrat, in the south area).



Moretti recommended that those who rent should make sure that the value of the rent, added to the expenses ( it is one of the costs that rose the most in a year with 166% and above inflation ), does not exceed 30% of their income. And in the case of those who buy, he considered it important to evaluate the possibility of revaluation over time.



Analyzing the infrastructure and associated operating costs is key to making the right decision.



For example, renting a two-room apartment in CABA requires an initial outlay of more than $2,000,000 to sign the contract .

Patricio Gómez , broker owner of Century 21 Carrillo Ourens in Belgrano R, showed the result of a survey of final average prices in the City per square meter.







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A bright two-bedroom apartment with a balcony is a priority for several families

For purchase, the values are located at:



  • Studio apartments: USD 2,136 per m2.
  • 1-bedroom apartments: USD 1,981 per m2.
  • 2-bedroom apartments: USD 1,863 per m2.


For rent, monthly prices start from:



  • Studio apartments: $440,643.
  • 1-bedroom apartments: $550,450.
  • 2-bedroom apartments: $740,874.


Gómez explained that these figures vary according to the neighborhood and the characteristics of each property. “Puerto Madero maintains the highest values (properties for sale start at USD 5,900 and USD 6,800 per m2), while in Liniers or Lugano (USD 949 and USD 1,700 per m2, respectively),” he explained.







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There are those who choose housing with its space to work or study remotely (Illustrative Image Infobae)



Analysts point out that rental prices have risen sharply in recent months, prompting several tenants to consider the possibility of purchasing if they can access financing through mortgage loans .



Current contractual flexibility allows agreements to be adapted, but it is essential to define clear clauses to avoid future conflicts.

Documenting the condition of the property at the time of signing is another key point. Detailed photographs and explicit agreements on repairs can prevent disputes at the end of the contract.



It is also important to specify responsibilities regarding expenses, given that DNU 70/2023 eliminated the distinction between ordinary and extraordinary expenses, and left those approved in the consortium assembly in the hands of the owner.





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A young woman looks at a property with the aim of renting it. After the DNU that repealed the Rental Law, the offer grew and it is currently possible to see several proposals before choosing (Illustrative Image Infobae)



There are different cases, such as those who must sell a property to divide it among heirs. In many situations, those who receive a portion after the sale choose to invest in a smaller property or move to Greater Buenos Aires, where values can be between 30% and 40% lower than in CABA.



Mateo García , residential director of Toribio Achával, stressed that there is no single answer as to which home is best for each age, as it all depends on individual needs. “Properties are good or bad depending on what they offer to each owner,” he said.



For young people looking for their first home, García recommended thinking in the medium term and choosing a neighborhood that facilitates a future resale or change to a larger unit.



The properties most often chosen as first homes are:



  • Studio apartments between 27 and 37 m2 .
  • 1-bedroom apartments between 37 and 55 m2 .


Patricio Gómez stressed that the distribution of the rooms and the quality of construction play a key role, since a good investment is not only measured in square meters, but also in functionality and growth projection.







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Security and views are aspects that are prioritized by those looking to buy or rent (Illustrative Image Infobae)



When making a decision to buy or rent, specialists agree that the most important thing is to define priorities and evaluate all the aspects that influence the investment. “There is no need to rush or be impulsive,” warned Mateo García.

Before buying, it is advisable to carry out a prior assessment and detect possible hidden defects to avoid problems once the property has been acquired.

For Gomez, the key is to analyze the total cost beyond the price of the property, considering taxes and maintenance. “Professional advice is essential to find the best balance between budget, location and needs,” he concluded.



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