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Real Estate Sales In two weeks, money laundering increased the number of inquiries to developers by 20%: the homes that generate the most interest - Infobae

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In two weeks, money laundering increased the number of inquiries to developers by 20%: the homes that generate the most interest - Infobae
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September 11, 2024


Buying units in progress allows you to access lower prices and obtain appreciated value at the end of the project. In addition, the laundering makes it easier to regularize funds and invest in properties, protecting capital against inflation.



By Jose Luis Cieri





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For the most part, developers began registering projects to make them available to investors, so that the doors are open and investments arrive quickly and efficiently.

Real estate developers have begun to receive an increase in enquiries for the purchase of homes in the works, especially those suitable for money laundering , which is already in operation. In the last two weeks, enquiries for properties under construction have grown by 20% compared to the end of July, reflecting the interest of investors in taking advantage of the benefits of acquiring units under construction in projects from the beginning.



This type of investment allows access to lower prices compared to finished properties, which offers a great opportunity for appreciation when the homes are ready. Money laundering not only provides the possibility of regularizing undeclared funds, but also allows that investment to be channeled into tangible assets, such as properties.

“This is especially relevant in a context of inflation and economic volatility, where protecting capital in bricks and mortar remains one of the safest options with the best long-term prospects,” explained Leonardo Rodríguez Nader , CEO of CMNV-Comunidad de Inversión.



Rodriguez Nader added that they hope this trend can generate a significant flow of money into the sector.



To regularize undeclared funds when purchasing a property, it is key to understand the established amounts and deadlines. Up to USD 100,000 must be kept in a special asset regularization account until September 30.


If the regularized money remains in the financial system until December 31, 2025, there will be no fines or cap. In addition, the funds can be used for new real estate projects with less than 50% progress as of July 8, 2024. “It allows previously undeclared funds to enter the formal market. This increases the availability of capital to finance construction projects from their initial stages,” said Federico Rosbaco , CEO of Rosbaco & Partners.



Advantages and disadvantages

Investors who decide to externalize their immobilized funds and choose to buy in projects registered in the Real Estate Projects Registry (REPI) will have as their main benefits the exemption from paying regular taxes and the special money laundering tax.

“In addition to obtaining an investment in square meters that increases in value as the project progresses,” said Alejandra Tapia , accounting director of HA Emprendimientos.

Considering the adjustments in the current economic context, a positive revaluation of the value of the square meter is projected in the medium term, without significant risks or disadvantages.





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So far, the interest in buying units today predominates in one- and two-bedroom projects.

Tapia said that “it is essential that the investment is made in companies with a solid track record and a history of compliance in the market. Getting good advice is key and choosing reliable projects to obtain good results.”

The asset regularisation regime allows funds to be used to buy homes, with fiscal and legal implications depending on their purpose: rental or habitual residence. In the latter case, the property is exempt from Personal Property Tax and VAT.

Rosbaco pointed out that, in the current context, the real estate sector has hit a low but is already showing signs of recovery in development and sales. “In addition, investors can access proposals with fixed dollar installments, which provides greater financial stability in times of uncertainty,” he said.

Favorite Attraction and Prices

With the money laundering and the start of mortgage lending, an increase in demand is expected, which will push up prices. Although values remain affordable compared to historical prices in Buenos Aires, investors see an opportunity to enter the market before a significant appreciation in the coming years.

Rodríguez Nader commented: “The opportunity lies in the need and the possibility that demand will grow, which will inevitably drive up prices. We are coming from a very depressed market for a long time and it is time for it to wake up to generate a better quality of life for the population that needs it and, on the other hand, better conditions for those who need a refuge of value in tangible goods.”





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In private neighborhoods, funds can also be allocated through money laundering. CMNV has projects underway in Puertos, Escobar. And in Buenos Aires buildings, with units from USD 65,500, and Astilleros, from USD 118,800.

The prices are varied, both for small units and for units with 2 or 3 bedrooms. Prices range from USD 80,000 to USD 300,000, “with average m2 values between USD 2,500 and USD 3,500, depending on the project, degree of progress, location and features of the future building,” explained Rosbaco.

Prices per m2 have increased, due to an increase of up to 15% in construction costs since the beginning of the year.

Flexible financing tailored to the progress of construction made well projects more accessible to investors.

It is estimated that the brand new homes will be handed over to those who launder their money starting in the middle of next year.

“The majority of enquiries are for 1- and 2-bedroom apartments, and prices depend on the location of the project,” Tapia concluded.


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