earlyretirement
Moderator
Not only this but some people like buying PH properties that have no HOA at all. No HOA means no monthly expenses typically which can be a positive but it can also be a negative when things break or go wrong. Just keep in mind with no building administration, and several neighbors when things like water pipes, gas, electrical, structural or leaking issues happen you all have to get together and pay to repair it. You will find in some properties, the neighbors are broke and don't want to or don't have the money to contribute their share.This is why we gave the advice that we do. Before buying, we always check the health of the finances of the building HOA. Buying real estate in Buenos Aires isn't like in the USA or first world country. There are a lot of pitfalls here that you need to look out for. That poster most likely purchased in a building that already was plagued with issues. When a building is broke and no owners are willing to pony up cash to fix things there isn't too much you can do. Most administrators are horrible.
But there is a real risk if the building administration is 3 million pesos behind their water bill. Many HOA's include this in the HOA as there aren't separate meters in many buildings. Especially older buildings and the HOA is supposed to pay the water company, AySA. But some are just incompetent or corrupt and steal the money. Many of these administrations just go bankrupt and can't pay. So it is essential to check the financial health of a building besides just if the apartment is nice.
The judicial system doesn't work in Argentina so you have to avoid these types of properties from the start.
So it is a good idea to see when the last time things were repaired in those properties.