Brought to you by Core Realty Group Medellín. Your trusted partner in Colombian real estate for foreign investors.
What is the cost for a real estate attorney to assist with the process?
At Core Realty Group Medellín, we believe having the right legal partner is just as important as finding the right property. For our foreign investors, we recommend bilingual, highly experienced real estate attorneys who handle everything from the initial offer to final registration.
Legal fees typically range from $1,500 to $2.000 USD, which includes services such as:
- Title search and due diligence
- Drafting and reviewing contracts (in both English and Spanish)
- Registering funds with the Central Bank
- Coordinating with the Notary Office at closing
- Securing your final property title
This is a small investment for peace of mind, especially when purchasing property in a new country. And with over 450 successful closings since 2018, our trusted legal partners are tested and proven.
Is title insurance available? How do I know if the title is clean?
In Colombia, title insurance is not commonly used, and frankly, it’s not really necessary. Instead, the government issues a Certificado de Libertad, a legal document that details:
- The full ownership history
- Any liens or debts
- Encumbrances or legal disputes
- Property boundaries and official use
At Core Realty Group Medellín, we request and review this document for every transaction, ensuring you’re buying a clean, uncontested title. It’s a more transparent and efficient system than what many are used to in the U.S., and it’s one of the reasons our closings go so smoothly.
Can a foreigner buy a property in Colombia with no restriction?
Yes—foreigners can absolutely purchase property in Colombia without restriction.
You don’t need to be a citizen or resident. As long as you follow Colombia’s civil, commercial, tax, and exchange laws, you can own property with the same rights as a Colombian.
At Core Realty Group Medellín, we’ve helped clients from over 20 countries successfully purchase properties. Whether you’re looking for an investment, a vacation home, or a new life abroad, we handle the complexities for you—from due diligence to deed registration—so you can focus on the vision.
Are escrow accounts utilized in Colombia?
In most of Central and South America, including Colombia, escrow accounts are not the standard practice.
Instead, payments are made directly to the seller, either through Colombian brokerage accounts or international wire transfers. This might sound risky to some, but rest assured—we walk you through every payment step.
At Core Realty Group Medellín, we work with top-tier Colombian brokers and financial institutions to make sure funds are:
- Safely transferred
- Properly documented
- In line with Colombian exchange regulations
With us, you’re never flying blind—we’re with you through every wire transfer and receipt.
How do I transfer money for the transaction?
The most common and secure way to transfer money for your Colombian property is by opening a Colombian brokerage account. Two firms we recommend are Alianza and Acciones y Valores—long-standing institutions we’ve worked with for years. .(It doesn’t have any cost to open the account)
The process is fast, online, and can be completed from abroad. Once your account is active, you’ll wire the funds from your U.S. or international account, and the Colombian brokerage will handle disbursement to the seller and other parties.
Our team at Core Realty Group Medellín will even introduce you to a bilingual representative at the brokerage firm to make everything smooth and simple.
Does a real estate investment qualify a person for a visa?
Yes, real estate investment is one of the most straightforward ways to qualify for an investor visa in Colombia.
To be eligible, the property investment must be at least $135,000 USD
- The visa is typically granted within 60 days after closing.
- It allows you to live in Colombia long-term and can be renewed.
- Your property must be owned in your personal name, not an LLC or Trust.
At Core Realty Group Medellín, we connect our clients with experienced immigration attorneys to streamline the visa application alongside their real estate purchase.
Who pays the property taxes?
Annual property taxes in Colombia are prorated at closing between the buyer and seller.
Here’s how it works: if the seller owned the property for six months of the year, they pay their portion. The buyer pays the remaining half for the calendar year.
Colombian property taxes are generally much lower than in the U.S., and Core Realty Group Medellín ensures your taxes are up to date and calculated correctly before the deal closes.
Is ownership and the investment registered with the government?
Yes—and it’s mandatory.
Once your property is purchased, your Colombian attorney will submit all required paperwork to:
- The Central Bank, to register foreign investment
- The Public Registry, to legally transfer title
Only after these steps are complete will your name appear as the legal owner of the property. At Core Realty Group Medellín, we stay hands-on throughout this process, keeping you updated until you receive official confirmation and ownership documents.
Do I need to grant power of attorney (POA) to my lawyer?
You’re not required to, but if you don’t plan to be in Colombia for closing, it’s a very smart move.
A Power of Attorney (POA) lets your Colombian lawyer sign documents and complete the closing on your behalf. It can be signed at any Colombian consulate abroad, and we provide all the instructions.
Core Realty Group Medellín recommends this option to streamline the process, especially if you’re abroad or have a busy schedule.
What are the closing costs?
Closing costs in Colombia are typically:
- 1.8% of the purchase price for properties under $200,000
- Up to 2.5% or more for higher-value properties due to tiered taxes
These fees cover legal, notary, and registration services.
At Core Realty Group Medellín, we give you a detailed closing statement well in advance, so you know exactly what to expect. We also help negotiate and minimize unnecessary charges.
When do I get my title?
Once you’ve signed the purchase deed (called the Escritura Pública) at the Notary Office, the property is legally yours.
From there, your title is submitted to the Public Registry, and within 3 to 6 weeks, you’ll receive official certification of your ownership.
Core Realty Group Medellín ensures that this timeline is followed and that your documents are delivered to you promptly—digitally and in hard copy, if needed.
Can I take title in the name of a trust, LLC, or other business structure?
Yes, Colombian law allows ownership under:
- Personal names
- U.S. or foreign LLCs or corporations
- Trusts or estate planning vehicles
However, you’ll need to provide official documentation proving your entity is in good legal standing.
At Core Realty Group Medellín, we help foreign investors determine the best structure for legal, tax, and visa purposes, and coordinate with local legal experts to ensure smooth registration.
Are documents provided in English?
No. All official documents—contracts, deeds, and registration forms—are issued in Spanish, as required by Colombian law.
However, our bilingual team at Core Realty Group Medellín walks you through every document, translating and explaining line by line, so you’re never left guessing.
And if needed, we can help you order professional translations of any documents for your records.
What are you waiting for?
Click the WhatsApp button at the bottom right of the screen below to chat with a live representative from Core Realty Group Medellín and start your journey to owning your dream home in Colombia today!
Still Have Questions?
Talk to one of our local agents—we’re here to help you every step of the way. We’ll make sure you get the answers you need to move forward with confidence.