- Home
- Expat Guide
- Accommodation in Chile
- Selling property in Chile
Last updated on 19/03/2026
Selling property in Chile as a foreigner follows the same legal framework as for Chilean citizens. The constitution guarantees you the same rights, including the right to sell freely and repatriate the proceeds. That said, there are practical and tax considerations that are worth understanding before you list.
The selling process
Getting the property ready
You don't need to renovate your property before selling, but presentation matters. Fresh paint in neutral colors, minor repairs (leaky faucets, broken light fixtures), and a thorough cleaning make a real difference. Professional photographs are worth the investment — most buyers start their search online, and poor photos kill interest.
If your property has unpermitted additions or modifications (more common in Chile than you might expect), be aware that buyers using bank financing need the property's built area to match what's registered. Cash buyers are more flexible, but the issue can affect your price. If the additions are substantial, consider regularizing them before listing — a municipal permit (recepción final de obras) costs money and time, but it opens up your buyer pool.
Pricing
Overpricing is the most common mistake I see. Some owners look at Portal Inmobiliario, find the most expensive listing in their area, and set their price there. The problem is that those listings have been sitting for months for a reason.
A professional appraisal costs USD 300-500 and gives you a realistic starting point. Compare it with recent actual sales (not just listings) of similar properties in your area. In Chile, the final transaction price is typically 5-10% below the listing price, depending on market conditions and how long the property has been listed.
Properties priced correctly from the start sell faster and often at better final prices than those that start high and have to reduce repeatedly.
Finding a buyer
Most sellers work with a real estate agent. The agent's commission is typically 2-4% of the sale price, paid by the seller. Some agents charge a fixed fee for lower-priced properties. The commission is negotiable — especially in a slow market.
If your property is in a sought-after area, you may receive interest quickly. If it's in a less liquid market (very high-end, atypical, or in an area with limited demand), patience and proper pricing are key. Properties that sit on the market for months eventually sell, but usually at a discount the seller could have avoided by pricing correctly from the start.
The transaction
Once you have a buyer, the process follows a standard sequence:
- Preliminary agreement (Promesa de Compraventa): the buyer and seller agree on the price and conditions. The buyer usually pays an earnest money deposit of 5-10% at this stage.
- Due diligence: the buyer's lawyer conducts a title study (Estudio de Títulos) to verify the property is free of debts, liens, and legal issues. This takes 2-4 weeks.
- Final contract (Escritura Pública): both parties sign before a notary. The buyer pays the balance. If there's a mortgage involved, the bank participates in the closing.
- Registration: the notary submits the deed to the Conservador de Bienes Raíces (property registry). The buyer officially becomes the owner once registration is complete.
For cash purchases, the entire process from signed preliminary agreement to registration takes about 30-45 days. With bank financing, expect 60-90 days.
Tax implications
This is where it gets important — and where I see foreign sellers make expensive mistakes.
Capital gains tax
Since the 2017 tax reform, capital gains on property sales are taxable. The key question is your tax residency status at the time of sale:
If you are a Chilean tax resident (you've lived in Chile for more than 183 days in the relevant tax year), you benefit from a lifetime exemption of 8,000 UF (approximately USD 280,000 at current UF values). Capital gains within this allowance are tax-free. Gains exceeding it are taxed at 10%.
If you are a non-resident, you pay 35% on the total capital gain with no exemption. This is a significant difference.
If you're planning to leave Chile permanently and want to sell your property, the timing of your departure relative to the sale matters enormously. Selling before losing tax residency could save you a substantial amount in taxes. Consult a Chilean tax accountant before making this decision.
For a detailed breakdown of all real estate taxes, see our guide to real estate taxes in Chile.
VAT considerations
If you sell within 12 months of purchasing (or receiving delivery for off-plan properties), the sale may be subject to 19% VAT. The tax authority (SII) can also classify you as a "habitual seller" if you conduct multiple transactions, which triggers VAT on sales. To avoid this, hold the property for at least 12 months and rent it before selling.
Selling from abroad
If you've already left Chile, you can sell remotely using a power of attorney (poder especial). This requires:
- A Chilean lawyer authorized to act on your behalf
- The power of attorney document, notarized in your country of residence and apostilled under the Hague Convention
- Clear instructions regarding your minimum acceptable price and conditions
Your lawyer handles everything from listing to closing. The proceeds can be transferred to your foreign bank account. Chile has no restrictions on capital repatriation for property sale proceeds, but your receiving country may require you to declare the income.
Keep in mind that selling remotely takes longer. You're not there to approve showings, respond to offers quickly, or handle unexpected issues. Build extra time into your expectations.
Frequently asked questions about selling property in Chile
Legal and Tax Considerations
Yes. The Chilean constitution guarantees foreigners the same property rights as citizens. Your nationality does not affect the selling process.
Capital gains are taxed at 10% for Chilean tax residents, with a lifetime exemption of 8,000 UF. Non-residents pay 35% on the total capital gain with no exemption. Properties purchased before 2004 are exempt. See our article on real estate taxes for full details.
The property title (escritura pública), property tax certificates (certificado de contribuciones), municipal permits for any modifications, condominium certificates if applicable, and your RUT/RUN and identification.
Yes, through a power of attorney. You will need a Chilean lawyer to handle the transaction. The power of attorney must be notarized in your home country and apostilled. Electronic signing may be possible depending on the notary.
Process and Timing
From listing to closing, expect 2-4 months for standard properties in sought-after areas. Luxury properties, complex titles, or unfavorable market conditions can extend this to 6 months or more.
March-April is the most active period — buyers are back from summer holidays, ready to make decisions. October-November (spring) is also good. Avoid listing in December-February when most Chileans are on vacation.
Not legally required, but recommended. A good agent knows the local market, can price your property correctly, and has access to buyer networks. Choose one experienced with foreign clients if your Spanish is limited.
Budget 3-6% of the sale price. This includes agent commission (2-4%), legal fees, notary costs, and potentially capital gains tax. The agent commission is negotiable and usually paid by the seller.
Pricing and Market
Get a professional appraisal and research comparable recent sales in your area. Portal Inmobiliario gives you a sense of listing prices, but actual transaction prices are often 5-10% lower. Overpricing is the most common mistake — it leads to months on the market and eventual price reductions.
Fresh paint, minor repairs, and a clean presentation go a long way. Major renovations rarely return their full cost. If your property has unpermitted additions (common in Chile), know that cash buyers may accept them but buyers needing a mortgage usually cannot.
Location first, always. Then condition, natural light, parking, views, and building amenities. In Santiago, proximity to metro and whether the apartment faces north (sunny) are significant. In gated communities, the reputation of the development matters.
Do you want to go more in detail?
I wrote the Chile Handbook for Foreigners for anyone and everyone looking to move permanently and enjoy life in Chile. It's a 265-page book that goes over all aspects of relocating to Chile. Here is what you get:
✅ Practical tips based on 7-year relocation experience
✅ To-do lists to help you start
✅ Last updated in 2025
