Investing in Punta del Este | Guide for Foreigners 2026
Why Punta del Este

South America's real estate investment hub

Institutional stability, a de facto dollarized real estate economy, and record-breaking tourist demand. Punta del Este offers foreign investors what few destinations can: predictability, a stable dollar, and a high quality of life.

Legal security

Uruguay guarantees full equality to foreign investors. No purchase restrictions, no prior residency requirement, no acquisition quota.

Market in dollars

Prices, rents, and contracts are denominated in USD. This provides natural protection against local currency volatility and regional inflation.

Structural demand

2026 is projected to be the second-best year on record for foreign tourist arrivals (Ceres Report). Short-term rentals are on the rise.

Institutional capital

JHSF (Fasano Peninsula) and Cipriani are leading a historic repositioning of the destination as an international luxury hub.

Tax advantages

The most attractive tax regime in Latin America

Uruguay combines two unique mechanisms that enhance the net return of the foreign investor: the new Impatriate Regime (Tax Holiday 2.0) and the Promoted Housing Law.

Effective from 1/1/2026

Impatriate Regime

Those who obtain Uruguayan tax residency from 2026 onwards can choose to not to pay taxes foreign source income during 11 fiscal years (year of entry + the following 10 years).

  • Option A: Non-Resident Income Tax on External Income (reduced burden)
  • Option B: Fixed annual payment of USD 212.000 to USD 318.000
  • Annual renewal of the election for up to 20 years
  • Combinable with real estate investment starting from USD 2.000.000 (UI 12.500.000)

How to obtain tax residency →

Law 18.795 — Promoted Housing

Exemptions for 10 years

Projects certified by the ANV (National Housing Agency) guarantee the investor a unique package of exemptions:

  • Personal income tax/corporate income tax on rentals — exempt for 10 years
  • Wealth Tax — exempt for 10 years
  • ITP (property transfer tax) — exempt on the first sale
  • VAT — exempt on construction and project services

Practical translation: In a promoted unit, net income in USD approximates gross income for an entire decade — something impossible to replicate in countries with high tax pressure.

Zones and prices

From La Brava to José Ignacio

The Playa Brava — La Barra — Manantiales — José Ignacio corridor is consolidating its position as the preferred destination for international investment. Discover the price ranges and profile of each area.

USD / m² Profile
La Brava — front line 6.000 - 9.000 A favorite of high-end investors. Ocean view, full-service.
The bar (Selenza, Signature) 4.500 - 7.400 Modern product, young lifestyle, medium-high profile.
Springs 4.500 - 6.000 Axis of greatest current growth.
José Ignacio (land) 250 – 500 / m² of land Premium houses, exclusive lifestyle.
Super-luxury towers up to 10.000+ Cipriani, Fasano Residences, Le Parc.

Trend 2026: expected valuation of 5% to 10% in premium locations and of 3% to 5% in the broader market.

Rental income

Returns in USD that few markets offer

7,7% Average annual gross yield in USD

With upside in Promoted Housing and first-line.

10–15 Years of payback

Accelerated by the Promoted Housing regime (net income ≈ gross income for 10 years).

3 months Peak season

January through March are peak periods for premium rentals. A mixed strategy (seasonal + year-round) maximizes occupancy.

Brazilian institutional capital

The JHSF case: the greatest validation of the destination

The Brazilian group JHSF Participações It acquired the historic Enjoy Punta del Este hotel and casino for USD 160 million and announced an additional contribution of up to $500 million to reposition it as Fasano Peninsula: five-star hotel, casino, shopping center with 50 stores, international restaurants, spa and luxury residences.

  • USD 660 million total committed over 4 to 5 years
  • More than 1.000 jobs preserved
  • Renovated hotel and casino operational in December 2026
  • Cipriani is making progress in parallel with his residences
How to buy

How to buy a property in Punta del Este as a foreigner

Uruguay does not require prior residency, a Uruguayan ID card, or a local bank account. The foreign buyer can have the property registered in their name within 30 to 60 days.

  1. 01

    Reservation ticket

    Sign with a notary, setting the price, payment method, and deadline for the deed. Typical deposit of 10%.

  2. 02

    Title study

    The buyer's notary verifies that the property is free of debts, liens, or disputes. Timeframe: 20 to 30 days.

  3. 03

    Sell ​​script

    Payment of the balance, transfer of ownership and registration in the Property Registry.

  4. 04

    Required Documentation

    Valid passport, bank verification of the origin of funds (UIAF compliance) and address in the country of origin.

Associated costs

  • Notary fees: 3% + VAT on the value of the property
  • ITP: 2% of the cadastral value (exempt in Promoted Housing)
  • Real estate commission: 3% + VAT (market standard)
Personalized advice

Let's talk about your investment in Punta del Este

We serve investors from Brazil, Argentina, the United States, and Europe. A 30-minute call is all it takes to understand your objective and develop a strategy: product, tax residency, tax structure, and financing.