Costs and taxes when buying or selling
Beyond the agreed price, buying or selling property in Uruguay involves costs and taxes that fall to each party. Here's a summary of the main ones so there are no surprises at closing.
Paid by the seller
- Capital gains tax – IRPF (12%)
If you sell as a resident individual, a 12% tax applies to the difference between the sale price and the updated purchase value. If you don't have documentation of the original cost, you can opt for a flat 15% rate on the sale price instead.
- Transfer tax – ITP, seller's share (2%)
The property transfer tax (ITP) is 2% for the seller and another 2% for the buyer (4% in total), on the property's cadastral value.
- Certificates required to sign the deed
Property registry, tax authority (DGI), social security (BPS), and city hall: these confirm the property is free of debt and are required to sign the deed.
- Real estate agency commission
According to our current commercial policy.
Paid by the buyer
- Transfer tax – ITP, buyer's share (2%)
On the same cadastral value as the seller's share.
- Notary fees
For drafting the deed. The fee is set by each notary; we can help you coordinate with one we trust.
- Mortgage costs (if applicable)
If you're buying with a bank loan, the bank's mortgage-origination costs are added on top.
What is "Vivienda Promovida" (Promoted Housing)?
Many of the new-development projects in our catalog are declared Promoted Housing under Law No. 18,795, a program run by Uruguay's National Housing Agency (ANV) that exempts certain taxes to make housing more accessible.
- VAT
The first sale of a promoted unit, when bought as a primary residence or for rent-to-own, is exempt from this tax.
- Transfer tax (ITP)
Both buyer and seller are exempt from the property transfer tax on the first sale of the unit.
- Rental income tax (IRPF / IRAE)
If you buy to rent it out, the rental income is exempt from these taxes for the term set in the promotion resolution.
- Net worth tax (Impuesto al Patrimonio)
The unit is also exempt from this tax for that same term.
The exact benefits, caps and terms vary by decree and by specific project — we confirm the details for each promoted property in our catalog.
This information is for reference only
The exact percentages and amounts depend on each transaction (cadastral value, how long the property has been owned, type of loan, etc.) and may change with current regulations. For an accurate estimate for your case, contact us and we'll advise you at no cost.