Real Estate in Cuenca, Ecuador
Last updated on Apr 06, 2023
Summary: The most desirable neighborhoods in Cuenca, Ecuador are El Centro, El Vergel, El Batan, El Paraiso, and El Valle. On average, a nice 2 bedroom home in Cuenca costs around $100,000 USD, while a nice 3 bedroom home costs around $150,000 USD. These properties typically include modern amenities such as air conditioning, high-speed internet, and a fully-equipped kitchen. Foreigners are allowed to own property in Cuenca, but there are certain restrictions. For example, foreigners are not allowed to own land within 50 kilometers of the border. The best way for an expat to search for a home to buy in Cuenca is to use a real estate agent or a property search website. These agents and websites can help expats find the perfect home for their needs and budget.
How do I find a place to live in Cuenca?
We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"Through the internet we found a person whom totally misrepresented the rental market, however not knowing we were taken advantage of," explained one expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador.
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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Cuenca?
"We are in a B&B and not typical as apartments are every where. You just don't know until you get here," explained one person living in Cuenca, Ecuador.
"We live in a large two bedroom two bathroom apartment with views to the mountains and over the river. Yes there are expats in other buildings but we did not come here to live with expats............although we love bumping into them. We only have one other couple (expats) who live in our building. The rest are locals and lovely people and they have accepted us with open arms," said one expat in Cuenca.
What is the average cost of housing in Cuenca?
If you are thinking about moving to Cuenca, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:
"Housing cost are substantially less than at home. We are moving into a real mansion with full use of the house and our own bath for $210 mo. $200-350 mo is very available. We were taken the first mo. at $550mo and was much less quality. Actually it was horrible," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Cuenca.
Should I buy or rent a home in Cuenca?
If you have not spent a lot of time in Cuenca, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:
"I rent a two bedroom, two bathroom condo on the 11th floor on the Rio Tomebamba. 24-hour security guards, underground parking I pay $300 a month for rent, gas $8, water $10, cable $52, internet $34 and security is $50," said one expat in Cuenca.
"Deciding to buy or rent a home in Cuenca ultimately comes down to individual circumstances and preference. If you are planning to stay in the area for an extended period of time, it may make more sense to purchase a property, as the process of purchasing property can be a more attractive long-term financial solution. However, if you are intending to stay for a short duration, you may prefer the flexibility of renting a property. Ultimately, whether to buy or rent a home in Cuenca, Ecuador is a personal decision," remarked one member in Cuenca, Ecuador.
What do I need to know when buying property in Cuenca?
When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Cuenca, they said:
"1. It is important to research the area you are interested in buying property in, to ensure it is safe and has the amenities you need. 2. Make sure to hire a reputable lawyer to help you with the legal aspects of the purchase. 3. Be aware of the taxes and fees associated with buying property in Cuenca, such as the transfer tax and registration fees. 4. Consider the cost of living in the area, as well as the availability of public transportation and other services. 5. Make sure to inspect the property thoroughly before making a purchase, to ensure it is in good condition and meets your needs. 6. Be aware of the local laws and regulations regarding property ownership and rental agreements. 7. Consider the long-term implications of buying property in Cuenca, such as the potential for appreciation or depreciation in value," said one foreigner living in Cuenca, Ecuador.
Are foreigners allowed to own property in Cuenca?
When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Cuenca, they said...
"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in Cuenca. According to Ecuadorian law, foreign citizens are allowed to purchase and own real estate in the country, including in Cuenca. The process of purchasing property is relatively straightforward and can be done through a lawyer or real estate agent. Foreigners are also allowed to obtain a mortgage in Ecuador, although the process can be more complicated," said one in Cuenca.
What appliances are typically included in a rental?
We asked foreigners in Cuenca what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:
"Rental properties in Cuenca typically include a refrigerator, stove, oven, washing machine, and dryer. Additionally, some properties may include a microwave, dishwasher, and other small kitchen appliances," wrote one expat who made the move to Cuenca.
Additional Information about Searching for a Home in Cuenca:
We asked foreigners in Cuenca what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included...
"Expats can search for homes in Cuenca by looking online for real estate listings, contacting local real estate agents, and asking other expats for recommendations. Additionally, expats can attend open houses and visit neighborhoods to get a better sense of the area," explained one person living in Cuenca, Ecuador.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
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