Real Estate News The 10 steps that will help you achieve your dream of owning your own home, according to a real estate market expert - La Nacion Propiedades

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The 10 steps that will help you achieve your dream of owning your own home, according to a real estate market expert - La Nacion Propiedades








Source:

Las 10 acciones que te llevarán a cumplir el sueño de ser dueño de tu casa, según un experto del mercado inmobiliario

El autor del libro “Cómo ser dueño en Argentina y no morir en el intento”, detalla tips para tener en cuenta antes de pensar en comprarse una propiedad

www.lanacion.com.ar

August 18, 2025




The author of the book "How to Own a Property in Argentina and Not Die Trying" details tips to keep in mind before thinking about buying a property.





By Juan Manuel Tapiola

Preparation is key when purchasing a property



In a country where access to homeownership often seems like a privilege reserved for the few , thousands of people still dream of leaving renting behind and becoming homeowners . However, beyond economic conditions, what often holds that dream back isn't numbers, but limiting beliefs.



After accompanying more than 4,000 people on their journey to homeownership , I published the book How to Become a Homeowner in Argentina and Not Die Trying, a practical guide to show that, even in adverse circumstances, it is possible to achieve that goal. Not with magic formulas, but with planning, focus, and concrete tools .



Here's a summary of the 10 core principles we outline in the book, so you can start designing your own path to homeownership.

Juan Manuel Tapiola, author of "How to Be a Landowner in Argentina and Not Die Trying"

1. Break the mental barrier​

The starting point isn't economic, it's psychological . Many people carry the almost culturally ingrained idea that owning a home is a luxury reserved for the few. However, that thought is a self-fulfilling prophecy: if you believe you can't do it, you won't seek alternatives . Owning a home is, above all, a decision. When you change the belief from "this isn't for me" to "I want to achieve it and I'm going to find a way," you begin to see opportunities where before you only saw obstacles. Change begins within.

2. Clearly define your dream property​

One of the most common mistakes is having a vague desire: "I want a one-bedroom apartment." But where? How large is it? What type of lighting do you want? With or without a garage? On which floor? What services do you need nearby? Narrowing down your dream to concrete details allows for a more efficient and planned search . It also helps you make decisions more aligned with your true needs, avoiding disappointment or misguided impulses. Those who know what they want find it faster.

3. Consider a “bridge property”​

Your dream property isn't always within immediate reach. But that doesn't mean you should resign yourself to it or continue renting forever. In many cases, moving up to a smaller, more remote, or more affordable first property can be an excellent move. It's what I call a bridge property : a property that allows you to start building equity, stop throwing money away on rent, and improve your financial and credit standing so you can then make the leap toward your ultimate goal. Buying something today, even if it's not ideal, can get you closer to what you want tomorrow .

"The dream property is not always within immediate reach"Daniel Basualdo

4. Eliminate small expenses​

Saving isn't a heroic task; it's a daily decision . Often, it's not about earning more, but about spending wisely. Daily delivery, unused subscriptions, impulse purchases—it all adds up. Eliminating or reducing these small expenses and allocating that money to a homeowner's fund can have a huge impact over time . Additionally, organizing your income and expenses allows you to understand your true payment capacity and plan realistically. Financial discipline is a powerful ally when it comes to moving toward homeownership.

5. Avoid classic mistakes​

The book details 10 common mistakes that sabotage the goal of homeownership. Some of the most dangerous: not knowing what you want, not reviewing your actual financial capacity, not seeking legal advice, getting carried away with enthusiasm and signing without understanding the risks, or falling into plans that seem affordable but are financially unsustainable. Anticipating these mistakes, knowing them, and avoiding them can save you frustration, time, and a lot of money . Sometimes, not moving forward is better than moving forward poorly.

6. Look for financing alternatives beyond banks​

In Argentina, access to traditional bank credit is almost closed to most people . But that doesn't mean there are no options. Today, there are developers offering direct financing plans in pesos, down payment installments without bank intermediation, agreements with construction companies that allow payment while construction is underway, and trust funds with affordable monthly installments. The secret is to search, compare, ask questions. And, in some cases, to dare to try something new. Not all solutions come from the bank .

7. Learn to negotiate (even if you're not an expert)​

Many people believe they lack negotiating power, especially if they're buying for the first time. But that's not true. Negotiation isn't an innate talent; it's a learned skill . Knowing when to make a counteroffer, how to make a conditional reservation, what to say during a showing, or how to detect signs of interest from the seller can make a difference worth millions of pesos. Negotiating well is one of the most powerful tools for maximizing your resources and closing advantageous deals.

8. It is possible to buy with little savings​

One of the most powerful myths is that "you need a lot of capital to buy." While having money saved always helps, it's not a prerequisite . There are projects that allow you to enter with a low percentage (sometimes 5% or 10%) and pay the rest in monthly installments. What matters is consistency and a long-term vision . Many of my clients started with very little and now own their property. The key is to commit to the process.

9. Protect yourself legally and tax-wise​

Buying a property involves signing contracts, assuming obligations, and paying taxes. In this area, misinformation can be very costly . Hiring your own lawyer or an independent notary, reviewing each document carefully, understanding which taxes apply to you (and which don't), knowing the benefits of the "family property" regime, and understanding how to declare your purchase can save you a lot of money and avoid future complications. Being a homeowner also means learning to take care of what you're building.

The real estate expert offers 10 tips for those who want to become homeowners in Argentina. Daniel Basualdo

10. Think like an investor, live like an owner​

Buying your home isn't just an emotional decision: it's also a financial decision . A well-purchased property not only gives you a home, but it can generate income (renting out a portion, for example), protect you from inflation, provide support in difficult times, and be the beginning of a larger investment path. When you stop thinking only as a resident and start thinking as an investor, you understand that every brick is also an opportunity to build stability, freedom, and a future .





There's no single way to achieve your own home. In the book, I list more than 20 possible paths: from well loans and trusts to pre-sales, bridge properties, or installments with builders. The important thing is to know that the dream is possible .



Becoming a homeowner in Argentina isn't an unattainable privilege: it's a process of building, step by step, decision by decision . And like everything important in life, it starts with believing you can do it.




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