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The real estate business that aims to "win" in the short term - La Nacion Propiedades
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El negocio inmobiliario que apuesta a “ganar” en el corto plazo
Para muchos representa la oportunidad de invertir con inteligencia; aquí algunas claves para generar operaciones exitosas
www.lanacion.com.ar
April 04, 2026
For many, it represents an opportunity to invest wisely; here are some keys to generating successful trades.
By Silvina Vitale
PH properties are the most recommended to buy, renovate, and sell for a higher valueCourtesy of Ph, house type
In the current economic context, where Argentine real estate shows signs of gradual recovery, the "real estate loop" emerges as an attractive strategy for investors seeking short-term profitability, according to Mariano García Malbrán, president of the Chamber of Real Estate Services Companies.
“This practice, which involves buying an undervalued property, renovating it and selling it quickly, has gained relevance in recent years, especially in major cities in our country,” he notes.
What is a real estate loop or flipping houses?
García Malbrán explains that it consists of acquiring a property at a price below its market value, making strategic improvements to increase its attractiveness and selling it in a short period, generally between three months and 1 year, with the objective of obtaining a net profit.
Acquire a property at a price below its market value, make strategic improvements to increase its appeal, and sell it within a short period.Courtesy of Adam Miller
“In Argentina, this operation became popular during periods of currency instability, low prices of used properties due to excess supply, and below-average prices for construction materials and labor, allowing one to take advantage of gaps in the market,” he says.
However, he warns that this is not pure speculation, but rather adding real value through renovations that respond to current demand, such as modernizations in kitchens or bathrooms and an update of the decoration and environments in general.
Good investment, speed, and controlled budget.
But he clarifies that meticulous planning is essential for a successful transaction within such a tight timeframe as six months . He maintains that the first step is identifying properties with potential: “It’s recommended to look for properties in high-demand areas, such as established neighborhoods in the City of Buenos Aires or the Greater Buenos Aires metropolitan area, where horizontal property regimes (PHs) without high maintenance fees are ideal . Then, it’s necessary to buy at a price that allows for renovations (at least 20%-30% below the post-renovation value),” he explains. He emphasizes that during the renovation phase, it’s crucial to prioritize quick, high-impact interventions: bathroom and kitchen renovations (which can cost between $4,000,000 and $11,000,000, depending on the size) , painting, and flooring, with an estimated timeframe of five to six months. At this point, he suggests hiring professional teams to avoid delays.“Finally, for the sale, you have to set a competitive price based on recent comparables and use digital marketing to accelerate the process. The key is speed: every extra month erodes profitability due to maintenance and opportunity costs,” he warns.
What should you keep in mind?
Among the things to consider when evaluating a property, the president of the Chamber of Real Estate Services Companies maintains that you have to start with the location and prioritize places with good connectivity, stable demand and growth potential, such as Villa Ortúzar or premium areas.“Then it’s essential to verify the structural condition (dampness, electrical installations, gas and water pipes) and consult with an architect to estimate costs for hidden expenses ,” he adds. Don’t forget the building itself, including aspects such as maintenance fees, pending work by the building management, and time restrictions for renovations. “Legal aspects, such as clear title and municipal regulations, must not be overlooked. The most useful tool to avoid further expenses is a certified purchase agreement with an irrevocable power of attorney in favor of the buyer,” he says.
Bathroom and kitchen renovations can cost between $4,000,000 and $11,000,000, depending on the size.Capture @foryourlife.oficial
Among the most frequent mistakes, underestimating the budget is the most common: that's why you have to add 10% to 20% for unforeseen events.
He also asserts that while profitable, the real estate market is not without risks . “The main ones include unforeseen expenses during renovations (such as structural discoveries), which can increase costs by 20% to 30%. Market fluctuations: if demand falls or prices don't rise as expected, the sale is delayed, increasing financing and service costs. Legal risks: signing the purchase agreement carries risks such as injunctions or the seller's death, as well as regulatory non-compliance or disputes with neighbors, which can also halt construction . Finally, overinvestment in improvements not valued by the market reduces profit margins. To mitigate these risks, it's advisable to diversify and limit each transaction to a controlled budget,” he recommends.
According to the specialist, a successful renovation is based on four pillars :
- detailed planning
- focus on added value
- quality of materials
- efficient execution
By what percentage does a property appreciate with this real estate loop? “In well-executed transactions, the appreciation can range between 15% and 40% of the initial value , depending on the property and the area. For example, a renovated penthouse in Buenos Aires can generate up to 25% annually , with cases where an apartment priced at US$103,000 sells for US$123,400 after improvements.”
Integrated kitchens are an interior design trendWeb: bayshorehomesales
In conclusion, for García Malbrán, the real estate loop represents a smart way to capitalize on the sector's rebound , but it requires discipline and expertise . "I recommend consulting with specialists before moving forward, since success lies in the precise and strategic execution of the buying, renovating, and selling process ," he concludes.
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