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Real Estate News The secret luxury market: how Argentina's most expensive properties are sold - Ambito Financiero

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The secret luxury market: how Argentina's most expensive properties are sold - Ambito Financiero






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October 24, 2025





By Andrea Glikman





Penthouses, mansions, and historic buildings are part of a catalog that few have access to. How do these real estate transactions work?







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Luxury properties are a niche market.





The luxury property market doesn't operate like the rest of the real estate market. It's a niche market that functions with its own rules: pre-screening, validation of interest, and, above all, a closed network of qualified buyers.





This “secret” market has privacy as its fundamental principle. “ Many properties are not listed on platforms or social media , since the owners prioritize privacy,” explained Martín Pinus , director of Martín Pinus Real Estate. “Those who buy or sell properties in this segment don't do so impulsively, and they usually turn to real estate agencies with experience in this niche that know how to protect the anonymity and privacy of their clients,” Pinus added.







Privacy is not an optional luxury: it is a key asset in the off-market real estate sector . “Confidentiality is essential. Not only to protect the safety and privacy of families, but also to preserve the value of each property, avoiding overexposure and maintaining negotiating power,” stated Nahuel Achaval , commercial coordinator at Toribio Achával.







What is being sold in the ultra-luxury real estate market?

Properties that circulate outside the mass market are generally unique . "They tend to be significant properties in classic, historic buildings, or more modern, prestigious developments," Pinus emphasized. Many boast unique designs, spacious layouts, and high-end finishes. They even include amenities and details designed for privacy: "private gardens or terraces with pools; as well as garages with direct access to the apartment or even their own elevators, guaranteeing absolute privacy," the specialist added.





Achaval agrees on the uniqueness of the product: “ Off-market properties are truly unique pieces . To give some examples, apartments on Avenida Alvear or La Isla, houses in Barrio Parque or Palermo Chico, Belgrano R, and penthouses with terraces overlooking the entire city. These are properties with very high architectural or heritage value.”





As for prices, this segment is not publicly disclosed. However, they typically range between US$2 million and US$6 million. In some specific properties, these amounts are even exceeded.





Achaval provides a metric per square meter: “Values range between US$5,000 and US$10,000 per square meter. Houses in Barrio Parque, Palermo Chico, or Belgrano R typically range between US$3 million and US$10 million.” In this regard, the city's traditional luxury neighborhoods, such as Puerto Madero, Barrio Parque, Palermo Chico, Avenida Alvear, Recoleta, Belgrano R, and Núñez in its premium sub-zones, are the settings for this market.







How are buyers finding these properties?

The private circuit relies on relationships. “Most transactions originate within our closed network. This includes long-standing clients, referrals, family offices, exclusive search mandates, and trusted co-brokers,” Achaval explained. This network also facilitates specific transactions: proactive purchases, where a buyer identifies a property that is not currently listed and submits a formal letter of intent, and careful approaches to owners reluctant to sell.





It's worth noting that the luxury market has a low turnover rate. “The luxury real estate segment naturally has a smaller supply compared to standard units. And it's logical that it remains that way, otherwise it would lose its exclusivity and the scarcity that makes it attractive,” Pinus observed. Even so, there are high-end developments that increase the supply, although not to the extent needed to meet demand: “ We have a waiting list of clients looking for certain iconic buildings or specific properties that aren't yet available on the market ,” he added.





Achaval summarizes the market's behavior: “It's a niche market, not a high-volume one. Few transactions are completed each year, but they are consistent and very solid. When a unique property comes along, along with a confidential process and reasonable pricing, the deal happens,” he concluded.





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I can't imagine properties in this price range sell too frequently. I have seen expensive properties in BA listed for sale for many years.
 
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