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Real Estate News The stars of real estate: what type of home triples the number of inquiries and surpasses apartments? - Ambito Financiero

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The stars of real estate: what type of home triples the number of inquiries and surpasses apartments? - Ambito Finaciero




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Source:







July 29, 2025





These properties are all the rage on the market, ideal for renovations. They appeal to those looking for potential and value, prices, and where to find them in Buenos Aires.







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They usually have ample access to the outdoors. The largest ones have outbuildings, a patio, and a terrace with a grill, something highly sought after today.





The pulse of the real estate market in the City of Buenos Aires shows a clear trend: townhouse-style units, particularly townhouses , are consolidating as the most sought-after segment. They represent the star of the Buenos Aires real estate market, a phenomenon that not only attracts but triples the number of inquiries received by real estate agencies compared to traditional apartments .





Diego Migliorisi , of Migliorisi Properties, highlighted the growth in demand for this type of property in a context where the total supply of properties for sale in Buenos Aires is contracting. "The number of properties for sale in the city has decreased," he explained.



The stock of available units fell from a record high of more than 170,000 properties in 2022 to approximately 115,000 currently. This adjustment, according to Migliorisi, marks the end of the oversupply crisis that has stagnated the sector for years.



In this new scenario, townhouses and houses are becoming the most desirable and, at the same time, the scarcest asset on the market. Currently, there are only 8,500 townhouse-style units for sale, representing barely 9% of the total properties listed in the city. This figure is low compared to the average number of inquiries and searches, which are twice that of a conventional apartment. This imbalance between supply and demand is one of the main reasons for their rising prices.



According to Zonaprop, in Buenos Aires, a property listing receives 2.8 times more inquiries than an apartment. Similarly, in northern Buenos Aires, a property listing receives 2.6 times more inquiries than an apartment listing.





Why does the buyer look for a PH?

The preference for PHs is no coincidence. Migliorisi pointed out that privacy , natural light , individual space , fresh air , and the absence or reduction of utilities are reasons why more and more Buenos Aires residents are choosing these homes. In a context where quality of life is gaining importance, many buyers prefer to remain within the city but in quieter, brighter, and more functional environments. The independent choice, the low construction density of the neighborhoods where they are located, and quick access to public transportation further strengthen this choice.







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A PH with great renovation potential, which allows the kitchen to merge with the living room and exposes noble materials to create a unique space.





PHs represent less than 15% of the built stock in Buenos Aires, and an even smaller portion of the sales market.

Light is key: a townhouse with good orientation and open spaces will cost 10-15% more. Without light or with future buildings nearby due to zoning, its price will drop .





The credit boost and the challenges

The Buenos Aires real estate market has begun its recovery thanks to new macroeconomic measures such as the reactivation of mortgage lending, the end of foreign exchange controls, money from money laundering, and a drop in inflation. However, access to credit in the PHs remains limited.



Migliorisi explained that many properties don't have regularized floor plans, so the bank doesn't easily grant loans. "Banks mostly require that there be no unplanned floor areas, covered patios, or, in some cases, a certain age. It all depends on the criteria adopted by the bank. At the notary level, they do have perfect titles and are writable, so it depends on the mortgage lender's acceptance," he explained.



But this limitation doesn't slow the phenomenon. Demand has grown sharply, and the speed at which PH homes are sold is now one of the fastest on the market. In many cases, buyers are willing to pay more for less if it means improving their quality of life.





Location and demand

Regarding location, Migliorisi indicated that the most affordable PH homes are found in neighborhoods that historically had low residential zoning. While the highest demand is concentrated in Palermo, many buyers, despite the costs, choose nearby neighborhoods with a high supply of PH homes, such as Villa Crespo, Chacarita, Colegiales, Villa Ortúzar, Almagro, and Saavedra , where prices are more affordable. Villa del Parque, Villa Santa Rita , Villa Lugano , Barracas, and Monte Castro are also available .







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Natural light and spaciousness, with high ceilings and access to a balcony, are key attributes that PH buyers look for.



The most sought-after and expensive areas include Palermo, Coghlan, Colegiales, Villa Devoto, and Núñez. In these areas, the condition of the property, open spaces, and light are crucial. Furthermore, in the case of already renovated PHs, the type of recycling is very important. "This is a key factor where full-scale price protection is very common," Migliorisi stated.



The public looking for PHs is generally young , although there are exceptions. These buyers' demands follow a clear order of priority: patio or terrace, light, price, and location .





The value of recycling them

Some users seek fully renovated units in perfect condition, while others prefer to invest in a property to repair and refurbish to their liking. This last point connects with the great appeal of the PH: the possibility of creating a custom home.



Several solidly constructed townhouses are ideal for upcycling and designing your dream home , with modern spaces. Renovated units are also available, ready to move in.



On this point, architect Gabriela Correa , a specialist in the design, management, and execution of new construction and renovations, provided essential guidance for those evaluating this type of investment.







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An example of a renovated PH, with a modern and functional kitchen, ready to live in and enjoy the custom spaces.





Before renovating, he recommended consulting a professional to assess the property's "health" and detect any pathologies or dampness that could add to the cost. You should also check the building's orientation, ventilation, and functional potential, as well as its condition, which is key to its value.



To tackle the remodeling without surprises, the architect advises checking the condition of the infrastructure: hot and cold water, electricity, gas, and drainage. "Then, disconnect the services and, as budget allows, replace all the networks from the moment the service enters the property," she explained.





Regarding the structure, Correa stated that "generally, there are no major structural problems in a condominium." Regarding utilities, the building's construction age and any previous renovations are evaluated. "If the property is several years old, I recommend completely replacing the utility lines. Even the electrical line, upgrading it from the meter to the switchboard," he suggested.



Regarding construction costs, Correa indicated that the first thing to address are the wet areas: bathroom, kitchen, and/or laundry room . These two areas are the most expensive, both in a remodel and in a new construction; that is, the square meter is more expensive. The value per square meter depends greatly on the type of finish the client desires. "Today, a bathroom and kitchen in a 50 m2 townhouse (we're talking about a 3 to 4 m2 bathroom and a 6 to 7 m2 kitchen) costs between US$16,000 and US$20,000, including high-quality finishes and design," he concluded.




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