New construction projects in Villa Urquiza offer modern amenities & great views.

Many new construction projects in Villa Urquiza offer modern amenities & greater affordability.

When we reported last week on the 2009 summary statistics for units sold and under construction in the City of Buenos Aires, Palermo was singled out for it’s #1 ranking among neighborhoods in terms of projects under construction last year. Yet, according to Clarín, a closer look at the numbers throws a little cold water on the Palermopalooza and simultaneously spotlights a rising star among BA barrios: Villa Urquiza. The 18,700 sq. ft. under construction in Palermo last year represented a 42% drop compared to 2008; however, the 13,000 sq. ft. under construction in Villa Urquiza (VU) represented a 10% increase compared to 2008. Local real estate analysts attribute the VU boom to good location (inside Capital Federal and adjacent to the General Paz Highway), availability of vacant lots, improving infrastructure (the Subway’s B Line will soon add two new stations in Villa Urquiza) and greater affordability. A quick look at new construction listings in VU reveals ample 2 and 3-room apartment inventory priced below $100,000. Finally, the recent price trajectory in the neighborhood has definitely been up: Prices for new construction in VU have more than doubled from $65/SF in 2003 to $149/SF last year. For more information on real estate opportunities in Villa Urquiza or other neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, please send your inquiry to re@investba.com.

Argentina and Uruguay were the top 2 Latin American destinations in IL's Annual Quality of Life Index.

Argentina and Uruguay were the top 2 Latin destinations in IL's Annual Quality of Life Index.

January’s headlines out of BA were either steeped in controversy (The debt row and Central Bank standoff) or sexual scandal (Fake Viagra from China and Cristina’s pork promotion.) Yet, despite all of the infighting and innuendo, there was one very positive piece of news that merits repeating for those contemplating relocation to Argentina. For the second consecutive year, Argentina and Uruguay were the two highest ranking Latin American countries in International Living’s annual 2010 Quality of Life Index. (Click image to enlarge) On the 1-100 scale, Argentina received its highest marks in the categories of Risk & Safety (100), Climate (91), Freedom (83) and Health (82). Of the 194 countries surveyed, Argentina ranked #26 sandwiched right between the United Kingdom and Slovenia; however, Argentina’s Cost of Living score (61) was actually 2x better than the U.K.’s (30). Neighboring Uruguay, another InvestBA favorite along the Tango Coast, garnered the #19 spot on the IL 2010 Index, sandwiched right between more expensive and significantly colder European competitors, Finland and Hungary. In a related story, data released this week from Argentina’s Tourist Ministry suggests a record number of foreigners traveled to Argentina in January “buoyed by an improved global economic situation and competitive prices at the country’s different destinations relative to those of its neighbors.” The entire 2010 Quality of Life Index ranking is available at InternationalLiving.com.

Hand-painted WiFi sign in a traditional Buenos Aires confiteria - Photo by Matias Dutto

Hand-painted WiFi sign in a traditional Buenos Aires confiteria - Photo by Matias Dutto

BA hasn’t always been on the leading-edge in terms of new technology adoption, but it seems WiFi penetration in CapFed is off-the-charts…at least compared to other Latin American metros. Clarin’s iEco commissioned a study (Full Story) by BA-based Marco Marketing Consultants and found 1 hotspot for every 2,620 people in Buenos Aires, a 72% improvement over last year’s ratio of 1 to 4,476. The rapid expansion is attributed to the rapid drop in costs associated with adopting WiFi and the proliferation of notebooks and netbooks. Eduardo Tobis of Trends Consulting says the growth of WiFi in Buenos Aires is logical given the ease of installation:“You get broadboand access, you buy a router and you’re done.” According to the study, 72% of BA’s hotspots are found in restaurants, 12% in hotels and universities, and 8% in theaters and malls. And unlike many public hotspots in the U.S., almost all of the hotspots in BA are free. Consultant Enrique Carrier explains this local phenomenon: “If an establishment wants to charge, it’s simple…the client goes somewhere else.” The WiFi attracts locals and visitors alike, according to Nicole Brailovsky, the manager of Bar 6 in Palermo Viejo. But what happens if the WiFi is down? Brailovsky shoots straight,“Many people get up and leave.”

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