This 3/2 BA residence with 1,800 square feet and a private garden is on the market for $269,000.

While most of the analysis and data in our Real Estate channel centers on apartments and condominiums, La Nacion reminds us of the often overlooked values lurking in neighborhoods throughout Buenos Aires: homes. Patient and discriminating househunters can often find attractive, reasonably-priced homes scattered in and around the multiple new construction mid-rises in BA.

When considering the purchase of an existing home in BA, zoning is often the top consideration, because porteno homeowners don’t want to be sandwiched between high-rises. For that reason, areas like Almagro, Villa Crespo and Barrio Ingles where high-rise construction is prohibited are gaining in popularity, as are house-centric barrios like Villa Pueyrredon and Villa Urquiza which we profiled earlier this year.

In these neighborhoods, one can buy a quality three-bedroom home with a garage and garden for around US$200,000 to $250,000. La Nacion says cost per square foot is one of the most attractive metrics for those considering a BA home purchase, while other advantages include the option of building additions, private spaces like terraces and gardens with outdoor grilling areas and no HOA fees for common expenses and building maintenance.

Given the high demand and relatively low inventory level of existing homes in BA, building a new home is often a good alternative, but lot prices in a given neighborhood are the key factor in the build vs. buy analysis. (Full Story in Spanish)

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