Comments on: Renovating an Apartment in Montevideo, Part I: What to look for?

By: Christina

Christina — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 04:13:30 +0000

Hi Margarita. You are right, I didn't mention those great neighborhoods, though I do myself live in Punta Carretas. As my article dealt specifically with renovating, and as renovations can be costly, we thought to focus on neighborhoods where you could buy cheaper. You brought up some great counter-points, and I appreciate your input. Also, I checked out your site, great work!

By: Margarita

Margarita — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:31:01 +0000

Christina,
Your article, while very informative, seems to have absolute cheapness as the guiding factor in buying, hence the choice of neighborhoods. However, you don´t mention the coastal areas of Punta Carretas, Pocitos, Buceo, Malvin, Punta Gorda and Carrasco, where most Uruguayans would buy if they could (can you spell liquidity?) and where most amenities such as stores, restaurants, etc. are concentrated, including the Montevideo amenity par excellence, the Rambla, or riverfront road and promenade.

Those areas are pricier but there´s always a good deal to be had everywhere. A very important point is that if you "go gringo" on a local property, that is, you renovate it to your heart´s content,in a manner that probably few Uruguayans would (different cultures), and in a relatively downtrodden neighborhood (Centro, Cordon, Parque Rodo, etc.), you will have to wait a lifetime to sell it to another likeminded gringo. If you put the same money into a property in a neighborhood that will support that kind of investment, then the resale will be much more successful, as will the option of renting the property should the need arise.

By: Renovating an Apartment in Montevideo, Part II—Tips from Owners and their Architects | Ola Uruguay Real Estate and Investments

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 01:30:03 +0000

[...] You can read the entire article here. [...]

By: Christina

Christina — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 00:18:41 +0000

Hi Robert. Thanks for reading. I think whether to rent or buy depends a lot on how long you are thinking of living here. If you have not lived here before, maybe it's best to try renting before committing to buying. In terms of cost of living, look for my article in this week's issue (#44). Thanks!

By: robert

robert — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:45:24 +0000

Chistina, Will you advise that while you look for a place to buy, is better to rent?, If so,do you know how much money a couple need a month to live a middle class life. I like to have an idea in us dollars. Thank you so much. and I enjoy your articles a lot, they are verty informative.

By: Hal

Hal — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:30:53 +0000

To answer your question, utilities are usually not included, though sometimes heat is included, and that's a very good thing to have in the winter

By: Hal

Hal — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:30:26 +0000

I found a nice place in Nuevo Pocitos in a tranquil street right by all the
restaurants and bars, 2 bedroom, big rooms, fully rennovated, brand new
appliances, garage parking, partially furnished, beautiful apartment for
$1100/month. no gastos or extra costs. I ended up turning it down and got a 3 bedroom penthouse (though not as nice aesthetically) for a slightly higher price.

By: Christina

Christina — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:48:26 +0000

Tom, after consulting with a developer here, I found out some more information. Rent can vary a lot depending on what the apartment is like. A fully renovated apartment will rent for USD2,800; something simple, might be in the range I previously mentioned.

By: Franklin

Franklin — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 16:56:25 +0000

Deming, try this website. http://www.totaluruguay.com/cost-of-living.html

By: Deming

Deming — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 05:34:58 +0000

I am interesting in getting a realiable figure, in American dollars, about how much money is needed in Uruguay to live as a middle class American. Can anyone answer this. Thanks