Real Estate in Ecuador

"We made an exploratory trip months before we decided to come and live in Cuenca, Ecuador. We did not really choose the neighborhood we just found the apartment absolutely fell in love with it and the price was just right and the view and everything. It seemed like a good neighborhood as well and we bought it within two weeks of being in this country. To date 18 months later we are still very very happy with our purchase. We have since found it is a great neighborhood close to all amenities but far enough from the centre of the city," remarked one member in Cuenca.

"Rentals in Salinas: You might also consider Porto Lucia if you are interested in Salinas. Much more tranquil than malecon de Salinas yet still in Salinas. If you prefer ocean front living at a budget price there are a few condo options available most are rented fully furnished. Walk to largest shopping center & next .to yacht club & marina. Look on Google maps for location. Hope this helps as an option, most expats do not know about this location when viewing Salinas," explained one expat living in Salinas, Ecuador.

"The best way to find a place to live in Ecuador is to visit the country in person. This will allow you to explore different neighborhoods and areas and get a better understanding of the local culture and environment. You can also look into renting an apartment or house from a reliable source. There are numerous real estate agencies and websites that list rental properties in Ecuador, so you should have no trouble finding a place that suits your needs. Additionally, many expats join local Facebook groups and other social media sites to network and search for housing opportunities. Lastly, you could consider connecting with an established property management company that specializes in providing international real estate services," said one person in Ecuador.

"A "suite" or two rooms and bath, lovely little place, good dueno and furnished nicely with condominio fee monthly it's $460. in the swanky neightborhood of Gonzalez Suarez. Noise here is bad," explained one expat living in Quito, Ecuador.

"If you really want to experience and love Ecuador - or any other foreign - don't make the mistake that too many ex-pats do by surrounding themselves with other ex-pats in an all-ex-pat gated community. Why move to a foreign country only to surround yourself with English-speaking gringos who sit around all day complaining about how everything was "so much better back home"?," said one person in Ecuador.

"Expat homes and apartments in Ecuador tend to be snug, but often have plenty of natural light due to the large windows and balconies that come with them. Expat homes or apartments in Ecuador tend to be well-furnished with modern conveniences such as air conditioning, heating, internet, and cable television. Many expat homes also come with their own private gardens or terraces, providing a great spot for al fresco dining and relaxation," said one expat who made the move to Ecuador.

"We live in a large two bedroom two bathroom apartment with views to the mountains and over the river. Yes there are expats in other buildings but we did not come here to live with expats............although we love bumping into them. We only have one other couple (expats) who live in our building. The rest are locals and lovely people and they have accepted us with open arms," explained one foreigner living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"I live in an apartment within an 8 unit building (tower) within a gated community of about 20 towers. Ideal mix of privacy and neighborly acquaintances. I don't know what the house/apt mix is, but I would imagine expat families with kids go for houses (in Sanborondon, Los Ceibos, or Via la Costa) and expat singles and couples go for apts. The houses in Sanborondon are usually huge, expensive, and not many to rent," said one in Guayaquil.

"You don't need a car in Cuenca because there is a tram, buses, and taxis that are very inexpensive, especially for seniors. That is a big savings just for gas, insurance and maintenance. In Cuenca, you do not need AC or heat. A little portable heater at breakfast will suffice. The water is very cheap, $8-$10/mo. Some may try to give you tourist prices on rent or buying. Shop around.. There are some very reasonable prices. Plus, the interest rates for 1 year cd's so much better than US! Enjoy," remarked one member in Ecuador.

"Much lower. I bought an apartment for under $30k and I have rented another for just $150 a month," explained one expat living in Quito, Ecuador.

"I am originally from New york City. NYC is expensive but you get little space. Economically, would say the same, but I have much more space both in and outside of the apt. The company pays $2200 monthly plus about $75 in utilities for a 3 bdroom (plus housekeepers room), 5 bath furnished apt. The community has ample green areas, soccer field, tennis court, several bbq grills and villas, basketball court, an adult and kiddie pool, and a ballroom for gatherings. The only thing missing is a gym. Average for Sanborongon is about $1300/month. Urdessa, Ceibos go for about $900, but not as nice," said one person in Guayaquil.

"When I first moved here 10 years ago, I was single and rented a 1 bdrm. furnished ground-floor "executive" apartment with a small patio off the bedroom. The "executive" nomer meant that it was completely furnished - including a washing machine on the patio, a fully-equipped small but adequate kitchen with gas stove, and refrig. pots, pans, dishes, etc.; a fully furnished living room with color t.v., cable, and internet connections; a double bed ( with sheets & blankets ) and a large wardrobe; and a bathroom with HOT WATER in the sink and shower! This was in a very nice neighborhood in Machala within easy walking distance stores, buses, and a park to exercise in. My total monthly cost - including 24hr. security, utilities, cable/internet, and the rent was $360! ( $320 for the rent and $40 for the rest ). Believe it or not, the prices haven't gone up that much in all these years," said one expat who made the move to Machala.

"I rent a two bedroom, two bathroom condo on the 11th floor on the Rio Tomebamba. 24-hour security guards, underground parking I pay $300 a month for rent, gas $8, water $10, cable $52, internet $34 and security is $50," said one expat who made the move to Cuenca.

"Try staying in an equivalent type structure you are considering. For example, if you want a condo in Bahia, stay at a condo in Bahia for a week, Minimum. A house in Cuenca? Rent one for a week. If you think the weekly rental price is too expensive, you'd better take a hard look at investing 75 to 100 times more than that. So, in actually, it pays to do it," said one foreigner living in Ecuador.

"When buying property in Ecuador it is important to ensure that there is a valid title deed to the property that can be presented to the government for taxation and registration. It is also important to make sure to understand any local zoning regulations or restrictions in place which may affect the way the property can be used. Additionally, it is important to be aware that foreign buyers may need to obtain special permission from the government in order to purchase property. Finally, it is important to bear in mind that the official language in Ecuador is Spanish, so it is recommended to enlist the services of a professional translator if necessary," explained one expat living in Ecuador.

"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in Ecuador. The Ecuadorian Constitution guarantees the right of foreigners to own real estate in the country, as long as they are legally registered with the Ecuadorian government. Foreigners must obtain a cedula, or national identification card, in order to purchase property in Ecuador. This process is relatively straightforward and can be completed with the help of a lawyer or real estate agent. Additionally, foreigners are subject to the same taxes and regulations as Ecuadorian citizens when it comes to owning property," explained one person living in Ecuador.

"Note it is typical here to not use chests of drawes, there are built-in hanging closets, built-in drawers, etc. Like in kitchens in US, built-in cabinetry. So for bedroom you need bed and maybe side tables. More of IKEA type units," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Ecuador.

"Rental properties in Ecuador typically feature basic appliances including a stove, refrigerator, washing machine, and sometimes a dishwasher. Depending on the property and the agreement with the landlord, it is possible to find additional amenities such as a microwave, air-conditioning, dryer, and even a water heater amongst other conveniences," explained one person living in Ecuador.

" Facebook local groups for house sales and rentals like Cuenca arriendo de casas or something like that. If you know what City, try googling Facebook groups + arrienda de casa + Manta, Ecuador or whatever town. The locals use social media, not mls," wrote one expat who made the move to Ecuador.

"Expats can search for homes in Ecuador by looking online for real estate listings, contacting local real estate agents, and networking with other expats who have already settled in the country. Additionally, expats can look for rental listings in newspapers, online classifieds, and on social media. It is also possible to find furnished apartments and homes for rent through online rental websites," explained one foreigner living in Ecuador.