What do I need to know when buying property in Ecuador?
When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Ecuador, they said...
"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.
"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 another in Ecuador.

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With Offices in BOTH Ecuador and the US, Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move! Specializing in Ecuador Residency Visas plus converting from Temporary to Permanent Residency, Containers, Real Estate Closings, Wills and Estate Planning, Driver Licenses, Opening Businesses & Citizenship!
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Ecuador?
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- What is the average cost of housing in Ecuador?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Ecuador?
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- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Ecuador?
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- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do I need to know when buying property in Ecuador?
If you live in Ecuador, newcomers to Ecuador would love to hear your answer to this question:
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.