Chile is a wonderful country for expats wanting to buy property, as residency is not required. However, as with any property purchase, there are certain legal requirements you need to fulfill.
Many expats come to Chile and rent a property for the first year or so. It may take a year to work out the best place for you to live due to the climatic extremes found in the country. The climate ranges from a desert-like climate in the north to a Mediterranean climate in the middle, and cool, slightly damp conditions in the far south. Once you have decided on a location, you can start the process of looking for land or property to buy.
Areas popular with expats include the capital Santiago, Valparaiso and Viña del Mar - all found in the temperate central region. Towards the border with Argentina, you can find world-class ski resorts. On the coast, beautiful beaches await (although the water may be too cold for some).
Property rights are well protected in Chile and foreigners enjoy the same rights as Chilean citizens. The only restrictions on an expat buying property are in border areas, but it’s unlikely you would want to relocate to these regions anyway.
The buying process is said to be quite straightforward, but unless you speak Spanish or have a Chilean friend you trust, it would be beneficial to hire a third party to guide you through the process. A property consultant isn’t essential, but could save you time and money, as well as show you the best areas to look for a property.