How to Buy an Apartment in Miami from Argentina in 2026
Every year, thousands of Argentines complete the purchase of an apartment in Miami. It’s no coincidence: Miami real estate offers what the Argentine market can’t — stability, dollarization, and real wealth protection. This guide is written specifically for Argentines, with the practical details no other site tells you.
Why Do Argentines Buy in Miami?
The answer goes beyond the beach and the weather. Argentines who buy in Miami do so for very specific reasons:
1. Wealth Protection in Dollars
In Argentina, wealth held in pesos systematically loses value. A property in Miami is priced in dollars and isn’t subject to currency controls, devaluations, or local market volatility.
2. No U.S. Personal Property Tax
If you buy through a Florida LLC, the property stays outside your declared personal assets in Argentina (always check with your Argentine tax advisor about the local implications).
3. Real Returns
A $300,000 apartment in Brickell can be rented long-term for between $2,500 and $3,500 per month. That’s an annual return of 8% – 14% in dollars — impossible to replicate in the local market.
4. Possibility of Personal Use
Many Argentines use their Miami apartment as a second home, combining vacations with investment.
How Much Money Do I Need to Buy in Miami?
These are the real market ranges in 2026:
| Area | Type | Price | Monthly HOA |
|—|—|—|—|
| Brickell (studio) | 45 m² studio | $350,000 – $500,000 | $600 – $1,000 |
| Brickell (1 br) | 65 m² 1 BR | $500,000 – $800,000 | $800 – $1,400 |
| Edgewater (1 br) | 70 m² 1 BR | $450,000 – $700,000 | $700 – $1,200 |
| Midtown (2 br) | 100 m² 2 BR | $650,000 – $1,100,000 | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Miami Beach (1 br) | 65 m² 1 BR | $600,000 – $1,200,000 | $900 – $1,800 |
Remember to add closing costs: between 1.5% and 3% of the purchase price (fees, transfer taxes, title insurance, etc.).
How to Get Money Out of Argentina: Real Options
This is the topic Argentines ask about most. The most commonly used options are:
Option 1: Dollars Held Abroad (Bank Account in the U.S. or Uruguay)
If you already hold dollars abroad (banks in Uruguay, Paraguay, Spain, or another country), transferring to a U.S. account for payment is straightforward and problem-free.
Option 2: Crypto → Stablecoins → USD
A strategy used by many Argentines: converting pesos to USDT/USDC on local exchanges, transferring abroad, and then converting to USD for closing. You need to stay up to date on current regulations and have legal advice.
Option 3: Financing Abroad
If you have assets or income abroad, you can get a U.S. mortgage loan (as a non-resident, with 30%-40% down) and finance the rest.
Option 4: Bank Wire Transfer with AFIP Declaration
With USD declared to AFIP, you can make a bank transfer from Argentina directly to the closing escrow. It requires BCRA authorization depending on the amounts, but it’s the most transparent route.
Important: Always consult with an Argentine accountant who specializes in overseas investments before moving money. Regulations change frequently.
Legal Structure: LLC or Personal Name
The most frequent question among Argentine buyers: should I buy in my own name or through an LLC?
Buying in Your Personal Name
✅ Simpler to set up
❌ The property becomes part of your declared personal assets
❌ In the event of death, U.S. estate tax applies (up to 40% on assets >$60,000)
❌ Exposure to civil lawsuits in the U.S.
Buying Through a Florida LLC
✅ Protects your personal wealth
✅ Simplifies inheritance (the heir receives the LLC’s membership interests, not the property directly)
✅ Possibility of deducting maintenance costs, HOA fees, and mortgage interest
✅ More privacy (the property doesn’t appear under your name in public records)
❌ Formation cost (~$500) and annual maintenance (~$200-300)
Recommendation: For the vast majority of Argentines, the LLC is the most convenient option. At LATA Miami we work with Florida attorneys who can set up your LLC in 48 hours.
The Buying Process: Step by Step for Argentines
Step 1: Define Your Goal
Do you want to rent the apartment out year-round? Use it as a second home for 2-3 months a year? Resell it in 5 years? Your goal determines the area, the building, and the unit type.
Step 2: Open a U.S. Bank Account
You can open a bank account in Miami without being a resident. The most Argentine-friendly banks are:
- Citibank: Easily accepts non-resident accounts
- BBVA: Has ties to the Latin American market
- City National Bank of Florida: A local bank widely used by Latino buyers
Step 3: Get an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)
This is the tax ID number for foreigners. You’ll need it for closing. Processing takes 4-8 weeks and can be done from Argentina at the U.S. Consulate or through an Acceptance Agent (an agent authorized by the IRS).
Step 4: Choose the Property
With a LATA Miami agent who speaks your language and knows the market, you’ll get a list of properties filtered by your budget and goals. You can visit in person or via video call.
Step 5: Make an Offer
Your agent presents the offer to the seller. In Miami, the offer includes:
- Offered price
- Deposit amount (earnest money, generally 5%-10%)
- Proposed closing date
- Contingencies (inspection, financing)
Step 6: Due Diligence (10-15 days)
Once the offer is accepted:
- Property inspection (hire an independent inspector)
- Review of the HOA budget and the building’s financials for the past 12 months
- Title verification
Step 7: Closing
This takes place in the presence of a title company or attorney. You can be present in Miami or send an apostilled power of attorney. The process takes 2-3 hours. You walk away with the keys in hand.
Taxes and Tax Obligations
In the United States
- Property Tax: 1.5% – 2% of assessed value per year (paid in installments)
- Rental income tax: If you rent it out, you pay federal tax on net income (deductions: HOA, interest, depreciation, management expenses)
- FIRPTA when selling: The U.S. withholds 15% of the sale price as a prepayment. With an LLC structure, this can be managed more effectively.
In Argentina
- Personal Property Tax: If the property is in your name, you must declare it. If it’s held in an LLC, the situation is more complex — consult your accountant.
- Income Tax: Rental income from abroad must be declared in Argentina according to the current tax scale.
Double taxation can be reduced, but it requires planning. Our tax advisory team can explain how to optimize it legally.
How Much Does a Miami Apartment Yield for an Argentine
Concrete example: a $500,000 apartment in Brickell (1 bedroom).
| Item | Annual Amount (USD) |
|—|—|
| Gross rent (long-term) | $36,000 ($3,000/month) |
| HOA | -$12,000 ($1,000/month) |
| Property Tax | -$8,000 |
| Management (if you don’t live there) | -$2,500 (7%) |
| Maintenance / contingencies | -$1,500 |
| Net income before taxes | $12,000 |
| Return on investment | 2.4% net |
| Estimated annual appreciation (8-10%) | $40,000 – $50,000 |
| Total return | 10.4% – 12.4% |
Appreciation is the main driver of the investment, not the rent.
Common Mistakes Made by Argentine Buyers
- Buying without an independent attorney: The seller’s attorney works for the seller. Always have your own.
- Not factoring in HOA costs: A $1,500/month HOA significantly reduces your returns. Research it thoroughly.
- Buying in areas without rental demand: Not every Miami neighborhood has the same demand. Areas like Brickell, Edgewater, and Midtown are the strongest.
- Ignoring FIRPTA when planning your exit: If you plan to sell in 5 years, you need to plan how to structure the sale now.
- Not having your ITIN before closing: This can delay closing by weeks if you don’t apply for it in advance.
The Argentine Community in Miami
Miami has one of the largest Argentine communities outside Argentina, concentrated mainly in:
- Brickell and Coconut Grove: Families, professionals, and business owners
- Weston (Broward County): Very popular among Argentine families with school-age children
- Sunny Isles Beach: Known as "Little Buenos Aires" for its high concentration of Argentines
Ready to take the next step? At LATA Miami we specialize in guiding Argentines through the purchase of property in Miami. We help you from selection through closing, in Spanish and with real market knowledge.