- Juan Valdez
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read

What Americans Get Wrong About Buying Property in Colombia — and How to Get It Right
Colombia is no longer the best-kept secret in Latin America. With its dramatic landscapes, welcoming culture, and surprisingly affordable property options, more and more Americans are paying attention. But here’s the problem: many of them bring outdated assumptions to the table—and that can lead to bad decisions or missed chances. What Americans Get Wrong About Buying Property in Colombia — and How to Get It Right
Let’s clear the air.
After 30 years helping clients make smart international investments, I can tell you: success in Colombia doesn’t come from being overly cautious—it comes from being correctly informed. Whether you’re browsing homes for sale in Jericó, curious about Colombian coffee farms, or planning a move as an expat, this guide is here to set the record straight—and help you move forward with confidence.
❌ Myth #1: “Foreigners Can’t Own Property in Colombia”
Let’s get this one out of the way first. It’s simply not true.
Colombia welcomes foreign property buyers. You can legally own real estate in your name with the same rights as Colombian citizens. No need for a local partner, no citizenship required.
So yes, that dream colonial home in Jericó or those Colombian farms for sale are absolutely on the table.
✅ How to Do It RightWork with a team that understands the process inside and out. From verifying titles to registering your investment properly with the Banco de la República, our licensed attorneys and bilingual specialists make sure you own your property outright—and without surprises.
❌ Myth #2: “It’s Too Risky. The System Is Corrupt.”
Sure, Colombia had a rocky past. But the country has come a long way—and so has its real estate system.
Today, Colombia offers a clear, enforceable legal process for property purchases, complete with professional notaries and government oversight. What gets people into trouble? Trusting the wrong people or skipping due diligence.
✅ How to Do It RightAt JericoColombiaRealEstate.com, we hold ourselves to international standards. Our team combines local insight with global best practices, so you’re not guessing or going it alone. We vet every listing, ensure titles are clean, and guide you every step of the way.
❌ Myth #3: “You Have to Pay 100% Cash—No Financing Options”
This one is half true. Colombian banks rarely finance foreign buyers unless you’re a resident or have a long credit history here.
But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck.
✅ How to Do It RightWe help clients get creative:
Use financing or home equity from the U.S.
Create a Colombian business entity for local lending options
Partner with a local investor under a notarized agreement
In affordable markets like Jericó, a full cash purchase is often more doable—and gives you a huge edge in negotiations.
❌ Myth #4: “You Should Only Buy in Medellín or Bogotá”
Yes, the cities are dynamic—but if you want beauty, lifestyle, and untapped potential, Colombia’s small towns are where it’s at.
Take Jericó, for example. A vibrant heritage town in Antioquia, it offers stunning mountain views, a thriving cultural scene, fiber-optic internet, and walkable charm. All for a fraction of what you'd pay in urban centers.
✅ How to Do It RightBuy where the lifestyle is rising and the prices haven’t caught up yet. In Jericó, we offer coffee farms for sale, colonial homes, and hilltop estates—many restored, all investment-ready.
❌ Myth #5: “You Can’t Buy Property Unless You’re in Colombia”
You don’t have to hop on a plane just to get started. These days, we help plenty of clients buy from abroad—with full transparency and zero stress.
✅ How to Do It RightWe offer everything remotely:
Virtual property tours
Video walkthroughs
Translated documents
Power of attorney services
Remote closings with notaries
Whether you’re in New York or Norway, we’ve got the tools to make it happen.
❌ Myth #6: “Buying a Coffee Farm Is Too Complicated for Foreigners”
The romantic idea of owning a coffee farm doesn’t have to stay a dream. In fact, Colombian farms for sale are among the most accessible and rewarding investments here.
You’re not just buying land—you’re tapping into Colombia’s agricultural heritage and global export economy. Plus, with eco-tourism on the rise, these properties offer multiple income streams.
✅ How to Do It RightWe help clients find farms with the right ingredients:
Clear titles
Access to water and roads
Operational transparency
Tourism or export potential
You don’t need to be a farmer—you just need the right partner.
🛠️ How to Buy Property in Colombia the Smart Way
Here’s how savvy buyers are entering Colombia’s real estate market with clarity—and winning.
1. Get Clear on Your Goals
Are you buying to live, rent, retire, or invest? Knowing your purpose shapes everything—from location to budget to renovation plans.
2. Choose the Right Location
Look beyond the hype. Jericó offers the rare mix of small-town beauty, digital infrastructure, and real estate that’s still undervalued—especially compared to oversaturated city markets.
3. Build the Right Team
A real estate agent isn’t enough. You need bilingual legal support, property marketing pros, and people who truly understand foreign investment. That’s where we come in.
4. Register Your Investment Properly
All foreign funds must be registered through Colombia’s central bank (Form 4). Do this right, and you protect your money, your property rights—and possibly your path to residency.
5. Live (or Rent) Well
Whether you plan to move in or generate passive income, buying in the right place pays off fast. In towns like Jericó, the cost of living is low, the quality of life is high—and the views speak for themselves.
🧭 Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Settle
Many Americans assume their only international options are overpriced villas in Europe or risky markets with unclear rules.
But in Colombia, and especially in Antioquia, you’ll find real opportunity.
Real homes with character
Real communities that welcome you
Real potential to grow wealth without high risk
At JericoColombiaRealEstate.com, we don’t just find properties—we help clients discover a better lifestyle and secure smarter investments.
Whether you're dreaming of a restored colonial home in Jericó or curious about a coffee finca with long-term potential, your journey starts with the right guide—and we’d be honored to be yours.