Property for rent in Chile

Chile’s thriving capital, Santiago, is home to a third of the country’s entire population, making it the most populous city in the country. Nestled between the snowy Andes to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, this cosmopolitan city captivates visitors with its dazzling backdrop. It is a mixture of old and new with classical colonial architecture and ultramodern high-rises. For example, the stunning cathedral in Plaza de Armas is situated just across the street from a glass skyscraper. Santiago has a variety of tourist attractions, including Cerro San Cristobal (a hill in the northern part of the city), Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral, the booming neighborhood Barrio Bellavista, La Chascona (Pablo Neruda’s house), The Gran Torre Santiago towers, and Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino.

Viña del Mar, which means ‘Vineyard by the Sea’ and nicknamed Ciudad Jardín (Garden City), is another popular city in Chile. It is Chile’s largest beach resort that draws tens of thousands of vacationers each summer. It boasts stunning beaches, palm-fringed boulevards, oceanfront condos, hip bars, world-class restaurants, elegant villas, extravagant palaces, important museums, and opulent gardens.

Another popular city in Chile is Valparaíso, which is located on steep hills and famous for its stunning seaside views, brightly colored houses, street art, and bohemian culture. Known as the ‘Jewel of the Pacific,’ the city is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, visitors can learn more about Pablo Neruda in La Sebastiana, relax in Playa Torpederas, visit the Naval and Maritime Museum, or admire art in Cerro Alegre.

There is a variety of properties to rent that will fit all budgets, and preferences. The two main property options popular with foreigners are apartments and houses. 

Apartments can be found in larger cities and are frequented by those who want to live in central areas near their workplaces. Most apartments are usually built in high-rise buildings and have a modern design, especially in Santiago. In terms of size, apartments in Chile are divided into two categories: small and large. Small apartments typically offer studio rooms or one to two-rooms, and large apartments come with three-rooms or more. Large apartments also offer more space for renters. 

Besides the size, apartments in Chile can also be classified by its amenities. Some apartments only offer basic amenities, such as security and parking spaces, while others provide fitness centers and communal swimming pools. There are also serviced apartments in Chile. These offer a hotel-like lifestyle for renters, with daily housekeeping, laundry, and spas.

Those who need more space and privacy can opt for houses, which are widely available around Chile but are more common in small towns, countryside, and wine regions. Most houses in the country have a modern, contemporary design, but there are also traditional and colonial-style houses. 

Both apartments and houses can be furnished or unfurnished. Furnished properties provide everything, from beds and couches to cutlery and cooking utensils. Unfurnished properties only have limited furniture and appliances, and are more suitable for long-term stays.

Chile offers a comparatively low cost of living. In fact, the country is known as one of the best places to settle in Latin America due to its excellent healthcare, efficient public transport system, reasonably-priced housing, First-World infrastructure, and education system with high standards of learning. It is also one of the most politically stable and safest countries in the region. To cover all basic expenses, including rent, most expats would need to earn $1,500 a month. In order to have a comfortable lifestyle in the city center, you would need to earn $2,500 to $3,000 per month.

Chilean Peso (CLP) is the official currency in Chile and the exchange rate from 1 USD is around 773 CLP. Major credit cards, especially Visa and MasterCard, are widely accepted in the country. ATMs are easily available and are the easiest way to obtain local currency.

The official language in Chile is Spanish, but numerous indigenous languages still exist in the country. For example, Aymara, Alcalufe, and Quechua are still commonly spoken, and Rapa Nui is widely spoken on Eastern Island. As with most South American countries, foreigners cannot get away with only speaking English. Therefore, it is advisable to learn at least some common Chilean Spanish phrases.

Most people in Chile identify as Catholic. However, religious diversity is respected and protected in the country. Since most Chileans are friendly and welcoming, most expats do not have a hard time adjusting to the local culture. Nevertheless, there are several minor differences that expats need to familiarise themselves with. For example, the pace of life in Chile may seem slower since most Chileans like to do things in a relaxed manner and enjoy more of life.

Foreigners need to have a temporary resident visa in order to live in Chile for an extended period of time. The temporary resident visa is valid for a maximum of one year and has several types, including contract work visa, professional visa, investor visa, independent worker visa, student visa, as well as retirement and periodic income visa.

1. Renting is an easy process – renting a property in Chile is relatively easy and straightforward. With buying, you may need to fully understand the local laws and regulations, which can often be confusing and frustrating.
2. Flexibility – if you do not want to live in a property or neighborhood you do not like, or your life plan changes and you need to leave the region or the country, you can easily move elsewhere without having to sell the property or find a tenant first.
3. Less financial responsibility – with renting, there may be less of a tax impact. Since property taxes can fluctuate, the owner can be stuck with the bill. Renters also enjoy lower insurance costs and they do not have to worry about maintenance costs.