Why there are record sales but construction works have gone against the trend
The Argentine real estate market is seeing record sales while construction lags behind due to various factors, including a resurgence in mortgage lending.
The current Argentine real estate market presents a paradox where residential property sales are at an all-time high, yet construction activity has not kept pace. This situation arises from the resurgence of UVA mortgage loans, which have significantly boosted demand for housing in late 2024 and 2025. As a result, the ratio of mortgages to property deeds has increased sharply, exceeding 15% in 2025, nearly double the average seen over the past five years. This increase marks a significant shift from the previously dominant trend of cash transactions only, highlighting the importance of credit in reviving the market.
Despite this positive momentum in property sales, the construction sector has struggled to catch up, leading to concerns about a potential imbalance in housing supply and demand. The lag in new construction projects could point to underlying challenges, such as financing constraints for builders and rising costs of materials, which are common issues in fluctuating economic climates. While prospective homeowners are eager to purchase properties, the lack of newly built homes may limit their options and hinder market growth in the long run.
Overall, the current real estate scenario in Argentina highlights a significant transformation influenced by financial dynamics. The revival of mortgage lending has injected life into the market, yet the stagnation in construction could pose risks for future supply and pricing. Stakeholders in the real estate and construction sectors will need to address these discrepancies to ensure a healthy balance between supply and demand, ultimately leading to a more stable market environment.