Making the Right Move From the Start

Buying property in Medellin is exciting—but deciding whether to purchase in your personal name or through a legal entity like an LLC can make a big difference long-term. Each structure has unique implications for taxes, liability, inheritance, and even your exit strategy. Understanding your options can help you protect your investment, minimize legal complications, and plan for the future with confidence.

EVERYPLACE helps guide clients through these decisions every day, using local expertise and transparent advice to simplify the process from start to finish.

What It Means to Buy in Your Personal Name

Simpler Process, Faster Purchase

Buying a property in your own name is often the fastest and most straightforward option. There are fewer legal steps involved, and most foreign buyers can complete the transaction with a passport and basic documentation.

Potential Drawbacks

However, owning real estate in your personal name comes with some limitations:

• Higher tax exposure: Foreigners are taxed on the resale of property in Colombia, and income from rentals is subject to local tax rules.
• Inheritance concerns: Passing on a property may require navigating Colombian probate procedures.
• Liability: If your property is involved in a legal issue, your personal assets may be exposed.

Why Some Investors Choose an LLC

Added Legal Protection

Forming an LLC—or in Colombia, a SAS (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada)—can provide a legal buffer between your personal finances and your property. This is especially important for investors managing multiple properties or operating short-term rentals.

Tax Benefits and Flexibility

A SAS may offer more flexibility in how taxes are managed, especially if you plan to rent your property through platforms like Airbnb. It can also make it easier to partner with other investors, sell shares instead of the property itself, or pass the business to heirs without triggering a full property sale.

Setup and Maintenance

While establishing a SAS involves more paperwork and upfront cost, it’s a one-time process that can be worthwhile for larger investments or those seeking long-term protection. You’ll also need a Colombian accountant for annual declarations, which EVERYPLACE can help coordinate.

Which Is Better for You?

If you’re buying a vacation home or second residence and don’t plan to rent it out frequently, buying in your own name might be the most efficient choice. But if you’re focused on income-generating property, asset protection, or building a portfolio, a SAS could give you the structure you need.

Not sure which path is best? At EVERYPLACE, we help clients evaluate their specific goals and set up their purchases accordingly.

Property Listings to Get You Started

Once you’ve decided how to structure your purchase, the fun part begins: finding your ideal property. Medellin has opportunities for every type of buyer, whether you’re looking for modern penthouses in El Poblado or long-term investments in up-and-coming neighborhoods.

Browse our for sale listings or, if you’re not quite ready to buy, explore rental options to test out the city and learn where you feel most at home.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between a personal name or LLC structure isn’t just a legal formality—it’s a foundational step in your Medellin investment journey. Each approach has its strengths, and the best choice depends on your long-term goals.

EVERYPLACE is here to ensure you’re not making that decision alone. From legal structuring to property search and beyond, we deliver a seamless, fully guided experience built around transparency, service, and deep local insight.