The Process
An overview of the key stages that typically form part of a real estate transaction in Colombia.
A transaction begins with a clear understanding of the property, the price, the timing, the payment structure and any conditions that must be met.
These terms create the framework for everything that follows.
Before moving forward, it's important to understand the legal status of the property.
El Certificado de Tradición y Libertad provides the recorded history of the property and can show ownership, mortgages, liens, legal proceedings or other recorded rights and restrictions.
A formal estudio de títulos (title study) may also be carried out to review previous deeds and supporting documentation.
Once the legal status of the property has been reviewed, the documentation required for the transaction is verified.
Depending on the property and circumstances, this may include:
Exact requirements can vary from one property to another.
Many real estate transactions in Colombia use a promesa de compraventa (promise to purchase agreement) before signing the final public deed.
This agreement typically sets out the main terms of the transaction, which may include:
This document creates a clear roadmap of what must happen before the transaction moves toward closing.
Before the property is transferred, the legal, financial and property-related information is reviewed.
This may include confirming ownership, reviewing liens, verifying documents, confirming payments or obligations associated with the property, and making sure the agreed conditions have been met.
Lawyers, notaries, banks, accountants, property managers or other professionals may be involved depending on the transaction.
The transfer of real estate in Colombia is formalized through an escritura pública (public deed), signed before a notary.
The notarial process brings together the documentation required for the transaction and formalizes the agreement between the parties before the transfer moves to registration.
This is one of the fundamental steps in the Colombian real estate process.
After the public deed is signed, it must be submitted to the corresponding Oficina de Registro de Instrumentos Públicos (Public Records Office) .
Registration updates the property's matrícula inmobiliaria (property registration number) and records the change of ownership in the public registry.
Signing the deed and registering the transfer are separate stages, and both are part of completing the transaction.
The final stage includes completing any outstanding payment obligations and handing over possession of the property in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
This may also include:
When these details are completed depends on how the transaction has been structured.
Before You Begin
The general sequence is usually consistent, but the exact requirements can vary depending on the property, financing, ownership structure and the terms agreed between the parties.
Qualified legal, tax, financial and notarial professionals may be involved at different stages of the process.
International Buyers
International transactions can introduce additional considerations related to ownership, transfer of funds, financing, taxes, documentation and residency.
International Reach
Barranquilla is a local market with connections that extend far beyond Colombia.
For select properties, Action Realty International can expand exposure through Daniel Matusiak's professional relationships in Florida and the United States, including his professional work with Compass and Compass Sports & Entertainment.
That connection creates additional opportunities to present Barranquilla properties to investors, business owners, international buyers and other qualified prospects with ties to the United States.
Meet Daniel Matusiak
Daniel Matusiak has spent more than four decades representing distinctive properties and discerning clients, particularly on Florida's Gulf Coast.
His career has been built on market knowledge, creative marketing, negotiation, discretion and long-term relationships. Today, he brings that experience to Action Realty International while continuing his real estate work in the United States.
His U.S. platform, including Compass Sports & Entertainment, adds another dimension to the reach available to select clients and properties.
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