Housing in Chile
Finding housing in Chile is easier than many Latin American countries, with a good rental market and relatively tenant-friendly practices. Most expats settle in Santiago's eastern neighborhoods for safety, infrastructure, and community.
Best Neighborhoods for Expats in Santiago
Premium (Safe, car recommended)
- Vitacura: Upscale, very safe, family-friendly, $900-1,500 for 2BR
- Lo Barnechea/La Dehesa: Exclusive, mountainside, excellent schools, $1,000-1,800 for 2BR
- Las Condes (El Golf/Sanhattan): Business district, modern, $800-1,200 for 2BR
Upper-Middle (Metro access, walkable)
- Providencia: Most popular for expats, great restaurants/nightlife, $700-1,000 for 2BR
- Ñuñoa: Trendy, young professionals, more local feel, $600-900 for 2BR
- Las Condes (general): Residential, safe, good schools, $700-1,100 for 2BR
Budget-Friendly
- Santiago Centro: Downtown, excellent transit, mixed safety, $400-600 for 2BR
- Recoleta: Near Patronato market, diverse, affordable, $350-550 for 2BR
Rental Requirements
Chile is relatively easy for foreigners to rent:
- Passport and visa documentation
- Proof of income (employment contract or bank statements)
- First month rent + 1-month security deposit (standard)
- No Chilean credit history required (unlike banking)
- Garantía (guarantor) sometimes requested but negotiable
Where to Search
Online Platforms:
- PortalInmobiliario.com - Largest listing site
- Yapo.cl - Chilean Craigslist, good for deals
- CompartoDepto.cl - Shared housing/roommates
- Facebook groups - "Expats in Santiago," "Arriendos Santiago"
Real Estate Agencies:
- Useful for premium rentals
- Expect 50-100% of one month's rent as fee
- English-speaking agents in expat areas
Lease Terms
- Standard lease: 12 months
- Shorter terms: Available, especially furnished apartments
- Furnished rentals: Common, 10-30% premium
- Utilities: Usually paid separately (tenant pays)
- Gastos comunes: Building fees, sometimes included or separate
Rental Costs by Type
| Type | Providencia | Las Condes | Vitacura | Santiago Centro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $500-700 | $550-750 | $600-800 | $350-500 |
| 1BR | $650-900 | $700-950 | $750-1,000 | $400-600 |
| 2BR | $800-1,100 | $850-1,200 | $950-1,400 | $500-750 |
| 3BR | $1,000-1,500 | $1,100-1,600 | $1,200-2,000 | $650-950 |
Temporary Housing on Arrival
Options for first weeks/months:
- Airbnb (abundant in Santiago, $40-80/night for nice places)
- Furnished monthly rentals (PortalInmobiliario has filter)
- Apart-hotels (weekly/monthly rates available)
Tips for House Hunting
- Visit in person before committing - photos can be misleading
- Check noise levels - Santiago traffic and construction can be loud
- Verify building amenities - gym, pool, laundry often included
- Ask about parking if you'll have a car - it's limited in older buildings
- Negotiate - especially for longer lease terms
Pro Tips
- •Providencia offers the best value: safe, walkable, metro access, reasonable rents
- •Furnished rentals are common and only 10-30% more expensive
- •Visit apartments in person - photos often don't show noise or natural light
- •Negotiate rent, especially for longer leases or move-in ready properties
- •Start with Airbnb for first month while you search properly
Have questions about housing in Chile?