Housing in Paraguay
Finding housing in Paraguay is straightforward and affordable. Unlike many countries, there are no restrictions on foreigners renting or buying property.
Rental Market
Asuncion Neighborhoods for Expats:
| Neighborhood | Character | 1BR Rent | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Villa Morra | Modern, walkable, cafes | $500-700 | Digital nomads, young professionals |
| Las Carmelitas | Upscale, restaurants, nightlife | $550-800 | Professionals, entertainment seekers |
| Recoleta | Residential, safe, central | $450-650 | Families, quiet living |
| Mburucuya | Family-oriented, parks | $400-550 | Families with children |
| Santo Domingo | Suburban, spacious | $350-500 | Those seeking space |
Encarnacion: 20-30% cheaper than Asuncion, milder climate, beach town feel.
Rental Process
Typical Requirements:
- Passport and Cedula (or residency in progress)
- Proof of income (bank statements, employment letter)
- References (sometimes waived for expats)
- Deposit: 1-2 months rent
Lease Terms:
- Standard: 12 months
- Short-term: Available at premium (+20-30%)
- Furnished: More common than many countries
- Unfurnished: Lower rent but need to buy appliances
Finding Rentals:
- InfoCasas.com.py - largest listing site
- Clasipar.com.py - local classifieds
- Facebook groups ("Alquileres Asuncion")
- Real estate agents (inmobiliarias)
- Walking neighborhoods and looking for "Se Alquila" signs
Buying Property
Foreigners can buy property without restrictions - one of Paraguay's attractive features.
Price Ranges (Asuncion):
| Property Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Apartment (per m2) | $900-2,000 |
| Nice 2BR apartment | $80,000-150,000 |
| House in suburbs | $100,000-250,000 |
| Land (per hectare, rural) | $15,000+ |
Buying Process:
- Find property (agents common)
- Make offer
- Sign boleto de compraventa (preliminary agreement)
- Due diligence (title search essential)
- Sign escritura publica before notary
- Register with public registry
Cautions:
- Always verify clear title - some properties have disputes
- Use a licensed notary (escribano)
- Rural properties may have informal arrangements
- Outside Asuncion, infrastructure can be limited
Utilities
| Utility | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $30-80 |
| Water | $10-20 |
| Gas (cooking) | $10-20 |
| Internet (50 Mbps) | $30-50 |
Note: Electricity is cheap thanks to Itaipu Dam hydroelectric power. Air conditioning doesn't break the bank.
Tips for Housing Success
- Start in furnished apartment - gives time to learn the market
- Walk neighborhoods before committing - safety varies block by block
- Verify utilities are in the landlord's name (easier to transfer)
- Negotiate - landlords often flexible, especially for longer terms
- Check flood zones - some areas prone to flooding in rainy season
Pro Tips
- •Villa Morra and Las Carmelitas are the most expat-friendly neighborhoods
- •Furnished apartments are common and only slightly more expensive
- •Use InfoCasas.com.py as your primary search tool
- •Always verify property titles before purchasing
- •Electricity is cheap - don't worry about running AC
Have questions about housing in Paraguay?