Uruguay property prices vary enormously from one area to the next.
How much does a house in Uruguay cost? The honest answer is: it depends enormously on where. A family apartment in Montevideo, a beach house in La Barra and a chacra near José Ignacio belong to very different markets. Here are the numbers that matter in 2026.
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Average prices per square metre
According to the national housing agency’s price report, recorded sales in the year to April 2026 averaged about US$2,450 per built square metre nationally: around US$2,410 in Montevideo, US$2,100 in Maldonado (which includes Punta del Este) and US$2,850 in Canelones, driven by gated communities near Montevideo.
These are averages across all property types. Listing prices in the most sought-after coastal neighbourhoods are considerably higher: Pocitos, Punta Carretas, Carrasco and Puerto del Buceo commonly sit above US$3,200 per square metre, according to 2026 market analyses.
What you can expect to pay
- Montevideo apartments: a two-bedroom apartment in Pocitos or Punta Carretas commonly lists between about US$200,000 and US$350,000, more for sea views and new buildings.
- Montevideo houses: family houses in Carrasco often list from around US$450,000, with prime homes well above US$1 million.
- Punta del Este: apartments near Playa Brava and Playa Mansa start roughly in the low US$200,000s; houses in Beverly Hills, El Golf or Punta Ballena commonly range from about US$900,000 to several million.
- José Ignacio and Manantiales: the most exclusive part of the coast, where top homes have been listed for US$4–20 million.
Prices are in dollars — and that matters
Residential property is priced and paid in US dollars, which protects buyers from local currency swings and makes Uruguay attractive to foreign investors. Remember to add transaction costs of roughly 6–9% — see the buying process and costs.
Is it a good time to buy?
Prices in dollars have risen moderately in Montevideo and more strongly on parts of the coast over the past year. Demand from Argentine buyers has cooled somewhat, while European, North American and Brazilian interest has grown. For buyers above US$2 million, the 2026 tax holiday rules are also relevant.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of a house in Uruguay?
There is no meaningful single figure; per square metre, recorded sales average about US$2,450 nationally, with prime coastal areas well above that.
Can a US citizen buy a house in Uruguay?
Yes, with the same rights as citizens and no residency requirement — see can a US citizen buy a house in Uruguay.
Is Punta del Este more expensive than Montevideo?
Average recorded prices are actually similar or lower in Maldonado overall, but the prime areas — José Ignacio, Manantiales, La Barra and seafront Punta del Este — are the most expensive in the country. Compare areas in Montevideo vs Punta del Este.
Uruguay property prices: key takeaways
Uruguay property prices averaged about US$2,450 per built square metre in recorded sales in the year to April 2026, with prime coastal neighbourhoods of Montevideo above US$3,200 and the most exclusive homes in José Ignacio and Manantiales listed in the millions. Prices are in US dollars, so add 6–9% in transaction costs and compare areas carefully before you commit.
Related reading
- Cost to build a house in Uruguay
- How to buy property in Uruguay as a foreigner
- Montevideo vs Punta del Este
- Cost of living in Uruguay
- Where do Americans live in Uruguay?
- Uruguay real estate: the complete guide
- Montevideo real estate
- Punta del Este real estate guide