Rentals in Colombia: 7 out of 10 searches were for renting housing and not buying

The Colombian real estate market changed pace in 2025. Buying a home stopped being the first option for many households and renting took the lead...

Rentals in Colombia: 7 out of 10 searches were for renting housing and not buying

TL;DR

  • In 2025, 71% of real estate searches in Colombia were for rentals, while only 29% were for purchases.
  • Economic factors such as high interest rates and increased down payment requirements have driven the shift towards renting.
  • Apartments were the most searched-for property type, making up 66% of all searches.
  • Two-bedroom apartments with average rents between $2,000,000 and $3,300,000 were the top rental choice.
  • Bogotá led real estate activity, followed by Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, and Bucaramanga.
  • Renting now represents 40% of households in Colombia, up from 34% in 2018.
  • Young professionals and digital nomads are driving demand for studio apartments.
  • There's a growing trend for housing near green spaces, with good road connectivity, security, and functional spaces.
  • Satellite municipalities like Rionegro, Sabaneta, and Floridablanca are gaining popularity for offering more space at competitive prices.