Chile ranks very high for physical property rights not only in Latin America but around the world. Foreigners are given the same rights as Chilean citizens* and the only thing you need in order to buy property in Chile as a non-citizen is an RUT number (a Chilean tax number).

The buying process in Chile is relatively straight forward in comparison to many other countries around the world, however, without a solid knowledge of Chilean Spanish and familiarity with the country, the process can become daunting.

The exact order of the following steps will vary from person to person but here is a quick cheat sheet.

1. Identify the property you would like to purchase.

2. Make an offer and negociate the terms for the sale.
3. After you have established the terms and the price, you will need a Chilean attorney to complete the title search and draft the new documents.
4. Now you should apply for your RUT number and card.
5. If the title search goes well, you can set up a time your attorney, the seller, and possibly their attorney as well to sign all the documents. The signing of documents will take place at a notary. Notary fees for the new deed (escritura) are usually under 1% of selling price.
6. After you have signed the deed you will need to record the title. The title is inscribed at a government office called the Conservador de Bienes Raices. In smaller towns, it is often times part of the notary office. The fee for the inscription is usually under 1% as well. This process can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a month or more. After the property has been recorded, you are the official owner.
   
   

*There are some restrictions on foreigners purchasing property within close proximity to an international border. **There are many things that are included in this second  and third steps (however, most will be taken care of by your lawyer).