The buying process step by step

A Chilean land transaction moves through four distinct stages: due diligence, the promesa, the escritura, and registration. From first contact to title in your name typically takes 60–120 days.

Step 1 — Due diligence (2–4 weeks)

Before any money changes hands, your lawyer orders a title study (estudio de títulos) from the Conservador de Bienes Raíces (CBR) — the public land registry. The study goes back at least 10 years and confirms the seller has clean title with no liens, mortgages, or encumbrances. Simultaneously, request a CONADI certificate, water rights certificate, and a survey report confirming boundaries match the escritura.

Step 2 — The promesa de compraventa (purchase agreement)

Once due diligence clears, buyer and seller sign a promesa de compraventa — a binding promise to complete the sale. This is a notarized contract that locks in price, conditions, and a closing date. A deposit (typically 10%) is held in escrow. If the seller backs out, they return double the deposit. If the buyer backs out, they forfeit the deposit.

For remote transactions (international buyer not in Chile), a Chilean abogado can act under a notarized power of attorney (poder notarial) on your behalf. The poder can be signed at a Chilean consulate in your country.

Step 3 — The escritura de compraventa

The escritura is the final deed of sale, drafted by a Chilean notario público. Both parties (or their authorized representatives) sign before the notario. The notario witnesses the signing, certifies identities, and keeps the original in their register (protocolo). You receive a signed copy called a copia autorizada.

The escritura must include: full legal description of the land (rol de avalúo, surface area, boundaries), full identification of both parties, agreed price, and any conditions or easements.

Step 4 — Registration at the CBR

The signed escritura is presented to the Conservador de Bienes Raíces in the commune where the land is located. The CBR records the transfer of ownership in the Registro de Propiedad. Only after this inscription is the transaction legally complete and your ownership enforceable against third parties. Registration typically takes 1–5 business days and costs a small statutory fee.

What you need to participate

• A Chilean RUT number (tax ID). Obtainable from the SII — your abogado can assist remotely.
• A Chilean bank account or a trusted means of transferring funds in CLP or USD.
• A licensed Chilean abogado to represent you and conduct the title study.
• A notarized poder notarial if you will not be physically present in Chile.