YellowKey Properties

Medellin Real Estate Agency for Foreign Buyers

Buying property in Colombia shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. YellowKey Properties helps foreigners move forward with clear steps, transparent communication, and a process designed for cross-border real estate decisions.

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Buy property in Medellín with clarity and control

If you’re navigating the Medellin real estate market from abroad, small details can create big risks: unclear documents, different negotiation norms, and a timeline that doesn’t match how you buy back home. Our role is to reduce friction, so you can make decisions with context, not pressure.

If you are looking for a Medellin real estate agent who understands how foreigners buy, we’ll help you compare options in El Poblado, Envigado, Sabaneta and Laureles, verify the basics, and coordinate the moving parts with professionals when needed, so you’re not piecing together advice from five different sources.

Our Available Real Estate Properties

Explore a curated selection of properties that meet the needs of foreign buyers, with a focus on quality, location, and long-term value:

Our Available Real Estate Properties

Explore a curated selection of properties that meet the needs of foreign buyers, with a focus on quality, location, and long-term value:

Medellín Real Estate Services for Foreign Buyers

Real Estate Sales
for Foreign Buyers

Support from first call to closing, built around your criteria, timeline, and risk tolerance.

  • Property shortlist and sourcing based on your goals.
  • Property due diligence coordination (documentation, ownership checks, red flags).
  • Offer strategy and negotiation support.
  • Closing coordination and clear next-step guidance.

Buyer Representation & Transaction Support

When purchasing property from abroad, having local representation is essential. We guide you through each step of the transaction so you understand what’s happening and why.

  • Clear explanation of the buying process for foreigners.
  • Coordination with attorneys, notaries, and third parties.
  • Timeline management and document flow oversight.
  • Risk identification and issue resolution during the transaction.

Investment & Property Analysis

Already considering multiple options or investment scenarios? We help you evaluate properties with a structured, objective approach.

  • Market context and neighborhood insights.
  • Investment vs. personal-use analysis.
  • Rental potential and resale considerations.
  • Comparative property evaluations to support decisions.

Pre-Purchase Guidance & Decision Support

A focused option when you want clarity before committing.

  • Strategy calls to align goals, budget, and timing.
  • Scenario planning (primary residence vs. investment, short- vs. long-term).
  • Red-flag review before making an offer.
  • Clear recommendations and next steps.

About YellowKey Properties

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How it works

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Free Consultation
(30 min)

Goals, timeline, budget range, and must-haves.

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Plan + shortlist

We map the process and curate options (or a formation roadmap).

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Verification & coordination

Documents, stakeholders, and practical risk checks.

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Decision & execution

Negotiation support through closing or implementation.

What Foreign Buyers Need to Know Before Buying in Medellín

At YellowKey Properties, our mission is to simplify and demystify the process of doing business and investing in Colombia. We strive to provide comprehensive, bespoke services that address the unique challenges faced by foreign investors and companies. Our approach is anchored in clarity, efficiency, and personalized support, ensuring that our clients navigate the Colombian market with confidence and success.

Here are the key realities every foreign buyer should know:

There is no MLS in Colombia

Listings are non-exclusive. Properties can appear with different prices across agencies, remain online after being sold, or be marketed directly by owners. Access to “all listings” at once does not exist.

Escrow accounts are not standard

Funds are typically paid directly to the seller. Legal protection comes from proper due diligence and contracts drafted by a qualified real estate attorney—not from escrow structures.

Title insurance is not used

Instead, an independent lawyer conducts a full title search before any purchase agreement is signed and confirms whether the transaction can move forward safely.

Property inspections are not part of the standard process

Transactions generally follow a “what you see is what you get” approach. Independent inspections are optional and available, but they must be coordinated separately and paid by the buyer.

Foreigners cannot open regular bank accounts

Without a Colombian national ID, buyers must use a brokerage account to bring and legalize funds as a foreign investment. This process is straightforward but essential.

Financing options are extremely limited

Most foreign buyers purchase in cash or through pre-construction payment plans. Local bank mortgages are rare, even for Colombians.

Buyer representation is usually free

Real estate commissions are paid by the seller. Buyers are responsible only for legal fees, closing costs, and optional third-party services.

Why choose YellowKey

YellowKey is a Medellín real estate agency built specifically for foreign buyers. We combine local market insight with clear communication and a structured process designed for cross-border decisions. Instead of pressure or guesswork, you get plain-language guidance, early expectation setting, and buyer-focused representation—so you can navigate the Medellín real estate market with fewer surprises and more confidence.

What you can expect from YellowKey

How to Start a Business in Colombia in 2024: Complete Guide by Yellow Key Capital

What Clients Say About Working With YellowKey Properties

Amit Chogle
Amit Chogle
Mónica was professional and thorough, guiding us smoothly through our first property purchase in Medellin, from brokerage setups to legal paperwork.
Thomas F. Mullaghy
Thomas F. Mullaghy
Outstanding job focusing precisely on what I wanted, aligning property showings with my schedule, and flawlessly navigating the Colombian real estate process.
Jeffrey Michael Fell
Jeffrey Michael Fell
Monica has been more like a friend, assisting in every phase of my new construction purchase from the U.S., offering trust and invaluable support.
Kerry Keyes
Kerry Keyes
Monica's dedication and honesty during my property search in Medellin were exceptional. She prioritized my best interests, proving her commitment to client satisfaction.
Fabio Andrade
Fabio Andrade
Monica expertly guided me through purchasing property in Medellin, providing extensive local knowledge and exceptional communication.
Robert Sylvester
Robert Sylvester
Monica made buying a home abroad straightforward and reassuring. Extremely knowledgeable and responsive, she provided comprehensive support throughout.
Adrian and Marcela Beales
Adrian and Marcela Beales
Yellowkey Properties provided invaluable legal support for our insurance company in Colombia. From contract negotiations to compliance, their expertise ensured smooth operations.
Michael and Amy Terry
Michael and Amy Terry
Before connecting with Monica, we struggled to start operations in Colombia. YKC helped build our software team and set up our back office. Monica's support lets us focus on growth.
Joost Van Grinsven
Joost Van Grinsven
I highly recommend Monica to anyone considering a property purchase in Medellin. Very professional, friendly and quick to respond. Thanks to her I had a great experience throughout the entire process.

FAQs

1. Is there something like the MLS in the US but in Colombia?

Listings are non-exclusive, meaning property owners may sell their properties independently or list them with multiple agencies. As a result, it is not possible to have access to all available listings in the market at any given time.

2. Are escrow accounts used in Colombia?

No, escrow accounts are not commonly used in Colombia. Funds are typically paid directly to the seller. For this reason, we strongly recommend hiring a qualified real estate attorney to conduct a thorough title search and draft contracts that fully protect the buyer’s interests.

3. Are property inspections done in Colombia?

Property inspections are not a standard part of the real estate process in Colombia. Transactions generally follow a “what you see is what you get” approach. However, there are specialized vendors who can perform property evaluations and provide detailed reports to offer buyers greater clarity and peace of mind. The cost of this service is usually covered by the buyer.

4. Can I open a bank account in Colombia?

No, foreigners cannot open a traditional bank account in Colombia unless they hold a national ID. Instead, they must open a brokerage account to transfer and legally register their funds. This process can be completed online and is generally simple and free of charge.

5. Is financing available for foreigners?

Financing options for foreigners are extremely limited. Even for local buyers, mortgages can be difficult to obtain, as banks typically require extensive documentation, including long-term proof of stable income within the country.

6. Can a foreigner buy property in Medellín without residency?

Often yes. You’ll need a valid passport and clean documentation. We’ll outline steps and coordinate with a qualified attorney.

7. Can you help if I’m buying from abroad?

Yes. We can shortlist, schedule tours, and coordinate signing options (including POA) with the right professionals.

8. How do you conduct due diligence without title insurance?

Due diligence is carried out through an independent attorney hired by the buyer. This lawyer conducts a comprehensive title search before any purchase agreement is signed and verifies all relevant legal documents. Only after the attorney provides formal clearance do we proceed with the transaction.

9. Why do the same properties show up with different prices?

Listings are often non-exclusive, which means the same property may be advertised by multiple agencies or remain online with outdated pricing. This can result in price discrepancies across platforms. We verify the owner’s current asking price, review comparable properties, and help ensure you do not overpay.

10. How do your fees work?

Clients do not pay us any fees for the real estate transaction itself, as the commission is paid by the seller. Buyers are responsible for legal fees, closing costs, and any additional services that are not included as part of the real estate transaction. All applicable costs are clearly explained in advance to ensure full transparency.

Ready to talk?

Tell us what you’re trying to accomplish and what “success” looks like for you. We’ll recommend next steps, whether that’s viewings, a shortlist, a company formation plan, or a consulting call.