[Allied Korea] How to find housing in Venezuela

How to find housing in Venezuela

 

 

1.    Real estate agents

Be aware that there is no licensing of real estate agents or ethical governing body in Venezuela.

There is no legal recourse in the case of unethical agent actions, so be most cautious as to whom you work with to find housing.

Referrals from friends, business associates and registered companies are preferred.

Some real estate practioners belong to Camara Inmobiliaria de Venezuela (CIV), the largest real estate association in Venezuela that maintains a registered database of certified brokers.

 

※ A word of caution※
Beware of real estate agents that do not work for or with a registered company.

They are known as intermediaries, and you will have no legal recourse what so ever if they do not handle your transaction properly.

Also, never pay any money up front to an agent as a deposit to cover the offer.

If there is a problem with the transaction, it will be extremely difficult to have the money returned.

Always put any escrow money into an account with the seller's and renter's names on it if you are forced to pursue this route.

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2.    Local publications

The best place to begin looking is in the classified section of Caracas's English-language daily, The Daily Journal or in El Universal for Spanish-language advertisements.

Real estate properties listed online can be useful for researching the market and areas, but often properties may no longer be available.

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3.    Selecting a neighborhood

Because traffic congestion in Caracas makes commuting frustrating, try to choose living accommodations near work and schools. Make a trial run to your office, during rush hour, before making a final decision on a house or apartment.

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4.    Leases and fees

Security deposits are negotiable, but expect the equivalent of three months' rent. A company or bank guarantee, called a fianza, is accepted as a substitute for the security deposit. Rents are payable monthly, in advance, even though the law says rents may be paid at the end of the month. Rental contracts run for one year, and seldom exceed two years.

 

Aspects of rental contracts to pay close attention to include clauses for rental increases tied to inflation, telephone service, responsibility for repairs, and the condition in which the property must be left at the end of the lease

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5.    Lawyer

Be sure to consult a lawyer registered with the Colegio de Abogados for drawing up documents for any real estate transaction. Notaries and registries should also be registered professionals.

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6.    Housing areas

Northeast Caracas	This is an older area with many trees surrounding apartments and houses. It is very popular with expatriates. Most residences have a view of the picturesque Avila Mountain or a panoramic view of the center of Caracas. It has a European feel because it is urban, close to the city center, and densely populated. The most popular areas for expatriates in the Northeast are Altamira, La Castellana, Country Club, Los Palos Grandes, and Sebucan.
Southeast Caracas	This area has become very attractive to expatriates with families. Popular areas include Chulavista, Colinas del Tamanaco, Lomas de Bello Monte, Lomas de San Roman, Prados del Este, Santa Rosa de Lima, La Tahona, and Valle Arriba. The site of the American Embassy is the upper part of Colinas de Valle Arriba.
Maracaibo	The most desirable residential areas are located in the northeastern part of Maracaibo, especially Creole and Virginia, near the Club Nautico. Another area popular with expatriates is Bella Vista, where the American School is located.
Other areas	Some areas of Caracas with lower housing prices include Alto Prado, El Cafetal, Caurimare, Chuao, Cumbres de Curumo, San Luis, Santa Paula, Santa Sofia, Terrazas del Club Hipico, and the lower part of the Los Palos Grandes neighborhood.

 

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7.    Local housing resources

[Administradora ONNIS]

https://wws.onnis.com/

[Altamira Suites]

https://www.alsuites.com/ 

[Century 21]

https://www.century21global.com

[Margarita Homes]

https://www.immomargarita.eu/

[Viviun Real Estate: Property Listings]

https://www.viviun.com/Real_Estate/Venezuela/

 

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