Ranching and Life in Argentina
Argentina offers a surprising value for work, play, and family life in a familiar and peaceful environment. Inflation has been stopped cold, and is less than in the U.S. over the last 7 years. Cost of living can vary significantly from the city to the country. Food is relatively inexpensive and of very high, healthy quality. There are good bus and air transportation systems. Cars and gas are expensive, if traveling by car, you will experience good roads, with very light traffic . Labor is inexpensive and, willing. Gauchos (cowboys) wages are around $10- $15 a day, household help, wages are similar.
There is no history of any government seizure of private property. Large important holdings by many foreigners guarantee that this will certainly never happen. Nor do squatters gain rights of ownership and are therefore not a problem. There is generally little, if any, governmental or environmental interference with cattle, timber or agricultural operations. Your land is your land. Double digit returns are possible and the living is pleasant and enjoyable along the way.
North Americans are more than welcome in Argentina. There is no built in resentment to foreign ownership of land, and it is quite common. English is often spoken among neighbors. Racial tension and violent crime are almost non-existent.
Prices for cattle vary from province, but average around $.60 a pound. Most ranches we represent will do little or no winter feeding of cattle. Ideally these ranches have summer and winter ground. Unless one is near to a ski area, main fishing river or big game hunting, prices of ranches will reflect their production level. There are often opportunities to import management practices and improve returns greatly. Winter prices can rise as much as 50% therefore reason for producers in this area to develop feed lots or winter pasture ground providing sales in those months. Argentina is now able to export beef worldwide, which should result in ascending land values over the next several years. The Argentine economy is going strong. There has been a significant increase on prices for farm products. Now that Argentina is able to export beef, resulting in the highest prices of beef in over 30 years. Increase in grain prices have encouraged farmers to plant more grain.
Many international banks operate in Argentina. Expatriation of American dollars is commonplace and uncomplicated. It is not always easy to borrow money from a bank. Often owners will sell with 1/2 down, and the balance over 1-3 years. Property taxes are not high and income tax is reasonable. Additionally, there is no tax on estates which preserves your holdings. Communication is good, with cell phone service and email expanding country-wide. Schools are available in every community and illiteracy is very rare. Family life is very important in Argentina, and it is indeed, and excellent environment for a comfortable and healthy lifestyle, much like it was in the states 50 years ago.
