Buying Property in Paraguay: From the Preliminary Agreement to the Notarial Deed

Buying a house or an apartment in Paraguay follows a clear process. Understanding each stage helps you avoid surprises and know exactly what you are signing and which costs to budget for.

1. Check the property before making a commitment

Before paying anything, you need to confirm that the seller is the legal owner and check whether the property is subject to mortgages, attachments, restrictions or outstanding debts.

Since January 14, 2026, the National Unified Registry (RUN), established by Law 7424/2025, brings together property registry and cadastral information. The notary, known in Paraguay as an escribano, requests the necessary certificates and reviews the property documents.

These certificates are valid for a limited period. Checks should therefore be carried out before you commit and updated for the signing of the deed when necessary.

2. The deposit and the preliminary purchase agreement

Once the buyer and seller reach an agreement, they sign a preliminary purchase agreement, known as a boleto de compraventa, usually accompanied by a deposit. This agreement sets out the price, payment terms, scheduled date for signing the deed and each party’s obligations.

The preliminary agreement does not transfer ownership: it obliges the parties to formalize the transaction through a notarial deed (Civil Code, Articles 701 and 702).

Before signing, keep the following in mind:

• Do not assume there is an automatic cooling-off period allowing you to withdraw without consequences.
• The agreement should state who receives the deposit, how the payment is documented and what happens if the transaction does not go ahead.
• Under Article 723 of the Civil Code, if the buyer withdraws, they lose the deposit; if the recipient withdraws, they must repay twice the amount received.

Before handing over any money, make sure the agreement clearly defines the nature of the payment and the conditions for withdrawal. Changing your mind is different from being unable to complete the purchase because of a problem with the property.

That is why it is best to check everything before signing the preliminary agreement, rather than afterwards.

3. Signing the notarial deed

The property sale is formalized through a notarial deed (Civil Code, Article 700).

The notary reviews the parties’ documents and the property certificates, prepares the deed and authenticates the transaction. Before signing, confirm that the price, payments, handover of possession and all other terms match what was agreed.

4. Registration

After signing, the notary arranges for the deed to be registered with the RUN.

Law 7424/2025 establishes a transfer levy of 0.85% of the applicable taxable base. This levy forms part of the transaction costs; it does not represent the total cost of transferring the property.

Ask the notary to keep you informed of the registration progress and provide the documents once registration is complete.

5. Transfer costs: how much, and who pays?

These costs include the notary’s fees, administrative charges, certificates and applicable taxes.

Request an itemized estimate before signing. The amount depends on the transaction; a percentage estimate should not be treated as a guaranteed maximum.

For transactions we assist with, the usual arrangement is:

• Off-plan purchases: the buyer pays, as specified in the agreement.
• Resale transactions: costs are generally split equally between the buyer and seller.

This arrangement can be negotiated. Either party may agree to cover all the costs as part of the deal. What matters is putting the agreement in writing.

6. Source of funds

Real estate agencies and those who regularly sell property have anti-money laundering obligations under SEPRELAD regulations (Resolution 201/2020).

We will therefore ask you for documents supporting the source of your funds. This is part of the legally required transaction process.

We will explain which documents to prepare so that this step is clear from the outset.

7. What about the agency’s commission?

At CALISTA, the sales commission is 5% of the sale price, including VAT, payable by the seller.

The buyer pays no commission to CALISTA. Any transfer costs payable by the buyer are quoted separately.

If you are coming from abroad

We support you in Spanish, French and English throughout the process, from the first viewing to signing before the notary and following up on registration.

Thinking about buying in Paraguay? Tell us what you are looking for, and we will help you plan your purchase, understand the costs and move forward with clarity at every stage.