Land records published by the Institute of Colonization during the first semester of 2024 show the high demand for tangible assets.This includes all transactions up to June 28th.
Transactions in Uruguay during the first semester of the year add up to nearly 865 M USD and over 175.000 hectares changed ownership. Roughly speaking an average price per hectare of 4.900 USD (in acres: neary 2000 USD per acre). The largest transactions were done in timberland where the price consisted of land and trees. This also explains the increase of the average price per hectare. BTG Pactual, OJI Holding from Japan, UPM and Montes del Plata were important buyers in the first semester.
Premium crop land in Colonia and Soriano sold for prices between 10.000 and 12.000 USD per hectare. In Rio Negro and San José the best cropland sold for 8.000 to 10.000 USD per hectare. Further away from logistical centers the interest in cropland is still high, but entry level is lower. These premium assets are popular mostly with international investors. Irrigation is obviously an important aspect in decision taking. The presence of water, pivots or at least the potential for future development of irrigation projects is each time more relevant.
Timberland prices depend on the existence of wood. Greenfield projects are in high demand, but almost non-existent. With eucalyptus trees already planted price may reach 4.500 to 5.000 USD per hectare. Bare timberland in the east will sell for values close to 3.500 USD per hectare. Opportunities exist mainly in existing plantations after harvesting when regrowth or replant becomes the crucial decision.
Prices for cattle land depend on productivity (possibility to seed pastures and fodder crops). In the north you may find land for 2.500 USD per hectare and in the south cattle land with more carrying capacity the prices may go up to 5.000 USD per hectare. Mostly domestic buyers for this part of the market.
Rural properties close to the coast or close to Montevideo and Punta del Este also have a premium price.
We see more buyers and then sellers. Upon request we can provide more information about specific regions, activity or CONEAT.
