Despite a national drop in overall property transactions, 2024 brought significant growth and momentum for key players in El Salvador’s real estate sector, signaling evolving investor confidence and shifting buyer preferences.
Two leading companies—RD Bienes Raíces and Porta Real Estate Boutique—reported notable increases in sales activity. “We saw a 10% rise in negotiated properties over the past year,” said Gabriela Cuéllar of RD Bienes Raíces. Meanwhile, Porta celebrated its strongest year since its founding in 2018. “Our revenues grew by 62% compared to 2023,” noted co-founder William Velasco, who attributes the success to portfolio diversification and enhanced marketing strategies.
Much of the new demand has been driven by growing interest in properties located just outside San Salvador, especially homes under $150,000, compact houses, and those with remodeling potential. “We’ve also seen a strong push toward residential and commercial lots, beach houses, and development-ready sites,” Velasco added.
Behind each transaction lies a structured legal and financial process designed to ensure security for buyers and sellers. Both firms emphasize the importance of working with experienced agents, conducting legal checks through the National Registry Center (CNR), and understanding financing options early on. Once terms are agreed, the process typically includes signing a promise of sale with a down payment, followed by final documentation and property registration.
To support homebuyers, especially first-time owners, the Fondo Social para la Vivienda (FSV) continues to offer accessible financing options for new housing. Through its online platform, the FSV showcases a variety of affordable residential developments across the country, helping Salvadorans access credit with competitive rates, long repayment terms, and legal assistance throughout the purchase process.
While national data from the CNR shows 104,514 property sales in 2024—a decrease from 2023—it also confirms that over 746,000 real estate-related procedures were carried out last year. These include certifications, mortgage setups, project reviews, and new condominium formations.
The numbers reflect not just a maturing real estate landscape, but also one adapting to new preferences and long-term investor strategies—an encouraging sign for both local and international stakeholders looking to engage with El Salvador’s dynamic property market.