Commercial real estate trends shift in Chile and Argentina

Real estate markets in Chile and Argentina are showing divergent trends in commercial and industrial spaces. In Chile, the warehouse market in the Metropolitan Region is experiencing high occupancy. Data from NAI Sarrà indicates that during the first half of 2026, general vacancy fell to 3.59%, with Class A warehouses reaching a low of 1.21%. Companies face a choice between renting, which averages 0.147 UF per m² per month, or buying, which averages approximately 32 UF per m². Experts suggest renting may be preferable for companies needing flexibility to avoid long-term property commitments.

Conversely, Argentina is seeing a significant surge in the supply of commercial rental properties. Estimates suggest the national offering of rental premises doubled between September 2025 and September 2026, rising from approximately 14,000 to 30,000 units. This increase is reflected across major platforms: Zonaprop reported a 122.5% increase, MercadoLibre Inmuebles saw a 104.9% rise, and other portals recorded a 90.5% increase. While this expansion of supply does not automatically equate to business closures, it raises questions regarding commercial activity and economic stability.