The context
Cali is the main urban market of the Valle del Cauca. Foreign buyers who consider the city usually look at three kinds of property: apartments in existing buildings, houses, and units in new developments. Each one calls for a different technical review.
Apartments and existing buildings
In an existing building, the private unit is only part of what you buy. The common areas, the structure and the installations of the building affect you as well. An inspection looks at the condition of the unit: moisture, installations, finishes and signs of structural problems, and it helps you know which questions to put to the building’s administration.
Off-plan and new developments
Many new developments are sold before they are finished. The risk is different: what you buy is a promise, and its quality depends on the developer, the permits and the way the building is built. A technical review before you pay covers:
- The permits of the project and whether they match what is advertised.
- The technical documents and the specification of your unit.
- The real progress of the works compared with the schedule.
- At handover, an inspection of the finished unit and a list of pending items.
Houses and properties around the city
For a house, the inspection covers the structure, the roof, moisture, the electrical and plumbing installations, and whether what is built matches the permit. Properties on the outskirts and in the rural areas around the city also need a check of access, water and waste water. Our page on property inspection describes the process.
Local practicalities
Cali has curadurías urbanas that issue building licences, and the municipal government applies the local land-use plan. The environmental authorities include the urban environmental authority and, for rural areas, the regional authority. Your attorney and your engineer should check which office applies to your property. As in the rest of western Colombia, seismic design under NSR-10 is central for any structure. Our NSR-10 guide explains the basics.
How we work in Cali
Our base is Tuluá, and Cali is within our area of influence in the Valle del Cauca. We arrange the visit in advance, document the property with photos and video, and send you a written report. If you also need the title reviewed, we coordinate with a licensed real estate attorney and give you one consolidated result.
Services available
- Property inspection before you buy.
- Property due diligence.
- Construction oversight if you are building.
- Construction cost audit for budgets and contracts.