Casa Este

A quiet place on the Atlantic.

We help European families acquire property on Uruguay's east coast, with independent research and complete discretion.

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La Glorieta, Punta del Este, at dusk

Between the lagoons of Maldonado and the open Atlantic lies one of the calmest coastlines in the Americas: low villages, long beaches and farmland that runs down to the dunes.

Casa Este exists for families who want a place here, and who want it chosen with the same care they would give to any long-term decision about their wealth.

The landscape

Ocean, lagoons and rolling hills, all within half an hour of each other.

Rocks and open sand on the Punta del Este shore
The Atlantic, minutes from town
  • Laguna Garzón

    A protected lagoon and an Important Bird Area, crossed by Rafael Viñoly's circular bridge.

  • Isla Gorriti

    A pine-covered island a short boat ride from the harbour of Punta del Este, with quiet beaches and the ruins of colonial fortifications.

  • Laguna José Ignacio

    A calm lagoon behind the dunes, with sheltered water and long sunsets.

  • The sierras

    Inland, rolling hills and native woodland, where the region's estancias and vineyards sit.

Places

Each part of the coast has its own character. We know them street by street.

  • José Ignacio

    Named by TIME among the World's Greatest Places in 2021. A low-rise former fishing village whose community guards its architecture closely: no towers, no chains, a lighthouse and a restaurant in the dunes.

  • Pueblo Garzón

    An inland village revived around Francis Mallmann's restaurant and inn, next to the vineyards of Bodega Garzón. Land, silence and space.

  • La Barra and Manantiales

    Galleries, boutiques and beach houses among the dunes, a short drive east of Punta del Este.

Casapueblo
Casapueblo, Punta Ballena

Punta Ballena

A headland west of Punta del Este, home to Casapueblo, the white cliffside building by the artist Carlos Páez Vilaró.

Punta del Este
Punta del Este at sunset

Punta del Este

The region's town: a yacht harbour, restaurants and services all year round. Bloomberg counted some 15,000 new residents in and around it since the pandemic.

Why Uruguay

For a European family, a home here is less about yield than about certainty: an asset that holds its value, a place of your own, and somewhere to retreat to, should it ever be needed.

  • A stable democracy

    Uruguay is consistently ranked among the most stable democracies in the Americas, with strong institutions and secure property rights.

  • Equal rights for foreign buyers

    Foreigners can buy property with the same rights as Uruguayan citizens, without needing to live in the country.

  • Priced in US dollars

    The property market trades in dollars, which adds currency diversification to a European portfolio.

  • Summer when Europe is in winter

    The seasons are reversed. December to March is summer on the coast, with a direct flight from Madrid.

How we work

We approach a purchase the way a family office approaches an investment: with a brief, a written study and a clear recommendation, before anyone visits a house.

  • Independent

    We work with several established agencies and are not tied to any one portfolio.

  • Research first

    Every recommendation rests on comparables, local rules and a view of the area over years, not seasons.

  • Discreet

    Your name is not shared with sellers or agencies until you decide to make an offer.

  • One contact

    In your language, from the first conversation until after the keys are handed over.

  1. The brief

    A private conversation about purpose, horizon, way of life and budget. If you work with tax or legal advisers, we coordinate with them from the start.

    You receive: a written summary of your brief.

  2. Market study

    We compare areas, recent prices and asking prices, building rules, exposure to wind and sea, seasonality and rental potential.

    You receive: a written report with our recommendation.

  3. Shortlist

    A small number of properties that fit the brief, drawn from several agencies and, where possible, from owners who are not advertising.

    You receive: a shortlist with a file for each property.

  4. Visits

    We accompany every visit in person, or walk you through each property by video, including access, orientation and neighbours.

    You receive: notes and photographs after each visit.

  5. Due diligence and negotiation

    The escribano, Uruguay's notary, studies the title. We check permits and outstanding debts, and negotiate on your behalf.

    You receive: a clear view of any risk before you commit.

  6. Closing and after

    From reservation to the signing of the deed. Afterwards, we introduce trusted architects, property managers and rental partners.

    You receive: the keys, and people you can rely on.

What the world writes about the coast

  • TIME2021

    Included José Ignacio in its list of the World's Greatest Places, describing an uncrowded, relaxed stretch of coast.

    Read the article
  • Bloomberg2022

    On Punta del Este's shift from summer resort to year-round town, with some 15,000 new residents since the pandemic.

    Read the article
  • Bloomberg Businessweek2023

    On the growing number of wealthy foreigners, including Europeans and Americans, settling on the coast.

    Read the article
  • Bloomberg2025

    On wealth managers opening in Punta del Este as Uruguay strengthens its reputation as a safe place for investors.

    Read the article

Who we are

A small office by design. You deal with the founders, from the first call to the last signature.

Julián López Moran

Lead and Co-founder, Montevideo

Trained in economics and data analysis, with a background in real estate market research, M&A advisory at Grant Thornton and private banking operations at Santander. Leads every purchase on the ground in Uruguay.

Henning Graf von Bassewitz

Germany Representative and Co-founder

Trained in economics and agronomy, with a background in hospitality and in running the land at Gut Dalwitz. First point of contact for families in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Private enquiry

Tell us briefly what you are looking for. Your details are seen only by the two founders, and we reply within two working days.

Thank you. We will reply within two working days.