Question 1

Where does the home's water come from?

Accepted Answer

It is the first question in a country home. On the savanna water comes from one of three sources: the municipal utility, a veredal aqueduct (run by the rural community) or a deep well owned by the community. Each differs in continuity, pressure, cost and upkeep. Ask to see the bill or the assembly minutes, and confirm who is responsible for pumping and treatment. We document this on every listing we manage.

Question 2

Does the home have piped gas or cylinders?

Accepted Answer

Town centers usually have piped natural gas (Vanti). Many country communities and rural areas have no pipeline and rely on propane: a cylinder or a stationary tank with scheduled refills. It is not a drawback, but it changes the logistics and the monthly cost. Ask before you move in, especially if you cook or heat water with gas.

Question 3

Is it cold? Do I need heating?

Accepted Answer

The savanna sits at about 2,550 meters. Temperatures run from 5 to 20 °C, with cold mornings and sunny afternoons. Air conditioning is never used. Thermal comfort does matter: a fireplace, good solar orientation, sealed windows and, in larger homes, a heating system. Ask how the house is heated and check for damp, which is the real challenge of the high-altitude climate.

Question 4

What does the conjunto's admin fee cover?

Accepted Answer

In a country community the administration fee typically pays for the gatehouse and security, upkeep of common areas and internal roads, and sometimes the shared well water. It can range from a few hundred thousand to several million pesos a month depending on the community and lot size. Ask for it in writing and confirm what is and isn't included, because it shifts the true cost of living there substantially.

Question 5

How long is the commute to Bogotá? What's traffic like?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the corridor and the hour. From Chía or Cajicá via the Autopista Norte, or from Cota and Tenjo via Calle 80 and the variante, off-peak it is 30 to 45 minutes to northern Bogotá. At rush hour the trip can double. Test the route at your real commute time before deciding, and ask about alternate accesses. Remote work has changed the math for anyone not driving in daily.

Question 6

What documents are required to rent, and how long does screening take?

Accepted Answer

For tenant screening the insurer usually asks for your ID, proof of income or bank statements, and sometimes references. We gather and verify the package and submit it with your consent. The decision to issue the policy is the insurer's; Andavo does not guarantee approval. Well organized, screening usually takes one to three business days.

Question 7

Are pets allowed? Are there community rules?

Accepted Answer

Many savanna homes are ideal for pets thanks to the space and gardens, but each community has its own horizontal-property bylaws: number of pets, breeds, common areas and noise. Ask for the bylaws before signing. The same applies to gardens, barbecues, visitor parking and renovations: review them to avoid surprises.

Question 8

What costs come with buying, beyond the price?

Accepted Answer

Buying carries notary and registry fees, the registration tax and withholding, plus legal fees if you use a lawyer. By custom the deed costs are split between buyer and seller and the registry costs fall to the buyer, but everything is agreed in the promise-to-purchase. Ask for a closing estimate before signing so there are no surprises.

Question 9

What should I check before buying a country home?

Accepted Answer

The essentials: a current property registry certificate (no mortgages, liens or limitations), the source and legality of the water, land use and building permits, the real boundaries against the deed, the standing on admin fees and property tax, and the community bylaws. In rural areas also review easements and protected setbacks. This is general information; do your due diligence with your lawyer and an appraisal.

Question 10

Does buying to rent make sense in the Sabana?

Accepted Answer

It can be a sound thesis, but no figure is a promise. Real yield depends on vacancy, arrears, maintenance, property tax, admin fees and market conditions. We give you a free indicative rental analysis and a yield calculation so you decide with your own numbers, not a slogan. Past appreciation does not guarantee future appreciation (Law 1480 of 2011).

Question 11

Can a foreigner buy property in Colombia?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Colombia does not restrict property purchases by foreigners and the deed process is the same. To bring funds in and repatriate them later, channel the investment through the foreign-exchange market and register it as foreign investment with the Banco de la República. You will usually need a passport or foreigner ID and a tax ID (RUT). We coordinate in Spanish and English and work alongside your legal and tax advisor.

Question 12

Is the rental analysis an appraisal?

Accepted Answer

No. It is a preliminary, indicative estimate, not an appraisal or an offer. The final figure depends on a visit and an appraisal. Andavo does not guarantee returns or appreciation (Law 1480 of 2011).

Question 13

Is there good internet and fiber in the country areas?

Accepted Answer

Town centers and many communities have fiber from the major carriers. In more remote rural areas coverage varies and is sometimes solved with fixed-wireless or satellite. If you work from home, verify coverage at the exact address before moving and ask neighbors about real speeds, not just the advertised plan.

Question 14

Why do so many families move to the Sabana for the schools?

Accepted Answer

Northern Bogotá and the savanna are home to several of the country's best-known bilingual and international schools. For many families, proximity to those schools, plus the space, the air and the outdoor life, is the main reason for the move. If schools weigh on your decision, evaluate a home by the route and times to the school, not just the town.

Question 15

How is security in the country communities?

Accepted Answer

Most country housing is gated communities with a gatehouse, security and controlled access, which is exactly what many families want. The quality of the setup varies between communities. Ask about the type of security, cameras, visitor control and the health of the administration, because a good security setup depends on a well-run administration.

Question 16

What is estrato and how does it affect utilities?

Accepted Answer

Estrato is a socioeconomic classification of housing, from 1 to 6, assigned by the municipality, that sets utility rates: the higher the estrato, the higher the rate. Country homes tend to fall in higher estratos or in rural zones with their own rate. Ask the property's estrato, because it directly affects the monthly cost of water, power and gas.

Question 17

How and when is property tax paid?

Accepted Answer

Property tax is paid yearly to the municipality where the home sits (Chía, Cajicá, Cota and others each have their own treasury and calendar). There is usually an early-payment discount in the first months of the year. In a lease the property tax is normally the owner's responsibility, not the tenant's. We keep a property-tax guide by municipality with the portals and dates.

Question 18

How much can rent rise each year?

Accepted Answer

For urban housing, the maximum increase is the prior calendar year's IPC, certified by DANE (Law 820 of 2003, art. 20). You can compute it in our rent-increase calculator. This is general information, not legal advice.

Question 19

Who pays admin fees, utilities and repairs?

Accepted Answer

As a general rule in a lease, the tenant pays the utilities they consume and, as agreed, the admin fee; the owner covers property tax and structural or normal-wear repairs, while damage from misuse falls to the tenant. It is all set out in the contract. Review it before signing; this is general information, not legal advice.

Question 20

What exactly does Andavo provide?

Accepted Answer

Property management under a mandate agreement. We are not an insurer or a law firm; legal documents are reviewed with counsel before use.

Question 21

Do you guarantee a yield or that the property will appreciate?

Accepted Answer

No. No market figure is a promise. Estimates are indicative, and real yield depends on vacancy, arrears, maintenance, taxes and market conditions.

Question 22

How do you handle my personal data?

Accepted Answer

Under Colombian Law 1581 of 2012 (habeas data). We request consent on every form, and you can download or request deletion of your data from your portal. See our data policy.

Question 23

Is the analysis free?

Accepted Answer

The rental analysis is free and with no obligation. Management fees are agreed in the contract.

Question 24

Are the reviews real?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We publish only real, verified reviews; posting fake reviews is a deceptive practice before the SIC.

Question 25

Do you serve foreign or institutional investors?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We serve private and institutional investors, with service and reporting in Spanish and English.

Renting and buying in La Sabana

Renting in the Sabana

Buying and investing

Living in the Sabana

Costs, taxes and utilities

About Andavo