Dollars in the mattress: A new instrument allows investment in properties without needing all the money to buy one

In Argentina, where "ladrillo" (brick, referring to real estate) has long been a safe haven for savings, a groundbreaking financial instrument has been introduced. Recognizing that buying property outright is increasingly out of reach for many due to economic volatility, Argentina has launched its first Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT). This innovative vehicle allows individuals to invest in real estate with minimal capital, starting from just $1000. The primary goal is to tap into the significant amount of US dollars held as cash savings, often referred to as "mattress dollars," which are losing value to inflation. This initiative by Grupo IEB and developer Beltrán Briones, regulated by the Comisión Nacional de Valores (CNV) and listed on BYMA, offers a much-needed avenue for small investors to participate in the property market. Unlike traditional purchases, REITs provide liquidity, diversification, and professional management, freeing investors from the burdens of tenants and maintenance. As developer Beltrán Briones notes, "The property is cheap, so it's a good time to buy." This move is particularly significant in a country where inflation and currency devaluation make traditional savings methods precarious, and real estate has historically been a preferred hedge.

“

The dollars in the mattress are losing value, so this is a good way to invest them. It is an invitation for people to take the bills out of there and make them yield.