Risks of Owning Land in Ecuador

1. Property Taxes

• Rural Property Taxes: Very low, e.g., $100/year for 60 hectares, with possible exemptions.
• Municipal Taxes: Range from $25 to $40 annually based on property size.

2. Boundary Disputes

• Prevention: Before purchasing, have a map and title study done, involve an engineer to mark boundaries, and consult with neighbors.
• Old Maps: Properties with old maps should be remapped with GPS points, often handled by the seller.
• Protection: Cement posts can be placed at GPS points, and an official adjudication from the Ministry of Agriculture can further secure boundaries.

3. Squatters Laws

• General Info: Designed to maintain social equality; squatters can take over land if abandoned.
• Prevention: Regularly inspect the land; if squatters are found, call the police within two months.
• Legal Action: If squatters stay over a year, legal cases to evict them become challenging. After 15 years, they may gain legal title to the land.

4. Repossession and Debt

• Legal Seizure: The government can seize property to pay debts, such as unpaid loans or child support.
• Lawsuits: Strong libel and slander laws; losing a lawsuit can result in liens on property, preventing its sale until the debt is cleared.

5. Easements

• Right of Way: Unlike the U.S., confiscation is rare; companies typically buy land for infrastructure projects.
• Future Development: Public paths, particularly along rivers, may eventually be developed into roads, increasing property value but also accessibility.

6. Titled Land

• Legal Ownership: Always buy titled land and avoid indigenous land, which legally cannot be sold.
• Proper Documentation: Ensure a knowledgeable lawyer handles the property paperwork to avoid fraudulent sales.

This summary encapsulates the major points discussed in the video, providing a clear overview of the risks associated with buying land in Ecuador and how to mitigate them.

[Watch original video here]