Real estate investment is seen by many students as an important issue for the country of Colombia, especially because of how it affects economic growth, housing prices, and daily life. Gloria Vélez, an art teacher, said it is “very important because it contributes to more investment in the country,” reflecting the belief that property investment helps keep the economy moving instead of becoming stagnant.
Colombia continues to attract investors. As Vélez explained, “Many people come to invest in Colombia because it is a great country with great prices in the local market.” This idea connects to what students described in their interviews, where demand continues to grow and prices keep rising.
However, increasing housing costs which were noticed in 2004 were described as a major concern. Matías Gonzales, a 12th-grade student, noted that properties have “become more expensive over the years.” He explained that homes that cost “like 1,000 million pesos” 15 years ago can now cost “like 2,000 million or more.” These observations suggest that real estate has become much less affordable for many people.
Another student pointed out that the market is not always stable, referencing 2008, when there was “like a market crash, and people couldn’t afford houses.” This perspective shows that while real estate can be profitable, it also carries risk.
Tourism and population growth were also mentioned as factors influencing rising prices. Vélez, who lives in Sabaneta, explained, “There are a lot of tourists living in that place because it’s cheap to rent an apartment,” adding that owning property in that area makes prices “even higher.” Students also noted that some parts of the city are becoming more populated, which increases demand for housing and drives prices up.
Despite these concerns, many students still view real estate as a strong investment option. One student said that keeping money in a bank might mean it “stays unused” and can even lose value due to fees or inflation. Vicente Villa, a 12th-grade student, believes real estate is appealing because “it is a constant business” and something that “never loses its value.”
In conclusion, student interviews show support for investment but also concern about rising prices and affordability. While real estate is often seen as stable and valuable, the increasing cost of housing raises important questions about who truly benefits as cities grow and investments continue.
