Every year, members of the 18 regional property exchange associations that are part of the Colombian Federation of Property Exchanges gather at the National Real Estate Congress, one of the most important events for the sector. This year, Medellín hosted this event, which we had the honor of attending. During the congress, the latest market trends and news were discussed, offering an excellent opportunity for networking. A key moment was the presentation of the 2024-2027 Development Plan, "Medellín Te Quiere," by Mayor Federico Gutiérrez, who shared the city's strategic vision for the coming years.
development plan
The development plan for Medellín is ambitious, focusing on strengthening strategic sectors such as creative industries, technology, and responsible tourism. Some of its main initiatives include promoting cultural and ecological tourism, creating entertainment districts linked to art and culture, and boosting emerging economies in music, film, and large-scale events. Key projects highlighted include the construction of the Metro de la Avenida 80, positioning Medellín as the capital of artificial intelligence, and consolidating the city as a world-class tourist destination.
The “Metro de la 80”, one of the most awaited projects in the city, will connect the western area using light rail technology, benefiting nearly one million residents in neighborhoods like Castilla, Robledo, Laureles-Estadio, San Javier, and Belén.
In partnership with the World Economic Forum, Medellín will host the Fourth Industrial Revolution Center for Latin America, solidifying its leadership in innovation and technology. This center, located between Ruta N and the University of Antioquia, will drive the development of artificial intelligence with projects focused on inclusive and sustainable cities, bringing together businesses, government, and civil society to develop AI strategies and solutions for more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous cities.
According to Flight Connections, by November 2024, there will be a total of 37 airports worldwide with direct flights to Medellín, spread across 36 cities in 16 countries, in addition to 12 national flights. This number is expected to grow, as both government and private sector efforts are focused on attracting more tourists to the city. However, the Secretary of Tourism for Medellín acknowledges the challenges this brings and proposes regulating tourism and promoting responsible and conscious tourism through the professionalization of tour operators. The aim is also, through education, to turn the city into a bilingual territory, as "tourism will only be world-class if tour operators are world-class."
Medellín is projected to reach the lowest homicide rate since 1942, with 11.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, according to the Secretariat of Security and Coexistence, positioning itself as the city with the lowest rate among the top five in Colombia. This contrasts with 1991, when Medellín faced its most critical moment, registering 416.4 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, making it the most violent city in the world. This progress reflects the collective commitment to transform the city’s reality, acknowledging its past without glorifying it, and striving every day to be remembered for its people, culture, infrastructure, and resilient spirit.
Medellín is a city that has reinvented itself and proven its capacity for transformation, with the best yet to come through ambitious development plans through 2030. This is the perfect time to discover everything the city has to offer. From its vibrant culture to its infrastructure projects, Medellín is the ideal place to invest in real estate. We invite you to take advantage of the numerous opportunities available and find the most profitable project for you in one of the fastest-growing cities. Don’t miss this unique opportunity! Send your details, and a RE/MAX agent will contact you to guide you through your investment.
