Investing in the region · 6 min
CDT vs. real estate investment: the real numbers
Laura Restrepo · May 21, 2026
The CDT (a Colombian certificate of deposit) is the Colombian saver's favorite safe haven: secure, simple and predictable. But safety and profitability don't always go hand in hand. Compared with a farm that earns rental income, the figures are worth a second look.
Yield versus total return
A CDT at 10.5% a year yields exactly that: 10.5%. A real estate investment adds up two components, rental income and the asset's appreciation. Neither is guaranteed, but together they usually beat fixed income.
A CDT pays you interest. A farm pays you rent and also gains value while you use it.
The liquidity factor
The CDT wins on liquidity and simplicity; the property wins on total return and protection against inflation. The right choice depends on your time horizon and risk tolerance. Our calculator lets you compare them side by side.
