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Real Estate in Brazil | Expat Exchange
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Real Estate in Brazil

Oliveira Lawyers
Oliveira Lawyers
Oliveira Lawyers
Oliveira Lawyers

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Jun 05, 2023

Summary: An expat looking to buy a home in Brazil should begin by researching the different areas of the country and deciding which region best suits their needs. They should then contact a local real estate agent to help them find a suitable property. Homes in Brazil typically include amenities such as air conditioning, a kitchen, and a balcony or terrace. Some homes may also include a swimming pool, a garden, and a garage. Foreigners are allowed to own property in Brazil, but there are certain restrictions. For example, foreigners are not allowed to own land within 50 kilometers of the borders. Additionally, foreigners must obtain a CPF (Cadastro de Pessoa Física) number in order to purchase property in Brazil.

How do I find a place to live in Brazil?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"We started in 2006 researching the internet for property to the north of Natal in Rio Grande do Norte State. After finding some villa's just completed and for sale located to the north of Natal we then made contact with the real estate agent in Natal and made dates to visit. While there we heard of Praia de Pipa, Brazil and did more internet research at the hotel and made contact with the company building Pipa Beleza Resort. After driving down and visiting the resort we bought the last villa available for sale in 2007," said one expat who made the move to Praia de Pipa.

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Oliveira LawyersOliveira Lawyers
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Oliveira Lawyers is the foremost Brazilian law firm dedicated to representing the interests of foreign citizens in Brazil. From immigration to real estate and other life events, our bilingual attorneys got you covered! Main services include immigration, real estate, notary services, tax services, collections, family law, and litigation.

Oliveira LawyersOliveira Lawyers

Oliveira Lawyers is the foremost Brazilian law firm dedicated to representing the interests of foreign citizens in Brazil. From immigration to real estate and other life events, our bilingual attorneys got you covered! Main services include immigration, real estate, notary services, tax services, collections, family law, and litigation.
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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Brazil?

"Expat homes and apartments in Brazil tend to offer a comfortable and stylish living experience, with modern furnishings, air conditioning, and plenty of natural light. Many expats living in Brazil opt for spacious apartments in exclusive residential buildings in Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, with amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, and doormen to provide security and convenience. Expat homes and apartments may also feature balconies with gorgeous views, terraces, and extra storage spaces," explained one expat living in Brazil.

"I live in an apartment, no I don't think its typical most live in hostels or share with other students," said one person in Rio de Janeiro.

"Brasilia for me; it’s a modern city, I lived there so many years ago, spacious roads, organized transportation, security everywhere specially in shopping centers, night bars on weekends are really full of people and nice beer with a really colder glass, people are more friendly , most of tourists enjoy their weather and cheap food and amenities around the city, I like the food markets with several options and organic products, I left Brasilia in the 90s right now it’s much better organized, I have family and lots of friends, this is the place that I will return and retire Questions let me know, thanks," said one expat who made the move to Brazil.

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Oliveira Lawyers

Oliveira Lawyers is the foremost Brazilian law firm dedicated to representing the interests of foreign citizens in Brazil. From immigration to real estate and other life events, our bilingual attorneys got you covered! Main services include immigration, real estate, notary services, tax services, collections, family law, and litigation.

Learn MoreGet Quote

Oliveira Lawyers

Oliveira Lawyers is the foremost Brazilian law firm dedicated to representing the interests of foreign citizens in Brazil. From immigration to real estate and other life events, our bilingual attorneys got you covered! Main services include immigration, real estate, notary services, tax services, collections, family law, and litigation.

Learn MoreGet Quote

What is the average cost of housing in Brazil?

If you are thinking about moving to Brazil, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"Housing costs are expensive, I don't know much about it though, but cheaper than London," said one expat who made the move to Rio de Janeiro.

"If moving to Sao Paulo know that prices are out of control and that there are lots of hidden costs to renting. I am from Chicago, where I lived in Lincoln Park. 1. Rent, a 2 bedroom apt in Jardins(200 sq meters) will run about BRL 8000/mo. 2. The Next biggest cost is the Condo fee which everyone must pay, about BRL 2000/mo. 3. Next there is the IPTU or the property tax in Jardins expect to pay BRL 600/mo. 4. Then of course you need insurance, expect to pay BRL 250/mo," explained one foreigner living in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

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Should I buy or rent a home in Brazil?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Brazil, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"We bought a home. We saw our property on the internet and the agent met us at the hotel the day after we landed. We looked at 5 or 6 as I recall. We found one we liked, obtained our tax card (CPF) and spoke to a lawyer who handled both the house purchase and our immigration. With the vendors, and agents we went to a cartorio and signed an official contract," said one person in Taiba.

"The decision to buy or rent a home in Brazil depends on a number of factors, including your budget, your job situation, and your goals for the future. It's important to look at your situation closely and consider all the pros and cons before making a decision. Renting may be a better option for those who aren't sure how long they'll stay in Brazil, need more flexibility, or don't have the resources to take on a large financial commitment. Buying a property may be beneficial in the long-run and can be a good investment if you plan to stay in Brazil for a long time. It's also possible to buy a home and live in it while renting out part of the home to cover costs. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in Brazil is a personal one, so it's best to evaluate your individual situation before making a decision," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Brazil.

What do I need to know when buying property in Brazil?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Brazil, they said:

"1. Brazil has a robust property purchase system, so it is important to consult with a legal advisor to learn more about the various steps required to buy a property. 2. As a foreign investor, the Brazilian government requires proof of identity, a valid Brazilian tax number, and proof of residency. 3. It is important to research property taxes in the area where the property is located, as transfer and capital gains taxes may apply. 4. A local real estate agent can be instrumental in helping to navigate the legal process and finding the right property. 5. Any documents or contracts involved in the purchase process should be carefully reviewed and checked with a legal adviser. 6. It is also a good idea to have a survey of the property carried out, to ensure the value of the property increases in the future," explained one person living in Brazil.

Are foreigners allowed to own property in Brazil?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Brazil, they said...

"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in Brazil. According to the Brazilian Constitution, foreign individuals and companies are allowed to purchase and own real estate in Brazil. However, there are certain restrictions in place. For example, foreigners are not allowed to own land within 50 kilometers of the borders of Brazil, and they must obtain permission from the Brazilian government before they can purchase property. Additionally, foreigners must have a valid visa in order to purchase property in Brazil," said one expat in Brazil.

"Foreign citizens may own any type or size of urban property in Brazil, and there is no restriction on the amount. However, when buying rural land, a foreign citizen must meet certain size restrictions. The municipality in which the land is located will determine the size allowed. Some registries may also require foreign citizens to obtain a Brazilian ID card known as RNM to allow a new title to be issued on their names. ," wrote Luciano Oliveira from Oliveira Lawyers.

Luciano Oliveira is an attorney licensed in Brazil, Texas, and California. Luciano has worked with hundreds of foreign citizens like you to help them make the most of their plans for Brazil.

Click connect to have our partner, Luciano, contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Luciano Oliveira is an attorney licensed in Brazil, Texas, and California. Luciano has worked with hundreds of foreign citizens like you to help them make the most of their plans for Brazil.

Click connect to have our partner, Luciano, contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Brazil what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"Rental properties in Brazil typically include a refrigerator, stove, microwave and washing machine. Depending on the property, other items such as air conditioners, dishwashers or dryers may also be provided. For outdoor living areas, some rental properties might offer a barbecue grill. Common extras often seen in rental properties in Brazil include basic furniture, kitchenware and utensils," said one foreigner living in Brazil.

Additional Information about Searching for a Home in Brazil:

We asked foreigners in Brazil what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included...

"Expats typically search for homes in Brazil by using online real estate websites, such as ZAP Imóveis, VivaReal, and Imovelweb, to browse listings and contact local real estate agents. Additionally, expats can search for homes in Brazil by attending open houses and visiting local neighborhoods to get a better feel for the area," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Brazil.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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