Real Estate 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 in Praia de Pipa.

"I choose Jardins because it is one of the few places where you can walk to the pharmacy, supermarket ect. The downside is that I spend 3 yes three hours a day to and from the office (7 km each way).. My office is in a commercial area and living there would be depressing," remarked one member in Sao Paulo.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Brazil?

"There are 41 units within the resort, mostly owned by foreigners. There are a few owned by Brazilians but the others are mostly from Europe or UK. Each of the units vary in size but 150m2 is about average for the villas with 2 stories. Ours has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and a roof veranda that includes a Jacuzzi. Pipa Beleza Resort is one of the leading and most modern resort in the area and several more have or are being built as we speak," explained one person living in Praia de Pipa, Brazil.

"I live in an apartment. I cannot recommend a house due to security concerns. None of my Brazilian coworkers live in single family homes and my employeer recommends against it. Almost all apartments are built for families not for singles," said one expat in Sao Paulo.

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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:

"In the USA buying property of any type on or very near the ocean is way out of our price range. We bought this one to include a complete furnishing package and its built against a State park where future construction is limited due to the park. So the villa was much cheaper than in the States for a house of the same size. Because we bought our in 2007 I keep looking on the net for houses in the area and for pricing. $150k to 200k (USD) for a similar villa is the average cost as of this week. Electricity costs are high as they are everywhere in Brazil due to the lack of infrastructure," remarked one member in Praia de Pipa.

"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 expat 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:

"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," said one expat who made the move to Brazil.

"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," explained one foreigner living in Taiba, Brazil.

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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," said one foreigner living in Brazil.

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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...

"Foreigners are allowed to own property in Brazil provided they follow the necessary legal requirements. This includes obtaining an official visa and registering with the Brazilian Foreigners Registry. Additionally, the property must be registered with the Brazilian Real Estate Register (CAR) and all related paperwork must be filed to agencies, such as the Brazilian Internal Revenue Service. Once all the administrative steps have been completed, a foreigner is legally allowed to own a property in Brazil," explained one person living in Brazil.

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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," wrote one expat who made the move to Brazil.

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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 looking online at property listing websites to find housing options in their desired location. They may also use social networking websites to connect with members of the expat community who can provide recommendations and advice. If needed, expats may also consider hiring a real estate agent who is experienced in helping foreigners find housing in Brazil," said one person in Brazil.

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