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Real Estate in Brazil | Digital Nomad 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:

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Brazil is to use online rental platforms, such as Airbnb, Olx, and Quinto Andar. You can also search on classified ad websites like Classificados and Rentalia, or real estate listings by city on websites like ZAP. Additionally, you can make use of other online marketplaces such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and Fazenda. If you prefer more traditional methods, you can find listings of rental properties in local newspapers or contact a real estate broker to help you find a place. Additionally, you can find a wide array of furnished and unfurnished rental apartments and houses listed in popular Brazilian cities on websites such as VivaReal and Imovelweb," said one person in Brazil.

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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. 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 person in Sao Paulo.

"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," said one expat who made the move to Praia de Pipa.

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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.

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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:

"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," said one expat in Sao Paulo.

"The average cost of housing in Brazil is typically high, and the level of cost is dependent on the specific city or region. In more affluent cities and regions, housing can be significantly more expensive than in places with a lower median income. Additionally, rental prices can vary greatly depending on location, size, and amenities offered," remarked one member in Brazil.

"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," explained one expat living in Praia de Pipa, 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 person in 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," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Taiba.

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," remarked one foreigner who made the move to 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," explained one foreigner living 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," wrote one expat who made the move to 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 one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad 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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