Brazilian Northeast | Casa Connect Interna

How to Buy Real Estate in Brazil as a Foreigner

Buying property in Brazil is entirely possible for foreigners and can be a rewarding investment. Foreigners have the same ownership rights as locals for most urban and residential properties. However, the legal and financial process can be complex, so working with the right professionals is key.

Here’s a simplified step-by-step overview of how it works:

Find the Right Property

Explore listings online or through a trusted local contact. In Brazil, real estate agents don’t need a license to operate, so it’s essential to work with someone reliable.
Visit properties in person or schedule a virtual tour. We help coordinate safe and smart viewings.
Negotiate the price . We’ll help you avoid overpaying or falling into common traps like the “Gringo price.”

Obtain a CPF (Brazilian Tax ID)

A CPF (Cadastro de Pessoa Física) is required to purchase property and handle any financial transactions.
You can apply at a Brazilian consulate abroad or through a local representative in Brazil.
We assist you in obtaining your CPF smoothly and quickly.

Due Diligence

It is key to: Verify that the seller is the legal owner. Check for debts, liens, tax issues, or legal restrictions Confirm zoning, land use, and property documentation
We provide access to a vetted bilingual legal team that acts exclusively in your interest.

Sign a Purchase Agreement

This document outlines the payment structure, responsibilities, and timeline.
A deposit (typically 10–30%) is paid at this stage.

Transfer Funds Securely

Open a Brazilian bank account or use a specialized currency broker.
Funds must be sent in compliance with Brazilian Central Bank regulations.
We guide you through the safest route to transfer funds and ensure compliance with all regulations.

Finalize the Sale and Register the Property

The final deed (Escritura Pública de Compra e Venda) is signed in front of a public notary.
Transfer taxes (ITBI), registration fees, and notary fees must be paid.
After signing, the deed is registered at the Real Estate Registry Office (Cartório de Registro de Imóveis) to legally transfer ownership.
We handle the closing logistics and registration on your behalf.

Property Listing Platforms in the Brazilian Northeast

If you're exploring property options in the Brazilian Northeast, it’s important to know that there’s no centralized platform like Zillow in this region. Instead, listings are spread out across multiple local websites, real estate agencies, and community networks—and many great opportunities never even make it online.

That’s where Casa Connect comes in. While the platforms listed below are great starting points, we’re here to guide you through the entire process—from browsing and shortlisting to negotiating and closing—making sure you don’t miss out on hidden gems or get lost in the local nuances.

Since the information is available in Portuguese, our team will assist you with translation and help you fully understand every detail throughout your property search.

Here are some useful websites to begin exploring what's out there:

Zap imoveis

A prominent platform providing a wide array of property listings, Zap Imóveis is known for its comprehensive search filters and neighborhood insights, aiding users in making informed decisions.

VivaReal

One of Brazil’s largest real estate portals, VivaReal offers extensive listings across the country, including the Northeast. Its user-friendly interface and detailed property information make it a go-to resource for buyers and renters.

QuintoAndar

Focusing on transparency between buyers and sellers, QuintoAndar offers features like seller scores and ROI metrics, beneficial for first-time homebuyers navigating the real estate process.

Imovelweb

Renowned for its clean interface and map-based search feature, Imovelweb allows users to locate properties effortlessly. The platform ensures all listings are verified, increasing reliability.