5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying a House in Brazil
A real-life guide to buying property in Brazil as a foreigner
Buying a house in Brazil can be a life-changing experience — especially if your dream involves sunshine, beaches, and a slower pace of life. But the process is very different from what most foreigners are used to.
In 2005, my Japanese wife and I bought our first beach house in Genipabu, Rio Grande do Norte. At the time, I spoke very little Portuguese and had a lot more enthusiasm than information.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change the decision for anything, but there are a few things I wish I had known before buying a house in Brazil as a foreigner. If you’re considering investing or relocating, these insights can save you time, stress, and money.
1. The purchase price isn’t the final cost
One of the biggest surprises when buying property in Brazil is that closing costs are not included in the listing price.
In addition to the property value, buyers must pay:
Property transfer tax (ITBI)
Registry fees
Notary fees
These costs are mandatory, paid upfront, and usually represent around 4–6% of the purchase price, depending on the city and state.
Understanding this early helps you budget realistically and avoid last-minute surprises when closing the deal.
👉 Related reading:
Brazil Mortgage for Foreigners: Your Guide to Financing Property in Paradise
2. Utilities don’t transfer automatically
Unlike in many countries, utilities in Brazil do not automatically transfer to the new owner.
Electricity, water, internet, and phone lines all require:
Separate requests
Different offices or providers
Specific documents
When you don’t speak Portuguese, what should be simple errands can easily turn into full-day tasks. Today the process is more digital, but local knowledge still makes a huge difference.
This is one of the reasons having someone on the ground helps smooth the transition.
3. Beach life comes with real beach-life details
Living close to nature is incredible — but it comes with adjustments.
In our case, mosquitoes were the biggest surprise, especially with a swamp nearby. Over time, we learned how to manage it and adapt, rather than fight nature.
If you’re buying a beachfront or jungle-adjacent property, it’s important to understand:
Local climate conditions
Seasonal changes
Maintenance needs
These details don’t make the experience worse — they just make preparation essential.
4. The paperwork moves at its own pace
The Brazilian real estate process is not rushed.
From signing the purchase agreement to having everything fully registered in your name, our process took about 45 days. That timeline is normal — and patience is key.
Trying to push the system usually creates stress rather than speed. Knowing this upfront makes the experience much more relaxed.
5. Knowing where to go is half the battle
Paying annual property taxes, opening a bank account, buying furniture, arranging deliveries — none of this was obvious.
Back then, information wasn’t online. It lived with people who understood the system.
Even today, Brazil still runs on relationships and local knowledge. Having the right contacts saves time, avoids mistakes, and makes the entire ownership experience smoother.
The biggest lesson: have someone in your corner
Twenty years later, buying property in Brazil is easier, more transparent, and more digital, but guidance still matters.
Referrals, experience, and local presence make all the difference, especially for foreigners navigating legal, cultural, and bureaucratic differences.
That’s exactly why Brazil Beach House exists: to help foreign buyers invest with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
Thinking about buying property in Brazil?
Whether you’re looking for a beachfront apartment, a retirement home, or a long-term investment, exploring real examples helps you understand the market better.
You may find these helpful:
Apartments in Rio: Why Foreign Buyers Are Investing in Rio de Janeiro
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