Buying real estate in Brazil?

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What is the price per square meter in Brazil?

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Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Brazil Property Pack

buying property foreigner Brazil

Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Brazil Property Pack

Property prices per square meter in Brazil vary significantly across regions, with São Paulo averaging R$10,500/m² and São Paulo commanding the highest rates in the country.

As of September 2025, Brazil's residential market shows strong growth with national average prices reaching R$9,366/m², representing a 7.97% increase from the previous year, while emerging coastal cities like Salvador and Florianópolis are experiencing the fastest appreciation rates.

If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Brazil, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At The LatinVestor, we explore the Brazilian real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Salvador. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

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Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert

✓✓✓

Laura Beatriz de Oliveira 🇧🇷

Commercial, Vokkan

Laura is a seasoned real estate professional with extensive knowledge of Brazil's evolving property market. From high-growth urban centers to exclusive coastal retreats, she helps clients identify strategic investment opportunities across the country. With a strong focus on sustainability and long-term value, Laura provides expert guidance on navigating Brazil's regulatory environment, emerging hotspots, and luxury developments, ensuring her clients maximize their real estate potential.

Which Brazilian city or region should you focus on for property investment?

The Brazilian real estate market varies dramatically by location, with major metropolitan areas commanding premium prices while emerging cities offer significant growth potential.

São Paulo leads the market with the highest prices per square meter at R$10,500, followed closely by Rio de Janeiro at R$9,800/m². These established markets offer stability but require higher initial investment.

Emerging coastal cities present compelling opportunities for investors seeking growth. Salvador shows remarkable 20.63% annual growth despite lower entry prices at R$5,500/m², while Florianópolis combines strong appreciation (9.98% annually) with tech sector growth.

Interior capitals like Brasília maintain steady growth at 4.7% annually with prices around R$8,500/m², offering government stability and consistent demand. Fortaleza presents a unique opportunity with significantly discounted prices around $1,222/m², making it attractive for bargain hunters.

It's something we develop in our Brazil property pack.

Should you focus on buying or renting property in Brazil?

The decision between buying and renting in Brazil depends on your timeline and investment goals, with buying generally favoring longer-term commitments.

Buying becomes financially advantageous if you plan to stay longer than three years, as Brazilian property has shown consistent appreciation over the past five years with average annual growth of 9%. The purchase decision is strengthened by relatively high rent-to-price ratios in major cities.

Renting offers flexibility for short-term stays or uncertain plans, particularly in expensive metropolitan areas where rental costs can be substantial relative to purchase prices. This option works well for those testing a location before committing to purchase.

For investment purposes, buying provides better returns through capital appreciation, especially in emerging markets like Salvador and coastal cities experiencing rapid growth. The rental market also offers steady income potential in established areas.

What types of properties offer the best value per square meter?

Property types in Brazil show distinct pricing patterns, with apartments generally commanding higher prices per square meter compared to houses in urban areas.

Apartments typically see premium pricing due to location advantages in city centers and access to amenities. In São Paulo, apartment prices range from R$8,000/m² in Centro to R$25,000/m² in premium neighborhoods like Jardins.

Houses offer more space per real spent but often require higher total investment. They're particularly attractive in suburban areas and emerging cities where land costs remain reasonable.

Commercial properties follow different pricing metrics but office spaces average R$78/m² monthly rental rates, indicating strong demand in business districts. Mixed-use developments are gaining popularity, combining residential and commercial elements.

How do you calculate accurate price per square meter for specific properties?

Property Size São Paulo Price Price per m²
50m² apartment R$525,000 R$10,500/m²
80m² apartment R$840,000 R$10,500/m²
120m² house R$960,000 R$8,000/m²
200m² house R$1,600,000 R$8,000/m²
300m² luxury property R$6,000,000 R$20,000/m²

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How do prices compare between similar properties in the same neighborhood?

Price variations within neighborhoods can be substantial, often differing by 30-50% based on specific location, building quality, and amenities.

In São Paulo's Vila Madalena, similar 80m² apartments range from R$1,200,000 to R$1,440,000 depending on proximity to metro stations and building age. Properties within 500 meters of transportation hubs command 15-20% premiums.

Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana shows even greater variation, with oceanfront properties reaching R$15,000/m² while properties just three blocks inland trade at R$8,000/m². View and beach access create significant price differentials.

New construction typically commands 20-30% premiums over properties built in the 1990s, while renovated properties fall somewhere between. Building amenities like pools, gyms, and security add 10-15% to per-square-meter values.

What are the current average prices per square meter in major Brazilian cities?

Brazilian cities show dramatic price variations, with established metros commanding premium rates while emerging markets offer growth opportunities.

São Paulo leads at R$10,500/m² with 6.11% annual growth, driven by strong financial sector demand and limited supply in desirable neighborhoods. Premium areas like Jardins reach R$20,000-25,000/m².

Rio de Janeiro follows at R$9,800/m² with 4.62% growth, supported by tourism and lifestyle appeal. Beachfront properties command significant premiums over inland areas.

Emerging markets show stronger growth: Salvador at R$5,500/m² (20.63% growth), Florianópolis at R$8,200/m² (9.98% growth), and Brasília at R$8,500/m² (4.7% growth). These cities benefit from infrastructure investment and population growth.

It's something we develop in our Brazil property pack.

How have property price trends changed over the past five years?

Brazil's residential market has shown remarkable resilience over the past five years, with approximately 45% cumulative price growth averaging 9% annually.

The market experienced steady appreciation from 2020-2025 despite economic challenges, with coastal cities outperforming interior markets. Salvador leads five-year growth with over 60% cumulative appreciation.

São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro maintained steady 6-8% annual growth, providing stability for conservative investors. These established markets proved resilient during economic uncertainty.

Emerging cities like Florianópolis and coastal Northeast markets experienced the strongest growth, with some areas doubling in value over five years. Infrastructure improvements and tourism development drove these gains.

The national average of R$9,366/m² in 2025 represents a 7.97% increase from 2024, indicating continued momentum in the residential sector.

What factors currently influence property prices across Brazilian regions?

Brazilian property prices respond to multiple economic and local factors that vary significantly by region and property type.

  1. Interest rates and credit access: The Selic rate at 14.75% affects mortgage availability and buyer purchasing power, with higher rates cooling demand in price-sensitive markets.
  2. Economic growth and employment: Regional job markets drive demand, with tech hubs like Florianópolis and financial centers like São Paulo commanding premiums due to employment opportunities.
  3. Infrastructure development: New metro lines, airports, and highways significantly impact property values, with areas near planned infrastructure seeing anticipatory price increases.
  4. Tourism and lifestyle appeal: Coastal cities benefit from both domestic and international buyer interest, with beachfront properties maintaining premium valuations regardless of economic conditions.
  5. Supply constraints: Limited developable land in established metros creates scarcity premiums, while emerging cities offer more affordable options due to available land.
infographics rental yields citiesBrazil

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Brazil versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

What additional costs per square meter should you expect beyond the purchase price?

Additional costs in Brazilian real estate transactions typically add 3.5-5% to the total property value, with ongoing expenses varying by property type and location.

Transaction costs include ITBI tax (2-3% of property value), notary fees (0.5-1%), and registration costs (0.3-0.5%). These fees are calculated on the property's total value, not per square meter.

Construction costs average R$2,129/m² as of 2024, with labor representing a major component. This figure helps estimate renovation expenses for older properties requiring updates.

Ongoing maintenance costs vary significantly: luxury apartments may require R$10-15/m² monthly for condominium fees, while houses have lower fees but higher individual maintenance responsibilities. Property taxes typically range from 0.5-1.5% annually of assessed value.

What factors affect price calculations in specific Brazilian neighborhoods?

Neighborhood Factor Price Impact Example (São Paulo)
Metro proximity +15-20% Vila Madalena vs outer areas
Beach access +40-60% Rio's oceanfront premium
New construction +20-30% New vs 1990s buildings
Building amenities +10-15% Pool/gym facilities
Security level +8-12% Gated communities
School district +5-10% Premium education areas

What price forecasts should you expect for the next 12 months?

Brazil's property market is expected to maintain strong growth through 2026, with most regions forecasting 8-15% price appreciation over the next year.

São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are projected to grow 8-12% annually, supported by steady demand and limited supply in desirable areas. These established markets offer more predictable returns.

Emerging coastal cities show the strongest growth potential: Salvador and Florianópolis are forecast to appreciate 10-15%, driven by infrastructure improvements and lifestyle migration trends.

Interior capitals like Brasília expect moderate 7-9% growth, while bargain markets like Fortaleza present unique opportunities for significant returns if local conditions improve.

It's something we develop in our Brazil property pack.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

  1. Brazil Price Forecasts
  2. Average House Price in Brazil
  3. São Paulo Apartment Prices
  4. Invest Brazil Real Estate Worth It
  5. Global Property Guide Brazil
  6. Properstar Brazil House Price
  7. Properstar Brazil Market
  8. SIILA Commercial Properties