Property prices are relatively low in Brazil, but they are increasing rapidly, particularly in the big cities and main tourist areas. In some areas, property prices increased by more than 50% in 2005.

A wide range of properties are available for sale throughout Brazil, including modern apartments and family houses in the cities and coastal towns, and more traditional fazendas in the rural areas. New properties can be purchased at the planning or construction stage.

It was recently reported that new apartments in the most exclusive area of the popular expatriate destination of Beira Mar are selling for US$300,000 to US$1,000,000, while in cheaper parts of the city they are available for as little as US$60,000. In Capongo Beach, a smaller town with a mainly Portuguese expatriate community, condominiums are available for around US$25,000.

There are no restrictions on the ownership of land or property in Brazil by foreign nationals. However, in order to purchase property, you need a Brazilian identity card called a CPF. To obtain this, you will first need to have your birth certificate translated into Portuguese and notarized by the Brazilian consulate in your home country. You can then apply for the CPF to Banco de Brasil submitting your notarized birth certificate and your passport. You will also need a Brazilian mailing address, to which your CPF card will be sent.