We often get asked about homes for sale in Brazil. As a law firm, we don’t generally get involved in the search phase. Rather, our work starts after a client has found their ideal property.

If you’re in the market, there are plenty of places to look. Aside from the language barrier, the search process is really quite similar to how you’d find a house in the US.

Our clients have had the most success when they know the seller or know someone who knows the seller. With a personal reference, the sale always seems to go just a bit smoother. That said, not everyone knows someone in Brazil who has their property for sale.

Hiring a realtor is a good option, especially if you don’t want to do the research yourself. They know the area; they know what’s available; and they know what’s a reasonable price. International companies like Re/Max, Colliers and Sotheby’s all have local offices in Brazil to help foreign buyers safely navigate the process.

Then there are online searches like ImovelWeb, ZAP Imóveis and Viva Real. These are all popular websites and similar to Zillow or Realtor.com. There are also online forums that cater to foreign investors. Just be careful as these options pose a much greater risk. It’s hard to know who you’re dealing with online.

Whatever you do, make sure you run title, lien and debt searches before you buy. While any Brazilian lawyer can do this for you, our Real Estate Due Diligence Package is a quick and easy way to get this information.