Brazilian Real Estate...Buyer Beware!

You’ve found a  condo you really like...actually you’re fallen in love with the place.

Meanwhile...as you may imagine, size matters!

But how big is it...really?

Did you know there are 3 different ways real estate can be measured in brazil?

There is, of course, the legal measurement listed in the title, or Matricula for the property in question.  These measurements however, have a nasty habit of being incorrect. 

For instance balconies and service areas are not included.  As a matter of fact, any changes made since the original document was produced probably have not been added. 

This lack of correct numbers protects the owner from tax increases.

Then there’s the measurement the friendly, local real estate agent may give you.  Problem is, in many cases the agent may never even have visited the property before starting the sale process, nor have they seen the title documents!

After checking the appropriate papers it may be that extraneous areas suddenly get added to the apartment size...such as the hallway, elevator shaft area and so on.

If we’re talking about a house, the lot area may “increase” because part of neighboring lots are figured in.  Even public streets sometimes get included in the measurements.

Now, if you speak to the owners, you have to understand they have a vested interest in as much area as possible...legal or not.

The only REAL measurement is one YOU, or someone you REALLY trust is going to do for you, and it might not even come close to matching any of the three listed above!

The best advice possible is to get the best HELP possible...and by that I mean legal help, an honest lawyer with experience in real estate.  Do some checking, get personal references from any friend you may have who have already been through the buying cycle.  Interview potential legal help.  If you don’t speak Portuguese, find a lawyer who speaks English...they are here...you just have to look, or ask us!

You can return to the Main Page through this link...I can refer you to several English speaking lawyers with real estate experience and you can do your own interviews to select who you want to assist you.