All the costs involved in buying property in Brazil

Buying a property in Brazil, and more specifically in Maceió, is not limited to just the purchase price. One must anticipate several mandatory charges, municipal taxes, and administrative fees, as well as recurring costs once you are a homeowner. 

This guide provides a factual, independent, and up-to-date summary for foreign investors.

1. Municipal transfer tax: ITBI

The ITBI (Tax on the Transfer of Real Estate) is the main municipal tax paid by the buyer at the time of property transfer.

In almost all Brazilian cities, it is generally between 2% and 4% of the property's price, and it is a mandatory charge before the final registration.

Example: for a property worth 1,000,000 BRL, the ITBI will typically be 20,000 to 40,000 BRL.

2. Notary and registration fees: Notary office

The Notary Office (notary + registration office) legally formalises the purchase deed and registers it in the land registry.

In 2026, these fees generally represent 1% to 2% of the property's price, depending on the state and the cadastral value. This includes the drafting and signing of the deed ("Escritura Pública") as well as its official registration. These fees are mandatory to validate the purchase.

3. Legal fees

It is strongly recommended that a foreign investor seeks the assistance of a specialised lawyer for:

• check for the absence of mortgages or disputes,
• secure the transfer process,
• manage any potential sworn translations.

Legal fees generally vary between 1% and 3% of the property's price depending on the complexity and the case, but if you buy with us, the legal fees are included in the price.

4. IPTU — Municipal property tax

The IPTU (Urban Property and Land Tax) is an annual tax that every property owner must pay. It is calculated based on the cadastral value (which may differ from the market price) and varies according to the municipality. 

The usual range in Brazil is from 0.3% to 1.5% of the cadastral value per year.

Example: if the cadastral value of an apartment in Maceió is estimated at 500,000 BRL, the annual IPTU will be between 1,500 BRL and 7,500 BRL.

5. Service charges (condominium)

If the property is in a shared ownership (flat), you pay monthly fees for:

• maintenance of communal areas,
• swimming pool, lift, security,
• sometimes the gas,
• collective services.

These charges vary greatly depending on the building, but accommodation in Maceió typically ranges from around €75 to €100 per month, depending on the size and amenities.

6. Recurring operating costs

As a property owner, one must also anticipate:

• electricity, water, internet, etc.,
• regular maintenance,
• recommended insurances (theft, water damage, etc.).

The costs vary depending on the usage (short-term rental vs personal) but generally, for a 1-bedroom apartment, these costs amount to 500 reais per month.

7. Taxes on rental income

Most countries have an agreement with Brazil to avoid double taxation. In this case, you will be taxed according to the rules of your country of residenc​e (where you have your tax address).

8. Tax on potential capital gains

Upon resale, there is a capital gains tax (realised gains) which is generally around 15% of the net gains.

Buying a property in Maceió (Brazil) remains attractive in terms of entry prices and potential appreciation. However, as with any international transaction, additional costs must be accurately anticipated. We will support you throughout the process.