Realizing the dream of home ownership is closer than many people think - and can be even more accessible for those who plan, save and make smart financial choices.
Whether it's with free house raffles, such as the Link to Good programIf you want to buy a house, or carefully evaluate the real estate financing options available on the market, today you can turn your desire to own a property into reality. But how do you choose the right path? Is it really worth entering sweepstakes, financing, betting on consortiums or looking for used properties? Understand everything so you can make a safe decision, avoid surprises and finally get your home.
Types of property available on the market
The Brazilian real estate market offers a wide variety of properties, capable of fitting the different profiles, needs and budgets of buyers. Anyone looking to buy a property to live in or invest in should analyze the characteristics, advantages and limitations of each option before taking the next step.
New properties
- Description: These are units recently launched by construction companies, usually with modern infrastructure, guarantees and the possibility of personalization.
- Main features: Flexible floor plan, easy financing, regularized documentation, possibility of using FGTS and competitive interest rates.
- Advantages: Less risk of structural problems, low maintenance costs, clear delivery times.
- Limitations: Higher initial price, need to wait for delivery (in the case of buying on plan).
- Who it's for: Profiles looking for security, predictability and appreciation.
- Link to search for new properties: Viva Real new properties
Used properties
- Description: Houses, apartments or townhouses that have already been lived in, can be more affordable and have a privileged location.
- Main features: Attractive prices, greater scope for negotiation, immediate delivery, possible renovations.
- Advantages: Ready to move into, lower costs, possibility of buying directly from the owner.
- Limitations: It may require maintenance, document regularization and a rigorous assessment of the property's condition.
- Who it's for: Those who need agility, are on a tight budget and are looking for properties in established areas.
- Link to search for used properties: Zap Used Properties
Properties up for auction
- Description: Properties that have been repossessed by banks or public bodies, offered at prices below market value.
- Main features: Reduced values, need for cash payment, risk of occupation.
- Advantages: Significant discounts, opportunity for investors.
- Limitations: It requires extra attention to documentation, the possibility of vacancy costs or pre-existing debts.
- Who it's for: Experienced investors and buyers willing to take risks.
- Official auction site: Caixa auctions
Comparing real estate financing
Real estate financing is now the main way of accessing home ownership in Brazil. Public and private banks offer housing credit lines with a variety of conditions, and comparing interest rates, terms and requirements is essential before making a deal. See below for a comparison of the main types available:
| Bank / Mode | Interest rate | Minimum entry | Maximum deadline | Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caixa Econômica - SFH | 8.0% p.a. + TR* | 20% | 35 years old | Use of FGTS, subsidy, wide network |
| Itaú - Home Loans | 9.0% p.a. + TR* | 20% | 30 years | Fixed rate, digital financing |
| Banco do Brasil - Pro-Cotista | 8.16% p.a. + TR* | 20% | 30 years | Reduced rate for civil servants |
*Rates subject to update. See each bank's website for a personalized simulation.
To find out which bank offers the best conditions for a property in your profile, always use the official simulator of each institution. For example, go to Caixa's mortgage simulator and find out how much you can finance, the installments and the total effective cost (CET).
How real estate financing works
Real estate financing allows you to buy a property upfront with the bank's money, paying the amount in monthly installments adjusted by interest rates. The process is rigorous, requiring proof of income, credit analysis, a property appraisal and the presentation of documents.
Financing options
- Constant Amortization System (SAC): Larger installments at the beginning, which gradually reduce. Suitable for those looking for a lower final cost.
- Price system: Fixed installments, initially made up of a higher percentage of interest. Generally higher final cost.
You can use your FGTS as part of the down payment or amortization. But be careful: don't commit more than 30% of your income to the installments. Always simulate the mortgage considering the value of the property, the desired term and your family budget.
Practical example:
- Property value: R$ 300,000
- Entry (20%): R$ 60,000
- Amount financed: R$ 240,000
- Deadline: 30 years
- Interest rate: 8% p.a.
With these conditions, the value of the installments starts at around R$ 2,100 (SAC) and decreases every year. At the end of the period, the total amount paid can exceed R$ 500,000, due to the incidence of interest and fees.
That's why you should always compare the CET - Total Effective Cost - and not just the nominal rate. Simulate now and see how much you can finance before making long-term commitments.
Interest rates, down payment and installments
Interest rates have a direct impact on the final value of the property being financed. In Brazil, they vary according to the bank, the buyer's profile, the type of property (new, used), the relationship with the institution and whether or not the FGTS is used.
Tips for saving on interest:
- Always research the updated interest rates in banks.
- Finance as little as possible and make the biggest down payment you can.
- Prefer shorter deadlines when possible.
In addition to interest, other fees and costs may be involved in real estate financing: compulsory insurance, fees for the bank's valuation of the property, registration fees and notary costs. Add them all up when simulating to avoid budget surprises.
Minimum entry
- In general, banks require 20% as a down payment. Using your FGTS can help you top up this amount.
- Reduce the amount financed to save on interest and reduce the amount of the installments.
Documentation required for purchase
The documentation required to buy and finance a property is rigorous, in order to guarantee the legal security of the transaction. See the main documents required:
- ID and CPF (buyer, spouse and seller)
- Proof of income and address
- Certificate of marital status
- FGTS statement (if using)
- Income tax return
- Negative certificates for the property and the seller
- Updated property registration
- Floor plan and valuation report
Always check that the property is regularized and free of debts. Properties with outstanding debts may not be approved by the bank or create future risks for the buyer.
Understand all the costs before you buy your property: ITBI (Real Estate Transfer Tax) fees, deed, registry and any real estate agent commissions all come into play. Secure planning for buying your own home starts with understanding all of this.
Additional costs you need to consider
In addition to the value of the property and the financing installments, some additional costs are part of the purchase process and cannot be ignored. Here are the main ones:
- ITBI: Compulsory tax, usually between 2% and 3% of the property's value.
- Deed and registration: Notary costs that formalize the transaction and the transfer of ownership.
- Evaluation fee: Charged by the bank for inspection and analysis of the property.
- Compulsory insurance: MIP (Death and Permanent Disability) and DFI (Physical Damage) added to the value of the installments.
- Brokerage fees: Purchases brokered by real estate agents.
When simulating a mortgage, include all these figures in your planning. This way, you can avoid unpleasant surprises and ensure that the entire purchase process goes smoothly.
Advantages and limitations of financing
Advantages
- Possibility of buying the property without having to wait years to collect the total amount.
- Use of FGTS for down payment or amortization of installments.
- Competitive conditions and rates in programs such as Casa Verde and Amarela.
- Possibility of credit portability between banks.
Limitations
- High long-term interest rates.
- Commitment of income for several years.
- Bureaucracy in approval and detailed documentation requirements.
- Risk of default and loss of the property.
Analyze the installments before making a commitment. Compare banks before making a deal and pay attention to the CET. Evaluate whether real estate financing is really the best option or whether a real estate consortium might be more advantageous for your profile.
Financing x Real Estate Consortium
Many buyers are also considering the alternative of a real estate consortium. See the comparison:
- Financing: Immediate release of the property, interest charges, down payment required.
- Consortium: It does not charge interest (only an administration fee), the property is only released by lottery or bidding, it requires financial discipline and the term can be longer.
Check the conditions with the banks and administrators authorized by the Central Bank before deciding. See more about consortia security on the Central Bank's website.
How to find and take part in house draws
An innovative and increasingly popular alternative to realizing the dream of home ownership is to take part in free property draws. These draws are promoted by serious companies or NGOs, usually linked to social actions. Participants don't pay anything, they just contribute to publicity or solidarity actions - and they could win a house!
Among the reliable and active sweepstakes is the free draw for a Link do Bem house. To take part, it's simple:
- Visit the draw's official website.
- Follow the instructions in the tutorial to register.
- Share the action on your social networks (when requested).
- Wait for the result - and cheer!
As well as competing for a property, you are supporting social causes and taking no financial risks. It is important to always confirm the legitimacy of the draw: be wary of suspicious offers, never give out bank details or pay registration fees.
Safety and planning guidelines for buying a property
- Never commit more than 30% of your monthly income to mortgage installments.
- Always prefer to calculate the CET (Total Effective Cost), as this already includes all the fees and extra costs of the loan.
- Check that the property is in good standing with the registry office and the local town hall.
- Read every clause of the financing and sales contract carefully, questioning any doubtful points.
- Check that the bank or consortium administrator is authorized by the Central Bank of Brazil.
- If in doubt, consult a lawyer specializing in real estate law or a reliable broker.
Final considerations
Buying a property is an important, long-term decision. Analyze all aspects: interest rates, CET, down payment, extra costs, documentation and the impact on the family budget. Do simulations, compare banks with the best conditions for the property, research new and used properties, evaluate the possibility of using FGTS and always be on the lookout for reliable promotions and draws - such as the Link to Good. With planning and information, you can get your own home safely, economically and with peace of mind.
Now it's up to you: simulate now and see how much you can finance, compare banks before closing the deal and realize your dream of home ownership in a conscious way!
