First Home Buyer Guide in Brazil 2026

Your First Home in Brazil — Where to Start

Buying your first home in Brazil is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make. The process can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into clear steps makes it manageable. This guide covers everything from saving your deposit to collecting the keys.

Saving for Your Deposit

Most lenders in Brazil require a deposit of 20-30% of the property price. The more you save, the better your loan terms and the less you pay in additional costs.

Build your FGTS balance by maintaining formal employment — employers deposit 8% of your salary. You can use FGTS every 2 years to reduce your mortgage. Open a poupança (savings account) for additional savings. Check your FGTS statement at caixa.gov.br

Government Support for First-Time Buyers

Minha Casa Minha Vida provides subsidised interest rates as low as 4-5% for families earning up to R$8,000/month (compared to market rates of 9-12%). FGTS (Workers’ Severance Fund) can be used for the deposit or to reduce monthly payments. First-time buyers with 3+ years of FGTS contributions get the best terms

Check our government grants guide for the full list of current programmes and eligibility requirements.

Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Pre-approval tells you exactly how much you can borrow and shows sellers you are a serious buyer. In Brazil, the process works as follows.

Check your eligibility with Caixa Econômica Federal first for FGTS-subsidised rates. Bring your CPF, income proof, and FGTS statement. Also check your credit score at Serasa Experian — scores above 700 get better terms

Use our mortgage calculator to model different scenarios before applying. Read our mortgage types guide to understand which loan product suits your situation.

Understanding the Full Cost of Buying

The purchase price is just the beginning. Budget for additional costs that can add significantly to your total outlay.

ITBI (property transfer tax) of 2-3% depending on the municipality — in São Paulo it is 3%. Read our buying costs guide for a complete breakdown of every expense.

Common First-Time Buyer Mistakes

Not checking Caixa/FGTS eligibility before going to commercial banks (missing subsidised rates), underestimating ITBI transfer tax and cartório fees, choosing the PRICE amortisation system over SAC (which costs more overall), and not using FGTS balance to reduce the mortgage every 2 years

Avoid these pitfalls by taking your time, doing thorough research, and leaning on qualified professionals throughout the process. Our property inspection checklist covers what to check before committing.

Your Step-by-Step Timeline

The typical first home purchase follows these stages: establish your budget and savings target, explore government support options, get pre-approved for financing, search for the right property, make an offer, complete legal due diligence and inspections, and finalise settlement.

Our property buying guide walks through each stage in detail, and our mortgage guide covers everything about financing.

Next Steps

Ready to start? Use our mortgage calculator to see what you can afford, browse Brazil FAQs for quick answers, or explore our full property buying guide.