The Brasília brief
Brasília is the boring-in-a-good-way market. Government salaries underwrite the rental market; vacancy is the lowest among Brazil's major cities. Asa Sul and Lago Sul attract embassy staff and senior civil servants. Short-term yields are weak — this is a buy-and-hold play, not an Airbnb play.
Where foreigners actually buy in Brasília
The neighborhoods below capture 80%+ of foreign-buyer transactions:
Best fit for
Long-term rentals, civil-servant tenants, low-maintenance landlords.
FAQ — Brasília edition
Can a non-resident foreigner buy in Brasília?
Yes. Brazil places no residency requirement on residential property purchases. You'll need a CPF (Brazilian tax ID) and a registered FX operation when wiring funds. See our CPF guide.
Do I have to be in Brasília to close?
No. Brazilian law allows closing by power of attorney (procuração) granted at any Brazilian consulate. Most foreign buyers we work with close remotely.
What's the total cost on top of the purchase price?
Budget 4–6% all-in: ITBI (2–3%), cartório registration (1–2%), attorney (1–1.5%). On a $500K purchase, $20K–$30K. See the tax guide.
Can Brasília property qualify for the investor visa?
Yes — the Brazilian investor visa requires ~$200K USD in real estate. Most residential Brasília property at that price point qualifies. See the visa guide.
Can I get a Brazilian mortgage as a foreigner?
Rarely. Most foreigners pay cash or finance through home-country instruments (HELOC, lombard). See financing options.