U.S. Real Estate Market Becomes Attractive Again for Brazilian Buyers

The dream of owning property in the United States continues to capture the interest of many Brazilians. According to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), between April 2021 and March 2022 alone, Brazilian transactions in the U.S. real estate market totaled approximately US$1.6 billion. NAR figures also show that Florida was the primary destination for this demand, accounting for 55% of properties purchased by Brazilian buyers.

There is strong evidence that foreign interest in the U.S. real estate market will remain high. Recently, the Miami Association of Realtors revealed that, over the past 18 months, 85% of new property buyers in Miami were Latin Americans. Despite the political and economic instability experienced by the United States, its fluctuations are still less pronounced than those seen in Latin American countries, especially in the Southern Hemisphere. This scenario has encouraged Mexican, Argentine, Colombian, and Brazilian investors to view U.S. real estate as a form of asset protection.

As a result, the real estate sector—particularly in Florida—continues to be highly attractive to foreign buyers. However, it is important to note that there is a small gap between the dream and reality. From the outside, the U.S. often appears to carry the aura of an economic paradise immune to bureaucracy. This perception may lead many Brazilians to believe that buying a car or a property is as simple as grocery shopping. In practice, however, the process involves specific steps that must be handled with proper organization.

There are indeed fewer obstacles in the U.S. property purchase process compared to Brazil, and with the right guidance, transactions tend to proceed smoothly. Some procedures even follow patterns similar to those in Brazil, such as negotiation, payment structure, closing, document collection, and contract execution. None of these steps present significant difficulty when managed by specialized professionals.

First and foremost, buyers must clearly define the purpose of the purchase. In some cases, the goal is a strategic investment focused on asset protection. In others, the property may be intended for vacation use, personal residence, capital appreciation through real estate speculation, or even as part of an immigration strategy—such as eligibility for visas like the EB-5, which can ultimately lead to a green card and even U.S. citizenship.

Once this objective is established, the next step—handled through specialized legal counsel—is to form a company in the state where the property will be acquired, typically a Limited Liability Company (LLC). This structure offers administrative flexibility while providing asset protection for its members. It is a fundamental component of tax and estate planning, ensuring greater security for the investment.

Subsequent stages also require specialized advisory support. The recommendation is clear: work with a law firm experienced in U.S. real estate transactions and accustomed to assisting foreign buyers. This approach helps ensure that the entire process proceeds without setbacks.

When financing through a local bank is involved, it is important to note that foreign nationals commonly have access to mortgage credit in the U.S., usually with down payments around 30% of the property’s value. This practice is well established in the market and reflects the reality of many international buyers.

The Purchase Agreement is a key document in the transaction. It is typically drafted and negotiated by the real estate agent—an essential professional in the process—and subsequently reviewed by the attorney, who ensures that all terms and conditions are clear and properly aligned with the buyer’s interests.

The acquisition process also includes a due diligence phase, during which potential debts, liens, mortgages, or other legal issues related to the property are thoroughly reviewed. This phase also involves technical inspections and verification of licenses and regulatory compliance. At this point, the law firm often plays one of its most important roles: acting as the Title Company, the U.S. equivalent of a notary office in Brazil. In this capacity, the firm manages the Escrow Account for the secure handling of funds, conducts the Title Search (a comprehensive audit of the property’s title), and concludes the process with the issuance of Title Insurance, which protects against hidden defects in the deed—coverage that is also required by most financing banks.

In summary, purchasing real estate in the United States is a routine process carried out by thousands of foreign buyers every year, particularly in South Florida. With proper guidance, the transaction is conducted in an organized and secure manner, making this dream both attainable and aligned with the best market practices.

Alexandre Piquet is an attorney licensed in the United States and the founder of Piquet Law Firm, with practice areas in tax, corporate, real estate, and immigration law.