Are you thinking about buying real estate in Brazil? The Brazilian property market can offer incredible opportunities — but it also comes with risks. That’s why due diligence is not just recommended — it’s essential.
At Martin Law, we lead and execute the entire due diligence process for our international clients. With decades of experience, we know exactly what to look for — and how to protect your investment in Brazil.
Due diligence is a thorough legal, technical, and financial investigation of the property — and the seller — before you sign anything or send money.
In Brazil, real estate transactions are very different from those in the U.S. or Europe. If you skip proper checks, you might end up with:
Due diligence helps avoid all that.
When you hire Martin Law, our real estate lawyers will review dozens of critical documents and verify every detail. Here are some of the most important steps:
We confirm that the seller is the real owner and the property is legally registered at the Real Estate Registry Office (Cartório de Registro de Imóveis).
We check if the property has:
If these exist, you could inherit them as the new owner.
We review:
We can coordinate a professional inspection to check for structural issues, leaks, electrical problems, or illegal construction — things sellers might try to hide.
In Brazil, the seller’s debts can follow the property — especially if they owe taxes, labor claims, or are under bankruptcy. That’s why we also investigate:
Our team handles the full due diligence process, including:
We simplify the process, explain everything clearly in English, and protect your investment from day one.
Each due diligence process is different, depending on the complexity of the case. On average:
Common Questions About Real Estate Due Diligence in Brazil
No, but it is strongly recommended. Without it, you assume all risks — including hidden debts and legal issues.
We don’t recommend it. Brazilian real estate law is complex, and most documents are in Portuguese. It’s easy to miss key legal risks without a qualified lawyer.
Usually 1 to 3 weeks, depending on how quickly we get access to all necessary documents.
We will guide you on how to renegotiate, request legal guarantees, or walk away safely.
Yes. With a power of attorney, we can manage the entire process on your behalf — from due diligence to closing the deal.
Martin Law can help you!