Latin America

What Investors Can Take Away From the Latest Brazil Housing Census

A new Demographic Census has shed light on the current position of Brazil's housing market. We dive into the findings, scoping out opportunities for global real estate investors in Brazil.

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The recent release of the Brazil Demographic Census by the IBGE has brought to light some compelling insights, particularly related to the housing market. This is significant for anyone considering investing in property in the country.

With a 6.5% increase in population since the last census, Brazil now boasts over 203 million inhabitants. This rise, though significant, pales in comparison to the surge in the number of households which has escalated by 34.21%.

A Shifting Housing Landscape

The latest figures from the census provide a detailed snapshot of how the demand for housing is evolving in Brazil, revealing a significant increase in the number of homes since 2010. From a tally of 67.5 million homes in the previous census, the country now counts 90.7 million homes, an uptick that speaks volumes about the changing dynamics of the nation’s residential fabric.

Of these, the majority are permanent private residences, amounting to 90.6 million. This suggests a stable and growing demand for traditional housing and highlights the potential for investors in the residential property market. Meanwhile, the presence of 66,000 improvised homes points to a segment of the population that may be underserved by the current housing market, possibly representing an opportunity for socially responsible investments.

Furthermore, the count of 105,000 collective homes sheds light on alternative living arrangements that could be of interest to niche investors or those looking to provide housing solutions for students, senior citizens, or professional collectives.

Regional Demands

Delving into regional specifics, the growth has not been entirely uniform. Take Ceará as a case in point: the state has experienced a modest 4% increase in its population. Yet, pockets within the state, like the district of Trairi, have witnessed population booms of 13.6% between 2010 and 2022. Such statistics are beacons for discerning investors, hinting at burgeoning local markets where the demand for housing is likely to accelerate.

Holiday Home Demand Increases

On another front, the census revealed a marked increase in properties classified as ‘occasional use’ or holiday homes, totalling around 6.6 million. This dovetails with a banner year for Brazil’s tourism, which is on track to outshine its 2018 record, drawing a forecast of over 6.6 million international tourists. For the savvy investor, this could mean capitalising on the country’s thriving tourism by investing in holiday homes, which stand to benefit from the continuous influx of visitors.

The data paints a clear picture: there is a ripe environment for property investment in Brazil. From the steady growth in household numbers to the regional population surges and booming tourism sector, each statistic points to strategic opportunities for those looking to invest in property.

For investors, the recent census and current climate suggest that now might be the time to explore the housing market in Brazil—with a particular focus on residential real estate in high-growth areas and holiday homes in tourist hotspots.


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Brazil Housing Census