Brazil – the buzz word of today’s savvy property investors and the sooner you find out why, the sooner you can start to enjoy the massive benefits of investing in this dynamic and beautiful country, ripe for development with so much to offer.

What does the word “Brazil” mean to you? Football? Bikinis? Trendy cocktails? Samba parties? Capoeira? White sand beaches? Vast rainforests? Mega-cities? Rich and poor? Well Brazil is all of these things and so much more.

See below for just some of the reasons now is the time to invest in Brazil off-plan property.

Economic and political attractions

• Brazil – 5th largest country in the world with a population of  over 190 million making up South America’s economic powerhouse
• Self-sufficient in terms of oil with over 1/3rd of the world’s water reserves
• Major producer of aircraft, automobiles, coffee, iron ore, steel and, of course, footwear (Brazil’s super-trendy Havaiana flop-flops)
• Predicted by many as one of world’s next superpowers, firstly under the highly successful leadership of President Lula who helped turn the economy around, and now his successor Dilma Rousseff
• Goldman Sachs predicts that by 2050 Brazil will be the World’s 5th largest economy, currently Brazil is the 8th
• Brazil, which used to receive IMF loans has recently offered to lend money to the IMF for the first time
• Inflation low, unemployment at a record low, currency strong with very favourable outlook
• Price rises of over 20% p.a. are being seen in main property development zones where the local market is booming
• Government policy of “high priority sustainable development” allows foreigners to own 100% freehold on property
• Budget of $USD 750 million recently set aside for enhancing tourist infrastructure such as airports and roads, including the construction of South America’s largest airport ( and the world’s 8th largest) near Natal. Construction is due to be completed by 2013.
• Tourist numbers to north-east already up by 134% over past few years and is in the coveted top 20 of tourism destinations in the world.
• Brazil reached Investment Grade status for the first time.
• GDP in Brasil continues to show strong and sustainable growth with an average of 6.2% last year
• Financing for residential real estate became available to the general population for the first time in 2008 which is having huge  knock-on effect throughout the sector regardless of any recession elsewhere
• The Times newspaper recently quoted well respected city financiers: “Brazil remains one of the fastest growing emerging markets”, “We expect interest rates to continue to come down, providing a boost to domestic sentiment and interest from foreign investment”, and “The market represents extremely good value for investors now”.

Why is Brazil becoming such a major tourism and investment destination?

• Over 7,000km of breathtaking palm lined semi-virgin coastline.
• Near-perfect climate with average temperatures of 28°C in the north-east with a pleasant sea breeze and low humidity.
• Negligible risk from floods, hurricanes, earthquake, tsunami or international terrorism
• North east perfect for sports and adventure enthusiasts with famous wind and kite-surfing areas, world-class diving & snorkeling and deserted sand dunes for buggy riding.
• Beaches consistently ranked in world’s top 10
• Brazilians have a unique mixed heritage resulting in an exhilarating blend of cultures and peoples
• Fun, lively atmosphere with Samba, Carnival, and Brazil’s own intoxicating form of martial arts – capoeira.
• Brazilians famous for being friendly, enthusiastic and incredibly welcoming to foreigners
• Fresh, tropical cuisine ranging from exotic fruits to stunning fresh seafood to spicy Bahían street snacks and not forgetting the infamous “churrascarias” with all you can eat meat and seafood, all for unbelievable prices
• Great overall standard of living for Europeans, with favourable exchange rate
• European standards of property in beachfront locations for low South American prices
• Fast-growing selection of some of the world’s most luxurious hotel chains
• Massive airport construction now underway (Natal will have the 8th largest airport in the world by 2014 World Cup)
• Flying time to Natal under 7hrs from Lisbon and under 9hrs from UK
• Huge domestic holiday market buoying up rentals and sales
• Very positive feedback from foreign tourists ensuring the longevity of the property and tourism boom
• No visa requirements for Europeans for stays of up to 6 months

Is this why, in a recent poll, 96% of first-time visitors to Brazil vowed to return?

More information on Brazil and property

• Map of Brazil by the Brazil Ministry of Transport (6.8 Mb)
• Wikipedia article on Brazil
• CIA – The World Factbook — Brazil
• BBC News – Country Profile on Brazil
• The Brazilian embassy in the UK
• Brazil ministry of tourism
• Brazil property forums
• How do property boom cycles work.