When do you become the owner?

Ownership · 5 minute read · 1 October 2026

Receiving the keys or signing a contract does not, by itself, complete the transfer of ownership in an ordinary sale of real estate in Brazil.

Agreement, title and registration

The purchase agreement sets out obligations between the parties: what will be sold, for how much, on which conditions and by when. Once the necessary conditions are met, the parties execute the legally appropriate transfer instrument. In many transactions this is a public deed; the correct instrument depends on the transaction.

Under article 1,245 of the Brazilian Civil Code, ownership transfers between living persons through registration of the transfer title at the Real Estate Registry Office. Until that registration, the seller continues to be treated as owner for this purpose. The registry’s examination can reveal requirements that must be satisfied before the title is registered.

Plan the sequence before closing

The timing of payment, transfer instrument, applicable transfer tax, registry submission and delivery of possession should fit together. A foreign individual acquiring property will also need a CPF registration; the Brazilian tax authority provides procedures for nonresidents abroad. Additional rules may apply to certain property types, especially rural land.

After registration, obtain an updated property record and check that it reflects the intended acquisition. The exact path and documents should be confirmed for the property and parties involved.