For investors seeking to invest in real estate the main taxes involved are: IPTU & ITBI
The IPTU is the real estate property tax. IPTU is a municipal tax levied on the value of the property. The rate varies according to the city where the real estate is located. Owners of property in Brazil (Residents and non-residents) are subjected to this tax. It’s established locally in every city, but the amounts normally go from 0, 5% to 1, 5%, of the evaluation of asset, depending on the use of the property and its location.
As to the ITBI, it stands for real estate transfer tax, based on the value of the asset or the evaluation of it.
The amount is normally 2% of the base above mentioned, having to be paid in order to officially register the change of property before a Notary Public.
To the official transfer the asset there are some other costs involved, such as the signature of a public contract and the register of the contract at a Notary Public – Cartório de Registro de Imóveis (cost depends on the value of the asset as well as to the table of price of the cartório).
Fortaleza Real Estate blog 