CURITIBA – As the only Brazilian to make this year’s list of the top 25 most influential thinkers in TIME Magazine, Jaime Lerner is a renowned architect and urban planner whose theories and ideas have been implemented all around the world. Indeed it was his policies that helped turn the Brazilian city of Curitiba into one of the world’s greenest.

Jaime Lerner, former mayor of Curitiba and creator of one of the world's greenest cities, photo by Victor Soares/ABr.

Lerner was appointed mayor of Curitiba, the capital city of Paraná, in 1971–75, 1979–84 and 1989–92, but already in his first term he was keenly implementing social, ecological, and urban reforms.

Facing a number of obstacles from the outset including the city’s geographical challenge of being surrounded by floodplains, Lerner converted much of this useless terrain into parks which gave the city a top ranking in per-capita park area in the world. When Lerner ran into the dilemma of not having sufficient money to afford the tractors and petroleum to mow these parks, he came up with the innovative idea of “municipal sheep”, who keep the parks’ vegetation under control and whose wool funds children’s programs.

Another obstacle was the city’s waste problem; Curitiba had several neighborhoods impossible to service by municipal waste removal due to narrow roads. Rather than forsake these people, Lerner created a program that traded bags of groceries and transit passes for bags of trash, cleaning up these areas substantially.

When he wanted cleaner waterways he began another program that paid fishermen by the pound for any garbage they retrieved. This satisfied the fishermen because when it wasn’t fishing season they were still able to supplement their income, and the city saved millions in costs with these two “win-win” initiatives in place.

The Rapid Transit Bus, or Speedybus, helped revolutionize traffic congestion in Curitiba, photo by Luan Lenon/GNU Free Documentation License.

One of Lerner’s most significant contributions to the city was creating an extremely quick and efficient transportation system. When given the option of starting a costly mass subway development, Lerner opted to create the “Speedybus” line, using Swedish-made, articulated buses (fitting close to 300 people).

The city then built transit stops, more closely resembling train stations, which are completely equipped to handle large numbers of passenger traffic including handicap accessibility. The system is run and operated by private firms, yet the city still controls the routes and fares. His integrated bus system transports 2.4 million Curitibans every day.

The ideas and theories of Jaime Lerner should make Brazil proud and should inspire all of us to think about how we can improve the quality of life in our big cities for us and for future generations.

RIO DE JANEIRO – Are you fortunate enough to be reading this article from the wet-deck of your yacht, or the back seat of your limousine? Do you dream of finding a luxury pied-à-terre in a city with year round sunshine and famous beaches? If so, then one of the three luxury apartments currently available in Rio may present the perfect opportunity to get to the very top of the Brazilian property ladder.

Luxury apartments are receiving price tags of close to R$20m, photo by Concal Construtora.

Firstly, for R$17 million you could find yourself the new owner of the tenth floor apartment in the Edifício Juan Les Pins in Leblon, named after the village on the Cote d’Azur in France. With four en suite bedrooms, reception rooms, media rooms and no less than four parking spaces, there is ample space for you and your guests to feel at home. Also guaranteed is all-day sun, since there are three separate balconies with three different aspects.

The potential buyer should probably be aware that the apartment comes with a somewhat gruesome past, however. In 2008, the former owner, supermarket magnate Arthur Sendas, was murdered on his own doorstep by a member of his personal staff. The apartment has since undergone major renovations in a bid to shed that memory and make it marketable.

The second apartment currently on offer can be found a little over a mile away, still well within the confines of Leblon. The Edifício Cap Ferrat is Rio’s most expensive residential block and, as the apartment is on a lower floor than the previous apartment, the price is again R$17 million. The flat itself includes five en suite bedrooms, an entrance hall, media rooms, a home cinema, a double whirlpool bath and is advertised as coming with three maids.

The views of Leblon and Ipanema beach propel property prices to incredible heights, photo by Jonas L/Wikimedia Creative Commons License.

With 24-hour security the building also caters for the security conscious, although it doesn’t come cheap. The condominium charge is quoted at R$60,000 per month. While living in Cap Ferrat, expect to be bumping into fellow resident and nightlife entrepreneur Alexandre Accioly, who will no doubt fast track the new owner into the upper echelons of Rio society.

Finally, if you are more interested in a little DIY, then why not opt for the rooftop of the Edifício Atlântico Sul. At 1,560m linear (total wall length), it is one of the largest living spaces in all of Zona Sul. It is probably even large enough to share, so why not convert the space into several smaller apartments and recoup some of the R$30 million price tag?

If you are interested in any of these apartments, then don’t plan to wander down on an open-morning, or see a for-sale sign on the gate. You will need to get in touch with the agents, Judice Araujo already, or their partner, Christie’s Great Estates.

Before you call your accountant, it is worth considering what R$10 million can get you in some of the world’s other great cities. For example, you could buy yourself a two bedroom 140m² flat in Knightsbridge, London; a five bedroom loft conversion in Tribeca, New York; or take breakfast on your balcony overlooking the Eiffel Tower. However, for the committed sun worshiper, there is really only one choice, and it involves Rio’s Zona Sul.

RIO DE JANEIRO – The second article in our series on renting apartments in Rio focuses on the kind of apartment you can expect to find for R$2,500. Again, we will examine the rental market in five popular neighborhoods; Ipanema, Copcabana, Leblon, Flamengo and Botafogo. Prices were taken from www.zap.com.br.

The view back across Leblon to The Lagoa and Sugarloaf Mountain shows the wide variety of apartment buildings available, photo by Jake Gordon/Wikimedia Creative Commons License.

Ipanema
Ipanema is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Rio, with high class shops, restaurants and the famous beach running along its length, accordingly, the cost of renting an apartment is among the highest in the city. For R$2,500, expect an 80m² apartment with one to two bedrooms.

Example: This 70m², two bedroom apartment on Almirante Sadock de Sá has been thoroughly renovated, and features fitted furniture throughout. The building is located at the end of the street, abutting a rock-face, so is relatively quiet. There does not appear to be any balcony, or shared amenities, which may be found in comparable apartments in this price range. There is also a monthly R$506 building charge. This apartment may be viewed here.

Average apartment area: 80m²
Average rent per m²: R$50

Leblon
Leblon is Rio’s most sought-after zip code, but with high demand comes high prices. R$2,500 is sufficient to rent a serviceable one or two bedroom apartment here, although it will probably be less than spacious, and have restricted views, or be along a noisy main road.

Example: At R$2,700, this first floor apartment may stretch your budget slightly, but it has all of the essentials. There is a bedroom and small living room with dining area, all squeezed into 45m². There is also a car parking space, and it can be viewed here.

Average apartment area: 55m²
Average rent per m²: R$50

Copacabana
Copacabana is the very heart of Zona Sul, but with good transport links comes huge traffic congestion, though it is serviced by three Metro stations. It is popular with tourists so lacks the refined atmosphere of Flamengo and Ipanema, and has a reputation for some seedy streets. R$2,500 is sufficient to rent a 65m² apartment in a centrally-located building. Many are targeted at tourists, so are already fully furnished.

Example: This 60m² apartment features two bedrooms and a small living and dining area and comes with some basic furniture, including double beds. The master bedroom is of a reasonable size, although the guest bedroom is only a little bigger than the bed it contains. The listing can be viewed here.

Average apartment area: 60-70m²
Average rent per m²: R$28

Flamengo's apartment buildings crammed together as the favela overlooks from the hillside, photo by Joe Hodge.

Botafogo
Botafogo is a popular area with students and increasingly families, but suffers similar traffic problems to Copacabana during peak hours. Rio Sul Shopping and Botafogo Praia Shopping are two excellent malls in close proximity, and there is certainly no shortage of bars and restaurants to keep residents entertained. Apartments in the R$2,500 price range are a more spacious 80-120m² on average, and can be found with two or three bedrooms, fitted kitchens and bathrooms and pleasant views. Many will also feature private balconies or terraces and communal facilities such as a pool.

Example: Located on Rua Pinheiro Guimarães, this 87m² apartment features an en-suite master bedroom, a guest bedroom and a single parking space. There is a balcony, although the views are not particularly exhilarating. The building has both a shared pool and a shared football pitch and can be seen here.

Average apartment area: 80 – 90m²
Average rent per m²: R$23

Flamengo
Flamengo is another of Rio’s high-rise neighborhoods and very popular with families with its quieter streets and proximity to Centro. On average, apartments available for R$2,500 are, as with Botafogo, of around 80m² and feature two or three bedrooms and a modern fitted furniture.

Example: This 90m² apartment has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and well-maintained parquet flooring throughout. The kitchen features fitted furniture, modern appliances and a breakfast bar. There is a small terrace although views are restricted, and it can be seen here.

Average apartment area: 80m²
Average rent per m²: R$35

RIO DE JANEIRO – Following our recent series of articles examining the Rio housing market at fixed price-intervals, our second series caters for renters, rather than those looking to buy. Firstly, we take a look at the type of apartment you can expect to rent in five popular neighborhoods for around R$1,500 per month. Prices were taken from www.zap.com.br.

Botafogo apartments offer considerably more value per square meter than those in Ipanema and Leblon, photo by Oli Bazely.

Ipanema
Ipanema is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Rio, with the advantage of an expansive beach and without the slightly seedy edge of Copacabana. Accordingly, the cost of renting an apartment is among the highest in the city. For R$1,500, expect a fifty square meter apartment with one bedroom. The view will be restricted to facing buildings, as opposed to the sea views enjoyed by some of other residents. The majority of the buildings are high rise, so porters are employed in most buildings.

Example: This 49m² apartment is located between Ipanema and Copacabana, and features a small, but functional bathroom, a living room with a bar and small kitchenette. Furniture is slightly dated, but is in good condition. Air conditioning is not installed. The listing can be viewed here.

Average apartment area: 50m²
Average rent per m²: R$50

Leblon
Leblon is Rio’s most sought-after bairro, and, with high demand comes high prices. Finding anything in the R$1500 price range is difficult, but not impossible. As in Ipanema, a one bedroom apartment with some fairly significant drawbacks with regards to space is most likely to be on offer. For those determined to base themselves here on a more limited budget, a shared apartment would present a better deal.

Example:  For R$1,400 per month, it is possible to rent a room in this two bedroom apartment. The flat comes fully furnished, with Wi-Fi, Cable TV, air conditioning and 24 hour security. The listing can be viewed here.

Average apartment area: 40-50m²
Average rent per m²: R$50

Copacabana
Copacabana is located at the heart of Zona Sul, and benefits from great amenities and good public transport links. It is popular with tourists and short-stay visitors, so lacks the refined atmosphere of Leblon, or the bohemian spirit of Santa Teresa. R$1,500 is sufficient to rent a fifty square meter apartment in a centrally-located building. Many apartments are targeted at tourists so are already furnished, but the quality of furnishings is unlikely to be anything but basic in this price range.

Example: This 40m² apartment features one bedroom, a small living / dining area, and comes with some basic furniture, including a double bed. The listing can be viewed here.

Average apartment area: 55-65m²
Average rent per m²: R$28

Graph displaying square-meter against price (in thousands of reais) of apartments currently on offer on zap.com, image by Oli Bazely.

Botafogo
Located between Copacabana and Flamengo, Botafogo has a slightly edgier reputation than some Zona Sul districts, however the sharp rise in demand for real estate across the south zone has benefited the relatively underdeveloped market here. Amenities and transport links are good, with Rio Sul Shopping and Botafogo Praia Shopping malls in the area. Apartments at the R$1,500 price range are a more spacious sixty square meters on average, and can be found with one or two bedrooms, fitted kitchens, ocean views and separate dining rooms.

Example: Located on Rua Dona Mariana, this unfurnished apartment has two bedrooms, a living room and a very basic kitchen. The area outside the apartment has been recently converted into a patio. The listing can be viewed here.

Average apartment area: 65m²
Average rent per m²: R$23

Flamengo
Flamengo is another of Rio’s high-rise neighborhoods, and is at least fifteen minutes travel from the Atlantic beaches, making it less popular with tourists than Copacabana or Ipanema. Among the apartment blocks can be found several art-deco buildings and consulates, which enhance the barrio’s desirability. On average, apartments available for R$1,500 are forty-to-fifty square meters and feature one bedroom and a small kitchen. You may get luck and see apartments with modern fitted kitchens and bathrooms, or views of Guanabara Bay, although finding both together is unlikely. Apartments usually also feature air conditioning or a bedroom with an en suite bathroom.

Example: This 32m² one-bed apartment is available for R$1,200. It comes part-furnished and features a modernized bathroom and kitchen, as well as air conditioning. The bedroom has a fitted wardrobe, but no bed, and the listing can be viewed here.

Average apartment area: 50m²
Average rent per m²: R$35

RIO DE JANEIRO – On June 18th the Porto Maravilhosa (Wonderful Port) project took a step nearer completion, as the city council sanctioned a bill introducing tax relief on municipal developments in the port district. The move was the latest in a series of bills aimed at clearing the way for the major urban regeneration plan, expected to be finished in time for the 2016 Olympics.

An impression of the new port development destined to transform the Mauá area of Rio, photo by Porto Maravilhosa/Prefeitura.

The project aims to redevelop large areas of the port district for residential and commercial purpose, including the landmark Pier Mauá, which will become the focal point of a major new leisure complex.

The plan encompasses the Santo Cristo, Gamboa and Saúde neighborhoods, as well as parts of São Cristóvão, Centro and Cidade Nova. Historically, these districts have been integral to Rio’s development, witnessing the birth of both choro and samba music, as well as construction of the city’s first skyscraper.

Nowadays, the port region is more dilapidated, although its facilities still serve the many thousands of cruise passengers that dock in the city each year. It has been suggested that one reason for the port’s decline is the effective isolation caused by the ‘Perimitral’ raised highway, and accordingly, there are proposals to demolish part of this structure in the future.

The redevelopment of the port district has been tabled for over 30 years, but bureaucratic impasses and financial constraints have prevented the project from ever getting off the ground. By working together in recent years, the Federal, State and Municipal Governments are finally seeing their plans come to fruition.

The port's warehouses as they look today, photo by Jorge Andrade/Creative Commons License.

The first phase of the project includes the renewal of the Praça Mauá and the Mauá Pier, in addition to the renewal of one million square meters of existing infrastructure, and potentially the development of a further five million. Phase One will also see pavements, parks and squares renovated, as well as the planting of trees and the restoration of native mangrove species.

To attract visitors to the district, the city is also planning to build an aquarium, an art gallery and the futuristic ‘Museum of Tomorrow’. The recent pacification of Morro da Provodência, and the establishment of a Police Pacification Unit were also carried out under the “Porto Maravilhosa” banner.

The ambitions of Phase Two of the project are more wide-reaching, designed to raise the standard of living for current residents of the port district. Aims include the installation of new sewage networks, in addition to improvements in water, electricity, telephone and piped gas infrastructure, and traffic flow in the district will also be completely reorganized as tunnels, on-ramps, bike lanes and bus stops are constructed. An expansion of the existing Mount Provodência rail tunnel to include road traffic will further improve the current traffic situation.

When developing the project, planners looked to both Barcelona and Buenos Aires for inspiration. The 1992 Barcelona Olympics are well known to have sparked a major phase of urban regeneration in the city, which has left a positive and lasting legacy. Barcelona has since become one the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, and amidst predictions in increase visitors to South America, Rio is no-doubt hoping to reinforce its international profile.

RIO DE JANEIRO – We continue our look at what different budgets will get you in different neighborhoods in the city within the R$500,000 bandwidth, a sum which will buy an ample family apartment in an area like Catete, or just get you on the bottom rung in Leblon. As most urban Cariocas tend to live in apartments, we’ve focused on this sector of the market, and all prices are compiled from zap.com

Apartments on Leblon's General Artigas road, photo by Doug Gray.

Leblon
The undisputed height of chic in Rio, for those with the means this area offers the novela lifestyle that’s close to everything you need. The subway system doesn’t yet stop in Leblon, however if you’re planning to look ahead when Rio hosts the 2016 Olympics that is set to change, and could benefit your investment. Then again, if you own an apartment in Leblon you probably don’t utilize public transportation to any great degree. You’re also never far from some of Rio’s best restaurants and shopping here too.

Example: Built in 1959 on Avenida Bartolomeu Mitre, at sixty-one square meters total area this one-bedroom apartment is quite a bit of living space for R$500,000, given the location. Fixtures appear to be modern, but you’ll need to find parking space elsewhere as that sought-after spot does not come with the price.
You can view this listing here

Average total apartment area: 61 square meters
Average price per square meter: R$9500

Ipanema
Though we featured Ipanema in a more affordable price range, if your budget extends a bit further you’ll find plenty on offer here. Together with Leblon considered the cream of Rio realty, and they of course share the same stretch of beach.

Example: Although the listing doesn’t specify exactly which street, this two-bedroom apartment is close to the beach, and is good value for it’s size: 75 square meters for $550,000. Having said that, the photographs show that the additional bedroom has definitely cost the lounge some area.
You can view this listing here

Average total apartment area: 67.5 square meters
Average price per square meter: R$8,500 per square meter

Ipanema vies with Leblon for the title of the most sought-after addresses in Rio, photo by Simon Robinson.

Gavea
From blue collar roots, Gavea is now among the most desirable areas in Rio to live, and prices reflect this. Something of a contradiction, Gavea is at the same time renowned as a a nightspot for the young and restless, as well as being a middle-class family-oriented neighborhood. The nightlife on offer relates to the many schools and universities in the area, but shopping and amenities are also excellent, as is access to Barra.

Example: At 70 square meters for R$575,000, this two bedroom apartment gives you an idea of what an investment in Gavea will cost you. The photos show a well-planned accommodation, that seems more spacious than the area would suggest.
You can view this listing here

Average total apartment area: 110 square meters
Average price per square meter: R$5,950

Urca
If Leblon is Rio’s home of chic, then Urca is it’s more distinguished elder relation. Those who are just passing through will probably know Urca only as the embarkation point for the famed Sugar Loaf mountain cable car, and may not get to see the tranquil side streets and grand old architecture of this beautiful suburb. Reputed to be the safest neighborhood in Rio.

Example: Perhaps surprisingly given the averages detailed below, R$580,000 gets you a three bedroom apartment at 126 square meters total area, with what must be a stunning view of Baia Guanabara, though the photo doesn’t really do it justice. If you’ve got the money to spend, this would surely be a great investment.

You can view this listing here

Average total apartment area: 84 square meters
Average price per square meter: R$6,900

Laranjeiras
One of Rio’s oldest neighborhoods, the area is packed with classical colonial Portuguese architecture. If your budget is around the figure we’re looking at this week, then Laranjeiras certainly seems to offer the most choice among the areas we’re featuring.

Example: Fully 130 square meters, this one bedroom apartment at R$500,000 would be spacious living indeed. What grabs the eye straight away is the expansive veranda, perfect for entertaining, and proving that Laranjeiras is still the way to go for comfortable living at comfortable prices.
You can view this listing here

Average total apartment area: 92 square meters
Average price per square meter: R$5,800

RIO DE JANEIRO – As property continues on a steep upward trajectory in Rio, we decided to take a look at what can still be had in some of the city’s best known neighborhoods for around R$300,000 (US$167,926). As most urban Cariocas tend to live in apartments, we’ve focused on this sector of the market, with Leblon excluded due to the price band, which will be increased in part two of the series. Prices are compiled from zap.com

A typical apartment building on Rua Visconde de Piraja, Ipanema, where R$300,000 buys a small one-bedroom apartment, photo by Doug Gray.

Ipanema
Together with Leblon, one of Rio’s undisputed glamor neighborhoods. For many the heart of Zona Sul, Ipanema boasts a multitude of restaurants, bars and shopping, not to mention the gorgeous beach. Prices in this area reflect it’s desirability, and the buyer will struggle to find anything within the R$300,000 – R$350,000 range.

Example: A small one bedroom apartment on Rua Visconde de Pirajá, three blocks from the beach, costs R$350,000 and offers total usable area of  forty square meters, costing R$7,288 or US$4,070 per square meter.
View this apartment listing here.

Average apartment total area: 40 square meters (max. 45 sq/m, min. 40 sq/m).
Average price per square meter: R$8,000 or US$4,468.

Copacabana
There’s still, perhaps surprisingly, plenty of decent-sized apartments in this price range available in world-famous Copacabana. No introductions needed for this neighborhood really, save the presence of the emblematic beach of the same name, and the fact that it is served well by three Metro stations.

Example: A somewhat larger one bedroom apartment, though at the less desirable and somewhat seedy end of Copacabana on Rua Prado Junior is on sale for R$300,000, offering fifty square meters of total living area at R$6,000 or US$3,351 per square meter.
View this apartment listing here.

Average apartment total area: 52 square meters (max. 75 sq/m, min. 30 sq/m).
Average price per square meter: R$6100 or US$3,406 (max. R$8,500, min. R$4,500).

Typical high-rise apartment block in Flamengo, photo by Doug Gray.

Flamengo
Bordered by Botafogo, Catete and Laranjeiras, Flamengo is also rated as one of Rio’s upcoming neighbourhoods despite being one of its oldest, and is well worth considering as a slightly cheaper alternative to Ipanema and Leblon. The area is packed with attractive colonial architecture, and has great public transport routes.

Example: This one bedroom apartment on Rua Buarque de Macedo just one block from the beach and Flamengo Park is on the market for R$300,000, offering forty square meters total living space at R$8,333 or US$4,654 per square meter.
View this apartment listing here.

Average apartment total area: 49 square meters (max. 70 sq/m, min. 30 sq/m).
Average price per square meter: R$6,800 or US$3,799 (max. R$9,000, min. R$5,000).

Botafogo
Although still one of Rio’s most expensive bairros (neighborhoods), Botafogo is a lot cheaper than its more upmarket neighbors, Leblon and Ipanema. Comprising the area between two arterial roads, Rua Voluntários da Pátria and Rua São Clemente, Botafogo is recognized as one of the up-and-comers in Rio’s Zona Sul, as proven by the many new bars and stores opening in the area.

Example: A one bedroom apartment on Praia do Botafogo is on the market for R$300,000, moments from the Metro, Botafogo Praia shopping mall, and, of course, Botafogo Beach, offering 47 square meters total area at R$6,383 or US$3,573 per square meter.
View this apartment listing here.

Average total area: 52 square meters (max. 70 sq/m, min. 35 sq/m).
Average price per square meter: R$6400 or US$3,583 (max. R$9000, min. R$4400).

Tijuca
Sometimes referred to as the ‘Zona Sul of Zona Norte’, Tijuca is a sprawling and predominantly middle-class area, famous as the home of many of the city’s samba schools. Tijuca is still definitely a cheaper way onto the Rio property ladder, and although prices have risen steeply in recent years, families who need more than a studio apartment are especially well looked after in this price range. Plenty of well-appointed two-or-more bedroom apartments on offer make up for the relative isolation when compared to the likes of Ipanema.

Example: This two bedroom apartment on Rua José Higino is on sale at R$300,000. With a considerably more spacious ninety square meters total area at R$3,333 or US$1,861 per square meter, you get far more for your money, and still only fifteen minutes walk from the Metro.
View this apartment listing here.

Average apartment total area: 105 square meters (max. 150 sq/m, min. 80 sq/m).
Average price per square meter: R$2,900 or US$1,619 (max. R$3,800, min. R$2,000).

RIO DE JANEIRO – Brazil’s property market continues to prosper, prices continue to rise, and real estate is of course becoming big business. There are a lot of companies out there to choose between, however, and the quality of service varies enormously, particularly in comparison to the USA or UK. Often they don’t publish their information in English either, so it can be a very frustrating process to go through as a foreign buyer.

The Comfort Stay Verano condominium in Barra, currently being sold by winners Lopes real estate company, photo by Lopes.

Like a good many other markets, though, Brazilian real estate has its own rankings and awards to help distinguish between the best performers. Widely considered the most prestigious of these prizes is the Top Real Estate award, also known as Top Imobiliário. It includes a list of the best real estate companies in Brazil, often dominated by those in São Paulo, but increasingly in Rio too. It is one of the most important listings in the Brazilian real estate sector, and the seventeenth edition took place earlier this month.

Awarded by the Estado do São Paulo newspaper, statistics upon which the rankings are based come from the Brazilian Company of Heritage Studies (Embrasp), and the event receives financial sponsorship from Caixa Economica with further support from the housing syndicate Secovi-SP. In 1993 the newspaper conceived and created the prize, with the first given out at a simple luncheon at the Estado offices. Since then the ceremony has grown into an important recognition of excellence in the market, and has become both hugely important and competitive.

In 1977, Embraesp created the Real Estate Bulletin Data Bank, which is now known as the Telembraesp. The data is widely recognized and a trusted authority on performance, and It is on this information that the Estado do São Paulo bases its list of Top Imobiliário winners. Government statistical organizations, municipalities, universities, and industry professionals also use it as a reference point.

Guests at the 2010 Top Imobiliário Event await news of the winners, photo by Top Imobiliário.

Although São Paulo constitutes the largest real estate market in the country and dominates the top ten, many of the companies also cover Rio, and increasingly so. The calculations for the rankings are based on all types of residential real estate, be they apartment units, condominiums, houses, or otherwise and also include commercial real estate.

In 2007, in recognition of the important role that the real estate sector plays in the development of the Brazilian economy, two new categories for the Top Imobiliário award were created. One was for the most successful market performers, the other for Real Estate Person of the Year, created to recognize the professional who is considered to have contributed the most to the growth and development of the sector. Other market professionals were invited to vote for the winner from a choice of three nominees.

The nominees for the 2010 Real Estate Person of the Year were João Rossi (Rossi), João Crestana (Secovi-SP), and Elie Horn (Cyrela). João Rossi won the award, accepting it at the ceremony held on June 1st. The award for most successful market performer went to Lopes, and the full top ten Real Estate Sales companies 2010 was as follows:

• 1. Lopes
• 2. Habitcasa
• 3. Abyara Brokers
• 4. Delforte & I.Price
• 5. Avance
• 6. Fernandez Mera
• 7. Elite Brasil
• 8. Coelho da Fonseca
• 9. Plus
• 10. Even

RIO DE JANEIRO - The booming real estate industry in Brazil remains untouched by the economic fall out of the 2008 credit crunch. Partly due to foreign speculation as a result of the forthcoming 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics on these shores, partly due to the boost in domestic demand amongst increasingly affluent Brazilians, housing prices have risen in a manner never before witnessed in the country.

Sao Paulo Skyline at Night, photo by Andre Deak/Flickr Creative Commons License.

While Viera Souto (Ipanema) and Delfim Moreira (Leblon) are the two beach front roads in Rio with the greatest values per square meter, even behind these highly prized addresses the neighborhood costs dwarf those of São Paulo. Waterfront new-builds in Rio’s two most affluent neighborhoods can fetch anywhere up to R$25,000 per square meter, unmatched anywhere in South America let alone São Paulo, but even several blocks from the beach the average price remains around R$12,000 per square meter compared to R$7,000 in Jardins, considered São Paulo’s most desirable region.

The obvious reason for this is little more than a combination of geography and supply and demand. Hemmed in by mountains and the sea and with little room to expand but upward, planning constraints limit the number of apartments that Rio can physically hold. What few spare corners of land remain are being slowly developed, and a building under four stories is a rare sight indeed throughout most of Zona Sul.

São Paulo on the other hand is sprawling but spacious, with less competition for each square meter despite a population in excess of twenty million. In that respect, the real estate market is more comparable to that of Barra da Tijuca, the long stretch of beach to the west of Rio, and prices reflect this. With a great deal more space and a huge amount of competition between developers and vendors, prices in Barra have held more in line with those of their metropolis neighbor. A new build here will cost between R$5,000-R$10,000 per square meter depending on the location (proximity to beach and Zona Sul), whilst Consolaçao, another of the more desirable parts of São Paulo, is likely to cost between R$4,000-R$8,000.

A typical studio managed by Rio Apartments, photo by Rio Apartments.

Of course there are far more affordable options to be found. Flats in Rio Branco in Central São Paulo range from R$100,000-R$150,000 for a fifty meter square apartment, whereas well-located Avenida Paulista and Bela Vista start at R$270,000 for two bedrooms. Other areas, such as Vila Madalena, Pinheiros and Bexiga, are worth considering as an affordable alternative remaining central to the city, and, of course the jobs.

The slightly more affordable alternatives in Rio remain the infamous Copacabana district, where prices plunged with the growth of Ipanema and Leblon, but are set to recover as it becomes the focus of Olympic activity in 2016. R$350,000 will get you that same fifty meter square apartment here, over double a comparable neighborhood in São Paulo, but still potentially a sound investment. Indeed, what is being paid for is not simply the land per se, but the lifestyle associated with the area; beautiful beaches, nightlife, restaurants and quality of life.

Other choices in Rio include Botafogo and Flamengo, with both offering the convenience of being close to Centro and Zona Sul, where you are likely to pay up to R$5,000 per square meter for a property in good condition. This is more or less directly comparable with Vila Madalena, São Paulo’s equivalent of Botafogo with its bustling nightlife and vibrant arts and student scenes.

As such the prospects for Rio’s housing market still look brighter than their big cousin to the west despite incredible prices already being reached that even two years ago would have been unimaginable. The simple fact is that the limited space and huge demand will always keep the most desirable area codes well above their São Paulo equivalent. Whether the two will have a chance to level out after the Olympic bubble remains to be seen, but for now, the smart money resides in Rio.

RIO DE JANEIRO – Community life in favelas is flourishing amidst the violence and poverty that mark Rio de Janeiro as a city of contradictions. In Rocinha, judo classes are available to residents thanks to the work of the Instituto Reação. Schools like the Escola Municipal Abelardo Chacrinha Barbosa visit the favela to increase the awareness of younger people as to how these communities in fact live, and European businessmen have even thrown millions of reais into developing some of the areas. As a result Vidigal favela residents now enjoy a playground, day care center and kiosks in public spaces.

Rocinha's 200,000 residents have recently been given an extensive new leisure facility, photo by Alicia Nijdam/Wikimedia Creative Commons License.

When a Brazilian translates the word favela to slum in English, the reality of the connotations of that word has thankfully become very different for many residents, and NGOs, academics and foreigners are increasingly interested in understanding and improving the social landscape of these communities.

The meaning of the word favela is undoubtedly changing. While Baixada Fluminense largely remains the stereotypical sprawling, run-down neighborhood, others like Rocinha and Vigidal exude a distinct culture and lifestyle. Tours, hotels and house visits in these places are increasingly popular ‘must do’s’ for visitors to Rio.

The clearest indication of this shift has been the reported increase in real estate values in favelas that now have a UPP presence, the police force that have taken control of many communities to displace the drug gangs. Communities in Botafogo, Arpoador and Copacabana have now been ‘pacified’ and as is often said, the views afforded from these precarious hillsides are stunning. O Globo reported last week that rental prices, while still low, were on the rise, and provide attractive and safe alternatives for foreigners on a tight budget as well as locals.

Vidigal favela at night, where residents have stunning views along the coast, photo by Felipe Menegaz/Wikimedia Creative Commons License.

As with the rest of the city, finding places for sale or rent in these favelas is now also becoming difficult, and word of mouth continues to be the way that the majority of those available are taken up. In Dona Marta, the first favela to be ‘pacified’, one bedroom apartments can now fetch up to R$450 per month, aided by the expansion of the automated transport to the top. The new elevator in Cantagalo looks set to have a similar effect on prices, availability and accessibility in that part of Copacabana, where views of both sides of Arpoador are among the best in Rio.

The Brazilian government’s efforts to address urbanization has already decreased the proportion of the population living in favelas from 45 percent in 1990 to 28.9 percent in 2005, and the demographic of those remaining looks like shifting dramatically as the ongoing improvements to life in these communities continues.