Find a place in Sao Paulo within 4 weeks

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An English-speaking Home Finder, based on-site

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Shortlists properties and visits them for you

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Backs your application and negotiates the lease

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Every step protected, no hidden surprises

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Personalised support from $580

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Why choose a home finder ?

ERIC, ou un autre de nos chasseurs à São Paulo, prendra en charge votre recherche

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ERIC, or one of our other home finders in à São Paulo, will take care of your search.

Reliability of listings
Your hunter is there to select the goods, he visits them, alone, with you in person, or with you by video. And above all, he knows how to rely on reliable business partners who only present him with quality goods.
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Market access
Your hunter can offer you his own goods, he also has access to all the offers published on the market, and even to quite a few off market offers
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Scam risk
At Remoters, we no longer count the number of French people who have signed a rental contract abroad, without understanding it. Some unscrupulous sellers take advantage of this to insert conditions that are disadvantageous for the tenant. This cannot happen when the contract is reviewed by our hunter.
Icône de fermeture (croix)
Access to local prices
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When you search alone, about 85% of the time is spent on research, and 15% on visits. With a hunter, you only do the visits
Icône de fermeture (croix)
Application accepted
In areas where homeowners have plenty of candidates to choose from, they rarely choose foreigners first. Your hunter will use his influence (and his mastery of the language) to put your case before others.
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Satisfaction
Only 20% of satisfied buyers according to the 2018 Crédit Foncier study. For its part, Remoters gets a score of 4/5 or 5/5 in 95% of cases
Icône de fermeture (croix)

Browsing online listings

Weak
Weak
Elevated
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Uncertain
20%

Finding with Remoters

Total
Total
Weak
Inclus
Very likely
95%
Sao Paulo
São Paulo is Brazil's largest city and economic capital, attracting thousands of international professionals and expats each year. The long-term rental market is highly active, with average rents for a 1-bedroom apartment around R$3,150 BRL/month citywide (FipeZAP / QuintoAndar, mid-2025), rising to R$8,000 BRL/month or more in premium neighbourhoods such as Jardins and Itaim Bibi. Rental prices increased by approximately 13.5% in 2024, driven by demand near new metro lines and a persistent housing supply gap. Key expat neighbourhoods include Pinheiros, Vila Madalena, Moema, and Vila Mariana, each offering a distinct lifestyle and price range. All rental contracts are governed by the Lei do Inquilinato, and a CPF is mandatory for any lease agreement in Brazil.

São Paulo in brief: Brazil's largest city and economic capital, with a highly competitive long-term rental market. Average rents for a 1-bedroom apartment sit around R$3,150 BRL/month citywide (FipeZAP / QuintoAndar, mid-2025), with significant variation by neighbourhood. A CPF is mandatory for any lease. Rental contracts are governed by the Lei do Inquilinato and typically run for 30 months minimum. Top expat neighbourhoods include Pinheiros, Itaim Bibi, Jardins, Vila Madalena, and Moema. Use platforms like ZAP Imóveis, VivaReal, or QuintoAndar to search for listings.

São Paulo is the largest city in South America and Brazil's undisputed economic hub, home to the headquarters of most major Brazilian and multinational corporations. For professionals, entrepreneurs, and remote workers, it offers an unmatched combination of career opportunities, cultural richness, and urban infrastructure.

  • Economic dynamism: São Paulo concentrates a significant share of Brazil's GDP and hosts a thriving startup ecosystem, particularly in the Faria Lima and Berrini corridors.
  • Cultural life: The city boasts world-class institutions such as the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP), the Pinacoteca do Estado, and the Ibirapuera Park, alongside a restaurant scene ranked among the best in the world.
  • International community: São Paulo has large communities of Japanese, Italian, Lebanese, and more recently European and North American expats, making integration relatively straightforward.
  • Transport connectivity: The metro network (Metrô SP) and CPTM suburban rail connect key neighbourhoods, and app-based ride services (Uber, 99) are widely available and affordable.
  • Neighbourhood diversity: From the bohemian streets of Vila Madalena to the polished avenues of Jardins and the family-friendly parks of Moema, São Paulo offers a living environment for every lifestyle and budget.

Day-to-day life in São Paulo is intense, vibrant, and full of contrasts. Here is what to expect once you have found your rental:

  • Transport: The Metrô SP and CPTM suburban rail network cover key areas of the city. A single metro ticket costs approximately R$4.40 BRL (source: Global Health Insurance, 2025). App-based ride services such as Uber and 99 are widely used and affordable for journeys not covered by rail. Traffic congestion is a major factor — living near a metro station is strongly recommended.
  • Cost of living: According to Numbeo (2025), a single person needs a monthly budget of approximately 1,250 EUR (including rent) to live comfortably in São Paulo. A family of four should plan for around 3,200 EUR/month including rent.
  • Food and dining: São Paulo has one of the world's most diverse restaurant scenes, with strong Italian, Japanese, Lebanese, and Brazilian culinary traditions. Neighbourhood markets (feiras livres) are held weekly in most districts and offer fresh produce at low prices.
  • Healthcare: The city has a large network of private hospitals and clinics. Expats are strongly advised to take out private health insurance, as the public system (SUS) can be overstretched in urban areas.
  • Safety: Neighbourhoods such as Jardins, Itaim Bibi, Moema, Pinheiros, and Vila Mariana are considered among the safest for expats, with 24-hour building security and active street life (source: TheLatinvestor, 2026). Standard urban precautions apply throughout the city.
  • Language: Portuguese is the official language. While English is spoken in business environments and some service sectors, learning basic Portuguese significantly eases daily life and rental negotiations.

São Paulo's long-term rental market is one of the most dynamic in Latin America. As Brazil's economic and financial capital, the city attracts a constant flow of domestic migrants, corporate transferees, and international professionals, sustaining strong rental demand year-round.

According to data from TheLatinvestor (2024), rental prices in São Paulo rose by approximately 13.5% in 2024, significantly outpacing the general inflation rate of 4.76%. This trend is largely driven by demand for housing near new metro and CPTM rail extensions, as well as a structural undersupply of quality rental stock in central and well-connected neighbourhoods.

The most sought-after areas for long-term rentals include Pinheiros, Vila Madalena, Consolação, Bela Vista (near Avenida Paulista), and Vila Mariana, all of which combine metro access, walkability, and a dense service offer (source: TheLatinvestor, 2025). Listings in these neighbourhoods typically move within 45 days, while overpriced or poorly located units can remain available for four months or more.

The main rental platforms used in São Paulo are ZAP Imóveis, VivaReal, QuintoAndar, and OLX. QuintoAndar has gained particular traction among expats as it eliminates the traditional fiador (guarantor) requirement and handles contracts digitally.

São Paulo is a vast metropolis of over 12 million inhabitants, and choosing the right neighbourhood is one of the most important decisions for any long-term tenant. Here is an overview of the main areas popular with expats and international professionals:

  • Jardins (Jardim Paulista, Jardim América, Jardim Europa): São Paulo's most prestigious residential area, known for upscale dining, boutique shopping on Rua Oscar Freire, and excellent security. Rents are among the highest in the city.
  • Itaim Bibi: A southern business and residential district popular with corporate expats. High-rise apartments, proximity to the Faria Lima financial corridor, and a dense restaurant scene make it a top choice for professionals.
  • Pinheiros: A trendy, walkable neighbourhood with a mix of residential buildings, independent cafés, and cultural venues. Popular with younger professionals and creative workers. Rental prices are high but slightly below Jardins.
  • Vila Madalena: Known for its bohemian atmosphere, street art, and vibrant nightlife. Ideal for younger expats and digital nomads. Rents are more moderate than in Itaim Bibi.
  • Moema: A family-friendly neighbourhood near Ibirapuera Park, with good schools, green spaces, and a calm residential feel. Popular with families relocating to São Paulo.
  • Vila Mariana: A well-connected, mid-range neighbourhood with metro access, good amenities, and more affordable rents than the premium western districts.
  • Bela Vista: Close to Avenida Paulista, with an Italian heritage, lively cultural scene, and some of the most affordable rents in a central location. A good option for budget-conscious expats.
  • Brooklin: An emerging business district south of Itaim Bibi, increasingly popular with young professionals and corporate tenants due to its modern apartment stock and proximity to major employers.

São Paulo is the most expensive city in Brazil for long-term rentals, though it remains more affordable than many Western European capitals. A single professional can expect to spend between R$3,000 and R$5,000 BRL/month on rent for a comfortable 1-bedroom apartment in a well-connected neighbourhood. Families or those seeking more space in premium districts should plan for R$7,000 BRL/month or more. Rental prices rose by approximately 13.5% in 2024 (source: TheLatinvestor, 2024), driven by strong demand near new metro lines and a persistent housing supply gap. Always factor in condomínio fees and IPTU on top of the headline rent figure when comparing listings.

Rental prices in São Paulo vary significantly depending on the neighbourhood, apartment size, and whether the unit is furnished. According to data from FipeZAP and QuintoAndar (mid-2025), the average asking rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city sits around R$3,150 BRL/month, with most listings ranging between R$2,900 and R$3,400 BRL/month. In premium areas such as Jardins, Itaim Bibi, and Vila Nova Conceição, rents for a 1-bedroom can reach R$5,000 to R$8,000 BRL/month or more for furnished units. More affordable options are found in Bela Vista and Vila Mariana, where 1-bedroom apartments can start from around R$2,500 BRL/month.

Beyond the base rent, tenants should budget for additional monthly costs:

  • Condomínio (building maintenance fees): typically R$400 to R$1,500 BRL/month depending on building size and amenities.
  • IPTU (municipal property tax): usually passed on to the tenant, ranging from R$100 to R$600 BRL/month.
  • Seguro-incêndio (mandatory fire insurance): a modest annual cost, often included in the lease.

Furnished apartments command a premium of roughly 30–50% over unfurnished equivalents. Rental prices in São Paulo rose by approximately 13.5% in 2024 (source: TheLatinvestor, 2024), well above the general inflation rate, reflecting sustained demand pressure across the city.

Renting a long-term apartment in São Paulo follows a structured process governed by the Lei do Inquilinato (Brazil's Tenancy Law). Here are the key steps:

  1. Obtain a CPF: The CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) is mandatory for any rental contract in Brazil. Foreigners can apply at a Brazilian consulate abroad or at a Receita Federal office in São Paulo upon arrival.
  2. Search for listings: Use platforms such as ZAP Imóveis, VivaReal, QuintoAndar, or work with a local real estate agency (imobiliária). QuintoAndar is particularly expat-friendly as it removes the guarantor requirement.
  3. Prepare your rental file (ficha cadastral): Foreigners typically need to provide: CPF, RNM/CRNM (foreigner identity card), passport copy, last three months of bank statements, and an employer letter confirming salary and contract term. Some agencies in Itaim Bibi and Vila Olímpia routinely process expat files without local bank history (source: The Rio Times, 2026).
  4. Choose a guarantee option: Under Article 37 of the Lei do Inquilinato, landlords may only request one type of guarantee: a fiador (Brazilian guarantor), a security deposit (caução) of up to three months' rent, or seguro-fiança (rental insurance, typically costing one to one and a half months' rent per year). Clarify which is required before proceeding.
  5. Sign the lease: Standard long-term contracts in Brazil run for a minimum of 30 months. Rent adjustments are typically indexed annually to the IGPM or IPCA inflation indices. Read all clauses carefully, particularly those on early termination.
  6. Move in and document the property: Conduct a thorough inspection and photograph all existing damage before moving in. This protects your security deposit at the end of the tenancy.

Renting in São Paulo as a foreigner comes with specific pitfalls. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid:

  • Not obtaining a CPF early enough: The CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) is Brazil's individual tax identification number and is required for every rental contract. Apply for it as soon as possible — without it, no lease can be signed.
  • Underestimating total monthly costs: Many tenants focus only on the headline rent and overlook condomínio fees, IPTU, and utilities, which can add R$500 to R$2,000 BRL/month to the bill.
  • Ignoring the fiador requirement: Many landlords require a fiador (Brazilian guarantor with local property). Foreigners without a local network often struggle with this. Alternatives include seguro-fiança (rental insurance) or a higher security deposit — clarify which option is accepted before viewing.
  • Signing without reading the full contract: Brazilian lease contracts are governed by the Lei do Inquilinato. Ensure you understand clauses on rent adjustment (typically indexed to the IGPM or IPCA), notice periods, and early termination penalties.
  • Choosing a neighbourhood without visiting first: São Paulo is a vast city with very different micro-environments. A neighbourhood that looks good on a map may have poor walkability, limited transport, or safety concerns at night. Always visit in person before committing.
  • Relying solely on short-term platforms for long-term housing: Platforms like Airbnb charge a significant premium. For stays of 12 months or more, use dedicated long-term rental portals such as ZAP Imóveis, VivaReal, or QuintoAndar.
  • Get your CPF before you arrive: Apply at a Brazilian consulate in your home country. Without a CPF, you cannot sign any rental contract in Brazil.
  • Use QuintoAndar for a smoother process: This platform eliminates the traditional fiador requirement and handles contracts digitally, making it particularly accessible for foreigners.
  • Visit neighbourhoods in person before deciding: São Paulo's micro-environments vary enormously. Walk the streets at different times of day to assess walkability, noise levels, and local amenities.
  • Budget beyond the headline rent: Always add condomínio fees (R$400–R$1,500 BRL/month) and IPTU to your monthly budget calculation.
  • Negotiate the guarantee option early: Under the Lei do Inquilinato, landlords can only request one type of guarantee. If you cannot provide a fiador, ask about seguro-fiança or a higher deposit upfront.
  • Document the apartment thoroughly at move-in: Take dated photos of every room and note all existing damage in writing. This protects your deposit when you leave.
  • Check proximity to metro lines: São Paulo's traffic is notoriously heavy. Living within walking distance of a Metrô SP or CPTM station significantly improves daily quality of life.
  • Understand rent indexation: Most leases are adjusted annually using the IGPM or IPCA index. Ask which index applies before signing, as IGPM can be volatile.

Finding a long-term rental in São Paulo as a foreigner can be complex: navigating the ficha cadastral, understanding guarantee options under the Lei do Inquilinato, and identifying the right neighbourhood for your lifestyle all require local knowledge. Remoters connects you with vetted local rental search specialists who can guide you through every step of the process — from shortlisting apartments on platforms like ZAP Imóveis and QuintoAndar to reviewing your lease contract and coordinating your move-in. Whether you are relocating for work, arriving as a digital nomad, or moving with your family, Remoters helps you find the right home in São Paulo faster and with fewer surprises.

What our clients say

ERIC
Lilli
ERIC
Éric was extremely helpful in finding an apartment for my son. We wouldn't have been able to find one without his help because the apartment we chose wasn't listed online. Moreover, having lived in Sao Paulo for about twenty years, he knows the city like the back of his hand and will guide you according to your needs. We recommend him 200% - he saw us through to the end of the process 🙏🏽 He's also very available and extremely kind! Thank you again!
ERIC
Nicole
ERIC
Exceptional support, Éric is very relevant with good advice for all aspects concerning setting up in Sao Pao, he has a great network and is also extremely nice.
ERIC
Phil
ERIC
Delighted with the REMOTERS service with Éric; our wishes were perfectly taken into account and the apartment found matched our request in every way. Add to that numerous indispensable tips to make our move easier; the help provided by Éric, before, during and after our arrival, was extremely valuable; we can only warmly recommend his services.
Eric
Marc
Eric
Hello Éric, For the housing, everything is fine. And so bravo, you fulfilled your contract with flair and attention

Searching for a property in Sao Paulo from abroad is a complex challenge that requires local expertise and a trusted presence on the ground. A property hunter based in Sao Paulo acts as your dedicated representative, handling every step of the search process on your behalf.

Here are the key reasons why hiring a property hunter is essential when relocating from overseas:

  • Local market knowledge: Sao Paulo is a vast and diverse city with dozens of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own pricing trends, lifestyle, and infrastructure. A local hunter knows exactly where to look based on your needs and budget.
  • Time zone and language barriers: Coordinating visits, negotiations, and paperwork across time zones and in Portuguese can be overwhelming. Your hunter manages all communications in real time.
  • Access to off-market listings: Many of the best properties in Sao Paulo never appear on public portals. Hunters have exclusive networks with agents and landlords that give you a competitive edge.
  • Fraud prevention: The Brazilian real estate market has specific legal nuances. A professional hunter verifies the legitimacy of listings and protects you from scams targeting foreign buyers or renters.
  • End-to-end support: From shortlisting to virtual tours, negotiation, and contract review, your hunter handles everything so you can focus on your move.

With Remoters, you are matched with a vetted property hunter in Sao Paulo who understands the needs of international clients and speaks your language.

Absolutely. One of the most valuable services a property hunter in Sao Paulo offers to international clients is the ability to conduct thorough virtual visits, allowing you to make an informed decision without setting foot in Brazil before signing.

Here is how the virtual visit process typically works with a Remoters-matched hunter:

  • Pre-selection: Your hunter visits properties in person and filters out those that do not meet your criteria, saving you from wasting time on unsuitable options.
  • Live video tours: Using WhatsApp, Zoom, or FaceTime, your hunter walks you through each shortlisted property in real time, answering your questions on the spot and showing you every detail of the space.
  • Neighborhood walkthroughs: Beyond the apartment or house itself, your hunter can show you the surrounding streets, nearby amenities, public transport access, and the general atmosphere of the neighborhood.
  • Detailed reports: After each visit, you receive a written report with photos, videos, pros and cons, and the hunter's professional recommendation.
  • Honest assessment: Unlike a real estate agent who earns a commission on the sale, your hunter works exclusively for you and will give you an unbiased opinion on each property.

This remote-first approach has helped hundreds of expats and international students secure their ideal home in Sao Paulo before their arrival date, ensuring a smooth and stress-free relocation.

Moving to Sao Paulo as an international student is an exciting adventure, but finding suitable accommodation from abroad can be stressful and risky without local support. A property hunter specializing in student relocation can make the entire process safe, efficient, and tailored to your academic and personal needs.

Here is how a property hunter on Remoters can specifically help international students in Sao Paulo:

  • Proximity to your university: Whether you are studying at USP, FGV, Insper, or another institution, your hunter will focus the search on neighborhoods with easy access to your campus, such as Pinheiros, Vila Madalena, or Consolação.
  • Student-friendly budget options: Your hunter knows which areas offer the best value for money and can find shared apartments, studios, or furnished rooms that fit a student budget without compromising on safety.
  • Understanding of short-term and flexible leases: Brazilian rental contracts can be complex. Your hunter will help you navigate lease terms, guarantor requirements, and deposit rules that are particularly relevant for students on temporary visas.
  • Safety assessment: Sao Paulo is a large city with varying levels of safety by neighborhood. Your hunter will only present options in areas that are appropriate and safe for a young international resident.
  • Move-in ready options: Many students need furnished accommodation. Your hunter will prioritize listings that are ready to move into immediately upon arrival.

With Remoters, you can connect with a property hunter in Sao Paulo who has experience working with international students and understands the urgency and constraints of academic timelines.

Renting a property in Sao Paulo as a foreigner comes with a unique set of challenges that can quickly become overwhelming without the right support. The Brazilian rental market has specific legal, financial, and cultural requirements that differ significantly from what most expats are used to in their home countries.

Here are the main obstacles foreigners face and how a property hunter on Remoters helps overcome each one:

  • The guarantor requirement (fiador): Most Brazilian landlords require a local guarantor who owns property in Brazil. As a foreigner, you likely do not have one. Your hunter knows which landlords accept alternative guarantees such as insurance bonds (seguro fiança) or advance rent deposits, and will target those listings specifically.
  • CPF and documentation: A Brazilian tax identification number (CPF) is often required to sign a rental contract. Your hunter will guide you through obtaining one remotely before your arrival and advise on which documents you need to prepare.
  • Language barrier in contracts: Rental contracts in Brazil are written in Portuguese and can contain complex legal clauses. Your hunter will review the contract on your behalf and flag any unusual or unfavorable terms before you sign.
  • Overpriced listings targeting foreigners: Without local knowledge, foreigners are often quoted inflated prices. Your hunter negotiates on your behalf using real market data to ensure you pay a fair price.
  • Neighborhood safety and livability: Sao Paulo is a city of contrasts. Your hunter will only show you properties in neighborhoods that match your lifestyle, safety expectations, and daily commute needs.

By working with a vetted property hunter through Remoters, you gain a trusted local ally who protects your interests and ensures your rental experience in Sao Paulo is smooth, legal, and stress-free from day one.

What are you looking for in Sao Paulo?

One of our home finders will look for the ideal property for you
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Long-term rental

standard lease, for 12 months or more
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Short-term rental

for periods of 1 to 12 months
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Colocation

a room in an existing shared flat
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Long term rental

classic lease, for periods of 12 months and more
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Short rental

seasonal contract, for periods of 1 to 12 months
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Colocation

a room in an existing shared apartment

How does it work?

1

First contact:Your home finder offers a free call to understand your needs.

2
Quote: If you’re ready to move forward, you’ll receive a personalized quote via Remoters.
3
Mission start: Once approved and paid, the housing search begins.
4
Support: Your home finder assists you through to the lease signing and your arrival.
5
Feedback: Share your review — your satisfaction is our priority !
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