Most high-net-worth Brazilians buy in cash — but financing isn't always a bad idea. Understand both sides before you decide:
Why so many pay cash
A foreign-national loan requires 25% to 50% down, charges higher interest rates, demands extensive documentation, and stretches closing by 30 to 60 days. In cash, you close in weeks, gain negotiating power in multiple-offer disputes, and eliminate interest costs.
When financing makes sense
If the goal is leverage — keeping liquidity for other investments while the property appreciates and generates income — financing can be strategic. And the trend is already visible in the data: the cash share among international buyers in South Florida fell from 69% to 51% between 2023 and 2025, a sign that more foreigners are using American credit.
The right math
Compare the total cost of financing (interest + fees + time) with the opportunity cost of tied-up capital. There is no universal answer — there is the right answer for your wealth at this moment.
The mistake is deciding out of habit ("Brazilians buy in cash") instead of deciding on the math of your own case.