The types of land available can make this area of South America an exciting investment opportunity. According to a recently released study, prices for agricultural land in Brazil are heading upwards. The average price for a hectare has risen more than 16% over the past year to 4,135 reals ($2,500) .Since 2005 the price of such land has increased 35%.



This seems to add to the good news for the Brazilian economy which is going from strength to strength. November 2007 saw the Brazilian government announce huge new oil reserves discovered off its coast. Experts predict that it could turn the country into one of the biggest oil producers in the world. Petrobras, Brazil's national oil company says it believes the offshore Tupi field has between 5bn and 8bn barrels of recoverable light oil.

The worldwide spike in food prices, spurred by a drop in food stocks, and the growing interest in crops that can produce biofuel are behind the demand for land. Large Brazilian and foreign companies are leading the charge to acquire land. Foreign firms already own 5.5 million hectares.

Buying land to build residential property is a fairly simple process but one that needs an independent lawyer to manage. Lawyers should check that the people or the company selling the land actually has full title. You don't want a disgruntled relative turning up a few years down the line claiming its their land. A good lawyer will also:

1.)Check for any charges and liabilities still owed on the property

2.)Advise you on the purchase agreement and the obligations for both parties.

3.)Register the land to you.

One of the first things a determined buyer should do is to obtain a Brazilian ID called a CPF you can obtain one of these by submitting a copy of your passport with a request for a CPF signature card. Once you receive the signature card you simply sign it and send it back with a small fee, and your CPF number is assigned to you at the Receita Federal. This can then be included in any purchase agreement. A formal copy of the CPF card will be posted out to you at an address in Brazil - usually your lawyer's address for ease.

Brazilian real estate is causing quite a stir at this time, Brazil's economy and housing market will make Brazil one of the largest economy in South America. The time is now to buy land in Brazil

My top tip when buying land in Brazil is to buy land with zoning and planning permission, it will be easy to sell when the time comes to reap the benefits of your investment.