Brazilian real estate firms adopt land swaps as high rates bite, while Miami draws wealthy investors

With Brazil's benchmark Selic rate climbing above 14% annually, developers are turning to land‑for‑units exchanges to preserve cash. Yassi Participações highlights the surge in such swaps, noting that they accounted for 41% of land acquisitions for new projects in São Paulo in 2024, up from 32% in 2022, and that roughly 80% of Brazilian developers now view the model as essential for launching residential launches. The mechanism lets landowners receive future units instead of cash, allowing builders to keep pipelines active without raising leverage.

At the same time, Miami has evolved from a seasonal tourist spot into a global financial hub attracting high‑income migrants, including many Brazilians. More than 500 asset‑management firms now operate in South Florida, overseeing about US$300 billion in assets. Fifty‑one companies have announced expansion plans that could create around 15 000 jobs, while the region records roughly 1 350 new residents each day, driven by the absence of state income tax and a business‑friendly environment. Real‑estate broker Fernanda Zomignani warns that investors often focus first on property, but the broader lifestyle and income considerations shape the ultimate investment decision.