Itapema and Porto Belo lead new-home sales in Brazil

When it comes to sales of new homes, two neighbouring cities on the Emerald Coast sit at the top in Brazil. Surveys by the DWV market intelligence platform, which tracks launches and off-plan sales nationwide, place Itapema and Porto Belo ahead of much larger markets, including several state capitals.

2025: first and second in the ranking

DWV analysed more than 111,600 properties during 2025. Five cities together recorded more than R$ 14.6 billion in sales, and the Emerald Coast took the top two places:

1. Itapema: R$ 4.1 billion
2. Porto Belo: R$ 3.8 billion
3. Balneário Camboriú: R$ 2.4 billion
4. Itajaí: R$ 2.2 billion
5. Curitiba: R$ 2.0 billion

Porto Belo was also the city that sold the most new homes in Brazil by number of units in 2025, according to the same platform.

Altogether, Santa Catarina's northern coast recorded R$ 13.47 billion in Gross Sales Value in 2025, and the cluster of Balneário Camboriú, Itapema, Itajaí and Porto Belo became the fifth-largest real estate market in the country by value, ahead of capitals such as Curitiba.

2026: the pace continues

The 2026 figures confirm the region's strength:

• Porto Belo: R$ 2.5 billion in sales of new homes and launches in the first half, with 2,850 units sold, leading the DWV ranking by number of units.
• Itapema: R$ 2.43 billion in sales between January and August, the second-highest result among the Santa Catarina coastal cities analysed.

Launches on the rise

Sales volume follows supply. According to Brain Inteligência Estratégica, Porto Belo has led real estate launches in Santa Catarina for three years in a row. Between 2022 and 2026 the city launched 38,000 units. In total launched value for the period, Itapema and Porto Belo stand side by side at R$ 46.9 billion and R$ 45.5 billion respectively.

Why demand is so strong

• Location: both cities sit between Balneário Camboriú and Florianópolis, with BR-101 access and airports nearby.
• Nature: emerald-green beaches and a waterfront in transformation.
• Infrastructure: Píer Oporto, the observation wheel, the planned Perequê–Meia Praia footbridge and new urban amenities.
• Product mix: from studios for holiday rentals to high-end apartments with sea views.

For buyers, a market with this volume offers liquidity and choice. With so many launches, choosing well, with attention to location, project standard and the builder's track record, is what secures the best outcome.

Talk to Velaris

Velaris works with selected developments in Itapema and Porto Belo and follows the market data every week. Talk to our team on WhatsApp.

Licensed broker: Valter Fernandes · CRECI/SC 37.128