1. Up-to-date title record (matrícula)
The matrícula is the property's "birth certificate", issued by the Real Estate Registry Office. It shows who the current owner is, the chain of transfers and whether there are encumbrances such as a mortgage, lien or usufruct. Ask for an up-to-date matrícula (issued within the last 30 days) before any deposit.
2. Seller's certificates
Check the seller's negative certificates (individual or company) to look for lawsuits that could fall on the property. For properties coming from probate, confirm that the estate division was concluded and registered — a sale without the estate being settled can be annulled.
3. ITIV — the transfer tax
On the purchase, the ITIV (Inter Vivos Transfer Tax) applies, equivalent to the ITBI of other municipalities. In Camaçari, which covers Guarajuba and Itacimirim, the tax is calculated on the transaction value and must be paid before the deed is drawn up. Factor this cost into your budget.
4. Public deed and registration
The deed is drawn up at a notary's office and then registered on the property's matrícula at the Real Estate Registry. Only with registration does ownership effectively pass to your name — "whoever does not register is not the owner". Without this final step, the purchase is not legally complete.
Checklist before signing
Up-to-date matrícula with no encumbrances; seller’s certificates; probate situation settled (if applicable); ITIV calculated and provisioned; deed and registration scheduled. With these five points verified, the purchase is safe.
Frequently asked questions
Which documents should I check before buying property in Bahia?
The main ones are the property's up-to-date title record (free of liens), the seller's clearance certificates, the settlement of any probate, the ITIV calculation and the scheduling of the deed and registration.
What is the ITIV and when is it paid?
The ITIV (Inter Vivos Transfer Tax) is equivalent to the ITBI of other municipalities. In Camaçari, which covers Guarajuba and Itacimirim, it is calculated on the transaction value and must be paid before the deed is drawn up.
I signed the deed — is the property mine?
Only once it is registered. The deed is drawn up at a notary's office and then registered on the property's title record at the Real Estate Registry — it is the registration that actually transfers ownership. "Whoever does not register is not the owner."
Why check whether the property comes from probate?
For probate properties, you must confirm that the estate has been settled and registered. A sale without regularising the estate can be annulled.