What documents are required to sell a property?
In short: To sell a property, the owner needs to gather documents on the property itself (title record, property tax/IPTU, certificate of occupancy) and personal certificates (ID, tax ID/CPF, marital status, clearance certificates). Regente guides the entire documentation process, and the Sales Manager follows through to the deed signing — the owner doesn’t have to navigate the notary offices alone.
Property documents
- Updated title record from the CRI: issued less than 30 days before the deed signing — confirms the owner, the area, and the absence of liens
- Lien certificate (certidão de ônus reais): extracted from the title record; confirms the property is free and clear (no mortgage, fiduciary guarantee, or judicial lien)
- Current year’s property tax (IPTU): the payment booklet with proof of payment, or a certificate showing no outstanding municipal debts
- Certificate of occupancy (habite-se) or construction completion certificate: issued by the city, certifying the construction — banks require this for financing
- Condo good-standing statement: if the property is part of a condominium, the building manager or management company must issue a statement confirming there are no outstanding condo fees
- Floor plan and property description (memorial descritivo): not required in every case, but the buyer’s bank may request it
Seller’s personal documents
- ID and tax ID (CPF)
- Marital status certificate: if married — an updated marriage certificate and property regime; if divorced — with the divorce annotated on the certificate
- Proof of address
- Clearance certificate for civil lawsuits (state and federal court systems)
- Federal tax clearance certificate (Receita Federal)
- Labor debt clearance certificate (TST — Superior Labor Court)
- Most recent income tax return
Spouse: if the seller is married (except under full separation of property), the spouse must also provide personal documents and sign the deed.
Note: a property with an active loan
If the property still has an outstanding loan (fiduciary guarantee), the sale requires paying off the debt before the deed — or a debt “sub-rogation,” where the buyer’s bank takes over the existing financing. Regente’s Sales Manager guides this process.
What Regente formalizes with the owner
Before starting the sale, the owner digitally signs three documents with Regente:
- Marketing Authorization: allows the property to be listed on portals and its information shared
- Management Agreement: formalizes the terms of the sale, responsibilities, and commission
- Power of Attorney: authorizes Regente to carry out specific actions during the process
About income tax on the sale
Profit from the sale (capital gain) may be taxed — at a rate of 15% to 22.5% depending on the amount. Important exemptions apply: a sole property sold for up to R$440,000, or reinvestment in another property within 180 days. See more at: Do I need to pay income tax when I sell my property?
Practical example from Florianópolis
An owner in Pantanal sold a 2-bedroom apartment. Property documents were ready within a week: title record, property tax, and condo good-standing statement. Personal certificates took 4 more days (two were available online through Receita Federal; the rest through the state civil court system (TJSC) and the labor court system (TRT)). The buyer financed through Caixa — the bank also requested the floor plan, obtained from the condo management company. The deed was signed without any surprises.
Related questions
- What is a property title record (matrícula) and what is it for?
- What is a lien certificate (certidão de ônus reais), and when should I request one?
- Do I need to pay income tax when I sell my property?
- How does the property sale process work at Regente?
Want a personalized checklist for your property? Talk to Regente.