Condo fees and property tax in João Pessoa: the recurring costs of owning a property

Condo fees in Brazil now weigh as much as 40% of a rental amount, according to a 2026 national survey.

Buying a property involves costs that do not end when the deed is signed. In João Pessoa, as in the rest of the country, two recurring expenses weigh on owners' budgets: the condo fee, in the case of apartments, and the Urban Property and Land Tax (IPTU), charged annually by the City Hall on all properties in the municipality. A national survey released in August 2026 found that the average condo fee in the country has reached R$ 516 and, in some cases, represents up to 40% of an equivalent rental amount — the so-called "second rent."

In Paraíba, the rise in condo costs has also been accompanied by growing delinquency: a 2026 report pointed to a condo-fee delinquency rate of 13.86% in the state, reflecting the growing weight of this expense on household budgets. Developments with more leisure amenities, 24-hour concierge, and enhanced security — common in upscale launches on João Pessoa's seafront — tend to have higher condo fees, which should be factored in when comparing the total cost of owning a property, not just the purchase price.

As for IPTU, it is paid annually to the municipality, with the possibility of a discount for those who prepay in a single installment. In February 2026, the City Hall announced a discount of up to 20% for those who prepaid IPTU and the Waste Collection Fee (TCR), with the single-installment deadline initially set for March 6 and later extended to March 31 of that year, maintaining a 15% discount for those paying within the new deadline.

For those considering buying a property in the city, it is advisable to add condo fees and IPTU to the monthly cost calculation before closing the deal, since these two amounts together can significantly change the profitability of a property intended for rental or the budget of someone who will live there.