The Superior Court of Justice (STJ, Brazil’s highest appellate court for non-constitutional matters) will define the limits on amounts retained when real estate purchase agreements are terminated. The case is closely monitored by the real estate industry, as the upcoming decision will directly affect transaction structuring and financial predictability for companies and investors.
The concept of retention upon termination
In the real estate sector, contract termination occurs when a property purchase agreement is cancelled before its final completion. In these scenarios, market practice and legal rules allow the seller to retain a portion of the amounts already paid by the buyer.
This retention compensates for administrative, operational, and commercialization costs incurred by the developer during the transaction. Defining clear limits will establish a unified benchmark for these deductions, standardizing calculations in contract cancellation disputes.
Relevance for investors and companies
For executives, founders, and foreign investors deploying capital in the Brazilian real estate sector, clear guidelines on contract termination are essential. Establishing a definitive retention ceiling at the STJ will help to:
- Mitigate operational and financial risks;
- Reduce the volume of disputes concerning fund reimbursements;
- Increase predictability in corporate cash flow provisioning.
With clear parameters, industry players can structure agreements that align with the court’s stance, promoting legal certainty in the business environment and supporting investment.
Practical considerations
The upcoming ruling by the STJ requires market participants to closely follow the final parameters set by the court. Once defined, real estate businesses will have a clear framework to adapt commercial policies and align operations with the superior court’s standards.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance on specific matters, consult a qualified lawyer.


