From this Monday (13th), buying your own home will become more accessible. The new Caixa Econômica Federal rules came into force to expand access to financing housing. 
The measures should inject R$20 billion into real estate credit and, according to the bank, finance 80 thousand new properties until the end of next year.
THE package supported by the federal government includes the increase in the maximum financing quota to 80% of the value of the property and the increase in the ceiling of properties financeable by the Housing Financial System (SFH) from R$ 1.5 million to R$ 2.25 million.
To the changes especially benefit families with a monthly income above R$12,000, a group that has previously had difficulty accessing housing credit outside market rates.
The reduction in the down payment unlocks access to credit for thousands of families who were close to obtaining financing, but were unable to save enough initial money.
Responsible for around 70% of the country’s housing financing, Caixa will be the main institution operating the new model, which will be in the testing phase until the end of 2026.
If the format proves to be effective in expanding the supply of real estate credit and reducing costs, full operation is scheduled for 2027.
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What changes in practice?
Before the new rules, maximum financing was limited to 70% of the property’s value. With the 80% quota return, the buyer needs to make a smaller down payment.
Example for a property worth R$500,000:
- Old rule (70%): entry of R$ 150 thousand
- New rule (80%): entry of R$100 thousand
What changes for those who use their FGTS balance?
The Housing Financial System (SFH), created to offer special conditions and lower interest rates, also underwent an update.
The new ceiling of R$2.25 million expands the scope of the rules that allow the FGTS balance to be used as part of the financing.
Now, higher value properties can be purchased with regulated interest rates and benefits previously restricted to lower price ranges.
How to use FGTS in housing financing:
- as a down payment, reducing the amount to be financed;
- to amortize the outstanding balance, reducing installments or term;
- to pay part of the installments, easing the monthly budget.
Other common questions
Can FGTS be used to finance any property?
Yes, as long as the value of the property does not exceed R$2.25 million and the financing is done within the SFH.
Who can benefit?
The new conditions were designed for middle-class families, with income above R$12 thousand per month. Buyers with an income below this value continue to be covered by the Minha Casa, Minha Vida program, aimed at affordable housing.
Do the rules apply to new and used properties?
Yes. The conditions apply to both new and used properties, as long as the value is within the SFH limits.
Do I need to be a Caixa customer to finance?
No. Anyone who meets the income requirements, proof of payment capacity and documentation can apply for financing.
How do I know how much I can finance?
Caixa offers a simulator on your website which estimates the value of credit and installments according to family income and the buyer’s profile.
What steps should I follow to apply for housing financing?
- Gather documents: proof of income, identity and income tax declaration.
- Carry out an online simulation on the Caixa website.
- Look for an agency with the data on hand to negotiate financing.
What changes in the use of savings resources?
Current rules:
- 65% of the resources deposited in savings must be allocated to housing credit;
- 20% is retained by the Central Bank, as a compulsory deposit;
- 15% remains free for other bank operations.
Transition period, from 2025 to January 2027:
- Percentage of compulsory deposits will fall from 20% to 15%. The difference of 5 percentage points will be applied to the new model.
After the transition period, from January 2027:
- End of the obligation for banks to allocate 65% of savings deposits to housing credit;
- Compulsory deposits at the Central Bank will be abolished;
- Up to 100% of the money invested in savings can be used for housing credit.
