Mariana, 32, was waiting for the bus to work in the East Zone of São Paulo when she saw the billboard: "Two-bedroom apartment, easy down payment". She and her husband had been at Caixa Econômica Federal for three months, trying to get their mortgage approved. When the manager called to say the credit had come through, she breathed a sigh of relief. "We didn't know if we would get it, because the savings account was low and the interest rate was high", she says.

Mariana is not an isolated case. Real estate financing with savings account resources rose 37.5% in the accumulated period through August 2026, according to data from the Central Bank compiled by Abecip (the association that brings together banks operating real estate credit). The increase happens even with withdrawals from the savings account, which have been pressuring the resources available for loans.

The data shows that the search for residential properties keeps the construction market heated. Builders and developers have accelerated launches, and real estate agents report lines at sales stands. Credit is being pulled mainly by middle-income families, who take advantage of the conditions of the Minha Casa, Minha Vida program and subsidized credit lines for used and off-plan properties.

What changed for those who want to finance

• Housing credit contracting reaches expressive highs this year, even with the Selic rate at an elevated level.
• The savings account remains the main source of resources for real estate credit, but withdrawals have required banks to seek other sources, such as the FGTS and the capital market.
• For the buyer, the release of financing still depends on credit analysis and proven income, but the chances of approval increased with the larger volume of resources available.

Abecip did not disclose absolute numbers on the total amount financed, but the 37.5% increase indicates a consistent recovery in the real estate market. The construction sector, which employs millions of Brazilians, has been recording an increase in activity, with more residential building works underway in large cities.