Multifamily gains momentum in Brazil as more people live alone and prioritize everyday convenience

In São Paulo — where fast-paced routines and long commutes directly influence housing decisions — companies in the sector say demand for compact, move-in-ready apartments has been growing in recent years. 

As a result, SiiLA data shows that São Paulo has the highest concentration of this type of development in the country. Around 77% of all multifamily assets delivered since 2020 are located in the city.

According to Jorge de Moraes, Commercial and Marketing Director at Vila 11, the impact of this new resident profile is already clearly visible in the company’s operations. Currently, 69% of residents across the platform’s developments live alone.

“In practice, Vila 11 has seen growing demand for newly built one-bedroom apartments that are well located, move-in ready, and professionally managed — especially among people who value practicality and convenience in their daily lives,” he said.

According to Moraes, the predominant resident profile includes young professionals advancing in their careers, people living alone, child-free couples, and residents moving to São Paulo for work, education, or life transitions.

“This is a public looking for strategic locations, ease of moving, less bureaucracy, predictable costs, and a more practical and professional housing experience. In addition, there is growing appreciation for common areas that simplify daily life, such as pools, coworking spaces, gyms, laundry facilities, and social spaces within the development itself,” he added.

The growth of multifamily also reflects broader economic changes in the residential market. According to Moraes, rising prices per square meter, combined with high interest rates and more expensive mortgage financing, have reduced access to homeownership for part of the population.

“The price per square meter for apartment purchases has increased significantly in recent years, while household income has not kept pace. At the same time, higher interest rates and increased financing costs have reduced access to homeownership for part of the population,” he said.

According to the executive, this scenario has strengthened a behavioral shift among residential consumers, especially younger demographics.

“In practice, this has reinforced a change in mindset: renting is no longer viewed only as a temporary solution or a financial necessity, but also as a more rational choice for many people. Today, especially among younger and more urban audiences, there is greater appreciation for flexibility, mobility, financial liquidity, and convenience,” he said.

Unlike traditional rental housing, where each unit is typically owned by a different landlord, multifamily developments feature centralized management and standardized operations, which, according to the company, results in greater operational efficiency and a more consistent resident experience.

“The main difference is that, in multifamily, the entire development is designed, developed, and operated specifically for professional rental housing. This brings greater operational efficiency, faster maintenance services, a more consistent resident experience, and greater predictability for operations,” Moraes said.

According to the company, Vila 11 developments typically reach around 95% occupancy within one year.

For Bruno, a 36-year-old entrepreneur, convenience was the main factor behind his decision to live in a multifamily development.

“What mattered most to me was practicality and predictability. In traditional rentals, processes are often more bureaucratic, and the experience can vary greatly from one building to another. At Vila 11, I found a more professional operation, a move-in-ready apartment, and a structure truly designed to simplify the routine of people living São Paulo’s fast-paced lifestyle,” he said.

According to him, proximity to work and the building’s infrastructure were also decisive factors.

“Location was extremely important because it’s very close to my workplace, but the building’s structure and day-to-day practicality also made a difference after I moved in. Having a gym, coworking spaces, and well-maintained common areas within the development saves time and makes daily life much more functional,” he said.

Living alone also changed the way he views his relationship with housing.

“Today I value practicality, mobility, freedom, and quality of life much more. Living alone made me realize how location, commuting time, and convenience directly impact well-being, performance, and productivity. I came to understand that housing is not just about the apartment itself, but everything surrounding it,” he said.

For Vila 11, the growth of single-person households is expected to continue driving new projects in the coming years, especially in urban regions with strong job concentration and mobility.

“In addition to the increase in people living alone, there is also growth among child-free couples, mobile professionals, digital nomads, and people who prioritize convenience when choosing where to live. This scenario strengthens demand for professionally managed rental apartments that are well located and aligned with the contemporary urban lifestyle,” Moraes said.