Why Conduct a “Land X-Ray” Before Buying? The Key to Investing Safely in São Paulo and other States of Brazil.
Investing in land or commercial buildings for construction or retrofit projects is one of the most effective ways to allocate capital intelligently — provided the process is well structured. Before closing a deal, Atken identifies and evaluates each opportunity through the Land X-Ray — a technical and legal study that translates the property’s characteristics into a real and viable construction potential, ensuring legal safety and efficiency.
1. Searching for the Right Area
Not every plot of land or old building represents a viable opportunity.
Atken’s site search process considers technical, legal, and market factors, including:
• Zoning and urban parameters: floor area ratio, setbacks, height limits, occupancy rate, and permitted use.
• Location and urban infrastructure: mobility, public transportation, accessibility, and future demand.
• Legal and environmental aspects: heritage restrictions, neighborhood limitations, and requirements from agencies such as CONPRESP or CETESB.
This analysis allows the investor to visualize the true transformation potential of a site before taking financial risks or commitments.
2. What Is the “Land X-Ray”?
The Land X-Ray is Atken’s technical and legal feasibility study (EVTL). It anticipates all factors that influence the success of a development:
• Identifies urban restrictions and opportunities.
• Verifies approval conditions with the City Hall and public agencies.
• Estimates buildable and non-buildable areas and constructive potential.
• Assesses legal and environmental risks.
• Indicates the safest and most efficient path for project approval.
According to market research and real estate consulting firms, up to 35% of projects face delays or cost adjustments due to the lack of a proper technical analysis of the site prior to acquisition. This highlights the importance of investing in the diagnostic stage.
3. Direct Advantages of Conducting the EVTL Before Purchase
• Avoids immobilized or misallocated capital: the wrong site can represent years of idle investment.
• Ensures cost and schedule predictability: by anticipating approval processes, the investor knows exactly what to expect.
• Increases negotiation power: those who understand zoning parameters negotiate based on facts, not assumptions.
• Reduces legal and operational risks: prevents fines, stoppages, and rework.
• Enables realistic ROI planning: Atken estimates returns based on the effectively buildable area.
4. Atken as a Strategic Partner
With expertise in engineering, legal approvals, and integrated technical projects, Atken acts as a facilitator throughout all stages:
• Identification of high-potential areas.
• Preparation of the Land X-Ray (EVTL).
• Approval and coordination of legal and executive projects.
• Technical management and construction monitoring.
This complete process ensures technical clarity, legal security, and property value appreciation.
