Introduction

The recent Parliamentary Inquiry into Social Housing (HIS) developments in São Paulo highlights a critical risk in the real estate market: the sale of projects with legal restrictions, often without investors fully understanding the property’s legal classification.
Atken’s role is precisely to prevent such situations, providing technical and legal analyses that ensure compliance and security from the very start of the investment.

What the HIS Investigation Is About

According to reports widely covered by the real estate and business press, the inquiry investigates possible irregularities in the sale of Social Housing (HIS) units for uses not permitted by law.
In several cases, investors acquired properties believing they were intended for short-term rental or mixed-use developments, when in fact they were subject to strict regulations specific to social housing.
This scenario reveals the lack of understanding of legal and urban limitations before acquisition — which can lead to losses and reputational risk.

The Risk for Investors and Developers

• Failing to conduct a proper analysis of urban regulations and land-use laws can turn a promising opportunity into a financial liability.

• Projects classified under special categories (such as HIS/HMP) are subject to specific legal restrictions that directly impact use, profitability, and resale value.

• When these restrictions are not understood before acquisition, investors may face contract disputes, cancellations, or even legal challenges later on.

These cases serve as a reminder: lack of legal transparency is just as harmful as poor project execution.

How Atken Prevents This

Atken offers the “Land X-Ray” — a comprehensive technical and legal feasibility study that identifies every urban, regulatory, and legal condition before any purchase commitment is made.

The core pillars of this analysis include:

• Full mapping of the property’s legal and urban zoning framework (restrictions, HIS/HMP, heritage listings, usage rights, density limits);

• Verification of market assumptions based on actual legal conditions of the site or building;

• A clear technical report outlining what can be built, renovated, or repurposed according to current laws;

• Strategic support during negotiations and approval processes with public agencies to minimize risks and delays.

With this method, Atken ensures that investors fully understand what they are acquiring — avoiding exposure to the same issues currently under public investigation.

The Importance of Technical and Legal Consulting

The HIS inquiry underscores an essential point: in real estate, security begins with technical and legal knowledge.
Beyond identifying good locations, investors must understand the rules that define what is possible to build and how value can be generated.
Atken acts as a strategic partner for investors, developers, and asset managers — combining engineering, legal compliance, and urban planning to ensure informed and sustainable decisions.

Conclusion

Recent developments in São Paulo’s real estate sector highlight the need for thorough legal and feasibility analysis before acquisition.
🏗️ If you are considering purchasing land, renovating a building, or investing in a commercial development, Atken provides a complete consulting service to ensure security, transparency, and efficiency in every decision.
Contact Raquel Schilis via WhatsApp (+55 11 99392-8100) or visit www.atken.com.br.