The São Paulo City Government has resumed discussions regarding property tax (IPTU) exemptions and discounts for landmarked buildings. Previously debated during the administrations of Gilberto Kassab and Fernando Haddad, the issue is currently the focus of a newly drafted bill.
The proposal limits the IPTU exemption to landmarked properties located in downtown São Paulo, within a perimeter that is still being defined. It will not apply to properties subject to general zoning restrictions, such as those in historically preserved neighborhoods like Jardins and Pacaembu.
In other areas of the city, a tax discount will be offered, which is expected to cover approximately 60% of all landmarked properties—currently totaling over 3,000 buildings. To qualify, owners must provide annual proof that the property is well-maintained; meaning that buildings still in need of restoration will not benefit from the new legislation.
“We believe this is a fair measure. It is a way to launch a public policy that focuses not just on landmark designation, but on actual preservation and restoration, which are generally sidelined,” says Municipal Culture Secretary André Sturm.
Supported by the Commercial Association of São Paulo (ACSP), the measure was previously on the agenda when Nadia Somekh served as president of the Municipal Council for the Preservation of Historic, Cultural, and Environmental Heritage of the City of São Paulo (Conpresp) and director of the Department of Historic Heritage (DPH) between 2013 and 2016.
“It is the bare minimum recognition from the government. Preservation and maintenance require substantial resources for restoration,” the architect states. However, the proposal's estimated cost of R$ 80 million at the time prevented it from moving forward.
Via Estadão.
This article was written by Romullo Baratto. The translation is powered by AI.
