In a recent decision, the Federal Supreme Court (STF) has confirmed a monumental change in the way the Severance Pay Fund (FGTS) is remunerated.
From now on, the fund’s monetary update will be based on the National Consumer Price Index (IPCA) variation. This new calculation methodology promises to have a positive impact, especially in the real estate and real estate consortium sectors.
Historically, the FGTS has been an essential tool for home acquisition, acting as an important ally for workers in achieving their first home.
It is clear that the new formula, indexing the fund to IPCA, offers a perspective of profitability more aligned with current inflation, safeguarding the purchasing power of future homeowners and real estate investors.
Which Sectors Are Most Affected by the New FGTS Formula? The real estate and consortium sectors stand out as the major beneficiaries.
The FGTS, being a widely used source of financing in real estate purchases, has always played a central role in financial planning for home acquisitions, especially for low-income families.
How Does the STF Decision Affect the FGTS Earnings?The new policy of correcting the FGTS by IPCA replaces the old practice that used the Reference Rate (TR) as an indicator.
This change is considered a victory for workers because the return on their savings tends to more closely follow inflation, avoiding significant loss of purchasing power in the long term.
Expert Opinions on the ChangeÉtore Sanchez, chief economist at Ativa Investimentos, emphasizes that the adaptation is a step forward, especially for those planning to use the FGTS to purchase real estate.
Luiz França, president of the Brazilian Association of Real Estate Developers (Abrainc), highlights the importance of this change for preserving the Fund’s financing power in sectors such as housing, sanitation, and infrastructure.
Furthermore, recent data shows an increase in the use of FGTS for real estate acquisition via consortiums, with a significant growth in the number of consortium members opting to use the balance to achieve this goal.
Future Outlook: What to Expect?This restructuring in the way FGTS is remunerated is a clear indication that the government and STF are seeking to ensure more equity and efficiency in the use of these resources.
The expectation is that the new rules will increase the attractiveness of the Fund, further encouraging its use for housing and essential infrastructure investment.
With a more robust FGTS aligned with the economic reality, everyone wins: workers secure better returns on their savings, and the country strengthens important sectors of the economy.