the central district, known as 'downtown', isnot especially popular with foreign residential property buyers. however, santa teresa and lapa, which are two neighborhoods in the area,  have  experienced a marked increase in residential demand - this is a direct effect of the security and gentrification programs.

another location that has become popular for commercial property investment is barra da tijuca, which has recently received a number of new office blocks, and has plenty of commercial opportunities available.