Frederico Luiz Rehder de Freitas Interview
Frederico Luiz Rehder de Freitas, Founded in São Paulo, Target Real Estate has grown into a trusted boutique advisory firm specializing in high-value corporate assets. With a focus on strategy, sustainability, and market intelligence, the company has carved out a unique position, bridging global standards with local expertise. In this interview, Frederico Luiz Rehder de Freitas reflects on the strategic choices, challenges, and opportunities shaping both the firm and São Paulo’s dynamic corporate real estate market.
Building the Foundation
We started the interview by asking, “You founded Target Real Estate in São Paulo and built it into a respected corporate real estate advisory firm. Looking back, what were the biggest strategic decisions you made in the early years that shaped where the company is today?”
Frederico Luiz Rehder de Freitas replied, “In the beginning, the most important decision was to specialize. Instead of trying to compete across residential or small commercial segments, I focused exclusively on high-value corporate real estate such as office, logistics, and mixed-use assets. That gave us depth rather than breadth. Another defining choice was to invest early in market intelligence. We didn’t just want to broker deals; we wanted to advise with data and insight, helping clients anticipate where the market was heading. At the same time, I worked to build strong relationships with multinational occupiers and global investors while keeping our feet firmly planted in the local market. Finally, I set out to build a team that could combine international standards of service with deep local knowledge. Those decisions created the DNA of Target Real Estate, a boutique firm with the agility of a local player and the sophistication of an international advisor.”
Navigating São Paulo’s Complex Market
The UK Times: São Paulo is a complex market, with its own set of challenges for investors and occupiers. From your perspective, what are the biggest factors influencing corporate real estate decisions today?
Frederico Luiz Rehder de Freitas replied, “I would highlight three. First is regulation. Zoning, licensing, and environmental approvals can be intricate and time-consuming, so projects need careful navigation of legal frameworks. Second is economic volatility. Brazil has cycles of inflation, interest rate swings, and currency fluctuation that directly affect financing and investor confidence. Third is infrastructure. Even though São Paulo is highly developed, access to transport, quality of utilities, and connectivity remain critical in driving value. These factors mean that advisory firms like ours must offer more than transaction support. We need to integrate legal, financial, and operational perspectives so our clients can make decisions that are resilient, not just opportunistic.”
Embracing ESG and Sustainability
The UK Times: ESG and sustainability have become central themes in global real estate. How is this trend reflected in São Paulo, and how is Target Real Estate responding?
Frederico Luiz Rehder de Freitas replied, “ We are definitely seeing increased demand for sustainable buildings, especially from international clients who often have ESG mandates. They look for certified spaces such as LEED, WELL, or BREEAM and expect higher standards in energy efficiency, air quality, and carbon footprint reduction. On the local side, tenants are also becoming more aware of wellness and operational cost savings linked to sustainability. Our role is to integrate ESG metrics into our advisory. When we run feasibility studies or market comparisons, we do not just look at rent or location anymore. We also consider the long-term costs and benefits of sustainable design. On the investment side, we help clients identify assets that can be retrofitted or repositioned to meet these standards, which in turn helps them attract premium tenants and improve exit values. It is no longer a nice to have. It is becoming an essential part of the conversation.”
Redefining Office Space After the Pandemic
The UK Times: The pandemic changed the way companies think about office space. How has this played out in São Paulo, and what does it mean for your leasing advisory work?
Frederico Luiz Rehder de Freitas replied, “The pandemic accelerated trends that were already in motion. Companies are no longer thinking purely in terms of square meters. They are thinking in terms of flexibility and employee experience. Many reduced their footprint, but they also redesigned spaces to prioritize collaboration, wellness, and amenities. Commute times and location convenience became more important in attracting talent. For us, that means advising tenants not just on cost but on total occupancy strategy. We look at where they can be most efficient, how flexible their leases should be, and what type of building can best support their workforce. We are also increasingly helping clients explore mixed-use developments and flexible workspace solutions, which are becoming part of the mainstream rather than niche options.”
Opportunities and Risks for International Investors
Lastly we asked, “For foreign institutional investors considering São Paulo, what do you see as the biggest opportunities and risks, and how does Target Real Estate help navigate them?”
“The opportunities are significant. Logistics and industrial assets are in high demand thanks to e-commerce growth. There is also strong potential in repositioning underperforming office or mixed-use assets and in sustainable developments that meet international ESG standards. But the risks are equally real. Brazil can be challenging in terms of tax and legal frameworks, and currency risk is always present. Liquidity can also be an issue in certain asset classes. What we do is provide clarity. We bring deep local intelligence, connect investors with trusted legal and financial partners, and structure deals with risk mitigation in mind, whether that is inflation indexing, exit strategies, or lease structuring. We also help bridge cultural and negotiation practices, which is often underestimated. In short, our role is to make São Paulo more transparent and accessible so that investors can seize opportunities while minimizing exposure.” Frederico Luiz Rehder de Freitas concluded
Connect on Frederico Luiz Rehder de Freitas on LinkedIn
For more information visit Target Real Estate
Also Read:
Michael Gale from Tech Innovation to Wealth Management
Meet Mr. Mamuka Makharadze, CEO of ELT Group
Phillip Leighton-Daly interview
