I work in both cities and I will be direct: both markets are running at full steam — each with a different strength. There is no single answer; there is the right answer for your profile. This is the comparison I use with my clients.
Balneário Camboriú: the established market
An international brand, scarce beachfront, high liquidity and the wealthiest audience on the coast. It is home to the icon buildings and the ultra-luxury tier. Pros: prestige, liquidity, appreciation sustained by scarcity. Con: high entry ticket — the best beachfront rarely sells for under R$ 5 million.
Itapema: the fastest-growing market
Meia Praia is now one of the strongest growth frontiers on the Santa Catarina coast. High-end vertical development has arrived in force — signature launches and hot demand — at an even more accessible ticket than BC. Pros: appreciation potential, great floor-area-to-price ratio, excellent beach. Watch out: a younger market — choosing the right development and builder makes all the difference.
Which one makes sense for you
- Security, prestige and liquidity? Balneário Camboriú;
- Appreciation potential and entry price? Itapema deserves serious attention;
- Going to live there? Decide by your routine (work, school, lifestyle) — not just the spreadsheet;
- The ideal portfolio? In many cases, both: an established asset in BC + an appreciation play in Itapema.
Read also: Beachfront in BC: the no-hype analysis · Viva Park Porto Belo: the July 2026 news