When Balneário Camboriú widened its Central Beach three years ago, the real estate market along Santa Catarina's northern coast entered a new era. Property prices in the city surged, demand for oceanfront units intensified, and the project became a reference point for other cities in the region. Now it is Itapema's turn.
With the environmental installation license approved by Santa Catarina's Environmental Institute (IMA-SC), the Meia Praia widening project is cleared to move into the public bidding process. Construction is expected to begin in August 2026 and be completed before the summer season [Source: NDMais, 2026].
What the Project Involves
The project covers approximately 4.7 kilometers of Meia Praia's waterfront, between the mouths of the Perequê and Taboleiro das Oliveiras rivers. Up to 416,000 cubic meters of sand will be used, widening the beach by between 20 and 60 meters depending on the section [Source: NDMais, 2026].
For context, the widening of Balneário Camboriú's Central Beach used a similar volume of sand and completely transformed the profile of that city's waterfront. Itapema's project covers an even greater linear extent.
Construction will be carried out after the environmental protection period, running from August to December 2026, to minimize the impact on marine life. The estimated construction period is approximately four months.
How Much Could Property Values Increase
The question driving investors and property owners is straightforward: how much will values rise? Construtora Edify projected a scenario based on the impact of Balneário Camboriú's beach widening on local prices, arriving at an estimated appreciation of up to 46.8% for oceanfront properties in Itapema [Source: NDMais, 2026].
More conservative projections, including from Itapema's mayor, point to an increase of at least 30% for waterfront properties after the project is completed [Source: NDMais, 2026].
NDMais, 2026
It is worth noting the context: Itapema already registered Brazil's highest price per square meter in May 2026, at R$ 15,226/m², according to the FipeZap Index. The starting point is already high. Any additional appreciation post-construction builds on an elevated base, which amplifies both the potential gain and the risk for buyers who enter after appreciation has already been priced in.
Why Balneário Camboriú Became the Reference Model
The neighboring city offers the most recent and documented example of how a beach widening affects the real estate market. Before the works, Balneário Camboriú's Central Beach was narrow, with the sand strip disappearing at high tide. After the widening completed in 2023, the waterfront gained up to 70 meters of width in some sections.
The result was consistent price appreciation in nearby properties, followed by a wave of premium new developments targeting the revitalized waterfront. Market participants are already anticipating the same movement in Itapema, with developers seeking beachfront land and planning oceanfront launches.
What Changes for Buyers and Investors Today
Before construction begins, Itapema's market has not yet fully priced in the widening's impact. Some developments already cite the project as a selling point, but the projected 30% to 47% appreciation for oceanfront units is not completely reflected in current prices, according to industry analysis.
For those considering buying a property on Meia Praia's waterfront, the construction period represents a window with two sides: the possibility of purchasing before full appreciation materializes, and the risk that the project is delayed or that projections do not materialize at the expected scale.
Coastal real estate markets have a track record of delivering strong appreciation once infrastructure works are completed, but timing of entry makes a meaningful difference to final returns.
The Impact on Development Positioning
For developers that already have projects on Meia Praia, the approved environmental license changes the conversation with potential buyers. It is no longer a promise but a project with a date, an execution plan, and confirmed funding.
This directly affects the branding of developments. The narrative of "you are buying on what will be Santa Catarina's most valuable beach" gains documentary backing. The communication challenge lies in balancing enthusiasm with transparency about timelines, risks, and what is actually guaranteed at this stage.
Meia Praia in Itapema is not yet Balneário Camboriú's Central Beach. But if the project moves forward as scheduled, August 2026 may mark the beginning of a transformation that will redraw the real estate map of Santa Catarina's northern coast.
[Source: NDMais, 2026] [Source: Diário do Comércio, 2026]
