Urban Land Regularization: Historical and Legal Factors

Abstract

This article investigates land regularization in Brazil, analyzing its historical evolution from the hereditary captaincies to the present day. The Land Law of 1850, which favored land concentration and social exclusion, is one of the important milestones in this process. The abolition of slavery and the Proclamation of the Republic, by decentralizing vacant lands in favor of the colonels, perpetuated inequalities in access to land. The rapid urbanization of the 20th century, without adequate planning, led to the formation of slums and informal settlements, a problem that persists today. Law No. 13,465/2017 was created with the objective of legalizing informal urban centers, promoting social inclusion and increasing tax collection. However, the implementation of this law and effective land regularization face several challenges. In this sense, we seek to understand which factors delay the functioning of urban land regularization in the country, concluding that regularization is essential to ensure the right to decent housing, mitigate inequalities and promote more equitable urban development, highlighting the importance of effective public policies and their continuous implementation.