What should you do to buy property in Portugal?

Step 1. Visit the property

You discussed transaction with a real estate agency. After that you can be invited to a viewing tour. It includes site inspections and expert advice. This is not free tourism, the cost of transport and accommodation is paid by the buyer. But when making a final deal, the costs can be taken into account. If you can’t choose a property from the first attempt, you can repeat the trip.

Residential Property For Sale

485 000 €

Flat in Lagoa, Portugal

143 m² 4 3 3

This charming, typical Portuguese townhouse in good condition, painted in blue and white, has large, bright & spacious spaces and large sunny garden. The house spans 2 floors. The ground floor has traditional tiled floors whilst the bedrooms, on the first floor have laminate flooring. There is air conditioning throughout. The ground floor...

Maija Software

745 000 €

Flat in Cascais, Portugal

81 m² 1 1 1

3D Tour

One-Bedroom Apartment in the Prestigious Horizon Condominium — Cascais An elegant one-bedroom apartment in Horizon, a high-end private condominium in one of the most prestigious areas of Cascais. The apartment stands out for its quality finishes, contemporary design and abundant natural light, creating a modern, comfortable and...

Ola Estate

795 000 €

Flat in Cascais, Portugal

84 m² 1 1 2

3D Tour

Atlantic Gross Area: 84 m², including 12 m² of terrace space Underground Parking with EV Charger Stunning Ocean Views Modern Condominium Premium Finishes Prime Cascais Location Two Private Terraces Located in one of the most prestigious areas of Cascais, this spacious one-bedroom apartment is situated in a modern...

Ola Estate

830 000 €

Apartment in Portimao, Portugal

117 m² 4 2 2

Luxury Penthouse with Ocean Views and Expansive Terraces in Praia da Rocha. Discover exceptional indoor–outdoor living in this stunning penthouse in the vibrant Praia da Rocha district of Portimão, Portugal. Generous terraces, ocean and city views, and a private rooftop jacuzzi create an inviting setting for relaxing and entertaining. On the...

Maija Software

495 000 €

Flat in Lisbon, Portugal

95 m² 3 2 1

3D Tour

Fully Renovated 3-Bedroom Apartment | Penha de França Renovated and ready-to-move-in apartment, fully furnished, on the 1st floor, in one of Lisbon's most authentic and well-located neighborhoods. The property features a living room, two bedrooms, an office-type bedroom, a functional and fully equipped kitchen, a complete...

Ola Estate

995 000 €

Flat in Estoril, Portugal

137 m² 2 2 3

3D Tour

2-Bedroom Apartment in Estoril with 80 m2 Terrace, Pool and Sea-View Gym Privileged location in Estoril 2 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms 80 m2 terrace 700 metres from the coastline 2 parking spacs with EV chargrs Ocean-view gym and swimming pool Gated community This residential property is located within the Essence development in...

Ola Estate

435 000 €

Apartment in Alvor, Portugal

67 m² 2 1 1

1 bedroom apartment in Oasis Castelo with communal roof top pool with ocean views pool in the brand-new condominium charming village of Alvor, Algarve, Portugal. This exquisite one-bedroom, one-bathroom home is situated on the top floor of a four-story building, offering privacy and stunning views. The property boasts a fully equipped kitchen...

Maija Software

485 000 €

Apartment in Portimao, Portugal

104 m² 4 3 2

3-bedroom apartment located on the principal avenue, Avenida Tomás Cabreira, in Praia da Rocha, Portimão. Featuring 2 bathrooms, 2 balconies, it sits in the perfect location just a few minutes' walk from the famous Praia da Rocha beach, within a small, private, traditional condominium. The apartment is in its original condition and has been used...

Maija Software

205 000 €

Flat in Coimbra, Portugal

72 m² 3 3 1

A bright and modern three-bedroom flat in the quiet residential neighbourhood of Figueira da Foch This excellent three-bedroom flat, situated in the quiet residential neighbourhood of Figueira da Foch, is ideal both as a home and as a rental investment. The property is situated on the ground floor of a three-storey building, in a quiet...

Ola Estate

575 000 €

Flat in Lisbon, Portugal

76 m² 2 2 1

A newly finished T2 on Calçada do Moinho de Vento. The buyer will be the first to live here. Two parks within a five-minute walk: Jardim do Torel, with a view over the city, and Campo de Santana. Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon’s main avenue, is a short walk downhill. Shops, restaurants and transport at the door. The interior has...

Ola Estate

449 000 €

Flat in Lisbon, Portugal

79 m² 2 1 1

Online Viewing Remote Transaction 3D Tour

Renovated T1+1 Apartment in Graça | Equipped Kitchen | Move-in Ready More space and comfort in one of Lisbon’s most authentic neighbourhoods. We present this welcoming one-bedroom apartment with an additional room (T1+1), located on Rua da Graça, in one of Lisbon’s most distinctive and sought-after neighbourhoods....

Ola Estate

515 000 €

Apartment in Portimao, Portugal

78 m² 3 2 2

Discover your dream home in the vibrant city of Portimão, nestled in the picturesque region of Faro, Portugal. Situated on the 14th floor, this well-maintained 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment on the southwest corner offers breathtaking views of the city, sea and swimming pool. The property is sold furnished and equipped with all kitchen...

Maija Software

299 000 €

Flat in Lisbon, Portugal

47 m² 2 2 2

3D Tour

T1+1 Apartment in Graça | Attic Space | Between Graça and Santa Apolónia Extra living space in one of Lisbon's most authentic neighborhoods. We present this cozy 1+1 bedroom apartment, located on the 2nd floor of a traditional-style building on Rua Tenente Viriato Correia de Lacerda, situated between Graça and...

Ola Estate

330 000 €

Apartment in Alvor, Portugal

52 m² 2 1 1

Ready to move into in 2025, this is a fabulous, rare opportunity to purchase a brand new apartment in the heart of Alvor. Built using top quality materials with luxurious fittings & finishings, this ground floor, 1 bed apartment is in the centre of this modern & stylish, private condominium, with 3 buildings & a communal rooftop pool. The...

Maija Software

700 000 €

Apartment in Alvor, Portugal

88 m² 3 2 2

Ready to move into in 2025, this is a fabulous, rare opportunity to purchase a brand new apartment in the heart of Alvor. Built using top quality materials with luxurious fittings & finishings, this top floor, 2 bed apartment is in the centre of this modern & stylish, private condominium, with 3 buildings & a communal rooftop pool. The apartment...

Maija Software

910 000 €

Flat in Lisbon, Portugal

116 m² 3 2 2

Online Viewing Rental property

Location Infante Residences is located in the historic center of Lisbon on Avenida Infante Santo, in the prestigious Estrela / Lapa district - one of the capital’s most elegant and traditionally diplomatic neighborhoods. This central area of the city lies between Estrela and the Tagus River waterfront. The river promenade and the...

Glacier Location LDA

535 000 €

Flat in Lisbon, Portugal

56 m² 2 1 1

Online Viewing Rental property

Location Infante Residences is located in the historic center of Lisbon on Avenida Infante Santo, in the prestigious Estrela / Lapa district, one of the capital’s most elegant and traditionally diplomatic neighborhoods. This central area of the city lies between Estrela and the Tagus River waterfront. The river promenade and the Santos...

Glacier Location LDA

640 000 €

Apartment in Cascais, Portugal

114 m² 1 1

Online Viewing Remote Transaction

Intermark Global

650 000 €

Apartment in Funchal, Portugal

256 m² 4

Large apartment T4 with an area of 256 m2, located on the penultimate floor and with a communal pool on the roof, in addition to a large solarium with an open viewon the Bay of Funchal, close to bakeries, restaurants, supermarket.The complex has a playground and a garden.Layout: hall, living room, kitchen and large dining room, laundry room, 4...

Intermark Global

580 000 €

Apartment in Funchal, Portugal

205 m² 3

San Lucas is the newest luxury complex in Madeira. It is located inFunchal, by the sea, on the prestigious Monumental Stage.Praia Formosa is just a short drive away, as are the mostexquisite hotels on the island.San Lucas is distinguished by its modern architecture, the highest qualityfinishes, good public areas and luxurious interior design.It...

Intermark Global

See more 65 similar properties

Step 2. Prepare for transaction and reserve the property

Before the parties will proceed directly to the transaction, it is necessary to implement several procedures.

First, the buyer receives a local tax number (NIF – número de identificação fiscal). It can be registered by a lawyer or a tax representative with the local tax authority (Servico de Financas). Obtaining a NIF is necessary, because with the purchase of real estate, the buyer becomes a Portuguese taxpayer. You also need a tax number to open a Bank account.

Whether or not to open an account with the Bank of Portugal depends on the transfer option. The first way is to transfer funds from your country to a personal Portuguese account, then from this account to the seller's account. The transfer of funds to the seller can be performed by a lawyer under the power of attorney. The second way is more common. The buyer uses it to transfer funds from your account to a special lawyer's account, from which they are transferred to the seller. However, the payment cannot be made in cash.

Another step is reserving the property. The reservation fee is about 10% most of the time. Making this payment means that the seller removes the property from sale and now no one else can buy it. Payment is made by a bank transfer with the seller’s check. If you want to conduct the transaction in a short time, then you can do it without the reservation fee and proceed immediately to the conclusion of a Preliminary contract (Contrato de Promessa de Compra e Venda) and pay the deposit.

Real estate agencies can invite you on a viewing tour. If you like the propery they offer, some of your expences can be taken into account.

Step 3. Collect a documentation package

The lawyer collects all the necessary documentation confirming the legal and technical condition of the property.

That includes:

• The extract from the land registry (Centidão de Teor). It specifies the location of the property and it’s type.
• The extract from the tax office (Caderneta Urbana/Rustica Predial), or a House book (Caderneta Predial). The tax registration of the property, which also includes information about the location, size of land, square footage and number of rooms, presence of garage, etc.
• The housing certificate (Licença de Habitação). A document from the municipality confirming the compliance of the property with building regulations. Only applies to buildings after 1951.
• The passport of the property (Ficha Técnica de Habitação). This is a document of ownership, including a housing certificate and the extract from a tax office. It also specifies the details of the contractor, customer, and suppliers of construction materials, to which, if necessary, you can make claims on the quality of construction. A passport is required only for properties with a housing certificate issued after 30.03.2004.
• Documents from the Portuguese Institute for the protection of historical monuments (IPPAR). Required for items that are historical monuments. Issued in IPPAR and the municipality, confirms that these institutions do not intend to use their right to prohibit the sale.
• The certificate of energy saving (Certificado Energetico). It indicates whether the building meets the new energy consumption standards.

Step 4. Make a preliminary contract

After preparing all documents, the seller and buyer enter into a Preliminary agreement. The document contains a description of the property, the price, terms and payment procedure, rights and obligations of the parties. At this stage, the buyer makes a deposit of 10-30% of the price of the object. If the seller retracts the deal, they are obliged to pay you a double deposit. If you retract the transaction, then you lose the deposit and may be potentially sued by the seller for compensation. When making a purchase on a mortgage, the bank's refusal to issue a loan is not considered as a buyer's fault and the deposit is returned to him. However, this condition must be specified in the contract.

After signing the preliminary agreement you must pay the transfer tax and stamp duty to the local tax office. You can do it the same moment at the notary office. Otherwise you have not more than 48 hours to make a payment.

Step 5. Conclude the main contract

The final transaction (Escritura) takes place in the notary's office. First, the specialist checks the completeness and authenticity of all documents, as well as tax receipts. At the same time, the remaining amount of the transaction is paid, namely, the seller receives a receipt for funds held either in your personal Portuguese account or in a special lawyer's account.

Before signing the document by the parties, the notary must read it aloud. Reading is done in Portuguese, so if you do not speak this language, you must have a translator (a lawyer or a realtor).

Step 6. Registrate the transaction

Upon signing the main agreement, notarized copies of the document are sent to the land registry (Conservatoria do Registro Predial) for registration of the new owner, as well as to the tax authorities. After that, you receive a reissued Registration certificate (Certidão de Teor) and a house book.

Contracts for telephone services, electricity, water and gas supply, as well as for condominium services are renegotiated after the change of ownership.

Quoting conditions of Prianproperty.com materials