Buying Property in Portugal: A Must-Read Overview

Dreaming of owning a sun-soaked villa in the Algarve or a charming apartment in Lisbon’s historic center? We’ve got you covered! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about buying property in Portugal, from legal requirements to hidden gems in Portugal’s real estate market.

At Portugalist, we’ve been helping people move to Portugal and buy property here since 2016. That’s a lot of homes, and a lot of happy new Portuguese residents sipping coffee on their terraces!

Ready to find that perfect property? Let us do the hard work for you! Fill in the form below and we’ll start searching for a property that meets your needs.

Why Buy Property in Portugal?

Ah, Portugal – the land of sun, sea, and… stellar real estate opportunities! But why exactly should you consider investing in a little slice of Portuguese paradise?

Let’s break it down:

The real estate market is hot right now: Portugal’s real estate market is sizzling, attracting both relocators and savvy investors. With a booming tourism sector and high demand for long-term rentals from locals and expats alike, your new property could be working harder than a sardine fisherman in high season.
Visa Victories: Eyeing up a D7 or Digital Nomad Visa? You’ll need a Portuguese address. While renting is an option, buying a forever home could make more financial sense in the long run.
Retirement Dreams: Picture yourself sipping vinho verde on your own terrace in your golden years. Buying now could be your ticket to a sun-soaked retirement. With real estate prices prices rising quicker than dough in a padaria, it’s a smart move to invest in a Portuguese casa (that’s Portuguese for home) now.
Cha-Ching: Portugal’s real estate market has been growing steady for many years. It’s an excellent place to park your euros (or pounds or dollars) if you’re looking for a solid investment.
Bargain Alert: Even with recent price hikes, Portugal still offers great value. Lisbon might make your wallet wince a bit these days, but it’s still a steal compared to Paris or London. And don’t even get us started on how it measures up to New York or Vancouver!

So, whether you’re after a holiday home, an investment property, or your very own piece of Portugal to call home, buying property here could be your smartest move since learning to always order the house wine.

Can Foreigners Buy Property in Portugal?

Good news, international readers! Portugal’s property market is as welcoming as a warm “olá” from a friendly local.

Open Door Policy: Whether you hail from the UK, the shores of California, or the pampas of Argentina, Portugal says “bem-vindo” to foreign property buyers. There are no restrictions on foreign property ownership in Portugal.
But Wait, There’s a Catch: Owning a slice of Portugal doesn’t mean you can lounge on your terrace indefinitely. There are still some rules about how long you can stay.
EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: You folks hit the jackpot! You can legally stay for 90 days before needing to apply for residency. But between us, many stay longer without much fuss. It’s like the “5-second rule” for dropped food – officially it’s 5 seconds, but we all know…Want to stay longer? You’ll need to apply for residency.
Rest of the World: You get to play “Schengen Area Hopscotch”! That’s 90 days in every 180 days in the Schengen Area (which includes Portugal). Want to stay longer? You’ll need to apply for residency.
Longing for Longer?: If you want to make Portugal your permanent pastry-tasting base, you’ll need residency.
EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: For you, getting residency is easier than finding a good cup of coffee in Lisbon (which is very easy, by the way). Simply register at your local Câmara Municipal, get your CRUE, and you’re good to go.
Everyone Else: You’ll likely need to apply for a residency visa like the D7, Digital Nomad Visa, or golden visa. These visas allow you to live in Portugal (aka having residence here). Not sure which is right for you? Talk to us.
Golden Visa Update: Once upon a time, you could qualify for the golden visa just by purchasing a property in Portugal. Well, that ship has sailed. The golden visa still exists, but property investment is no longer in the mix. That doesn’t mean you can’t buy property in Portugal – you will just need to obtain residency in a different way.

Understanding Portugal’s Real Estate Market

History and Trends of the Portuguese Property Market

The 2008 global crisis hit Portugal harder than a well-aimed cork from a champagne bottle. Portuguese property prices dropped.
Back then, foreigners buying property in Portugal was rarer and most foreigners stuck to the Algarve.
But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Portugal’s real estate market bounced back around 2013-2014. Since then, it’s been on an upward trajectory steeper than the hills of Lisbon!
Airbnb fever hit Portugal like a tidal wave, with everyone and their grandmother buying properties to rent out. But the government has since tightened the reins on AL licenses, making it trickier than pronouncing “Freguesia” correctly.
The Golden Visa program? It was like rocket fuel for property prices. But like Airbnb restrictions, the Portuguese government altered the program and now you can now longer qualify for the golden visa by buying property in Portugal (there are other ways to qualify, though!).

Current State of the Real Estate Market in Portugal

Hot, Hot, Hot: The Portuguese property market is still sizzling hot! It’s showing no signs of cooling off, much like those endless summer days in the Algarve.
Continued Opportunities: Despite the government trying to pump the brakes, properties for tourists are still in demand. And let’s not forget the long-term renters – they need a place to lay their heads, especially with more and more expats moving here. And with tourism spreading its wings beyond the Algarve and Lisbon, there are options for property investors all over Portugal.
Supply and Demand: In hotspots like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, finding a property is becoming trickier than navigating the narrow streets of Alfama after a few glasses of port.
It Can Be A Seller’s Market: Sellers in high-demand areas are pricing their properties high. But don’t despair! A savvy buyer’s agent (a real estate agent who works for you) can be your secret weapon.
Inland Is More Affordable: Want to stretch your euros further than a piece of elastic? Look inland, young padawan! Areas near the Spanish border – we’re talking Central Portugal, Alentejo, and Northern Portugal – are still as affordable as a tasty bifana sandwich. Most foreigners are flocking to the coasts like sunbathers to a beach, leaving these hidden gems ripe for the picking.
Some Areas Are Still Underrated: If you don’t mind a bit of rain in winter, the North of Portugal offers bargains galore. And while Madeira has been discovered faster than you can say “poncha”, the Azores are still flying under the radar.
You Don’t Have to Go Far Inland: Even in the tourist mecca of the Algarve, venture a few kilometers inland and you might find more affordable property prices.

Apartment Terminology

Ever felt like you need a secret decoder ring to understand Portuguese property listings? Fear not! We’re here to demystify the ‘T’ system faster than you can say “um pastel de nata, por favor!”

T0: No, it’s not a new droid from Star Wars. This is Portuguese for a studio apartment. Perfect for minimalists or those who like to vacuum their entire home without moving.
T1: A cozy one-bedroom apartment. Ideal for singles, couples, or those with a very small dog who doesn’t mind sharing a bed.
T2: Two bedrooms! Now we’re talking. Room for a small family or a dedicated space for working from home (hello digital nomads).
T3 and beyond: The sky’s the limit! Well, actually the building regulations are the limit, but you get the idea.

Remember, the ‘T’ stands for ‘tipologia’, which basically means ‘type’. See? You’re practically fluent in Portuguese already!

Types of Property in Portugal

Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of property in Portugal.

Apartments: The Jack-of-All-Trades of Portuguese Property

Ubiquitous as pastéis de nata, you’ll find apartments everywhere from bustling cities like Lisbon and Porto to sleepy towns, and even right by the beach on the Algarve and Silver Coast.
Typically easier on the wallet than their standalone cousins. Perfect for those who want to save their euros for important things… like developing a taste for Portugal’s fantastic port wine.
Some come with shared goodies like swimming pools. It’s like having a private oasis, but with the added bonus of potential pool gossip!

Beachfront Beauties: Where Sand Meets Real Estate

A mix of villas, former fisherman’s houses, and apartments that’ll have you living your best “beach bum meets sophisticated homeowner” life.
Pro tip: The further inland you go, the cheaper it gets. Sometimes, a short drive to the beach means more cash for seafood dinners!
Hot spots include the Algarve (obviously), Cascais (Lisbon’s fancy cousin), and Matosinhos (Porto’s surf-loving neighbor).
Up-and-coming areas like Setúbal and the Silver Coast are the new kids on the block. And, the further north you go, the more your euros stretch. Winters may be cooler but at least you’ll have that dream property overlooking the ocean.
Even within popular areas, prices vary. In the Algarve, Lagos might make your wallet weep, while Carvoeiro or Armação de Pêra could have it singing! A local realtor can advise here (and hint, hint, so can Portugalist).

Countryside Charmers: Your Slice of Rural Paradise

From traditional farmhouses that have seen more harvests than a vineyard, to modern homes with a rustic twist, there are lots of options for rural properties.
These are often more affordable, especially if you go inland in the Alentejo, Central Portugal, or Northern Portugal.
Fancy yourself as a DIY guru? Plenty of renovation projects available for those with plenty of patience and ideally experience holding more than a paintbrush.
Many come with land. Perfect for those that want to be self-sufficient, animal lovers, or parents who need somewhere to tire out the kids.

Luxury Listings: For Those Who Want to Live Like Royalty

A mix of swanky villas and high-end apartments. Some new builds shinier than a freshly polished crystal glass, others beautifully restored pieces of history. The choice is yours!
You’ll mainly find them in city hotspots like Lisbon and Porto, or coastal gems like Cascais, Comporta, and Melides. But let’s be real, there’s probably a luxury pad wherever there’s a good view in Portugal!

Remember, whether you’re after a cozy city apartment, a beachside retreat, a countryside escape, or a luxury palace, Portugal’s got you covered. The hardest part? Deciding which type of Portuguese paradise you want to call home!

Where to Buy Property in Portugal

Not sure where you want to live in Portugal yet? Let’s take a look at some of the most popular areas for buying property in Portugal.

Lisbon: Where History Meets Hipster

Imagine sipping a ginjinha while admiring your trendy apartment in a centuries-old building. That’s Lisbon for you!
Digital nomads and startups are flocking here faster than seagulls to a dropped bifana. If you work remotely or have an idea for the next big startup, this is the perfect place to base yourself.
Beach bums, rejoice! Hop on the Lisbon-Cascais train, and you’re practically in your swimsuit. From Cais do Sodré it’s just 20 minutes on the train to Carcavelos.
Want to live a little further out? Nearby gems like Costa da Caparica, Ericeira, Sintra, Cascais, and Almada offer flavors for every taste.
AL Licence for Airbnb? Unfortunately, getting one of these isn’t easy anymore. But fear not, long-term rentals are in high demand with expats, digital nomads, and of course, Portuguese locals.

Cascais: Lisbon’s Posh Cousin by the Sea

Situated just a short 30-50 minute trainride from Lisbon City Centre. Ideally for commuting or just enjoying the best of both worlds – seaside living with proximity to the city.
Popular with retirees who don’t need to be in the city all the time and expat families that want a quieter pace of life.
Properties here aren’t cheap, but then you get what you pay for, right?

Algarve: Where Sun, Sea, and Expats Meet

Year-round sunshine? Check (well, 300 days out of 365). Beaches? Check. Expat-friendly vibes? Triple check! It’s no wonder this is such a popular place to live or own a second home.
From beachfront villas to inland bargains, there’s something for every wallet size.
Eastern, Central, or Western Algarve? It’s like choosing between different types of Portuguese wine – they’re all good, just different!
- Eastern: More affordable, close to Faro Airport, and close to the Spanish border. What’s not to like?
- Central: The most popular areas for tourists and expats. Known for its beautiful golden cliff-backed beaches and popular seaside resort towns.
- Western: More rugged and natural. Popular with surfers and walkers. Temperatures are typically cooler, but the area is windier.
Pro tip: Your euros stretch further inland. But who needs the beach when you’ve got your own swimming pool, right? Eastern Algarve is also typically cheaper, although properties around Tavira are in high demand with expats.

Porto: Lisbon’s Cooler, Cheaper Cousin

Historic charm meets modern cool, all wrapped up in a port wine-soaked package.
More affordable than Lisbon and often overlooked due to its ‘liquid sunshine’ (aka rain). Their loss, your gain!
Gateway to Northern Portugal and Spain. You’ll be able to spend your weekends hiking in Peneda-Gerês National Park or eating seafood in Galicia.
Well-connected by rail, so it’s easy to get into Spain, to Braga, to nearby cities like Aveiro and Coimbra, or down to Lisbon.
Porto Airport is surprisingly well-connected, particularly for flights across Europe.

Alentejo: Where Time Slows Down (In a Good Way)

Rural charm? Check. Affordable prices? Check. Authenticity? Check! Due to the hotter weather and remoteness, this region has been long overlooked. If you’re looking for an opportunity to discover the real Portugal and taste some of the best food Portugal has to offer, consider this region.
Dreaming of an off-grid farmhouse with enough land to start your own olive grove? Alentejo’s got you covered. You’ll also find cozy seaside cottages as this region extends from the Atlantic coast all the way to the Portuguese-Spanish border.
Sure, summers in inland Alentejo are hot, but that’s what siestas are for, right?

The Silver Coast: The Algarve’s Up-and-Coming Cousin

All the beach vibes of the Algarve, but with a dash of authenticity and a sprinkle of affordability.
Growing international crowd, especially Americans (along with plenty of Brits, Germans, and everyone else).
While popular with the Portuguese, the beaches are less crowded here compared to the Algarve.
Well-connected to Lisbon and Porto – perfect for city breaks or getting to an international airport.
Of course, you don’t need to go to Lisbon or Porto for city life. Coimbra and Aveiro offer a slice of city living, albeit on a much smaller scale.

Northern Portugal: The Road Less Traveled

Wetter winters? Yes. But your wallet will thank you, and so will your taste buds (hello, hearty Northern cuisine!).
Traditional Portugal at its finest. Sure, it won’t be as international as Lisbon or the Algarve but you’ll actually get to experience what life in Portugal is really like.
Weekend trips to Spain? Absolutely. It’s just a short drive over the border.

Madeira and the Azores: Island Life, Portuguese Style

Madeira: Year-round spring with a side of expat-friendly amenities. It’s like the Algarve decided to become an island!
Azores: For those who like their nature untamed and their weather unpredictable. It’s Portugal’s wild child that looks like a cross between Hawaii and Ireland. But with quick flights to the US and Canada, it’s a popular choice for North Americans.
Did we mention the tax benefits? That’s right. While the NHR regime has been downsized on mainland Portugal, the autonomous regions of Madeira and the Azores still have tax incentives for those willing to live here.

Comporta and Melides: The Portuguese Hamptons

Where celebrities go to escape faster than you can say “paparazzi”. George Clooney, Paris Hilton, and Sharon Stone have all purchased real estate here.
Privacy levels? Higher than a Portuguese grandmother’s standards for a good bacalhau recipe. This isn’t the easiest area to get to which means you’ll feel like you’ve escaped from the rest of the world.
Close enough to Lisbon for convenience, far enough for peace. Just don’t forget your car – public transport here is still a work in progress (although there’s a ferry to Setúbal).

Finding the Perfect Property

Want to know how to find that dream home in Portugal. Is it as easy as Googling ‘property Portugal’?

Almost! Portugal has its own property websites, like Idealista and OLX. Did you know Portugalist has a property section too?

But, unlike in the US, where there’s a MLS System, that doesn’t exist in Portugal. That means that while most properties end up on Idealista or other sites, you’ll typically need to look at multiple property sites to find all the properties on the market. Even then, sometimes properties aren’t advertised.

If it all sounds a little bit messy, that’s because it often is. That’s why we recommend using a buyer’s agent (basically a concierge who helps you navigate the Portuguese real estate market).

Navigating Property Websites

The key to navigating property websites in Portugal is to research thoroughly and work with a real estate professional.

Besides Idealista and Portugalist’s own selection of properties, a few other websites to include in your property search are:

ImoVirtual
Casa.Sapo.pt
Green-acres.pt
Custo Justo
PurePortugal.co.uk (particularly focused on rural properties and land)
BeEverywhere (for properties for sale by owner, which are usually also listed on green-acres.pt)

There’s no central database of properties that have sold in Portugal and for how much. This mean that it can be difficult to know if the property price is a fair representation of the property value.

At Portugalist, we have our own scoring system to help you determine whether a property is over or under-valued, but the key is typically to work with a local real estate agent who understand the market.

Financing Your Property Purchase

Whether you pay in cash or take out a home loan, you’ll need to finance your property purchase somehow.

Mortgages in Portugal

Both residents and non-residents can get a mortgage loan. However, residents will typically be offered a better deal.

Residents (those that live in Portugal) will typically need a deposit of between 10% 20%.
Non-residents (those that don’t legally live in Portugal) will typically need a deposit of around 20% and 30%.
It’s sometimes possible to get lower rates, but as a safe estimate, residents should assume they’ll need around 28% in cash as a downpayment while non-residents should assume they’ll need around 38%.
Typically, you will need to take out a mortgage loan through a Portuguese bank. Some banks will offer international mortgages, but it’s quite rare.
The broker will also need to assess how much you can afford to pay back per month, taking into account your earnings, current monthly outgoings, and the mortgage term.
As a general rule, your fixed outgoings (e.g. other mortgages, credit card repayments, etc.) cannot be greater than around 35% of your net income. This means that if you earn €1,000 per month after tax, your fixed outgoings, including this mortgage, cannot be more than €350 per month.
Determine the maximum amount you can borrow before making an offer. Speak to a mortgage broker that covers the whole of the market or at the very least, have a chat with your bank.
Working with an English-speaking mortgage broker makes sense as many mortgage comparison websites are only available in Portuguese.

Buying in Cash

If you’re a cash buyer, this step will be easier: just take the full amount and be sure to allow around 6-8% for purchase fees.

For example, if you’re looking for a property that costs around €500k, be sure to allow between 6% and 8% (or between €30k and €40k) for fees.

Taxes and Fees

Municipal Property Tax (IMI)

The IMI rate usually ranges from 0.3% to 0.45% and is used to maintain public infrastructures in municipalities.
Property owners must pay the IMI every year, and can be exempted if their annual taxable income does not surpass €15,295.

Wealth Tax (AIMI)

Rates are 0.4% for properties held by companies, 0.7 percent for individuals, and 1 percent for those whose share in Portuguese property goes over €1 million.

Capital Gains Tax

If you sell your property in Portugal, you could be liable for capital gains tax.
Any profit made from the property sale will be considered capital gains.

Inheritance Tax

While Portugal doesn’t have an inheritance tax in the traditional sense, a stamp duty might apply to inherited property for non-exempt beneficiaries.

Required Paperwork

Alright, future Portuguese property owner, let’s talk paperwork! Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as deciphering a Portuguese menu on your first day in Portugal. Here’s what you need to have in your “I’m buying a house in Portugal” folder:

Identification: Typically, your passport will do the trick. If you’re European, your ID card works too.
NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal): This is your Portuguese personal tax ID and you need it for most major purchases in Portugal (including buying a property).
Portuguese Bank Account: Now, this one’s not technically required, but it’s more recommended than a good glass of port after dinner. If you’re taking out a mortgage, your bank might insist on it too. Plus, it makes life easier when it comes to paying bills. If you’re opening an account remotely, we recommend starting at least a month in advance as these things take time.
Proof of IMT and IS Payment: Before you sign the Ecritura (deeds), you will need to pay the Imposto Municipal Sobre as Transmissões Onerosas de Imóveis (IMT) and Imposto do selo (IS), which is the property transfer tax and stamp duty. Don’t worry: we’ll get to that.

The Buying Process

The following is an overview of the property acquisition process in Portugal. Your experience may differ slightly, but this should give you a good bird’s eye view of the entire process – from start to finish.

Step 1: Work Out Your Budget

The first step is to work out what your budget is.
If you need a mortgage, this typically involves speaking to a mortgage broker or, at the very least, using an online mortgage calculator to get a rough estimate.
Regardless of whether you’re buying with cash or with a mortgage, it’s important to factor in property buying costs which are usually between 6% and 10% of the property purchase price, although 6-8% is more common.

Step 2: Look for Homes

Use Portugalist’s property section.
Work with a buyer’s agent to find suitable homes, work out whether they’re reasonably priced, and find off-market properties.

Step 3: Attend Viewings and Make an Offer

View any properties that you’re interested in, either alone or with a buyer’s agent. These days, you don’t have to attend in-person: you can also attend viewings online. Understandably, however, most people still want to view properties in person.
When you’ve found your new dream home, it’s recommended to hire a surveyor before making an official offer.
Although it’s a minor thing, we recommend checking you can get fibre-optic internet at your new property before you make an offer.
Negotiations can happen over the phone, via email, or in person, and the highest bid usually wins. However, you may have some leverage if you’re a cash buyer or not in a chain.
Typically, there’s room for some negotiation. However, demand has outstripped supply in recent years, making it harder for buyer’s to really negotiate prices down.
Negotiation is an art form in Portugal – offer too low a price and you risk offending the seller. It’s best to work with an experienced buyer’s agent so as to get the best possible price without losing the entire deal altogether.
Once you’ve found a property that you like, put in an offer. Some agents may ask you to pay a reserva to take the property off the market, but it varies from agent to agent and how in-demand the property is.

Step 3: Sign the CPCV

When you and the seller agree on a price, you’ll need to complete the paperwork and make the necessary payments.
Both parties come up with their terms for the promissory contract (or CPCV), which could involve terms like the deal is contingent upon the survey not bringing up any serious problems.
It also includes details about both parties and when the date for signing the escritura (or deeds) is likely to be.
At this point, the buyer will typically pay a 10% deposit, which is non-refundable if the buyer backs out. However, if the seller backs out, the buyer has to be paid double.

Step 4: Await the Bank’s Decision on the Mortgage (if applicable)

If you’re getting a mortgage, the bank will normally need to visit the home as part of their valuation.

Step 5: Arrange Insurance

In Portugal, it’s mandatory to take out home insurance when you have a mortgage.
You may also need to take out life insurance.
Your mortgage lender (typically your bank) will likely offer both home and life insurance, but it’s good to stop around.

Step 6: Pay the IMT & IS

Just before you sign the deeds, you will normally need to pay the IMT and IS.
You should also arrange the final payment, which is normally paid as a banker’s draft (and which you’ll normally have to ask the bank to arrange in advance).

Step 7: Transfer the Utilities

You’ll need to take care of the utilities, including water, electricity, gas, and internet.
This can be daunting if you don’t speak the language, but don’t worry: Portugalist can help.
Be aware that ISPs (internet service providers) may say they offer fibre-optic internet at your property, but it’s important to check and not just use their online checker. Either go into the ISP’s shop (e.g. the MEO or Vodafone shop) or use an internet specialist to manually check for you.

Step 8: Sign the Escritura (Final Deed)

The final step in the property purchase process is signing the Escritura, also known as the Final Deed, which transfers ownership of the property from the seller to the buyer.
Ensure you or your legal representative thoroughly review the document and clarify any doubts before signing.
This exchange normally takes place at the notary’s office.
Unless you or the buyer are being represented by your lawyers through power of attorney, it’s common for both the buyer and seller to be present along with each party’s lawyers.
The Escritura will be read aloud (in Portuguese) and both parties can comment and confirm that they’re happy and that any terms placed in the promissory contract have been met.
You will need a translator if you don’t speak Portuguese, although this could be your lawyer if you’re happy with that.
Pay the remaining balance of the property price, as well as other associated fees and taxes.

Step Nine: Final Steps

There are still some small tasks that need to be done – the property needs to be registered into the Land Registry (Registo Predial) and with the local tax office (Finanças), for example, but often a lawyer can help with these or at least point you in the right direction.
Make sure you have a copy of important documents like the escritura, energy certificate, and land registry certificate.
Update any banks, companies, or government bodies with your new name and address.
Register your mailbox (or buy one) if it’s a house in a rural location.

Challenges of Buying Property in Portugal

Every year, thousands of internationals buy property in Portugal. But before you dive headfirst into the Portuguese property pool, let’s talk about some of the… shall we say… quirks of buying here.

The Portuguese Property Surprise Package

Imagine buying a house and discovering it comes with a free, unauthorized swimming pool! Sounds great, right? Well, not when the town hall comes knocking. It’s not uncommon for properties to have unofficial swimming pools or extra rooms of the house, but a good lawyer or buyer’s agent (or combo of both) should be able to spot these.
Ever heard of the “it’ll do” school of construction? Unfortunately that school of thought was very common in Portugal in previous years. The result? Apartments with walls so thin, you can hear your neighbor’s thoughts and houses that’ll have you shivering cold throughout the whole of winter. Again, a property specialist will be able to spot these potential problems better than you will.
And then there are the “maybe sellers.” These folks list their properties with no desire to really sell – they just want to know how much it’s worth. Or sometimes, you’ll find a property jointly owned by multiple siblings but only one or two of the siblings want to sell. Once again, a property expert can spot these time-waster properties before you get your hopes up.

Your Portuguese Property Dream Team

Sounds scary? Don’t worry! The key is to recruit your very own property dream team.

A Good Lawyer: A good lawyer is your new best friend. They’ll check paperwork faster than a Portuguese grandmother checks her grandkids’ plates for leftovers. No need to worry about unofficial swimming pools or unauthorised extra wings of the property.
A Buyer’s Agent: They represent YOU, not the seller. And the best part? Their magic usually comes at no extra cost to you (they split the commission with the seller). Given there’s often no charge for their services, there’s really no reason not to use one.
A Surveyor: Although not common in Portugal, more and more buyers are calling in the big guns – engineers or specialist property inspectors. These folks will go further than any lawyer or buyer’s agent can, really enabling you to spot any major problems.

Remember, buying property in Portugal is an adventure. It may sound daunting sometimes but with the right team, you’ll be sipping vinho verde on your fully-inspected and structurally-sound veranda before you know it.