Property Buyer’s Checklist – Portugal

1. Define Your Purpose

• Holiday home, relocation, retirement, or investment

• Short‑term rental, long‑term rental, or personal use

• Preferred regions (Algarve, Lisbon, Porto, Silver Coast, Madeira)

2. Set Your Budget

Include:

• Purchase price

• Taxes (typically 6–10% depending on region and property type)

• Legal fees

• Notary + registry fees

• Survey/inspection costs

• Ongoing ownership costs (IMI tax, utilities, condominium fees)

3. Choose the Right Location

Evaluate:

• Proximity to beaches, airports, amenities

• Rental demand (tourism vs long‑term)

• Local climate differences (north vs south)

• Transport links

• Neighbourhood safety and year‑round population

4. Appoint an Independent Portuguese Lawyer

Your lawyer should:

• Be fully independent from the seller/agent

• Specialise in Portuguese real estate law

• Handle due diligence, contracts, and title checks

• Explain all documents in English

5. Obtain a Portuguese Tax Number (NIF)

Required for:

• Buying property

• Opening a bank account

• Paying taxes

• Signing utility contracts

Apply early to avoid delays.

6. Open a Portuguese Bank Account

Needed for:

• Utility payments

• Mortgage payments

• Local tax obligations

Choose a bank familiar with foreign buyers.

7. Conduct Full Legal Due Diligence

Your lawyer should verify:

• Title deeds

• Debts, charges, or mortgages on the property

• Condominium fees (if applicable)

• Planning permissions

• Urban vs rustic land classification

• Energy certificate

• Boundaries and land registry accuracy

8. Arrange a Survey or Technical Inspection

Recommended for:

• Older properties

• Rural homes

• Renovation projects

Check structure, damp, electrics, plumbing, roof condition, and septic systems.

9. Understand All Purchase Taxes

Depending on the property:

• IMT (Property Transfer Tax)

• Stamp Duty (Imposto do Selo)

• VAT (IVA) on certain new builds

• Notary + Land Registry fees

Your lawyer should provide a full tax calculation before signing.

10. Plan for Ongoing Ownership Costs

Include:

• IMI (annual municipal property tax)

• Condominium fees (if applicable)

• Utilities

• Insurance

• Property management (if renting or living abroad)

• Maintenance and repairs

11. Check Rental Regulations

If planning to rent:

• Verify AL licence requirements for short‑term rentals

• Understand local restrictions (especially Lisbon, Porto, Algarve hotspots)

• Confirm condominium rules

• Consider long‑term rental alternatives

12. Understand the Buying Timeline

Typical stages:

• Reservation

• Promissory contract (CPCV)

• Deposit payment

• Final deed signing (Escritura)

• Registration

Timelines vary from 4–12 weeks depending on due diligence.

13. Consider Residency Options

Property ownership may support:

• D7 passive income visa

• Digital Nomad visa

• Golden Visa (specific qualifying investments only)