Expat Community > Portugal

omostra06
Joined 2007
Posts: 19

Top Ten Tips for buying a property

15 years ago

Just following on with some more top ten tips.

1 Take your time. Don’t rush into signing a promessa contract until you are sure the property and location are completely suitable for your needs.

2 Take off the ‘rose coloured glasses’. Remember not to do anything you won’t back in the United Kingdom. If something seems a little out of the ordinary seek independent advice.

3 Make a checklist of requirements you want from your property in Portugal. If you are looking to retire and live abroad take into consideration proximity of local amenities. If it a holiday house you are looking for – is an airport important?

4 Ensure the legal owner is selling the property you wish to buy and that what is advertised is what is being sold.

5 Ensure on the day you sign for the property the property is clear from any debt. Mortgages and debts are registered to a property in Portugal. Until you register the property in your name debt can be added and it is up to you to pay it off.

6 If you like a property, talk to the locals. They are a great source of information and will be glad to assist.

7 Visit the property more than once and at different times of the day. What looks great in the evening sun, may not first thing in a morning.

8 Location of your property is important. If you are looking at a property close to water (river, lake, stream etc) please note it does rain in Portugal and water levels can rise dramatically within hours. Remember if you are viewing a property in the spring or summer, it does rain in Portugal during the autumn and winter. What looks like a cute rock garden, could turn out to be a dry river bed.

9 Under declaring. When you are purchasing a property in Central Portugal beware of under declaring the property’s’ true value when signing at the Escritura. The practice is illegal and it could cost you dearly when, and if, you come to sell. You will be liable to pay tax on a property if you make a profit from its sale.

10 Register your property and land as quickly as possible following the final signing. Until you register the property in your name previous owners can still lodge debt against the property.

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Living in Portugal Guide

Our Living in Portugal Guide is a primer on everything about living in Portugal: best places to live, cost of living, pros and cons, healthcare and insurance, obtaining a driver's license, how to bring your pet with you and more.

Portugal Forum
Join our Portugal forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Portugal.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Portugal.

Best Places to Live in Portugal

If you're thinking about living in Portugal, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Portugal in 2023.

Healthcare in Portugal

Expats in Portugal with a residency visa can participate in the national health care system. Here's what you need to know about the SNS and the combination of public and private services you'll need to manage your health in Portugal.

Cost of Living in Portugal

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Portugal.

Moving to Portugal Guide

Expats moving to Portugal are drawn by a variety of places to live, a rich history and so much more. Here are some tips on what it means to move there, and how to make it happen.

Real Estate in Portugal

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Portugal.

Pros & Cons of Living in Portugal

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Portugal.

Retiring in Portugal

Advice for people retiring in Portugal.

Portugal Visa & Residency Guide

Thanks to Susan Stults Korthase for this helpful overview of current requirements to begin the process of obtaining a Residency Visa when moving from the US to Portugal.

10 Tips for Living in Portugal

If you've recently arrived in Portugal, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Portugal.

Additional Information:

Visit our Portugal Index for a Full List

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Portugal by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Portugal.

Login

Or, Send Login Link

Expat Community > Portugal

Top Ten Tips for buying a property

Login