Buying a Property in Portugal

Areas Suggested Searches Legal Process Latest Properties

Areas of Portugal

The Golden Triangle of Portugal's sun-drenched Algarve coast comprises some of the best golf and leisure resorts in Europe: Vale do Lobo, Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago, Vale do Garrao and Vila Sol.

The southern part of Portugal with sun-drenched beaches and pretty white and tile towns.

The beautiful stretch of Portuguese coastline between Lisbon in the south and Porto in the north make up the area known locally as the Costa de Prata.

Legal Process

1. Signing a Letter of Intent

On finding a property you wish to purchase, your agent will draw up a 'Letter of Intent, this will be signed by both parties, vendor and buyer. Copies of this will be given to the legal representatives of both parties and will be used in preparing the Promissory Contract. Included in this letter will be the price, what is included in the sale, furnishings etc. and any conditions of the sale plus the dates for both exchange and completion.

2. Exchange of Promissary Contract (Contrato Promessa de Compra e Venda)

The buyers lawyers are responsible for drawing up the promissory contract (Contrato Promessa de Compra e Venda) and as part of the process they will have carried out the legal searches and made sure that there are no charges, e.g. utilities, property tax etc. against the property. The contract will contain details of both parties and include clear title of ownership, when payments are due to be made, the completion date and an inventory, if required. The Promissory Contract is legally binding and will generally be signed by both parties and witnessed by a notary/lawyer. The contract will include penalty clauses in case either party does not fulfill the terms of the contract. A 10%, non-refundable deposit is required at this point, this will be paid to the vendor, through the lawyer's client account. Once the contract has been signed, if the vendor pulls out of the contract, they will be obliged to pay back double the deposit to the purchaser. If the purchaser pulls out, they will lose their deposit.

3. On Completion

The amount of time between signing the Promissary Contract and Completion will vary and will have been agreed in the contract. Before Completion your lawyer will need to arrange with a fiscal representative for you to obtain a Portuguese Fiscal Number. The official Deed of Transfer of ownership (the Escritura) will be signed by you (or someone representing you with your Power of Attorney), this is signed at the Notary and they will retain the document. The Deed will be read aloud by the Notary before all participants sign it. Your lawyer will need to check to ensure that you understand what is being said if you do not understand Portugese. The Escritura, once it has been signed, will officially give you ownership of the property, but will still need to be registered in your name on the Land Registry (Registo Predial) by your lawyer. Your lawyer should obtain a copy of this for your records. Once you have completed, the new utility contracts can be transferred into your name by your lawyer.

Latest Properties in Portugal

Spacious 2 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Praia da Luz, Algarve
Ref 254394
Ideally located near the beach and all amenities in Praia da Luz, is this bright and spacious 2 bedroom apartment with communal pools. This first floor property is situated in the hugely popular ...
395,000 EUR
Immaculate 2 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Jardins da Parede, Cascais, Central Portugal
Ref 254391
Stylishly renovated 2 bedroom luxury Penthouse apartment with many communal facilities, ideally located near the beach and all amenities in the prestigious Bafureira area of Jardins da Parede. S...
2,280,000 EUR
Unique 7 bedroom Estate for sale with panoramic and countryside views in Loures, Central Portugal
Ref 254390
Unique opportunity to acquire a 7 bedroom historic property with Chapel nestling in over 10.5 acres of glorious land while enjoying panoramic views from its location in Palhais, Loures. This authe...
850,000 EUR
Beautiful 3 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Odiaxere, Algarve
Ref 254372
Luxurious 3 bedroom apartment in an exclusive gated community in Lagos, Algarve. The Palmares residence offers a range of luxury apartments, surrounded by nature. Comfort, luxury, security and el...
1,700,000 EUR
New Build 2 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Odiaxere, Algarve
Ref 254371
Luxurious 2 bedroom apartment in an exclusive gated community in Lagos, Algarve. The Palmares residence offers a range of luxury apartments, surrounded by nature. Comfort, luxury, security and el...
1,100,000 EUR
Immaculate 4 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Oliveira de Azemeis, Porto, Northern Portugal
Ref 254338
Nestling in over 1.5 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens, is this exceptional 4 bedroom luxury villa enjoying panoramic countryside views from its location in Oliveira de Azemeis. This superb pr...
1,890,000 EUR
Bright 4 bedroom Villa for sale in Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto, Northern Portugal
Ref 254337
Very well presented 4 bedroom villa with garden, ideally located near the beach and all amenities in Vila Nova de Gaia. Situated 250 metres from Francelos Beach, this superb property has full sun...
870,000 EUR
Authentic 5 bedroom House for sale in Birre, Cascais, Central Portugal
Ref 254332
Stunning 3 storey, 5 bedroom luxury villa with pool and garden, ideally located in a peaceful area near all amenities in Birre. It offers plenty of charm and the highest quality finishes, with a ...
2,970,000 EUR
Immaculate 7 bedroom House for sale with countryside and sea views in Azoia, Sesimbra, Alentejo Southern Portugal
Ref 254331
Absolutely exceptional 7 bedroom luxury house nestling in over 14 acres of glorious land while enjoying far reaching sea views across the countryside from its peaceful location in Azoia. Situated...
4,700,000 EUR
Unique 4 bedroom Villa for sale in Ramalde, Porto, Northern Portugal
Ref 254301
Stunning modern 4 bedroom luxury villa with garden, ideally located in the prestigious Foco neighbourhood, between Avenida da Boavista and Foz, in Porto. Set in an exclusive private condominium th...
1,400,000 EUR
Renovated 3 bedroom Villa for sale in Vilamoura, Algarve
Ref 254267
Delightful and newly renovated 3 bedroom villa, located in a quiet development in Vilamoura, in a residence with communal gardens and swimming pool, in the heart of the prestigious Golden Triangle....
950,000 EUR
Luxury 6 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Baiao, Northern Portugal
Ref 254246
Very impressive and spacious 6 bedroom villa, currently under construction, promising tranquillity, comfort and sophistication. An exclusive haven with stunning views over the River Douro, in compl...
2,850,000 EUR
Stunning 5 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside and panoramic views in Boliqueime, Algarve
Ref 254224
Enjoying panoramic sea and mountain views from its South facing location in a peaceful area near Boliqueime, is this very well presented 3 storey, 5 bedroom villa with pool and garden. This elega...
1,195,000 EUR
Immaculate 7 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Vale Do Lobo, Algarve
Ref 254223
Exceptional 7 bedroom fully furnished luxury villa set in a beautiful landscaped garden with pool while enjoying panoramic sea views from its prestigious location near the beach and all amenities i...
2,375,000 EUR
Luxury 3 bedroom PenthouseApartment for sale with sea and panoramic views in Cascais, Central Portugal
Ref 254200
Fabulous luxury penthouse apartment in one of Cascais' most desirable residential areas, very close to the sea, the town centre, and Quinta da Marinha. The exceptional 3+1 bedroom property is set...
3,400,000 EUR
8 bedroom House for sale with countryside view with Income Potential in Guia, Algarve
Ref 254179
Wonderful opportunity to acquire a collection of authentic properties nestling in over 97 acres of glorious land with gardens and pool, while enjoying far reaching countryside views from its locati...
1,080,000 EUR
Luxury 5 bedroom Villa for sale in Matosinhos, Porto, Northern Portugal
Ref 254178
Nestling in over half an acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with expansive pool, is this exceptional 5 bedroom luxury villa, ideally located near all amenities in Leca do Balio. This superb prop...
3,250,000 EUR
Modern 1 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Porto de Mos, Algarve
Ref 254172
Very well presented one bedroom apartment with communal pools, enjoying panoramic sea views from its ideal location near the beach and all amenities in Porto de Mos. This charming property offers ...
420,000 EUR
Modern 5 bedroom Townhouse for sale with sea view in Lagos, Algarve
Ref 254171
Stunning new 3 storey, 5 bedroom modern house ideally located near the beach and all amenities in the heart of Lagos. This bright and spacious property offers stunning views of the city and proxi...
890,000 EUR
Unique 1 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Odemira, Alentejo Southern Portugal
Ref 254146
Unique opportunity to acquire a charming one bedroom renovated cottage nestling in 8.5 hectares of glorious land with outbuildings, river, lake and woods, located in a peaceful area near Odemira. ...
695,000 EUR