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 4 bedroom Villa for sale in Louredo, Central Portugal
Ref 254055
Impressive detached villa set in a plot of around 1,650 m2, for sale in Lobao/ Louredo area of Santa Maria da Feira. This is a true haven for those seeking quality of life and exclusivity, with...
1,850,000 EUR
New Build 2 bedroom Apartment for sale in Caldas da Rainha, Central Portugal
Ref 254052
Impressive new residence of 2 and 3 bedroom apartments in Villa Pouquet in Caldas da Rainha. Comprising: - Entrance hall - Equipped kitchen - Open-plan living room - 1 Suite with shower tray a...
245,000 EUR
Beautiful 2 bedroom Townhouse for sale with sea and panoramic views in Budens, Algarve
Ref 254030
Beautiful 2 bedroom townhouse in the heart of the charming village of Budens, offering a peaceful retreat with easy access to essential amenities. Boasting two bedrooms and two bathrooms, this 12...
325,000 EUR
Modern 2 bedroom Apartment for sale with panoramic view in Olhao, Algarve
Ref 254012
Fabulous two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment in the heart of Fuseta a charming, traditional fishing town on the Algarve coast, offering a rare opportunity to live in harmony with nature while enjo...
985,000 EUR
Modern 4 bedroom Villa for sale in Canidelo, Porto, Northern Portugal
Ref 254009
Modern and stylish 4 bedroom villa in one of the most desirable areas of Vila Nova de Gaia, standing out for its modern design, high quality finishes and unique surroundings with views over the Ri...
1,300,000 EUR
Spacious 5 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Bombarral, Central Portugal
Ref 254008
Spacious traditional-style Portuguese villa with annex and equestrian facilities just five minutes from Bombarral. The 427m2 5-bedroom property comes with annex and stables for 5 horses, close ...
530,000 EUR
Immaculate 4 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Santo Tirso, Northern Portugal
Ref 253987
Wonderful opportunity to acquire a very well presented, modern 4 bedroom villa with pool and garden, enjoying mountain and countryside views from its sought after location in the Vale Pisao Nature...
995,000 EUR
Luxury 4 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Vilamoura, Algarve
Ref 253986
Absolutely exceptional 3 storey, 4 bedroom luxury villa with pool and garden, enjoying panoramic views across the golf course from its prestigious location in Vilamoura. Situtated in the sought af...
2,850,000 EUR
Bright 5 bedroom Villa for sale in Foz do Douro, Porto, Northern Portugal
Ref 253985
Ideally located near the beach and all amenities in the prestigious area of Foz do Douro, is this luxury 3 storey, 5 bedroom villa with garden. Combining a privileged setting with privacy and tra...
1,850,000 EUR
Wow factor 5 bedroom House for sale with sea and panoramic views in Cascais, Central Portugal
Ref 253953
Absolutely exceptional brand new 3 storey, 5 bedroom luxury villa set in beautiful landscaped garden with pool while enjoying panoramic sea views from its prestigious location near the beach and al...
6,250,000 EUR
Unique 5 bedroom Estate for sale with countryside view in Covilha, Serra da Estrela, Algarve
Ref 253952
Unique opportunity to acquire an estate of 3 renovated properties with outbuildings and licensing project for tourist development, nestling in over 13 acres of glorious land in the heart of Portuga...
2,980,000 EUR
Wow factor 8 bedroom Villa for sale in Pinhal Velho, Vilamoura, Algarve
Ref 253936
Absolutely exceptional 3 storey, 8 bedroom luxury villa nestling in nearly 1.75 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens with expansive pool, while enjoying panoramic views from its sought after loca...
12,500,000 EUR
Immaculate 4 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Aljezur, Algarve
Ref 253935
Stunning, modern 3 storey, 4 bedroom bright and spacious villa with pool and garden, ideally located near beaches and all amenities in the prestigious area of Espartal. Situated in a quiet and hi...
874,000 EUR
Modern 4 bedroom Villa for sale in Aguas Santas, Maia, Northern Portugal
Ref 253934
Bright and spacious, modern 4 bedroom villa with garden, ideally located in a peaceful area of Aguas Santas near all amenities. This excellent two-storey, four-fronted villa stands out for its mo...
790,000 EUR
Authentic 3 bedroom Villa for sale in Caldas da Rainha, Central Portugal
Ref 253932
Very well presented 3 bedroom single storey villa with pool and garden, ideally located in a peaceful area near the beach and all amenities in Caldas da Rainha. This lovely house has bright accom...
399,000 EUR
Immaculate 3 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Santo Tirso, Northern Portugal
Ref 253914
Nestling in over one acre of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, is this stunning 3 bedroom luxury villa located in a peaceful area near Santo Tirso. This superb property offers a perfect com...
945,000 EUR
Authentic 3 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Lousada, Porto, Northern Portugal
Ref 253913
Very well presented 3 bedroom single storey classical villa nestling in 1.5 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, located near all amenities in Lousada and Vizela. Situated just 10 min...
875,000 EUR
Immaculate 2 bedroom Villa for sale in Nadadouro, Caldas da Rainha, Central Portugal
Ref 253903
New, modern 2 bedroom eco friendly villa with pool and garden, ideally located in a peaceful area near all amenities in Nadadouro. If you want to buy a house built to preserve the environment in ...
299,000 EUR
Stunning 5 bedroom House for sale in Quinta da Marinha, Cascais, Central Portugal
Ref 253843
Absolutely exceptional 3 storey, 5 bedroom luxury fully furnished villa with pool and garden, ideally located near a golf course, the beach and all amenities in a peaceful area of Quinta da Marinha...
4,950,000 EUR
Immaculate 4 bedroom House for sale with countryside view in Carnaxide, Central Portugal
Ref 253842
Nestling in over one acre of landscaped gardens with pool, is this stunning new 3 storey, 4 bedroom luxury villa enjoying uninterrupted panoramic views from its location in Carnaxide, Oeiras. Wit...
2,850,000 EUR