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

Stylish 3 bedroom Villa for sale in Albufeira, Algarve
Ref 253815
Attractive three bedroom villa with a private heated poolin an exclusive and well-maintained condominium in a quiet area of Albufeira. With generous living space of 222m2, it includes: Ground flo...
759,000 EUR
New Build 3 bedroom Villa for sale in Caldas da Rainha, Central Portugal
Ref 253814
Opportunity to purchase a modern eco-friendly 3 bedroom villa with pool in Nadadouro, just five minutes from Caldas da Rainha. An exciting new development of 32 modern villas, of which 26 are 3-b...
379,000 EUR
Spacious 3 bedroom Villa for sale in Vilamoura, Algarve
Ref 253804
Spacious and beautifully presented modern villa in the prestigious location of Vilamoura on the Algarve, within a private residence. The property comprises a total of 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a...
930,000 EUR
Renovated 4 bedroom Villa for sale in Caldas da Rainha, Central Portugal
Ref 253803
Traditional-style 4 bedroom villa in Reguengo da Parada, with heated pool and just 4 minutes from the nearest beach. This very well maintained and spacious property is located in the quiet vill...
475,000 EUR
Unique 4 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Murches, Cascais, Central Portugal
Ref 253794
Unique 4 bedroom architect designed villa set in half an acre of lush mature gardens with pool, ideally located near all amenities in Murches. Situated in one of the most peaceful and pleasant are...
1,740,000 EUR
Authentic 3 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Sao Bras de Alportel, Algarve
Ref 253767
Very well presented 3 bedroom villa with pool and garden, enjoying panoramic views from its elevated location near the heart of Sao Bras de Alportel. This well-maintained traditional Algarve coun...
850,000 EUR
Stylish 4 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Matosinhos, Porto, Northern Portugal
Ref 253761
Spacious and bright 3 storey, 4 bedroom luxury villa with pool and garden, ideally located near the beach and all amenities in Lavra, Matosinhos. Situated just a few metres from one of the most be...
1,190,000 EUR
Immaculate 3 bedroom Apartment for sale in Lordelo do Ouro, Porto, Northern Portugal
Ref 253760
Very well presented 3 bedroom apartment with garden, ideally located near all amenities in the charming area of Lordelo do Ouro. Housed in a completely renovated 19th century palace, is this soph...
940,000 EUR
Authentic 4 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Serra do Bouro, Caldas da Rainha, Central Portugal
Ref 253759
Enjoying panoramic views from its elevated location in Serra do Bouro is this authentic 4 bedroom villa set in over 2 acres of gardens and orchards. Situated between Foz do Arelho and S. Martinho...
659,000 EUR
Income Producing 8 bedroom Vineyard Estate for sale with countryside views in Miranda Do Corvo, Central Portugal
Ref 253734
Excellent income and lifestyle opportunity with this unique winery estate, set in 17 acres in a prime location in the heart of Portugal, just 20 minutes away from the historical city of Coimbra and...
1,450,000 EUR
Immaculate 2 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Quarteira, Algarve
Ref 253717
Beautifully presented two-bedroom apartment, recently renovated with high-quality finishes on the sea front in Quarteira, just 50 metres from the beach. With superb sea views, this property offe...
875,000 EUR
Turn Key 3 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Caldas da Rainha, Central Portugal
Ref 253715
Stylish luxury villas with pool in Salir do Porto, some with sea views and being sold on a turnkey basis and ideal for a holiday or permanent home. This new development provides 3 and 4 bedroom v...
610,000 EUR
Authentic 3 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Goldra, Santa Barbara de Nexe, Algarve
Ref 253712
Nestling in 1.5 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens with pool, is this authentic 3 bedroom villa enjoying panoramic views from its peaceful location in Goldra. This superb property offers a uni...
850,000 EUR
Luxury 7 bedroom Villa for sale with sea and panoramic views in Porches, Algarve
Ref 253708
Immaculate, bright and spacious 7 bedroom luxury villa with pool and garden, enjoying panoramic sea views from its South facing location near the beach, golf course and all amenities in Porches. B...
1,790,000 EUR
Modern 4 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view in Aqua Longa, Santo Tirso, Northern Portugal
Ref 253707
Bright and spacious 4 bedroom villa set in nearly half an acre of gardens with pool, enjoying panoramic views from its peaceful location in Agua Longa, Santo Tirso. Consisting of two floors, on th...
900,000 EUR
Stunning 2 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Praia da Luz, Algarve
Ref 253690
Enjoying panoramic sea views from its location on the outskirts of Praia da Luz, is this exquisite 2 bedroom luxury apartment with communal pool. This beautifully maintained property offers a perf...
430,000 EUR
Immaculate 3 bedroom House for sale in Quinta da Marinha, Cascais, Central Portugal
Ref 253689
Stylishly renovated exceptional 4 bedroom luxury villa with pool and garden, located in the exclusive Quinta da Marinha area. Situated close to the Guincho Beach and 7 minutes away from the heart...
4,000,000 EUR
Immaculate 3 bedroom House for sale with panoramic view in Montemor o Novo, Alentejo Southern Portugal
Ref 253688
In excellent condition is this stylishly renovated 3 bedroom house with pool and terracing, located In the historic centre of Montemor-o-Novo. Elegance and Authenticity in Alentejo. This superb p...
910,000 EUR
Luxury 7 bedroom House for sale with panoramic view in Alcabideche, Central Portugal
Ref 253660
Outstanding 7 bedroom luxury villa of classic proportions, set in an acre of private gardens, offering complete privacy and breathtaking panoramic views. With a construction area of 1,082m2 and 5...
13,500,000 EUR
New Build 3 bedroom Villa for sale in Portimao, Algarve
Ref 253658
Opportunity to acquire a brand new villa, currently under construction on a 347 m2 plot, offering a unique opportunity to acquire a home tailored to personal tastes. With a gross construction are...
730,000 EUR