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

Unique 5 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Roriz, Barcelos, Northern Portugal
Ref 253524
A unique 5 bedroom villa nestling in over one acre of beautiful landscaped gardens, Ideally located near all amenities in Barcelos. This superb property was built with exceptional care and attent...
1,200,000 EUR
Waterfront 4 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Praia da Barra, Central Portugal
Ref 253523
Enjoying breathtaking sea views from its idyllic waterfront location in Praia da Barra, is this stunning 4 bedroom luxury villa with pools and garden. This contemporary property is an ode to the ...
2,450,000 EUR
4 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view with Income Potential in Sao Bras de Alportel, Algarve
Ref 253517
Enjoying far reaching countryside views from its location near Sao Bras de Alportel, is this beautifully maintained 4 bedroom rustic villa set in beautiful landscaped gardens with pool. The hou...
800,000 EUR
6 bedroom Villa for sale with panoramic view with Income Potential in Estoi, Algarve
Ref 253516
Stylishly restored 4 bedroom house with 2 bedroom cottage, all nestling in nearly 3.5 acres of glorious land with pool and gardens, while enjoying panoramic views from its peaceful location near Es...
1,150,000 EUR
Spacious 1 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Praia da Luz, Algarve
Ref 253499
Ideally located near the beach and all amenities in the heart of the charming coastal town of Praia da Luz, is this exquisite one bedroom apartment with beautiful communal gardens and pools. This...
440,000 EUR
Authentic 2 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Vila do Bispo, Algarve
Ref 253479
Wonderful opportunity to acquire a charming 2 bedroom authentic villa set in 7 acres of glorious land with beautiful mature gardens and Jacuzzi,while enjoying uninterrupted countryside views from i...
840,000 EUR
7 bedroom House for sale with Income Potential in Oeiras, Central Portugal
Ref 253473
Stylishly renovated 7 bedroom villa with separate apartment, pool and garden, ideally located near all amenities in the historic heart of Santo Amaro de Oeiras. It was fully renovated in 2020 by ...
4,500,000 EUR
Immaculate 5 bedroom House for sale in Cascais, Central Portugal
Ref 253470
Ideally located in the prestigious Bairro do Rosario area of Cascais is this luxuriously renovated 3 storey, 5 bedroom villa with pool and garden. Situated in an exclusive residential area, it of...
2,450,000 EUR
Authentic 5 bedroom House for sale in Evora, Alentejo Southern Portugal
Ref 253468
Full of charm and character is this stylishly renovated 5 bedroom historical house with garden, located near all amenities in the heart of Evora. Dating from 1866 this manor house is situated in ...
1,190,000 EUR
Beautiful 4 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Armacao de Pera, Algarve
Ref 253443
Modern and spacious 4-bedroom apartment in a desirable residential complex in Armacao de Pera on the Algarve, just 300 metres from the beach. Situated on the top floor, this is a spacious and ele...
850,000 EUR
Inviting 4 bedroom Villa for sale in Caldas da Rainha, Central Portugal
Ref 253440
Attractive modern 4 bedroom villa with heated pool, close to the sought after town of Caldas da Rainha This highly desirable detached villa comes with 4 double bedrooms and immaculate, spacio...
650,000 EUR
6 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view with Income Potential in Loule, Algarve
Ref 253434
Wonderful opportunity to acquire two spacious and bright 3 bedroom luxury villas with communal pool and garden, enjoying panoramic sea and mountain views from its location near all amenities in Lou...
1,960,000 EUR
Immaculate 4 bedroom Villa for sale in Portimao, Algarve
Ref 253433
Stunning modern 3 storey, 4 bedroom contemporary villa with pool and garden, ideally located near golf courses, the beach and all amenities in Portimao. Upon entering there is a bright and spaciou...
1,045,000 EUR
Immaculate 3 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Porto de Mos, Algarve
Ref 253403
Stunning 3 bedroom fully furnished luxury apartment with communal indoor and outdoor pools, ideally located near the beach and all amenities in Belmar. Situated 100 metres from Porto de Mos Beach...
675,000 EUR
Spacious 3 bedroom Townhouse for sale with sea view in Praia da Luz, Algarve
Ref 253402
Ideally located near the beach and all amenities in Praia da Luz, is this charming 3 bedroom townhouse with communal pool and breathtaking views. This superb property is in a small condominium off...
695,000 EUR
Immaculate 4 bedroom Villa for sale with countryside view in Caldas da Rainha, Central Portugal
Ref 253374
Wonderful opportunity to acquire a brand new 4 bedroom single storey villa set in half an acre of landscaped gardens with pool, while enjoying countryside views from its location in Sao Gregorio. ...
550,000 EUR
Immaculate 3 bedroom Villa for sale in Caldas da Rainha, Central Portugal
Ref 253372
Nestling in half an acre of landscaped gardens with pool, is this stunning new 3 bedroom single storey modern villa, ideally located near all amenites in Salir de Matos. This superb property is on...
465,000 EUR
Spacious 6 bedroom Villa for sale in Loures, Central Portugal
Ref 253354
Spacious character farmhouse combining a natural setting with proximity to Lisbon, set in mature gardens of almost an acre with swimming pool. The generous 6 bedroom property made of quality mat...
2,200,000 EUR
Beautiful 2 bedroom Apartment for sale with sea view in Altura,
Ref 253339
Impressive 2-bedroom flat in an ecological 5-star resort on the sea front with direct access to the beach. Fully equipped and elegantly decorated, the 112m2 property is built with organic and tra...
835,000 EUR
Wow factor 4 bedroom Villa for sale with sea view in Albufeira, Algarve
Ref 253309
Located in one of the most exclusive areas of the Algarve, in the prestigious Albufeira Marina, is this luxurious 4 bedroom villa with pool and terracing. This magnificent contemporary property b...
1,970,000 EUR