Look beyond the asking price
Budget for taxes, legal and registration fees, financing and ongoing expenses. Consider exchange rates and mortgage requirements. Check whether the property forms part of a condominium or tourist development (empreendimento turístico), or lies in a historic or protected area. These may bring particular charges, management arrangements or restrictions on occupation, letting and alterations.
Check the records and building potential
Confirm the seller’s authority, review land registry and tax records, and investigate mortgages or other burdens. Check the property’s identification in applicable Portuguese cadastral records (cadastro), or through BUPi where relevant, including consistency of boundaries and area. Cadastral identification and ownership registration are distinct checks.
Buying land to build? Check technical and legal feasibility first: planning rules, access, infrastructure, site conditions and permissions. An architect or engineer can assess practical possibilities alongside your legal adviser. A seller’s description of land as suitable for building is not enough.
Understand the contract
A reservation agreement or promissory purchase contract (CPCV) may involve payments and binding commitments. Have it reviewed before signing or transferring funds. Clarify the price, deposit, completion date and conditions such as mortgage approval. Deposits are often non-refundable if the buyer pulls out of the purchase. The outcome depends on the contract, agreed conditions and circumstances, so understand the consequences before committing.
Prepare for completion
Buyers need a Portuguese tax identification number (NIF). Budget for property transfer tax (IMT) and stamp duty, subject to applicable exemptions, and obtain a calculation based on current rules and your circumstances. Completion involves the formal purchase document, payment and ownership registration. If you cannot attend, discuss a carefully drafted power of attorney.
Choose support you can trust
Choose qualified professionals with professional indemnity insurance, and ask about cover and complaints arrangements. This provides reassurance and helps you pursue your rights if something goes wrong, subject to the circumstances and policy terms.
Plan for annual property tax, insurance and maintenance. If letting, check permissions
and tax obligations. Review how ownership fits with your wills and family arrangements.
Castelo Solicitors offers UK clients advice in English through a London-based firm with Portuguese connections. We assist with Portuguese conveyancing and powers of attorney, explaining the process in familiar terms so you can ask questions comfortably and make informed decisions. Contact us to discuss your plans.
Castelo Solicitors
Tel: +44 (0)20 3441 5095
[email protected] | www.castelosolicitors.com
83 Victoria Street, London SW1H 0HW
Castelo Solicitors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. SRA no. 573316.
General information | October 2026. Sources: Portuguese Tax Authority; Ministry of Justice / gov.pt; BUPi cadastral guidance.
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