Buying a house in Portugal is a dream for many families and investors, but the process can seem complicated, especially for those unfamiliar with Portuguese law.
Good news: with planning, transparency and specialist advice, the route from signing the CPCV (Contrato-Promessa de Compra e Venda — preliminary promise to buy/sell contract) to the final deed can be simple and secure.
1.Initial review and negotiation
Everything starts with choosing the property and negotiating the price. At this stage it is essential to:
-
Request the property documentation;
-
Check the registration and tax situation at the Land Registry (Conservatória) and Tax Office;
-
Assess whether there are debts, mortgages or other encumbrances.
Tip: international investors should carry out a full due diligence before proceeding.
2.Signing the CPCV (Promissory Contract)
This contract formalises the agreement between buyer and seller:
-
Sets the price, timescales, conditions and penalties;
-
Establishes a deposit (usually 10%–20% of the price);
-
Provides legal certainty for both parties.
3.Financing and documentation
If you need a mortgage, this is the time to:
-
Submit documents to the bank;
-
Request a valuation of the property;
-
Prepare personal documents (Tax ID/NIF, certificates, proof of income).
4.Preparing the deed
At this stage check that:
-
All documents are correct;
-
The property is free of encumbrances;
-
Property Transfer Tax (IMT) and Stamp Duty have been calculated and paid.
5.Public deed of sale
Signed before a notary, the deed formalises the purchase.
After the deed:
-
The property is registered in the buyer’s name at the Land Registry (Conservatória);
-
The buyer becomes the official owner.
6.Registration and tax update
Registration at the Land Registry and updating the Tax Office are mandatory to formalise the acquisition and secure future rights.
Conclusion: security at every step
Buying property in Portugal can be straightforward with specialised legal support. Each step is an opportunity to prevent future issues and ensure a solid, profitable investment.
At ImoLawyers we guide national and international clients from negotiation to deed, providing security and clarity at every stage.