If you buy land in Portugal or own a parcel, you must have your title recorded at the Land Registry in Portugal. Every activity related to property titles must be recorded in the Land Registry that has jurisdiction over the area where the property is located. Once the transaction has been recorded at the Land Registry in Portugal, it becomes binding on third persons. This means that other people have to respect your right over the property. Our lawyers in Portugal can help you with the registration process.
Priority of rights
There will be instances when two or more persons have claims over a property. This usually happens in cases of double sales. To complicate things even more, both parties might even have registered their rights. The Portuguese Land Registry observes the principle of priority wherein whoever has recorded his/her rights first has a better claim over the property than the one who came after. Have your rights recorded right away through our attorneys in Portugal. Our experts can help you buy land in Portugal.
Validity of records
When there is an application for registration, all the facts surrounding the property are carefully checked. The applicable laws are considered, documents are verified, and previous entries concerning the property are noted. The identity of the owner is also checked, as well as that of the parties, their legal capacity to enter into the transaction, and the validity of their titles. This is why when applying to have your rights registered, you should be sure that everything is in order.
Our law firm in Portugal can help you prepare the necessary documents for your registration with the Portuguese Land Registry. Dealing with land is a very sensitive matter. To avoid any conflict, make sure that you verify the title over the land. The records found in the Land Registry in Portugal are public which means the information is open to the public. Contact us for more details about how to buy land in Portugal.
The following video presentation contains information about how to buy a house in Portugal:
How can I purchase a property in Portugal?
Foreigners can easily purchase properties in Portugal whether through a golden visa and a minimum investment of EUR 500,000 if you are an investor or as a citizen interested in simply buying a house/apartment/condominium or anything like it. At the time the property is acquired, a sale agreement is signed by the parties involved in the transaction. Such an important document is known as the sale and acquisition agreement and in order to be valid, it has to be signed by the former and the future owner and then notarized to be valid.
The contract comprises details about the previous and actual owners of the property, the background history, and all the financial aspects. It is important to know that the contract will have to provide information about the construction and the ways in which the property was acquired in the first place.
The contract is valid, and the property is sold when the contract is agreed and signed by both parts. It is highly recommended to bear in mind the importance of the real estate due diligence, a procedure that guarantees the property has no hidden problems or litigation matters. Our experienced lawyers in real estate due diligence in Portugal can offer legal support in buying land in Portugal as a foreigner, can perform real estate due diligence and can help you register the property with the Portuguese Land Registry. You might want to check the following infographic for details on this topic:
The advantages of buying land in Azores
There are several advantages of buying land in Azores as a foreigner. Some of them are:
Attractive climate and friendly people: Portugal has a mild warm climate. It is also a good destination for tourists because it has beautiful beaches and high mountains as well.
Reasonable prices: Compared to other countries from Europe, Portugal has lower real estate prices. Thus making it a good option for buying a home as well as for investment opportunities.
Steady Real Estate market: the relatively balanced economy reflects itself on the property market as well. Thus investments become more attractive to both local and foreign investors.
Government incentives: The Portuguese government supports foreign investors that are looking to buy property in Azores for example, offering incentives and certain tax exemptions. If you are interested in how you can benefit from these tax advantages, one of our experienced attorneys in Portugal can advise you.
Special visa program (Golden): Portugal offers a fast ticket to obtaining a residency permit that can lead to obtaining a citizenship. It is important to note that only non-EU citizens can benefit from the Golden visa programme.
Rental opportunities: Due to the fact that Portugal is a popular tourist destination, the rental income is almost guaranteed. And if we are talking about a popular location, the AIRBNB type of rental can be a very profitable option.
Lifestyle: If you are looking for a new home in a warm place, with a strong cultural and historical background, that is quiet and calm at the same time and has a very friendly population, then Portugal is the ideal choice.
Nevertheless, before committing to such a major investment such as that needed to buy land in Portugal, it is recommended that you seek legal advice from one of our attorneys in Portugal.
What are the steps of buying property in Portugal?
The general steps for buying property in Portugal as a foreigner are:
Market Research: Before buying land in Algarve, it's important to research the market. You have to be informed and see the big picture before committing to a decision. You have to take into account your expectations, the budget, the locations in which you afford buying property in Portugal and your needs.
Hire a law firm in Portugal : It's recommended to hire an experienced lawyer that can verify if the property is registered and if there are certain debts or other legal problems related to it. Furthermore, a native Portuguese lawyer can offer local insight and advice related to your purchase.
Obtain a NIF: In order to buy land in Azores, you need to apply at the Portuguese Tax Authority for a Número de Identificação Fiscal .
Sign a contrato de promessa de compra e venda: Once you have found the ideal property, you will need to sign a preliminary contract.
Pay a deposit: In general the deposit is around 10% of the total sum.
Apply for a credit (if needed):
Pay the remaining purchase price: The property is officially yours only after this step is completed.
Register the property.
Pay taxes: These taxes must be paid annually.
It is important to know that this entire process can take up to a few months. For more details about the legal process, the advantages and disadvantages or about the Golden Visa Programme, do not hesitate to contact our law firm in Portugal.
The Golden Visa Program in Portugal
The Golden Visa is a program that offers great advantages to investors. In exchange for a sum invested in the Portuguese economy, you can benefit from a residency and work permit. Meaning you can live or work not only in Portugal but in any country that is part of the European Union. Benefits extend over the investor’s family as well, having thus access to the country’s educational and healthcare system.
After 5 years it offers the possibility to apply for a permanent residency permit and after one more year citizenship is right around the corner.
Nevertheless there are a few requirements in order to qualify for a Golden Visa. The minimum sum invested should be 500.000 euros in the case of real estate, 1.000.000 in capital and 350.000 euros for a start-up business.
For the purchase of real estate, investors can choose between residential or commercial property, within the aforementioned minimum value of EUR 500,000. This amount can be lower when the residential property is located in an urban regeneration area/an area with low density.
Discussing your options for a golden visa when purchasing land in Portugal that also includes a residential property is advisable.
If you would like to find out if you qualify for a Golden Visa or what are other advantages of this program, do not hesitate to contact one of our experienced attorneys in Portugal. We can also help you buy land in Portugal.
Real estate due diligence in Portugal
The real estate due diligence is not a complicated process and it is recommended by our Portuguese lawyers for all persons interested in purchasing a property in Portugal or buying land in Portugal as a foreigner. This important procedure which can be handled by our attorneys in Portugal is subject to a series of verifications before the property is acquired by a new owner:
the documents of the property are verified to see if the establishment has a certificate issued by the Land Registry in Portugal;
the previous ownerships are analyzed through the real estate due diligence;
if there are any problems with the tax payments, the real estate due diligence can reveal these;
the construction permit, the insurance, the previous sale contracts and the capability of the owners to sell the property are verified before the property is acquired.
Having a Portuguese lawyer on your side who can perform a real estate due diligence is highly important at the time you wish to acquire a property. Instead of dealing with problems or discovering hidden issues right after you purchased an establishment are risks you cannot take. Moreover, our team of advisors can properly analyze the sale and purchase agreement and can provide you with the needed piece of advice in this matter, especially at the time the property needs to be registered with the Portuguese Land Registry. Contact us if you want to buy land in Azores. We are here if you want to buy land in Algarve, as we can manage the formalities.
Paying a property in Portugal
In most cases, a pre-agreement is issued at the time the parts decided on the sale and purchase of the property. This document stipulates important financial information like an established percentage which needs to be paid if a bank loan is involved. Further details about the payment of the property will be comprised by the sale and purchase contract. In the case of paying the entire sum for the property, the parties won’t have to agree on a pre-sale contract. All the legal aspects of a property sale and purchase contract can be explained by our attorneys in Portugal who can also guide you with the Land Registry and the requirements involved.
Finding a property in Portugal
There is no complicated thing to search for the right property in Portugal, regardless of the chosen city. If you have decided to move to Portugal, you should first of all contact a real estate agent or access the Portuguese websites and real estate agencies showing the available establishments. We remind that all real estate agents in Portugal are approved by the Instituto da Construcao e do Imobiliario and can be verified after their license number.
Also, if you are interested in purchasing land in Portugal, there are specialized websites displaying such offers. As a foreign investor, you can appoint our team if you are interested in purchasing a property in Portugal and worry less about the legal aspects involved in an acquisition. Also, we remind that a real estate due diligence is extremely important if you are interested in buying a house or land in Portugal. We remind that we can handle the registration requirements of your property with the Land Registry in Portugal, as soon as a real estate due diligence is performed. Do not hesitate to solicit details in these matters from our lawyers.
Buying land in Portugal as a foreigner
If you are interested in buying land in Portugal as a foreigner, we recommend that you collaborate with a lawyer with experience in this field. He/she can explain to you all the conditions and formalities imposed and can also take care of the paperwork so that you can benefit from a simple and fast acquisition process.
According to the Portuguese Constitution, there are no restrictions on foreigners wanting to buy land in the Azores or to buy land in Algarve, for example. Buildings, office spaces, residential buildings and lands can be purchased without problems by foreigners, as long as they are not in the possession of the state. In principle, the purchase conditions imposed on Portuguese citizens will be respected. Both natural persons and legal entities can buy land in the country. A recommendation in this regard is the Golden visa, the program with the help of which, foreign citizens can buy land in Portugal, receiving in exchange residency in this country.
Buying land as a foreigner in Portugal with the help of the program mentioned above requires a minimum investment of approximately EUR 280,000 in one of the properties or land plots available in Portugal. Among the advantages we mention the residency offered, the possibility to travel without restrictions in the Schengen area, as well as to rent the respective property. We remind you in this regard that, once the respective property is bought, it must be owned for at least 5 years, after which you can sell it if you are interested in this. To access the Golden Visa program, you can also buy land in Azores or buy land in Algarve.
Therefore, buying land in Portugal as a foreigner is not complex and presents a number of advantages, we recommend you contact our Portuguese lawyers and discover the legal services offered by our specialists.
How to buy land in Portugal through mortgage
If you want to buy land through mortgage, you should know that most private banks offer this type of financial aid, both for citizens of this country and for those from abroad. To qualify for a loan, you will need to provide all the necessary documents about the land you want to buy. The banks will also ask for information about your financial situation, in order to determine the loan you need.
In the case of those who already have land in Portugal and who want to build, a mortgage broker can help you with the conditions under which a loan of this type, also called a construction loan, can be obtained.
Another situation that might interest you is that in which you already have a mortgage, but you want to transfer it to another bank. And here you will need help from our lawyer in Portugal, who can provide you with specialized legal advice to understand what the mortgage transfer conditions are in this regard. We therefore invite you to contact us if you find yourself in the situations mentioned above.
You can reach out to us if you have questions about financing options if you want to buy land in Portugal.
Statistics on properties in Portugal
Portugal is among the countries with enormous tourist potential, so there are many people interested in buying land or properties in this country. Let's review some statistics in this regard:
In the first quarter of 2022, around 43,544 residential properties were bought, over 25% more, compared to the previous year.
Over 2,556 properties were bought by foreigners, also in the first quarter of 2022, around 1,435 being citizens of the European Union.
Buy a property in Portugal
Portugal is quite appealing when it comes to purchasing a property. There is a wide variety of choices, from remote villages surrounded by fascinating landscapes, a place overlooking the ocean or in the vicinity of the rich vineyards, or cities bursting with culture and history. When considering buying a property in Portugal, the first recommended step generally consists of selecting an independent qualified lawyer; in this regard, our Portuguese lawyers are available with complete legal advice and assistance throughout the whole process, in order to help you make the proper decision and a safe investment. After identifying the desired property, our lawyers in Portugal are ready to represent you throughout the entire process, as well as give guiding advice at any point.
Quick Facts
Can expats buy properties in Portugal?
Foreigners can purchase Portuguese properties as long as these are not state-owned.
Legislation for property purchase in Portugal
- Portuguese Civil Code,
- Portuguese Property Law
Types of properties you can buy as a foreigner
- houses,
- condominiums,
- villas,
- hotels,
- residencial properties,
- office spaces,
- land
Property inspection before purchase
A professional inspector can be hired by the buyers for in-depth verification of a property before acquisition.
Pre-sale agreement required
A promissory contract is drafted with information about the real estate acquisition.
Documentation verification made by our law firm in Portugal
Our Portuguese lawyers can inspect and verify properties before purchase and detect if there are any legal problems.
Content of a sale-purchase contract of a property
- name of seller and buyer,
- type and description of property,
- history,
- price,
- terms for acquisition
Real estate tax in Portugal
Ranging from 0.3% to 0.8% , depending on the area where the property is located
VAT for property purchase in Portugal
23% rate, paid by the new owner
Can a lawyer in Portugal represent you with a power of attorney?
Yes, a power of attorney allows us to represent clients from abroad when buying a property in Portugal. We can manage the legal aspects implicated.
Possibility to buy without visiting Portugal
Yes, our lawyers in Portugal can represent customers in front of the notary for purchasing a house.
Residence permit issued for buying property in Portugal
Through Golden Visa Program
Citizenship application permitted
Not through investments
Buying a property in Portugal through mortgage
Foreigners can apply for credit loans that can cover around 90% of the property price on the market.
Legal services offered for buying a property in Portugal
- verification of the documents from a legal point of view,
- complete verification of the property,
- representation for signing the sale-purchase agreement
The sale agreement for a property in Portugal
The next step in the process would then be the sale and acquisition agreement, a promissory contract in Portugal, detailing the conditions involved in the transaction, as well as any related agreements regarding the transfer of property. Upon the sale agreement being signed and notarized, all parties involved will be legally bound to the completion of the transaction. The notary acts as an official representative of the state and will generally charge the buyer approximately 1-2% rate from the property price for the official certification of documents. In addition to this fee, you should be prepared to cover other costs involved in the notary supervision, the necessary documents for the procurement of a mortgage, for example, mentioning that our lawyers in Portugal will take care to inform you of in advance.
What is the property tax in Portugal?
Afterward, the buyer will have to take care of the payment of the property tax (IMT) which may vary between 0% and 8% of the declared value of the property. For instance, if the property in Portugal is approximately EUR 570,000, the IMT will be imposed at an 8% rate. In dealing with this particular tax, the help of our attorneys in Portugal will make a great difference for you, due to the complexities involved in the system of calculation.The final deed is obtained at the time the entire property transaction is concluded. Let our Portuguese lawyers legally assist you when deciding on purchasing a property in Portugal.
Who can buy a property in Portugal?
Both local and foreigners can acquire properties in Portugal, without any particular restrictions in this sense, as long as these are not state-owned assets. More than that, foreign investors can apply for the Golden Visa scheme and purchase properties in Portugal, under different conditions which can be entirely explained by our team of lawyers in Portugal.
The Golden Visa in Portugal
The Golden Visa in Portugal scheme is a governmental program meant to attract as many investors as possible by allowing them to purchase properties in this country, under certain conditions. Below we have gathered the main requirements for obtaining the Golden Visa in Portugal:
the Golden Visa can be obtained by investors who purchase properties worth at least EUR 250,000.
the application for the Golden Visa permit might take up to 6 months from the date the investments were made.
the health insurance, the criminal record certificate, the valid passport and proof of the legal entry are among the needed documents for Golden Visas applications.
aGolden Visa can also be obtained if investments of approximately EUR 500,000 are made in small and medium companies in the country.
Legal advice and assistance are recommended for Golden Visa applications in Portugal, so do not hesitate to get in touch with one of our local attorneys in Portugal.
Mortgages for expats in Portugal
Foreigners living in Portugal and wanting to buy a property in this country can apply for a credit loan which can cover approximately 75% from the sale price. On the other hand, there is also the possibility for fiscal residents to obtain a credit loan that can cover around 90% of the sale price of the property, but a complete financial review is mandatory before making any step in this sense. It is important to know that banks or lenders cannot accept debts that jump over 35% of the monthly salary of a resident in Portugal. An estimated mortgage rate per month can be solicited to banks or other types of creditors, and many of them have cost estimators which can be helpful if you need to know how much money you can pay for buying a property in Portugal with the help of bank credit. In addition, you can also request the legal advice of our lawyers in Portugal and find out more about the conditions for obtaining a mortgage in Portugal as a foreign citizen. For instance, you can solicit support for drafting the needed documents, among which, the proof of incomes in Portugal, documents attesting the existing domicile, the pre-contract of the property you want to purchase, bank statements showing if there are any debts or mortgages involved.
Types of properties in Portugal
Both natural persons and entrepreneurs can choose from a wide range of properties for rent or purchase in Portugal, depending on the business needs they have. You might be interested in the following:
Residential properties – villas, apartments, condominiums, resort properties, and townhouses can be found in Portugal. In most cases, foreigners choose villas or apartments found in residential areas, with gardens and pools, but not limited to these facilities. Buying a property in Lisbon is quite simple.
Commercial properties refer to offices, hotels, shopping centers, and malls, to give some examples. The prices depend on the size, zones and facilities offered. You can talk to our agents if you are interested in Portugal property investment.
Industrial properties include warehouses, manufacturing buildings, storage, and more. The classification of industrial properties is made based on facilities and zoning, and the prices are in accordance.
Lands in Portugal might also be in the attention of foreign entrepreneurs. If they aren’t state-owned, lands in Portugal can be purchased by anyone. Developed or undeveloped lands can be purchased by investors in Portugal.
These are the most common types of properties available for purchase in Portugal. If you are interested in buying a property in Portugal as a foreigner, feel free to give us a call or an email and let our Portuguese lawyers tell you more and represent you from a legal point of view.
Opening a real estate company in Portugal
Portugal is open for business and attracts foreign investors interested in the real estate field in a large number each year, especially because the country offers huge opportunities in the tourism sector. Opening a company in the real estate sector in Portugal is quite advantageous because such a business can be established in most cities and regions in the country and can address both local and foreign clients. A real estate agency, for example, can deal with the purchase or rent of properties, whether residential or commercial. Another type of activity of a real estate company in Portugal can implicate the construction and development of properties. Such properties can then be sold to those interested in other types of businesses in Portugal. In matters of business registration in Portugal, the formalities are straightforward, the main aspect to pay extra attention to refers to the required licenses and permits. One of our lawyers in Portugal can help you with this matter. However, if a real estate company in Portugal is not in your attention, you can receive support for buying a property in Lisbon.
Buying property in Portugal as a foreigner
Some might consider that buying a property in a foreign country might be difficult, but things are quite the opposite. Buying a property in Lisbon, for example, is not complicated if you present the necessary documents, if you have a clear criminal record and if you pay the taxes imposed. In some cases, a Golden Visa might be a great option for non-EU entrepreneurs, if they purchase a property worth at least EUR 250,000. This is a beneficial investment programme implemented by the Portuguese authorities with the purpose of attracting as many entrepreneurs in the prolific real estate sector as possible. Interested in Portugal property investment? Please discuss all the legal aspects with one of our attorneys in Portugal.
Is buying a property in Portugal a great investment?
Yes, considering the key aspects of the real estate sector, Portugal property investment is extremely advantageous, considering the huge developments of the tourism sector. The tax incentives, gaining citizenship in Portugal after owning a property for at least 5 years, and enjoying the high standards of living in Portugal are benefits attentively measured by foreign entrepreneurs interested in purchasing a property in this country. The support of our property lawyers in Portugal will prove extremely helpful for buying a property in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. All the documents involved in a sale-purchase process of a property in Portugal enter the attention of our specialists who closely work with the authorities in charge of land and property registry. There are specific legal terms involved in the property purchase process in Portugal that can be entirely discussed with one of our specialists.
Short facts about properties in Portugal
The most common question among Portuguese citizens or foreigners living in this country refers to whether to buy or rent a property in this country, considering the ups and downs of the real estate market in the past decade. Fortunately, the things have changed in a large percentage, and both locals and foreigners can purchase properties in Portugal at attractive prices and low-interest rates if these are acquired with the help of a mortgage loan. In many cases, buying a house in Portugal instead of renting one might be quite appealing and that because the monthly rates can be lower than the rental price. Also, foreigners can decide on buying lands and build houses in Portugal, or residential homes, if the business is involved. In any case, one should weigh both possibilities and choose in accordance with their needs or affairs in Portugal. You might also find interesting information about thereal estate sector in Portugal:
Approximately EUR 1,220 is the price per square meter for houses in Portugal.
During 2018, Porto registered the highest property price increase, approximately 15.6% rate.
Prices for houses in Portugal are expected to rise until 2020, not exceeding 8% over the current prices.
The residency permit available for 5 years is granted to foreign citizens investing around EUR 500,000 in Portuguese properties.
After a long economic crisis that hit Portugal’s real estate sector, the market recovered after 2014.
Finding a property in Portugal
The real estate market in Portugal is quite appealing to both local and foreign investors. From beautiful apartments to luxurious villas, foreigners can choose just the type of property they are interested in. There are several online platforms registered in the real estate sector from which you can choose if interested in purchasing a property in Lisbon. Also, a real estate agent can be an optimal solution if you are interested in buying a property in Portugal and need someone you can trust. Such specialists are registered with the Associacao de Mediadores Imobiliarios in Portugal. The same goes for our Portuguese lawyers who can be your partners at the time you decide on buying a property. Instead of dealing with the requirements for purchasing a house in Portugal, it would be best to receive the support of a specialized team of lawyers in Portugal who have experience in this field and who know the applicable legislation. This way, you can be protected against pitfalls and scams that might arise in the real estate sector.
Other legal aspects to consider when buying a property in Portugal
Besides the general rules mentioned in this article, it is important to note that the notary plays a major role in the acquisition of a property in Portugal. The verification with the Land Registry and the Inland Revenue is made at the point the property is about to be sold. This kind of verification is also made with real estate due diligence in order to see if the property can be legally sold and if there aren’t any legal problems.
Also, the sale and purchase contract enters the attention of the notary who will be a witness at the time both parties sign the agreement. One of our property lawyers in Portugal will oversee the entire procedure, so all the aspects related to the purchase of property respect the legislation. You can discuss all the terms for buying a property in Lisbon with one of our specialists who can give you legal advice.
Legal services for real estate transactions
Buying a property is always a good investment idea. Whether purchased for personal use or rent, the sale-purchase transaction must be supervised from the outset. Specialized legal advice can be provided for mortgage lenders, residential home buyers, commercial property buyers, brokerage houses, contractors, investment consortia, and many more.
Thus, potential litigation cases that can change the smooth running of the transaction and loss of money are eliminated from the start. And to give you an idea of how our property lawyers in Portugal can help you when you want to buy a property, let's take a look at the following:
Real estate due diligence - Checks every deed of the property to be purchased. At this stage, the seller must provide the entire history of the house or home, and then the lawyer will analyze in detail and report if there are hidden disputes.
Title and deed - Check the title and deed. Only after the lawyer agrees with him can the sale-purchase transaction take place.
Area analysis - It is recommended that a zonal analysis be done before purchasing a property. Here comes into discussion the average prices for properties in the area, crime rates, school rankings, property taxes, insurance.
General building inspection - Checking the structure, drainage, foundation, roof, flood zone verification, water, and septic inspection, among others.
These are just some of the goal-setting shareware that you can use. We mention that our property lawyers in Portugal work closely with experts in the field and with various authorities involved in the sale-purchase process. From this point of view and not only, we also recommend you to consider the legal help offered byproperty lawyers in Portugal.
Specialists recommend financial due diligence
In addition to the checks mentioned above, financial due diligence is also recommended before buying a home. This process involves several procedures, including:
It is checked if the property taxes to be bought have been paid on time or if there are delays and penalties.
Invoices and/or other documents will be required for recent home renovations.
Check for ongoing litigation or unregistered warranties of the workers of the property.
Information on existing service contracts is required, such as the layout of the building space and the management of the property.
Preparation of notary documents
Before signing the sale-purchase documents in front of the notary, the documents of the respective house are checked once again. This ensures that all the documents are in order that there are no missing papers, and that the transaction can take place without any problems.
We remind you that our property lawyers in Portugal are at your disposal with specialized help for the sale-purchase transaction, so you can be sure that there will be no legal problems.
It is essential to ask for legal advice in real estate
Without a doubt, the legal advice offered by a lawyer with experience in real estate is needed Those interested in investing in property in Portugal are often under pressure and therefore need legal advice and representation. It is much easier to rely on the services offered by one of our property lawyers in Portugal, instead of acting on your own and getting stuck with formalities that you are not familiar with. Rely on real estate legal advice offered by our team.
We can represent your interests
With the help of power of attorney, our lawyers can represent foreign nationals who want to buy a property in Portugal. Foreign investors interested in purchasing real estate in Portugal can confidently call on our team of lawyers because they can legally represent them and deal with the formalities involved.
As there are quite a few checks to be made in terms of specific documents and procedures, our lawyer knows what to do and can act on behalf of foreigners with the help of power of attorney. Thus, it is not necessary to travel to Portugal to deal with the sale-purchase transaction of a property. All you have to do is give us your documents, and then our specialists will take care of the formalities involved.
Choosing our attorneys for buying a property in Portugal
Our attorneys are well informed regarding the Portuguese legal system and can put their knowledge at your disposal, offering tips and advice at every step. Thus, our specialists will guide you regarding the applicable property taxes in Portugal. Whether you are looking for Portuguese properties through online services or relying on a real estate agent, acquiring property in Portugal is a rather straightforward process. Nevertheless, we recommend using the services of our lawyers in order to skip the worries about the language barrier or costs misunderstandings; moreover, our attorneys in Portugal can be helpful by ensuring that there are no hidden problems with the property, such as making certain there are no outstanding debts on the property.
What you need to consider when buying a property in the Azores
In addition to the general rules for purchasing a property, foreigners must consider other checks. For example, a property contract must be checked with the relevant institutions, such as the Portuguese Land Registry or Inland Revenue. Here, a real estate due diligence is a common procedure for property acquisitions because it will highlight any kind of problem that a simple buyer can overlook. If there are legal problems, these will be discovered immediately, and here, a real estate lawyer in Portugal can help you in this endeavor. Do not hesitate to ask as many details about real estate due diligence.
Who can buy property in the Azores?
Both foreigners and locals can purchase a property in the Azores, without hitting restrictions or other difficulties. Legislation in Portugal does not impose restrictions on foreigners wishing to buy property in the Azores, as long as they are not state-owned. We invite you to talk to our lawyers in Portugal and find out all the information on how to buy a house in the Azores.
Buying a property in Portugal after Brexit is a fast process
British citizens are not banned from real estate investment in Portugal or property investment in Lisbon after UK's exit from the European Union. Although some people may not be familiar with the rules of investing in Portugal after Brexit, things are quite simple when it comes to buying a property in this country. British people who want to take out a bank loan to buy a home in Portugal can do so by following these formalities:
Customers can choose fixed-rate mortgages with constant rates, for a period of no more than 30 years.
A deposit of at least 30% of the desired property price is required, and the bank will then offer the necessary loan.
Among the documents required to access a mortgage loan are proof of income, personal bank statements, documents of the property to be purchased, a valid passport, NIF tax number.
Some financial institutions may ask for a bank reference letter, and in the case of companies that want to purchase property investment in Algarve, another great destination for business, information about last year's tax returns might be needed.
Everything you need to know about buying a property in Portugal after Brexit can be found at our lawyers. We can offer you specialized legal help from the very beginning.
Golden Visa in Portugal for property investment in Algarve
British citizens interested in property investment in Algarve can easily access Golden Visa in Portugal, the program for foreigners who want to invest in real estate and enjoy several benefits. Golden Visa Scheme for Portugal requires a minimum investment of EUR 350,000 in the purchase of a property. The amount depends on the area where the property is located.
Upon entering this program, candidates benefit from free movement in the Schengen area with the help of the Portuguese passport and even obtain citizenship in Portugal after 5 years. The program is advantageous, and UK citizens interested in property investment in Algarve can discuss more details with our lawyers.
FAQ about property purchase in Portugal
1. Can foreigners buy properties in Portugal?
Yes, it is quite easy to buy property as a foreigner in Portugal. You can enter the Golden Visa Programme if you are a foreign investor or you wish to purchase a house for retirement or for any other reasons. You can discuss the legal aspects of our Portuguese lawyers.
2. What does the sale agreement comprise?
The sale and purchase contract for a property in Portugal must comprise details about the buyer and the seller, information about the property, the price, and the conditions of the transaction. Such a contract can be verified by our specialists.
3. Is there a property tax in Portugal?
Yes, the property tax or the MIT ranges between 0% and 8% of the declared value of the property. Our legal advisors can tell you more.
4. What is the Golden Visa Scheme?
The Golden Visa Scheme in Portugal allows international investors to gain a residence permit by buying a property in Portugal, and particularly purchasing properties worth at least EUR 250,000. Also, investments of around EUR 500,000 in companies in Portugal can be made to enter the Golden Visa Scheme.
5. Can I apply for a credit loan for a property in Portugal?
Yes, foreign citizens interested in buying a property in Lisbon can apply for a loan that can cover about 75% of the total price of the property. Legal advice is offered by our Portuguese lawyers.
6. Can I ask for real estate due diligence in Portugal?
Of course, persons interested in buying a property in Lisbon, Portugal, can solicit the legal advice and support of our specialists. They can tell you more about the real estate due diligence process.
7. Do I need a legal advisor for buying a property in Portugal?
It is recommended to ask for the services of a team of lawyers in Portugal. They can verify the sale contract and other documents related to the property you wish to acquire. Our team has experience in property purchase in Portugal.
8. How do I find a property for sale in Portugal?
Foreign citizens in Portugal can use the services of a real estate agent or access a wide range of online platforms established in the real estate sector. Better yet, you can address your inquiries to our team of lawyers in Portugal.
9. What are the prices per square meter for properties in Portugal?
Around EUR 1,220 is the price per square meter for houses in Portugal. The real estate market recovered from the economic crisis a decade ago.
10. What types of properties can I buy in Portugal?
Apartments, houses, condominiums, duplexes, and villas are available for sale in Portugal.
We cordially invite you to contact our law firm in Portugal to assist you in the process of buying or selling properties in Portugal.
Our lawyer in Portugal
Federico Richardson is the head of Lexidy Law Boutique SLP. He is specialized in the Corporate & Real Estate field and can provide legal assistance, guidance and support for investors interested in opening a company in Portugal. Contact us for details
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