BUYER GUIDE · ALGARVE & LISBON

Buying property in Portugal,
without losing your way.

A complete guide for international buyers — from your first conversation with Willem, through taxes, paperwork and reality, to the keys in your hand.

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The Algarve coast in PortugalAlgarve · Lisbon
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4+Years living & working in the Algarve
33+Nationalities collaborated with
15+Client nationalities served
€10M+Total value of property handled

If you're reading this, you're probably considering buying a property in Portugal. Perhaps you're just starting your search, have already viewed a few homes, or are planning your first viewing trip. Whatever stage you're at, the journey from interest to a successful purchase is often more complex than most people expect.

That's why I wrote this buyer's guide. While assisting international buyers, I noticed the same questions come up time and time again: how does the buying process work? What costs should I expect? What is a CPCV? When is the purchase price paid? What risks should I be aware of?

In this guide, I take you through the entire buying process step by step. My role is to help you make informed decisions and feel confident throughout your property purchase in Portugal.

You don't have to read it from beginning to end in one sitting. Use it as a reference and return to the sections that matter most whenever you need them.

— Willem

YOUR PROCESS

From first conversation to keys in hand

Most international buyers complete a Portuguese property purchase in eight to twelve weeks. Here is how we keep every stage clear.

01

First conversation

Your plans, priorities and timing.

02

Curated shortlist

Only homes that genuinely fit.

03

Viewings

In person or remotely, fully prepared.

04

Offer & negotiation

Clear advice and strong representation.

05

CPCV signed

Terms agreed and deposit secured.

06

Due diligence

Legal and technical checks completed.

07

Escritura & keys

The final deed and your new beginning.

YOUR BUYER'S GUIDE

Everything you need to know,
before you sign anything

This buyer's guide takes you step by step through the property buying process in Portugal, from your first search to the final transfer of ownership.

Buyer's Guide — Buying Property in Portugal

A practical overview for international buyers: taxes, legal steps, financing and the key points to consider before buying.

  • The buying process explained step by step
  • Costs, taxes and financing clearly outlined
  • Practical tips to avoid common mistakes
Request buyer guide

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

A few of what's
currently for sale

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FREQUENTLY ASKED

The questions everyone asks first

Can a foreigner buy property in Portugal without restrictions?+

Yes. Portugal places no nationality restrictions on property ownership. EU and non-EU citizens have the same purchasing rights as Portuguese nationals. The only requirement before completing a transaction is obtaining a Portuguese tax number (NIF), which non-residents typically secure through a fiscal representative.

Does buying property still grant Portuguese residency?+

No. The Golden Visa programme was significantly restructured in October 2023, and real estate investment no longer qualifies for residency under the scheme. If residency is your goal, you should be looking at the D7 visa (passive income), the D8 visa (digital nomads), or qualifying through Portuguese employment.

How much should I budget for taxes and fees on top of the property price?+

Plan for roughly 6–9% of the purchase price in transaction costs. This includes IMT (transfer tax, the largest variable), stamp duty at 0.8%, notary and registration fees, and your lawyer’s fee. The exact IMT rate depends on the property price and whether it will be your primary residence.

Can I get a mortgage from a Portuguese bank as a non-resident?+

Yes, but with conditions. Portuguese banks typically lend non-residents up to 60–70% of the lower of valuation or purchase price (residents can go to 80–90%). You will need to provide income documentation, tax returns, and bank statements from your home country. Approval timelines are 4–8 weeks.

What happens if I change my mind after signing the CPCV?+

The CPCV (Contrato Promessa de Compra e Venda) is a binding promissory contract. If you withdraw without legal cause, you forfeit your deposit (typically 10% of the price). If the seller withdraws without legal cause, they owe you double the deposit. This is one of the reasons due diligence happens before signing — once the CPCV is in place, both sides are committed.

Do I need to be in Portugal to complete the purchase?+

Not necessarily. The final deed (Escritura) at the notary requires either your physical presence or a notarised power of attorney granted to your lawyer. We have completed transactions for clients who never set foot in Portugal until after the keys were handed over — though we strongly recommend at least one viewing visit before any decisions are finalised.

Willem Van Veenendaal in the Algarve

READY WHEN YOU ARE

Let's talk before
you start looking.

Most clients tell me afterwards they wish they had called sooner. A 30-minute conversation early in the process saves weeks of looking at the wrong properties and brings clarity to every decision.

Book a call with Willem