How to Buy Property in Portugal - A Practical 4-step Buyer’s Guide

Buying property in another country can feel like a big step – but the process on how to buy property in Portugal is actually very clear and secure when you have the right people guiding you. Over the past 25+ years working in real estate here in Lagos, I’ve helped buyers from all over the world navigate the journey from their first viewing trip to the moment they collect the keys and beyond.

How to Buy Property in Portugal: The Purchase Process

Buying property in Portugal follows a structured legal process designed to protect both buyer and seller. While each transaction can vary slightly, the typical steps are outlined below. If you’re thinking about buying property in Lagos or elsewhere in the Algarve, this guide will walk you through the process so you know exactly what to expect. If you’d prefer to talk things through personally, you’re always welcome to reach out through the Contact page. You can also explore current opportunities on the Lagos property listings page.

Step 1 - Reserving the Property

Once you’ve found the property you’d like to purchase, the first step is normally to reserve it.

A reservation payment is transferred to your lawyer’s client account, which secures the property and takes it off the market while legal checks begin.

During this stage, your lawyer begins the due diligence process, verifying that everything related to the property is legally correct before you move forward.

Step 2 - Legal Due Diligence

Your lawyer will carry out a full legal review of the property. This typically includes verifying:

This stage usually takes around one to two weeks, depending on the property.

Having an experienced lawyer handle this step is essential. If you need help choosing one, I can introduce you to trusted English-speaking property lawyers here in Lagos which I will personally recommend based on your personal situation.

Step 3 - The Promissory Contract (CPCV)

Once the legal checks are complete, the next step is signing the Promissory Contract, known in Portugal as the CPCV (Contrato de Promessa de Compra e Venda). This is the legally binding agreement between buyer and seller, confirming the intention to complete the purchase. At this stage:

Once signed, both parties are committed to completing the transaction under the agreed terms.

Step 4 - Final Deed (Completion)

The final stage is the Deed of Purchase, known as the Escritura.

This is where:

All funds are transferred via your lawyer’s client account, ensuring that everything is handled securely under Portuguese law.

How Long Does the Buying Process Take?

The timeline for buying property in Portugal can vary depending on the property and how quickly funds can be arranged. In most cases, the process follows this general structure:

However, in some cases the process can move more quickly. If everything is prepared in advance – particularly if funds are ready and transfers can be arranged while you are in Portugal – purchases can sometimes be completed within a few weeks.

On the other hand, if funds need to be transferred from abroad or additional time is required, the timeline can extend accordingly. For new-build or off-plan properties, timelines and payment structures can vary depending on the stage of construction. If you’re unsure what timeline applies to your situation, we can walk through it together so there are no surprises along the way.

Taxes and Purchase Costs

When buying property in Portugal, there are several taxes and additional costs involved alongside the property price.

Typical purchase costs include:

The exact amount will depend on the property price and your individual situation.

Before you proceed, your lawyer will provide a full breakdown of all costs, so everything is completely clear from the outset and there are no surprises.

If you’d like a more detailed explanation of how these costs are calculated, you can read our guide to Property Purchase Taxes in Portugal (coming soon).

What You Will Need as a Buyer

Before purchasing property in Portugal, there are a few practical steps to complete.

Portuguese Tax Number (NIF)

A Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF) is required for purchasing property, opening a bank account and most financial transactions in Portugal.

This can usually be arranged quickly through your lawyer or fiscal representative.

Portuguese Bank Account

Opening a Portuguese bank account is strongly recommended. It makes transferring funds and managing ongoing property expenses much easier.

A Lawyer

A qualified property lawyer is essential to understand how to buy property in Portugal.

They will handle all legal checks, contracts and fund transfers throughout the process.

You can learn more about how I guide buyers through this process on the Buy With Me page.

Planning Your Property Viewing Trip

Many international buyers prefer to visit Lagos before purchasing. Ideally, you should allow a minimum of four working days for your visit so that we can:

You can read a detailed guide here:

How to Plan the Perfect Property Buying Trip to Lagos (coming soon).

Next Steps if You Decide to Proceed

Once you decide to move forward with a property purchase, we will simply need a few documents to begin the process. These usually include:

If you are planning to travel to Lagos, please try to give me at least two weeks’ notice of your arrival (ideally longer) so we can prepare everything in advance and make the most of your visit.

Local Support Beyond the Purchase

Buying property abroad often involves more than just the transaction itself.

Over the years I’ve built a trusted local network here in Lagos to help clients with everything that comes next, including:

Think of me as your team on the ground here in Lagos.

Thinking About Buying Property in Lagos?

Whether you’re still in the “how to buy property in Portugal” phase, exploring the idea or already planning a viewing trip, I’m always happy to help.

We can talk through your must-haves, nice-to-haves and deal-breakers and start narrowing down the options.

Explore current opportunities on the Property Listings page, or reach out through the Contact page.

Let’s see if we can find your winner.

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+351 912 488 155

info@lagosrealestatespecialists.com

How to Buy Property in Portugal - A Practical 4-step Buyer’s Guide

How to Buy Property in Portugal: The Purchase Process

Step 1 - Reserving the Property

Step 2 - Legal Due Diligence

Step 3 - The Promissory Contract (CPCV)

Step 4 - Final Deed (Completion)

How Long Does the Buying Process Take?

Taxes and Purchase Costs