Announcement Icon
Season's Greetings! Please note our response times may be slower over Christmas and New Year. Wishing you a joyful festive season!
Portugal Pathways Logo Dark
  • Solutions
    • Visa SOLUTIONS
      • Golden Visa
        Explore Portugal’s residency-by-investment programme
      • D7 Visa
        Visa solutions for retirees and passive income earners
      • D2 Visa
        Visa solutions for entrepreneurs and freelancers
      • D8 (Digital Nomad) Visa
        Visa support for remote workers relocating to Portugal
      • Golden Visa Fund Index
        Portugal’s top investment fund options for the Golden Visa
    • Tax & Financial Solutions
      • IFICI (NHR 2.0) Tax Incentive
        Portugal’s newest tax regime option, the IFICI (NHR 2.0)
      • Plan Early for End of NHR
        Mitigate progressive taxes by planning early for the end of your NHR
      • Tax & Wealth Management
        Optimise your cross-border income and assets for the future
      • Investment Strategy
        Investment advice aligned to your life and financial objectives
      • Business Solutions
        Business set-up, accounts, auditing and operations in Portugal
    • Real estate & concierge
      • Real Estate Solutions
        Location scouting, property research and guidance in Portugal
      • Concierge Services
        Personalised travel, private education, language, utilities and events
      • Healthcare & Insurance
        Private healthcare, insurance, and wellbeing in Portugal
      • Foreign Currency Exchange
        Make significant savings on your foreign currency transfers
      • Mortgage Solutions
        Compare mortgages in Portugal and secure the best rates

    Current NHR Tax Holders: Are you protected moving forward?

    Mitigate high taxes and safegaurd your finances by planning early for the end of your NHR status!
    Explore
    Arrow Icon
  • About
  • Insights & Events
    • Insights
      • Articles
        In-depth insights and news on living and investing in Portugal
      • Guides
        Step-by-step advice for navigating life in Portugal
      • FAQs
        Clear answers to your most common questions
      • Case Studies
        Real-life success stories from our clients
    • Events
      • All Events
      • Upcoming Events
      • Past Events
      • Major Events/Festivals in Portugal
    July 8, 2025

    Tax and Estate Planning in Portugal

    Join our upcoming webinar and find out more about Portugal's inheritance and gift tax laws. This webinar will provide guidance on structuring your estate efficiently, addressing legal obligations, minimising tax liabilities, and ensuring smooth succession both within Portugal and internationally.
    Explore event
    Arrow Icon
Talk to our experts
Go back to
Property & locations

How to buy property in Portugal

Comprehensive guide to purchasing property in Portugal

Table of Contents
Heading 1
Heading 1
Heading 1
Heading 1
Heading 1

Current NHR Tax Holders: Are you protected moving forward?

Mitigate high taxes and safegaurd your finances by planning early for the end of your NHR status!

Explore

‍

How to buy property in Portugal as a foreigner  – the key steps

‍

If you are looking to relocate to Portugal or are one of the many expats already living there and don't know what buying property in Portugal entails, and follow our property buying guide to help you navigate the Portuguese real estate market:

‍

Research and Identify Location:

Before you buy property, you must begin by researching different regions in Portugal to determine which area suits your preferences and needs. Real estate prices understandably vary depending on location, if you are looking to purchase in any of the wealthy expat enclaves or regions such as:

‍

- Quinta do Lago/Vale do Lobo

- Comporta

- Sintra

- Foz do Douro

- Vila Nova de Gaia

- Vilamoura

- Cascais

- Lisbon

- Porto

- Estoril

-Benagil/ Carvoeiro

- Lagos

‍

In addition, the cost of living is very good however, it varies depending on location. Most property buyers should also consider factors such as climate, lifestyle, amenities, healthcare, education, transport links, infrastructure, and proximity to airports or major cities.

Lisbon has many wealthy expat enclaves

‍

Talk to us about engaging a real estate agent:

Our experts can guide you to a reputable real estate experts who specializes in the region you are interested in. They will have local knowledge, access to listings, and can guide you through the process. We ensure the agent is registered with the relevant Portuguese authorities, such as the Portuguese Association of Real Estate Professionals (APEMIP).

‍

Define Your Budget:

Establish your budget for purchasing a real estate property, considering your financial capabilities and requirements. Keep in mind that in addition to the property price, you should consider other costs like taxes, legal fees, and ongoing maintenance expenses.

‍

Property Search:

‍Work closely with your real estate expert to identify properties that meet your criteria such as property type (apartment, villa, etc.), size, features, and amenities.

‍

Typical Portuguese modern architectural design
Property Viewings:

Before buying your dream property, view the shortlisted properties in person with one of our real estate experts. This will allow you to assess the condition, location, and surroundings of each property. Take your time during viewings and ask questions to gain a thorough understanding.

‍

Legal Assistance:

Engage with one of our qualified lawyers who specialises in Portuguese property law. They will ensure that all legal aspects of the purchase are handled correctly, including verifying ownership, conducting due diligence, and preparing the necessary documents.

‍

Financing:

If you require financing, explore mortgage options available from Portuguese banks or international lenders we work with. We always advise that we get multiple financial institutions to secure the best terms and interest rates for you.

‍

Offer and Negotiation:

Once you have identified your target property, our real estate expert can assist you in making an offer to the seller. Negotiations may take place to settle on the final price and conditions of the purchase.

‍

Promissory Contract:

Once agreement is reached, a promissory contract (Contrato Promessa de Compra e Venda) is usually drawn up. This contract outlines the terms of the property purchase, including the purchase price, payment schedule, completion date, and any specific conditions.

‍

Due Diligence:

Before signing the final deed, our lawyers will conduct a thorough due diligence process on your behalf, including verifying property documents, confirming any outstanding debts or encumbrances, and ensuring compliance with local regulations.

‍

Signing the Deed:

On the agreed completion date, both parties (buyer and seller) or their legal representatives will meet to sign the deed of sale (Escritura). This document transfers ownership of the property to you. You'll need to present a valid identification document, such as a passport.

‍

Tax and Registration:

‍After signing the deed, you will need to pay the applicable property transfer tax (IMT) and register the property with the Portuguese Land Registry which we can help you with. Our lawyers can assist you with these processes to ensure compliance.

‍

Ongoing Costs:

Remember that being a property owner you must consider ongoing costs associated with owning a property in Portugal, such as property taxes, utility bills, maintenance fees, and insurance which we can guide you throughout the process.

‍

Please note that this is a general overview of the property market and how to buy property in Portugal. The specific process may vary according to individual circumstances, property types, and local regulations which again, we can take you through.

‍

Working closely with our team and real estate partners and one of our lawyers will provide you with the necessary guidance throughout the entire process.

‍

Other Relevant Guides

Portugal's Real Estate Market Report

Find out more about Portugal's real estate market

Understanding Portugal property types

A comprehensive guide to the different types of properties Portugal has to offer

Relocating to Portugal: Upmarket expat locations

This detailed guide highlights some of the most sought after enclaves for affluent expats.

Navigating Property Purchase in Portugal: A Comprehensive Guide

Purchasing a property in Portugal is a significant decision, whether for personal use, investment, or as part of a Visa application

Contact Us

Maximise your wealth, tax status, property & life in Portugal

Talk to our expert team, so that we can offer personalised support to meet your specific needs.

Interested in partnering with us? Contact Us >Do you have a media enquiry? Contact Us >
Please note that during the Christmas and New Year period, response times for form submissions may be longer than usual. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this festive season. Our team will do their best to attend to your submissions as promptly as possible. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!
In order for us to best help you, please state: what solutions you require, the status of your residency, if you hold NHR tax status, if you are currently applying/intending to apply for NHR, if you hold a NIF ID, if you are currently applying/intending to apply for a NIF ID, if you have medical insurance in Portugal, and if you have proof of an address in Portugal, in addition to any other pertinent information.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Portugal Pathways Logo White

Sign up for updates

Stay informed and be the first to know about our latest newsletters, articles, guides, and exciting upcoming events

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Facebook IconIstagram IconTwitter/X IconLinkedIn IconLinkedIn Icon
Visa Solutions
Visa SolutionsGolden VisaD7 VisaD2 VisaDigital Nomad VisaGolden Visa Fund Index
Tax & Financial Solutions
IFICI (NHR 2.0)Post-NHR PlanningFinancial PlanningInvestment StrategyBusiness Operations
Real Estate & Concierge
Real Estate SolutionsConcierge ServicesHealthcare & InsuranceForeign CurrencyMortgage Solutions
Links
About usSolutionsCase StudiesArticlesGuidesFAQsEvents & WebinarsContact
© 2025 Portugal Pathways Limited. All rights reserved.
Privacy policyTerms of service

Disclaimer: The information on the Portugal Pathways and Portugal Investment Owners Club (P Club for short) websites and in email communications is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or financial advice. You should consult and check with a qualified professional advisor before relying on any information provided on this website or in email communications. As it relates to investments in Golden Visas or other wealth management solutions offered by regulated and professional advisors, it is important to note that past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Private equities can be highly illiquid and come with risk and should always be under professional independent advice.

Upcoming Webinar
Investing in Portugal: Optimise your income and assets for the future
January 16, 2024 4:00 PM

Gain expert insight and guidance from our specialist panel on navigating Portugal's investment opportunities, such as Portuguese investment funds and real estate. Hear experts discuss optimising your income, wealth, assets, and tax position going forward.

Register