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Buying a property in Portugal

With security and simplicity. Complete guide to the process, legal support and specialized follow-up from Our Home Portugal.
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Learn more-Buying a property in Portugal

Buying a House in Portugal: Complete Guide to the Acquisition Process

Buying a property in Portugal involves three main steps — reservation, promissory contract, and deed. The process is safe, transparent and conducted with legal support, and it is highly recommended to have a specialized real estate agency and a lawyer to ensure a risk-free purchase.

 

Choosing the Right Real Estate Agency

One of the most important steps when buying a property in Portugal is choosing the right real estate agency. While some companies have hundreds of properties across the country, Our Home Portugal focuses on the regions we know deeply: Lisbon and the Algarve.

This specialization allows us to offer a truly differentiated service adapted to the needs of each client.

 

The Role of the Lawyer in Buying Real Estate

When buying a property in Portugal, much of the legal process is conducted by the buyer's lawyer. Although it is not mandatory to hire a lawyer, it is highly recommended as it guarantees:

  • Documentation verification

  • Legal certainty

  • Buyer Protection

  • Risk analysis and possible debts

The first step is to contact a trusted real estate agency. Then, it will be necessary to confirm that all documentation is up to date and that you have the financial resources to move forward with the investment.

 

🧭 The 3-Step Buying Process

Buying a property in Portugal is transparent and usually follows three main phases.

 

1️⃣ Booking

After finding the ideal property and agreeing on the value with the seller, the first step is to make the reservation.

  • Demonstrates buyer commitment

  • Temporarily removes the property from the market

  • Avoid other proposals

It is common to pay a booking fee of between €6,000 and €20,000. The lawyer has 15 to 30 days to analyze all the documentation. At this stage, a simple two-page contract is signed, formalizing the intention to buy.

 

2️⃣ Promissory Purchase and Sale Agreement (CPCV)

Once the document analysis is completed, the lawyer prepares a report and asks the seller for the promissory contract, which includes all the relevant details of the transaction.

The buyer can propose adjustments based on legal guidance.

After agreement between both parties:

  • The buyer pays a deposit between 10% and 60% of the total amount

  • The contract becomes legally binding

According to Portuguese law, if the seller withdraws, he must return double the deposit, a strong protection for the buyer.

 

3️⃣ Public Deed

The final step is the signing of the public deed.

If the property is new (in plan), the lawyer verifies:

  • Licenses

  • Authorizations

  • No associated debts

After this confirmation, the buyer makes the final payment and the property is registered in his name, legally becoming the owner.

In some cases, when the buyer already has the necessary resources, it is possible to proceed directly to the deed, without CPCV. However, this is uncommon — about 90% of purchases include the promissory contract stage.

 

🛡️ Buying a House in Portugal is Safe and Transparent

With Our Home Portugal, you will have full support at every step of your journey — from choosing the property to signing the deed — ensuring security, clarity and expert follow-up.