Checklist for Buying Property in Portugal: What and Where to Check

1. Preparation Stage

• Determine your budget and get pre-approval for a mortgage (if necessary)

What to check: Your financial capacity and mortgage conditions.
Where to check: Contact banks or mortgage brokers for pre-approval.

• Choose the location and search for properties

What to check: Property prices in your chosen region and availability of properties.
Where to check: Real estate websites like Idealista, OLX, Imovirtual, and local agencies.

2. Verifying the Legal Status of the Property

• Request the Caderneta Predial

What to check: Information about property taxes, size, and value.
Where to check: Portal das Finanças, Portugal's Tax Authority.

• Obtain the Certidão Permanente do Registo Predial

What to check: Ownership status, encumbrances (mortgages, liens, easements), and transaction history.
Where to check: Predial Online or visit the local Property Registry (Conservatória do Registo Predial).

• Check the legal status of the property

What to check: Debts, liens, or any legal issues, as well as ensuring the property matches the description.
Where to check: In the Certidão Permanente, or request additional documents from the seller, such as the deed of the previous sale.

3. Verifying Seller Documents

• Check the seller's property ownership

What to check: Documents proving that the seller is the legal owner of the property.
Where to check: Ask the seller for a copy of the Escritura Pública, confirming their ownership, and get the Certidão Permanente, which will show the seller’s name.

• Verify the seller's identity

What to check: Confirm that the seller is the legal owner of the property.
Where to check: Ask the seller for their ID or passport.

4. Finalizing the Deal

• Sign the Escritura Pública de Compra e Venda

What to check: Ensure that the notary has correctly drafted the sale deed and that both parties are present for the signing.
Where to check: At the notary’s office.

• Register the transaction at the Property Registry

What to check: Ensure that the transaction is registered, and your name is listed as the new owner in the property registry.
Where to check: At the local Property Registry or via Predial Online.

5. Financial and Tax Considerations

• Ensure property taxes (IMI) are paid

What to check: Make sure all property taxes have been paid, and there are no outstanding debts.
Where to check: Request the details through the Caderneta Predial on Portal das Finanças.

• Confirm payments for the transaction

What to check: Ensure that all payments for the property (price, taxes, fees) have been properly documented and made.
Where to check: In the bank documents and contracts signed with the notary.

• Obtain documents confirming ownership

What to check: After the transaction, make sure you receive all documents confirming your ownership.
Where to check: Request the Certidão Permanente with your name in the property registry.

6. After the Transaction

• Verify property ownership registration

What to check: Confirm that your name is listed in the property registry as the new owner.
Where to check: In the Certidão Permanente on Predial Online or at the local Property Registry.

• Update utility accounts

What to check: Transfer utility accounts (water, gas, electricity) to your name.
Where to check: Contact local service providers to transfer ownership.

• Keep all documents safe

What to check: Ensure you have copies of all signed documents, including the Escritura Pública, Certidão Permanente, and payment receipts for taxes and fees.
Where to check: Keep the documents in a safe place (with the notary or your lawyer).