24/08/2026
3 mistakes foreign buyers make in Portugal.
Buying property here in 2026? These are the three we see most often, and they’re avoidable.
1️⃣ Using the seller’s agent. Most agents are paid by, and represent, the seller — even when they’re helpful and friendly to you. Their job is to get the seller the best price. Yours is the opposite.
2️⃣ Budgeting only the purchase price. IMT, stamp duty, and legal fees typically add 6–10% on top. Know your real number before you fall for a property.
3️⃣ Treating the CPCV as ownership. A signed promissory contract isn’t a deed — only the escritura, followed by land registry, actually transfers ownership. Title and registry mismatches are common in older and rural properties.
What actually protects you: independent buyer representation, a full-cost budget, and a verified title before you sign anything.
We only ever represent buyers — never the seller. Thinking of buying in Portugal? Let’s talk before you make an offer.
