Everything we wish someone had told us

The process, the costs and the paperwork, written plainly by a team who have all bought here themselves — and made most of the mistakes first.

Buying

From first enquiry to the keys in your hand.

Buying

The purchase process

Every stage of buying a property in Portugal, from the first conversation to the signing of the deed — so there are no surprises along the way.

Buying

Purchase costs

Transfer tax, stamp duty, notary, land registry and legal fees — what you should budget on top of the purchase price.

Buying

Lawyers

Portuguese law does not require you to instruct a lawyer. We would never let a client buy without one — here is what they do and what they cost.

Buying

The notary

A trip to the notary's office is the final stage of a successful purchase. What they do, who they represent, and what they charge.

Buying

Mortgages

Independent mortgage advice for resident and non-resident buyers, through our partners at Quinta Finance.

Buying

Sending money overseas

On a property purchase, the exchange rate you get matters as much as the price you negotiate. How to move money without losing thousands.

Owning

The costs, taxes and admin of holding a home here.

Owning

Running costs

IMI, AIMI, condominium fees, utilities and maintenance — the real annual cost of holding a home in the Algarve.

Owning

Insurance

The cover you need depends entirely on how you will use the property — and the gap that catches people out is unoccupancy.

Owning

Renting your property

Licensing, management, tax and the fines for getting it wrong. What you need in place before you take your first booking.

Owning

Fiscal representation

Who needs a fiscal representative in Portugal, what they are responsible for, and why it is not optional.

Owning

Inheritance & wills

Forced heirship, whether you need a Portuguese will, and why inheritance tax here is lower than almost anyone expects.

Investing

Structures and returns for capital buyers.

Investing

Corporate ownership

Buying through a company at the top of the market: the real advantages, the white-list/black-list distinction, and the downsides.

Lifestyle

What it is actually like to live in Portugal.

Lifestyle

Living in Portugal

Settling in, cost of living, climate, food, language and healthcare — written by a team who all made the move themselves.

Lifestyle

Golf in the Algarve

Green fees, membership costs and contacts for the courses that define the central Algarve — and shape its property market.

Next step

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