An advogado is a Portuguese lawyer who specialises in property law. Legal costs are usually between 1% to 1.25% of the purchase price, plus IVA (VAT). Make sure to ask them to confirm the services they will provide, their legal costs and the overall costs of the purchase in writing before you instruct them to do anything.
Lawyers
Looking after your interests
Real bliss is to have peace of mind
When you decide to buy a property in Portugal we always advise that you use a lawyer to look after your interests during the whole purchase process. The system here does not require it, but we strongly recommend that you do as it will provide you with peace of mind and ensure you avoid any of the pitfalls that can befall a buyer in a country that is not their own. You would not buy a property at home without a lawyer so do not do so abroad.
What is an 'advogado' and how much do they cost?
What if I can't be in Portugal to sign the contracts?
If you are unable to come back over to Portugal for signing the various contracts before completion then it is best to arrange a power of attorney with your lawyer. With this in place they can open up a Portuguese bank account for you, apply for your Portuguese tax identification number known as NIF and represent you at the Promissory Contract and Deed stages.
How do I arrange a Power of Attorney?
To arrange a power of attorney you would sign a document before a notary either in Portugal or your home country which authorises the lawyer to act on your behalf. We recommend you do this while you are with us once you have found the right property.
What checks does a lawyer do before the purchase?
Before signing the Promissory Contract, your lawyer should carry out their due diligence on the property to check a number of things: That the owner of the property is who they purport to be; they will compare the plans of the property to the land registry to ensure they match up; if there are any charges, rights of way or debts over the property; and if you are buying a property in a condominium, they will check for any condominium debts. They will also check that the property is connected to mains water and electricity.
What does the lawyer do during and after the sale?
The lawyer will prepare the Promissory Contract describing the property, the price, and the payment schedule. They will prepare the deed of property purchase with the notary and will attend completion with you. After completion the lawyer will register the property in your name and will change the utility bills over to your name and details.
