Buying property in Portugal: how to confirm the legality and ownership of the property

Immigrating to Portugal is a life-changing step, and many people are looking to buy property right from the start. However, buying a property without checking its legal status can bring major risks and financial losses

Confirming the legality of the property and the right of ownership is essential. This is done through a detailed legal analysis, such as consulting the:

• Land Registry: document that proves who the owner is and whether there are any encumbrances, such as mortgages or liens.
  
• Caderneta Predial: contains tax data and allows you to check if there are any tax debts.
  
• License to use: proves that the property can be inhabited or used for commercial purposes.
  
• Permanent certificate: shows the property’s entire registration history.
  

Many properties have irregularities, especially older ones. It’s common to find unlicensed construction, unregistered internal alterations or inheritance disputes that jeopardize the sale.

That’s why, before investing, it’s essential to have a lawyer carry out due diligence. They will confirm that the property is safe, that it can be purchased and that the seller does indeed have the right to sell.

Buying a property is more than a financial transaction: it’s about protecting your future and that of your family. Doing so responsibly ensures peace of mind during the immigration process.

⚠️ Important note: When sharing personal and confidential information, it is essential to entrust this responsibility to a qualified professional. You can check professional credentials at the following link: https://portal.oa.pt/advogados/pesquisa-de-advogados/.