Portugal offers a secure and well-regulated property market, making the purchasing process clear and efficient for both domestic and international buyers. With the right professional guidance, transactions can often be completed within two to six weeks. Below is an overview of the key steps involved and what you can expect throughout the process.
1. Understanding Your Requirements
Every property search begins with understanding exactly what you are looking for. Our team takes the time to understand your lifestyle, preferred location, property requirements, budget and long-term objectives.
Whether you are searching for a permanent residence, holiday home, investment property or a combination of these, we use this insight to create a tailored search strategy focused on finding the right opportunities for you.
2. Sourcing the Right Properties
With your requirements clearly established, we draw on our extensive local network and knowledge of the Algarve property market to identify suitable opportunities.
Alongside properties available on the open market, our private contacts and trusted partners provide access to exclusive and off-market opportunities that may not be publicly advertised. We carefully select properties that genuinely match your brief, saving you time and ensuring your search remains focused.
3. Private Viewings
Once suitable properties have been identified, we arrange private viewings around your schedule, providing a discreet and personalised experience throughout.
Our team will accompany you during viewings, providing local insight and practical guidance on each property and its surroundings. Where appropriate, we can also arrange additional visits, introductions to relevant specialists and further information to help you make a confident decision.
4. Negotiation and Offer
When you have found the right property, we will advise you on the appropriate offer and negotiate directly with the seller or their representative on your behalf.
Our knowledge of the local market, together with our understanding of your objectives, allows us to negotiate carefully and professionally while protecting your interests. Once terms have been agreed, we will guide you through the next stage of the purchasing process.
5. Letter of Intent
Once you have found the perfect property and your offer has been accepted, Full Time Property will guide you through the next steps with complete discretion and care. We will prepare the Letter of Intent (LOI), outlining the principal terms of the purchase, coordinating directly with the legal representatives acting for both buyer and seller.
Your lawyer will then review all property documentation and carry out a comprehensive due diligence process, ensuring every legal and administrative aspect has been thoroughly verified. Where applicable, an inventory of fixtures, fittings and agreed contents will also be prepared to form part of the purchase documentation.
6. Promissory Contract
Following successful completion of the legal checks, your lawyer will prepare the Promissory Contract (“Contrato Promessa de Compra e Venda” or CPCV). This legally binding agreement confirms the agreed terms of the sale, providing both parties with confidence and security before the transaction proceeds to completion.
Throughout this stage, Full Time Property remains on hand to liaise with all parties, ensuring the process progresses smoothly and efficiently.
7. Deposit Payment
Once the Promissory Contract has been signed, a deposit of typically 10% of the agreed purchase price is transferred. This is usually managed securely through your lawyer’s client account, providing peace of mind and ensuring the transaction is handled in accordance with Portuguese legal practice.
8. Final Deed
The purchase is completed with the signing of the Final Deed (“Escritura”) before a Portuguese notary on the agreed completion date. This is the moment legal ownership of the property is formally transferred to you.
Should you be unable to attend in person, your appointed legal representative can complete the transaction on your behalf under a valid Power of Attorney, allowing the purchase to proceed seamlessly wherever you are in the world.
9. Transaction Completion
Following the transfer of the remaining balance of the purchase price, together with any applicable taxes and completion costs, the acquisition is legally finalised. At this stage, you become the official owner of your new property in Portugal.
Our team will continue to oversee the final stages of the process, ensuring every detail has been completed correctly and efficiently.
10. Land Registry
After completion, your lawyer will register your ownership with the Portuguese Land Registry (“Registo Predial”), ensuring your legal title is formally recorded.
They will also typically arrange the transfer of utility accounts and assist with any remaining administrative formalities, allowing you to settle into your new home effortlessly.
From your initial enquiry through to completion and beyond, Full Time Property is committed to making your property purchase as seamless, transparent and enjoyable as possible.