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1.
Take your
time. Don’t rush into signing a promessa contract until you are
sure the property and location are completely suitable for your
needs.
2.
Take off the
‘rose coloured glasses’. Remember not to do anything you won’t back
in the United Kingdom. If something seems a little out of the
ordinary seek independent advice.
3.
Make a
checklist of requirements you want from your property in Central
Portugal. If you are looking to retire and live abroad take into
consideration proximity of local amenities. If it a holiday house
you are looking for – is an airport important?
4.
Double Check the documents. Ensure the
legal owner is selling the property you wish to buy and that what is
advertised is what is being sold.
5. Debt Free Property?
Ensure on the
day you sign for the property the property is clear from any debt.
Mortgages and debts are registered to a property in Portugal. Until
you register the property in your name debt can be added and it is
up to you to pay it off.
6. Talk to the Locals.
If you like a
property, talk to the locals. They are a great source of information
and will be glad to assist.
7. Visit more than once.
Visit the
property more than once and at different times of the day. What
looks great in the evening sun, may not first thing in a morning.
8. Location, Location, Location.
Location of
your property is important. If you are looking at a property close
to water (river, lake, stream etc) please note it does rain in
Portugal and water levels can rise dramatically within hours.
Remember if you are viewing a property in the spring or summer, it
does rain in Portugal during the autumn and winter. What looks like
a cute rock garden, could turn out to be a dry river bed.
9. Under Declaring.
When you are purchasing a property in Central Portugal
beware of under declaring the property’s’ true value when signing at
the Escritura. The practice is illegal and it could cost you dearly
when, and if, you come to sell. You will be liable to pay tax on a
property if you make a profit from its sale.
10. Registration.
Register your property and land as
quickly as possible following the final signing. Until you register
the property in your name previous owners can still lodge debt
against the property. |
