Housing

This Bulletin contains a translation of the Condominium Regulation and Notes, “Guia do Condomínio,” which is produced by DECO (Portuguese Consumers’ Association).

Whether you're looking to invest in Portuguese real estate or simply find your dream home, understanding the legal and financial aspects is crucial. afpop strongly recommends seeking professional advice from lawyers, financial advisors, and bureaucratic assistants. This Bulletin outlines the documents and processes involved in buying or selling property in Portugal.

Habitation licences (Licença de Habitação or Habitabilidade, Licença de Utilização) are essential documents in Portugal that certify that a building has been constructed according to building regulations and is suitable for its intended use. This Bulletin provides an overview of the licensing process, including obtaining a licence for a new property and verifying existing licences.

If you're planning to purchase a Portuguese property but won't live there permanently, or already own a property and want to consider renting it out, consider these management strategies that are presented in this Bulletin.

The rates document is issued by the Department of Finances (Repartição de Finanças) of your local council (Concelho). This document records the value of the building or land for the purpose of calculating land taxes (IMI). It is an important document for resolving disputes about the exact extent of the property and the boundaries with neighbours. The document is required for purchase or sale of the property and when applying for building permission.

When planning to build a new home in Portugal there are many factors to consider, such as location, regulations and even climate. To find out more about construction in Portugal read this Bulletin.

Whether you're seeking a cosy apartment in the heart of Lisbon or a villa overlooking the Algarve coast, this Bulletin will equip you with information to navigate the Portuguese rental market.

When living in a developing area, it's essential to be aware of potential construction projects that could impact your property. This Bulletin offers insights into how to stay informed about neighbouring developments and understand the legal protections available to property owners in Portugal.

In Portugal, smaller holiday rental properties such as villas, apartments, rooms and guest houses, are classed as ‘Local Lodging’, or ‘Alojamento local’ (AL), under the legislation governing Tourist Rental properties. Here we outline the rules and regulations for such properties.

Did you know that Buying property in Portugal is in two stages: a promissory contract and a contract of sale (Escritura Pública)? Find out more in this Bulletin.