Just like back home, when you buy a property in Portugal there are various organisations, companies and official bodies you will need contact to make sure all of the day-to-day issues involved in owning and living in your property are taken care of.
The following is a guide to some of the key people you need to contact to help you avoid any issues after you buy a Portuguese property.
Residents Association (Associação de Proprietários)
If you are buying in a complex then there will be a Community of Owners. We would need to make sure that all Community charges have been paid up to date before you buy.
Water and Electricity
It is important to check that there is a connection and that the charges are paid up to date. You will need to arrange to have the utilities and services in your name and often have to set up a direct debit at your Portuguese bank to pay the bills.
If you are buying a new property, we will need to check that the property has the appropriate Habitation Certificate which allows the services to be connected.
Land Registry (Registo Predial)
Almost all land and properties in Portugal are now registered.
We would obtain a search at the local Land Registry for office copy entries of the previous owner’s deed which will show who the registered owner is and whether there are any charges on the title. You need to ensure that the propriety is free of debts, since the buyer inherits the debts.
The Land Registry has the history of all the events concerning certain property. Once you become the owner, you will figure as the current owner.
Title Certificate (Caderneta Predial)
This document contains information about the property’s tax situation. It has the same purpose as the previous referred search and thus the search may be requested instead of this document.
Town Hall (Câmara Municipal)
Your property will also be checked at the Town Hall to make sure that the Council Tax (Imposto Municipal sobre Imóveis – IMI) has been paid up to date. By owning a property in Portugal you will be responsible for the taxes that are due on the property such as IMI.
Need help buying property in Portugal?
Our UK-based team of property lawyers are highly experienced in helping clients to buy and sell property in Portugal, as well as handling a whole range of related issues, such as advice on Wills and inheritance.
With a thorough understanding of both UK and Portuguese law, we can provide clear, reliable legal guidance in plain English, giving you the confidence to deal effectively with property in Portugal.
Call: 01438 840 258 Email: admin@judicaregroup.com