How difficult is the property purchase process in Portugal?
There are no restrictions on foreign property ownership. The process of property purchase in Portugal is quite straightforward. Once a buyer has found a suitable property the next thing to do is to hire the services of a lawyer who will guide and assist the buyer through the process. A lawyer’s task usually involve drawing up contracts and initiating the process of inspecting the property’s title insuring that no legal snarls will come up after the transfer. A search will be made to check the land registry (Conservatoria de Registo Predial) title at the local municipality and another search at the Inland Revenue (Repartio de Finanas) to ensure the tax registration on the property and that there are no unpaid charges. A fiscal number (Numero de Contribuinte) will be acquired for you through the local tax office as this will be necessary for most transactions in Portugal. If the buyer is satisfied with the property and decides to buy a promissory contract (Contrato de Promessa de Compra
