Key Considerations Before Purchasing Property in Portugal

Key steps - Before purchasing any type of property — whether land, an apartment, or an entire building — it is essential to

verify two key documents: the Caderneta Predial and the Certidão Predial.

Make sure both documents meet the following requirements:

Issued within the last six months
The same total square meter area (sqm)
The same owner’s name
The Certidão Predial confirms there are no mortgages or liens registered against the property

It is highly recommended to work with an architect who has strong knowledge of local regulations and permitting

procedures. Before committing to a purchase, request that the architect arrange a meeting with the city hall of the

municipality where the property is located. This step can prevent major issues later on.

Many buyers assume that real estate processes work the same way everywhere in the world, only to encounter

unexpected local restrictions and bureaucratic challenges.

When selecting an architect, always schedule a Zoom call or an in-person meeting first. This relationship may last for

several months or even years, so personal compatibility and communication are extremely important — often more

important than the architect’s fee proposal.

Key steps - Before Renovating an Apartment in Lisbon (or Anywhere in Portugal)

Before starting a renovation project, several important factors should be evaluated:

Ask your architect to research the property thoroughly, including its location and whether it is classified as a heritage
or protected building. This can significantly impact renovation possibilities and approval procedures. In some cases,
approvals may be required not only from the city hall, but also from Portugal’s Cultural Heritage Department,
especially in Lisbon.
If the building is not classified. And there are no exterior modifications. You can star the works as soon as you have
choosen with support of a professional, a contractor.
Verify with your architect the age and structural condition of the building. Older buildings may require structural
reinforcements depending on the planned modifications. An engineering consultation is strongly recommended.
Request your architect detailed architectural drawings before construction begins. These drawings help define areas,
materials, finishes, and equipment, while also allowing for more accurate budgeting and quantity estimates.
Discuss and review with your architect, different material and equipment options together with the client before final
decisions are made.

Key steps - Before Building from Scratch in Lisbon (or Anywhere in Portugal)

Before starting a building from scratch, several important factors should be evaluated:

Ask your architect to research the property thoroughly, including its location and whether it is classified as a heritage
or protected building. This can significantly impact renovation possibilities and approval procedures. In some cases,
approvals may be required not only from the city hall, but also from Portugal’s Cultural Heritage Department,
especially in Lisbon.
Request your architect detailed architectural drawings before construction begins. These drawings help define areas,
materials, finishes, and equipment, while also allowing for more accurate budgeting and quantity estimates.
Discuss and review with your architect, different material and equipment options together with the client before final
decisions are made.

Take sufficient time to carefully select the contractor.

It is essential that the contractor:

Finally, always ensure that a formal contract is signed by both you and the contractor before any work begins.

Key steps -Before Submitting a Project to Any City Hall in Portugal

The most common administrative procedures include:

Ask your architect to arrange a meeting with the municipality’s Architecture Department before submitting any application.

This helps clarify exactly what can and cannot be done on the property.

Certain properties may have special restrictions or limitations regarding gross construction area and permitted

interventions. It is important to identify these constraints before purchasing the property.

Request from your architect a complete list of all documents and drawings required for submission so you clearly

understand the process, timeline, and expected deliverables.

Some architects provide full-service project management, including architecture, engineering coordination, and

contractor support. Others focus exclusively on architectural design. Clarify the scope of services in advance and

determine what best suits your needs.

Before proceeding with a Comunicação Prévia submission — which generally requires architecture, engineering, and

contractor documentation — take sufficient time to carefully select the contractor.

It is essential that the contractor:

Finally, always ensure that a formal contract is signed by both you and the contractor before any work begins.