Final Deed (Escritura)

What Is It?

The Final Deed (Escritura de Compra e Venda) is the official legal act that completes a property transaction.

It is the document signed before an authorised legal professional — a Notary (Notário), Solicitor (Solicitador), or Lawyer (Advogado) — that formally transfers ownership from the seller to the buyer.

What Is It For / Why Is It Important?

Legal Transfer of Ownership
This is the moment when the buyer stops being a promissory buyer (promitente-comprador) and becomes the legal owner of the property.

Final Payment
The remaining purchase price is paid at this stage, typically via certified bank cheque (cheque visado) or bank transfer.

Mortgage Agreement (Contrato de Mútuo)
If financing is involved, the mortgage contract and property lien (hipoteca) are signed simultaneously.

Legal Verification
The supervising authority confirms that all required documentation — certificates, licences, tax payments, and registrations — is valid and that no legal obstacles prevent the sale.

Where Does It Take Place?

• Notary Offices (Cartórios Notariais) — public or private

• Casa Pronta Service — government one-stop property transaction service available at Land Registry offices (Conservatórias)

• Lawyers’ or Solicitors’ Offices, through an Authenticated Private Document (DPA — Documento Particular Autenticado), which has the same legal validity as a notarial deed

What Does It Cost?

Professional fees typically range between €350 and €800, depending on:

• Whether a mortgage loan is involved (additional registrations required)

• The service provider used
  (Casa Pronta is often more cost-efficient, usually between €375 and €700 including registrations)

Note:
This amount does not include property taxes (IMT and Imposto do Selo), which must already be paid before completion.

Required Documents (Basic Checklist)

• Identification documents (Cartão de Cidadão / NIF)

• Permanent Property Certificate (Certidão Permanente Predial)

• Property Tax Record (Caderneta Predial)

• Use Licence (Licença de Utilização)

• Energy Certificate (Certificado Energético)

• Proof of payment of IMT and Stamp Duty

• Technical Housing File (Ficha Técnica da Habitação, when applicable)

• Declaration confirming no outstanding condominium debts

The Key Moment: Handover of Keys

As a general rule, the seller hands over the property keys immediately after the deed is read and signed, formally transferring possession to the new owner.