Guide for Selling Property in Portugal

1. Preparing the Property for Sale

Before placing the property on the market

Objective:
Ensure the property is both market-ready and legally prepared for sale.

This initial stage focuses on eliminating obstacles before buyers appear.

It typically includes:

• gathering mandatory property documentation

• obtaining or updating the Energy Certificate

• confirming condominium status and payments

• verifying any existing mortgage

• requesting mortgage discharge (Distrate), if applicable

Well-prepared properties sell faster and typically achieve stronger results.

👉 Understand how the full process works →

2. Pricing & Sales Strategy

The most critical stage of the sale

Objective:
Position the property correctly from day one.

This stage includes:

• Comparative Market Analysis (ACM)

• pricing strategy definition

• negotiation margin planning

• identification of the target buyer profile

• realistic expectations regarding selling timeframe

Overpricing is consistently the most expensive mistake sellers make.

👉 Understand how the full process works →

3. Marketing & Market Launch

Exposure phase

Objective:
Generate qualified demand as quickly as possible.

This stage involves:

• professional multimedia presentation

• multi-channel marketing strategy

• listing on national and international property portals

• sharing through agency networks (MLS)

• buyer qualification before scheduling viewings

The first weeks on the market are typically the most decisive.

👉 Understand how the full process works →

4. Viewings & Negotiation

Turning interest into offers

Objective:
Attract and select financially qualified buyers.

This phase includes:

• managing property viewings

• analysing received offers

• verifying buyer financial capability

• reservation agreements where applicable

Effective negotiation balances price, certainty, and timing.

👉 Understand how the full process works →

5. CPCV — Promissory Contract

When the transaction becomes contractually secured

Objective:
Legally commit both parties to completing the sale.

This stage includes:

• signing the CPCV (Promissory Purchase and Sale Agreement)

• receiving the buyer’s deposit

• agreeing on the completion date

• allowing time for buyer financing approval

At this point, financial consequences apply if either party withdraws.

👉 Understand how the full process works →

6. Pre-Completion Preparation

Final technical and legal phase

Objective:
Ensure a clean and legally secure transfer of ownership.

This includes:

• mortgage discharge (Distrate)

• Condominium Charges Declaration

• Right of First Refusal procedures

• final verification of all documentation

Proper preparation prevents last-minute delays at completion.

👉 Understand how the full process works →

7. Completion & Post-Sale Obligations

Closing the transaction and fulfilling tax responsibilities

Objective:
Finalize the sale and complete all legal and fiscal obligations.

This stage includes:

• receiving the remaining sale proceeds

• legal transfer of ownership

• handover of keys

• declaration of capital gains (Mais-Valias)

• reinvestment procedures where applicable

A properly managed closing ensures both financial and legal certainty after the sale.

👉 Understand how the full process works →