Technical Housing File

What Is It?

The Technical Housing File (Ficha Técnica da Habitação) is a detailed technical record of a property — effectively the home’s instruction manual.

It describes the construction and functional characteristics of the building, including materials used, insulation systems, plumbing and electrical infrastructure, equipment, suppliers, and applicable warranties.

What Is It For / Why Is It Important?

Transparency
Allows buyers to understand what lies beyond visible finishes — how the property was actually built.

Maintenance and Repairs
Provides technical information such as pipe and cable routes and construction materials, which is essential for future maintenance or renovation works.

Required for the Final Deed
Mandatory for completing the property sale (Escritura) for buildings constructed or significantly altered after 30 March 2004.

Construction Guarantees
Includes details of developers, builders, and suppliers, enabling owners to activate construction warranties if defects arise.

Where Can You Obtain It?

Developer or Builder (Promotor / Construtor)
Legally responsible for preparing and delivering the document to the first buyer.

Municipality (Câmara Municipal)
A copy is kept within the property’s licensing file. If lost, a certified copy may be requested from the municipality.

What Does It Cost?

• Original document: Free (provided upon initial purchase)

• Duplicate copy from municipality: Administrative fee typically between €20 and €100, depending on the municipality

Validity

The document does not expire.
However, if substantial structural alterations are carried out, the technical information should be updated to reflect the property’s current condition.

The 2004 Exception

The Ficha Técnica da Habitação is only mandatory for properties whose Use Licence (Licença de Utilização) was requested after 30 March 2004.

Older properties that have not undergone licensed reconstruction works after this date are not required to have this document for sale.