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Timeline of a Property Purchase in Portugal

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This Property Purchase Timeline describes the typical sequence of steps involved in buying real estate in Portugal — from the initial preparation phase through to completion and post-purchase formalities.

Unlike some countries, the Portuguese process follows a structured legal and administrative order, where each stage depends on the previous one being completed correctly.

Why Is It Important?

Expectation Management
Foreign buyers often assume purchases can close quickly once an offer is accepted. In Portugal, several legal, banking, and administrative steps must occur before completion.

Planning Travel and Funds
Understanding the timeline helps buyers coordinate:

  • fund transfers,

  • mortgage approval,

  • travel arrangements,

  • and signing dates.

Avoiding Delays
Most transaction delays happen not because of legal problems, but because one step was started too late.

Typical Purchase Timeline

1. Preparation Phase (1–3 weeks)

Before making an offer:

  • Obtain NIF (Portuguese Tax Number)

  • Open Portuguese bank account

  • Mortgage pre-approval (if applicable)

  • Define budget and property criteria

2. Offer and Reservation (Few days)

Once a property is selected:

  • Price negotiation

  • Reservation agreement (optional)

  • Initial document verification

The property is usually removed from the market at this stage.

3. CPCV — Promissory Contract (2–4 weeks)

Legal commitment between buyer and seller:

  • Due diligence on property documents

  • Signing of the CPCV

  • Payment of deposit (typically 10–20%)

Mortgage process formally advances here.

4. Mortgage Approval & Valuation (3–6 weeks)

If financing is involved:

  • Bank valuation (Peritagem Bancária)

  • Final credit approval

  • Issuance of final FINE

  • Insurance arrangements

5. Pre-Completion Preparation (1–2 weeks)

  • Payment of IMT and Stamp Duty

  • Right of First Refusal notifications

  • Condominium declaration

  • Final document checks

6. Escritura — Completion Day

Final signing before Notary, Lawyer, or Casa Pronta service:

  • Remaining purchase price paid

  • Ownership transferred

  • Mortgage signed (if applicable)

  • Keys handed over

7. Post-Purchase Steps (1–4 weeks)

After completion:

  • Property registration confirmed

  • Utilities transferred

  • Fiscal address updated (if applicable)

  • Insurance and tax setup finalised

Average Total Timeframe

  • Cash purchase: typically 4 to 8 weeks

  • Mortgage purchase: typically 8 to 12 weeks

Complex cases or international financing may take longer.

Practical Tip

In Portugal, the transaction rarely moves faster than the slowest required step — usually banking approval or documentation checks.

Buyers who prepare early (NIF, bank account, proof of funds) consistently complete purchases faster and with fewer complications.