Before you start
Three things put you in a position to actually win a property in Lisbon rather than watch good ones go to someone who moved faster.
One agent, on your side
Route every property you're interested in through Vera Vista before contacting the listing agency. It's how we keep negotiation leverage and represent you properly, not the seller.
Get pre-approved first
A mortgage pre-approval is free, valid for 90 days, and the thing that lets you move fast when a good property appears. We connect you with brokers who work with international buyers at no cost to you.
Have 10% ready
Plan for at least 10% of the purchase price available for the deposit at the promissory contract (CPCV) stage.
Financing and pre-approval
A pre-approval is free of charge and valid for 90 days. It sets a realistic, competitive budget — and without one, you'll keep losing high-demand properties to buyers who already have theirs. We can introduce you to mortgage brokers who specialise in international buyers; their service is free to you.
The five steps, from search to keys
- 01
Property search
We look on-market and off-market, and filter out overpriced properties and legal risks before you spend a weekend visiting them.
- 02
Property qualification
We check the documentation, the legal standing, and the real condition before you commit — and we'll tell you when a property isn't worth pursuing.
- 03
Making an offer
We advise on a number that's competitive without overpaying, and we negotiate the terms on your behalf.
- 04
CPCV — the promissory contract
The signed promissory contract, usually with a 10% deposit, that commits both sides. We manage it alongside your lawyer.
- 05
Deed — the final transfer
The escritura at the notary, where the property becomes yours. We coordinate it, and stay with you afterwards, down to setting up the utilities.
Taxes and costs to budget for
On top of the price, the main one-off cost is IMT (transfer tax) plus stamp duty. Rough orders of magnitude:
Then the transaction costs:
First-time buyers under 35 may qualify for significant IMT and stamp duty exemptions (IMT Jovem). These figures are indicative — we run the exact numbers for your specific case before you commit.