The buying process (summary)

1. Appoint a legal representative

Firstly, appoint yourself a solicitor or lawyer. Solicitors are not as qualified as lawyers but can complete a house sale and are usually much cheaper than a lawyer. It is recommended to appoint a legal representative in the area where you are purchasing the property as they are more likely to know about local pecularities and procedures.

2. Obtain a fiscal number

You must obtain a fiscal number from the local tax office, this can be arranged through your solicitor who usually initially becomes your fiscal representative. It is also a good idea to open a bank account at this stage.

3. Checks

Once you have agreed a price your solicitor should carry out full checks on title deeds and ensure that the seller has no outstanding debts on the property. Your solicitor should also ensure that the property has a certificate of habitation.

4. Promissary Contract

A legally binding preliminary contract, the Promissary Contract, is signed before a notary and the buyer then normally pays a deposit of about 10 per cent.

5. Final deed

The process concludes when both parties sign the final deed in the presence of the notary. At this point, the full balance and all costs and taxes must be paid. The title deeds must be lodged at the land registry, which your solictor would do.

Buying costs

You should expect to pay around 10 per cent of the purchase price and type of property, but this does depend on whether you choose a lawyer or solicitor and also if you buy a property under 87 500.

Fees include:

1. The notary’s fees of about 2 per cent
2. Lawyer’s fees of between 1.5 and 2 per cent
3. Property transfer tax (IMT) on a sliding scale of between 0 and 8 per cent based on purchase price. Properties less than €87 500 are exempt.

NB:  Please refer to your legal respresentative for the current laws and tax rates etc.  As per our terms and conditions vale-da-telha.eu is not responsible for the use of information on this website.

Rates

Rates are based on your property's rateable value.  Currently the houses are being revalued.  If you are resident here you can apply for exemption on your first home. Rates are paid annually.

Insurance

Electricity

Mains electricity is usually provided by EDP although the market has recently opened up and more providers may now be available.

EDP has 2 tariffs, a standard tariff and an off-peak tariff.  More information can be found on their website.  You receive bills bi-monthly and they also include the television licence payments.  Electricity bills can be paid by direct debit either the full amount or on a fixed amount each month.  You can update your meter reading yourself using their website.

Water

The water bills are controlled by the local camara - here Aljezur.  Each camara sets their own rates per unit.  There are usually a number of different levels and once you have used up the amount on one level you move to the next where the cost per unit is higher and so on.  Like electricity you can pay by direct debit and bills are issued bi-monthly.  Having a pool or irrigation system can seriously add to your water costs.

Fixed line telephones

Most fixed line telephones are supplied by Portuguese Telecom.  They have a number of different packages.  You can pay by direct debit and bills can also be received electronically.

Calling the UK is now much cheaper if you have broadband, Skype provide free and cheap phone calls throughout the world and even video links, so you won't be out of touch.

Broadband

SAPO is the predominant provider in Vale da Telha.  They usually have offers on when you sign up so look out for this.  The best route is the basic 2mb line as Vale da Telha does not currently receive higher speeds than this.  Unfortunately, at this entry level the monthly international download limit is low.  However, if you pay by direct debit and receive bills electronically then this will dramatically increase your download limit.  Domestic downloads are unlimited. You can set up an email message to ensure you do not go over the limit.

Please note that the content in this section is incomplete.  The pages will be continuously updated so please bear with us.  If you would like to add a page or have any comments please email us at admin@vale-da-telha.eu.

Please also note that Vale da Telha Interactive accepts no responsibilty for the use of the information given and advises users to get the most up-to-date information from the relevant authority.