Buying property in 2026: the precautions to take under the new RJUE before signing
The new RJUE (Decree-Law No. 108/2026) reduces prior council control and shifts responsibility to private parties, making buyer verification more decisive, not less. The essential precautions before buying. (Entry into force postponed to 1 October 2026.)
From 3 August, the contract must state whether the property has a permit — and omitting it can void the deal
From 3 August 2026, Decree-Law No. 108/2026 requires every transfer of urban property in Portugal to state whether an urban title exists — and omitting it makes the deal voidable. What changes for buyers and sellers.
I bought a property with defects: your rights against the seller and the builder
If the property you bought has defects, the law protects you. Depending on whether the seller was also the builder, different deadlines and rights apply — repair, price reduction or termination. What to do and within what deadlines.
The taxes on buying and owning property in Portugal: IMT, Stamp Duty, IMI and AIMI
Buying and holding property involves several taxes: IMT and Stamp Duty on acquisition, annual IMI and, for higher-value portfolios, AIMI. How they work and where exemptions apply.
Legalising works built without a permit: how to regularise construction, extensions and change of use
Works built without a permit — extensions, outbuildings, change of use — can, in many cases, be legalised. How planning regularisation works and what to confirm before buying or selling.
Buying property through a company (SPV) or in your own name: when it pays off
Investing in property through a special-purpose vehicle (SPV) may make sense — or not. The advantages, costs and what to weigh between buying in your own name and through a company or holding.
Right of first refusal in property sales: who can pre-empt and how not to lose the deal
In a property sale, the tenant, co-owners and certain public entities may hold a right of first refusal. Ignoring it can invalidate the purchase. Who pre-empts, what deadlines and how to safeguard.
The use permit: the document that can block your purchase, mortgage and letting
The use permit (licença de utilização) confirms a property can be used for its intended purpose. Its absence or non-conformity can block financing, letting and resale. What to check before buying.
100% mortgage with a State public guarantee: how it works and what to confirm
Since 2025, young buyers in Portugal can buy their first home with financing of up to 100% of the value, through a State public guarantee of up to 15%. How it works, the conditions and the risks to weigh before signing.
Short-Term Rentals (Alojamento Local) in 2026: what changed and how to license without surprises
Since Decree-Law No. 76/2024, Portugal’s short-term rental (AL) regime has returned to a more stable framework: the end of the CEAL levy, indefinite registration and containment areas back with municipalities. But insurance and guest reporting remain mandatory. What to confirm before investing.