Buying Property Abroad (Portugal)

Kate_Bygrave

I am looking to retire in five years and want to buy a property in Portugal.

I will be buying from scratch; do you have any experience or advice to give on this matter.

Mortgages, Solicitors, Websites, Pitfalls, etc.

Kind regards
Kate

csgohan4

This is a UK based website, you would probably be better off finding an Expat website over in Portugal

eddddy

I know a number of Brits who have bought property in other EU countries (but not Portugal) - for investment, for holidays, for living and for retirement.


I would strongly suggest that you find a place to rent initially - for at least 12 months.

During that time:
- Find out about Portuguese property law
- Listen to other ex-pat's 'horror stories' about buying properties
- Determine which Estate Agents, Developers etc are trustworthy
- Ask other ex-pats about the challenges of day-to-day living. e.g.

- filling in Portuguese Tax Returns
- applying for a Portuguese Driving Licence / Car Insurance using Portuguese forms
- Arranging an electricity supply in Portuguese. Querying a Portuguese electricity bill
- Explaining to a Portuguese call centre that you have an ' annoying intermittent crackling on your phone line'

Although, there are often English speaking 'local people' who set up little businesses and charge by the hour, for phoning electricity companies on your behalf etc.

If after 12 months, you're still keen - then you could start looking to buy.

missbiggles1

Personally I'd wait and see what happens after Brexit in terms of visas and healthcare for UK citizens.

Marvel1

As it's for 5 years, which is good, as then you can wait to see happens with the effect of leaving the EU.

Try and look for another forum where there are British Immigrants living there about their experiences.

AdrianC

It will make no difference, in terms of Portuguese property law, whether you're an immigrant from another EU country or a Portuguese national.

Brexit may well make a difference - residence qualification, pension rights, healthcare - but nobody will know for sure for at least two years after Article 50 gets invoked, if it ever does.

missbiggles1

Best place to make enquiries -

https://www.angloinfo.com/portugal