MATLAW - Mestre Associate Lawyers

How long does it take to buy a property in Portugal? This is the question that pops up all the time with our clients. In this post, we highlight the factors that can influence the time it takes to complete a real estate transaction in Portugal. The average duration between the promissory contract and completion is 60 to 90 days. This period may vary depending on the specific conditions of the transaction. These points are crucial for international buyers to understand what can prolong or speed up the process. See the breakdown: . Factors Impacting Time a) Mortgage Financing: Including a bank adds complexity, creating a triangular relationship between the buyer, the seller, and the financial institution. b) Documentation regularization: legal and technical issues with the property that appear during due diligence c) Timelines of the Parties Involved: buyer and seller availability may extend the timescale to accommodate these needs. d) Complexity of the property, such as properties located in tourist resorts, properties with special regulations, or transfers of commercial properties or properties acquired through a company. That is why it is essential to make efficient planning by . Choosing experienced professionals - lawyers and real estate agents who can anticipate and mitigate problems; . Advance preparation by organizing documentation and aligning expectations before making an offer. The time it takes to complete a real estate transaction in Portugal varies according to factors. Advance planning and the support of experienced professionals are essential to ensure that the process takes place without unnecessary delays. .. Talk to us: 📩 geral@matlaw.pt 📲 +351 210 434 150 (Lisbon) | +351 289 356 330 (Algarve) #realestateinvestment #realestate #portugal

Promissory Contracts: protecting your investment in Portugal The promissory contract is a cornerstone of property transactions in Portugal, marking a legally binding agreement between the buyer and seller. This stage is crucial, and having a lawyer by your side ensures that every detail is legally sound and protects your interests. Here’s how: 🔹 Offer acceptance: The lawyer becomes actively involved once the seller accepts the offer. Reviews the reservation agreement, if applicable. Conducts a legal evaluation of the property before any initial payment is made. 🔹 Legal Due Diligence: before signing the promissory contract or making any payment, your lawyer ensures: - Verification of ownership records and land registry documents. - Confirmation of building permits and compliance with local regulations. - Assessment of any liens or encumbrances on the property. This detailed legal analysis prevents potential issues later in the process. 🔹 Negotiating and adjusting the terms: your lawyer works to tailor the promissory contract to your needs, including protective clauses to safeguard your interests and any specific terms to ensure fairness and transparency. When doing a Promissory Contract you should also have into consideration the following: . Non-Refundable Deposit: A 10% deposit of the property’s value is typically paid at this stage. This payment is non-refundable for the buyer if they withdraw from the agreement. For sellers, withdrawing would require returning the deposit in double. . The contract is legally binding for both parties, and you have penalties for withdrawal: the buyer - loss of the deposit - and the seller - obligation to return the deposit in double. This structure ensures commitment from both sides and offers a strong layer of protection. For more information or consultation: 📩 geral@matlaw.pt 📲 +351 210 434 150 (Lisbon) |+351 289 356 330 (Algarve)

When purchasing property in Portugal, this is what you have to know. Remember, the price of the property itself is just one part of the overall financial picture. Several additional costs and taxes must be considered to ensure a transparent and stress-free transaction. Here’s what you need to account for: 1. Taxes to consider - Property Transfer Tax (IMT): Ranges from 1% to 8%, depending on the property’s value and type, with certain exemptions available. - Stamp Duty:0.8% of the purchase price. 2. Administrative costs - Notary Fees:For the preparation and signing of the property deed. - Registration Fees:To officially register the property in the buyer’s name. 3. Optional and Additional Costs - Surveyors‘ Fees:Applicable if a technical property assessment is required. - Legal Fees: For the expertise and guidance of your lawyer throughout the process. - Real Estate Mediation Fees:If you’ve engaged an estate agent to facilitate the purchase. - Mortgage Costs: Includes application fees, bank charges, and other associated expenses. Before moving forward, it is also important to understand the tax Implications, such as: . Investment versus residency purchases. . Taxation on rental income for investment properties. . Becoming a fiscal resident and understanding how taxes apply to your income. Legal guidance ensures that you are fully aware of how these financial considerations might influence the type of property they choose and the location they prefer. ... 📩 geral@matlaw.pt 📲 +351 210 434 150 (Lisbon) | +351 289 356 330 (Algarve) #realestateinvestment #realestate #investment

Joana Neto Mestre, managing partner da MATLAW, partilhou as suas escolhas na edição de dezembro/janeiro da revista ADVOCATUS. Descubra quais são no link nos comentários.

The importance of initial contact with a lawyer in the process of buying property in Portugal The initial contact with a lawyer during the property acquisition process in Portugal is a crucial step to ensure a safe and smooth transaction. This first interaction lays the groundwork for the entire process and helps avoid potential complications later on. Why should you speak with a lawyer first? Preliminary Assessment: During this initial stage, the lawyer conducts a thorough review of the property and transaction, which includes: . Structuring the purchase correctly, whether in an individual name, jointly, in the name of children or through a company. . Tax implications: It is essential to determine the structure to avoid future problems, especially for investors and companies. . Reviewing the basic documentation of the property to confirm its legality and compliance. . Identifying potential legal or fiscal issues related to the property or seller. . Evaluating the feasibility of the transaction, ensuring both parties’ rights and obligations are met. This preventive step minimises risks and helps avoid unwelcome surprises during the transaction process. The initial contact also serves as an opportunity to address important concerns, such as: - What are the stages involved in the property buying process in Portugal? - How long does the process take? - What documentation is required? This clarity gives buyers the confidence to make well-informed decisions. The initial contact with a lawyer is not just a formality, it is a strategic step to ensure a successful property purchase in Portugal. This interaction establishes a strong foundation for a smooth and legally sound transaction, providing buyers with peace of mind and protection. Need assistance planning your property purchase in Portugal? Contact us: 📩 geral@matlaw.pt 📲 +351 210 434 150 (Lisbon) | +351 289 356 330 (Algarve) #portugal #buyingapropertyinportugal #realestate

Doação de Imóveis em Portugal: Quem Paga o Imposto? A doação de imóveis é uma prática comum em Portugal, seja para fins de planeamento sucessório ou para beneficiar familiares em vida. No entanto, é importante compreender as obrigações fiscais envolvidas para evitar surpresas desagradáveis. Quem paga o imposto sobre doações? Em Portugal, as doações de imóveis estão sujeitas ao Imposto de Selo, à taxa de 10%. Este imposto é pago pelo beneficiário da doação (quem recebe o imóvel). No entanto, há uma isenção importante para doações entre cônjuges, ascendentes e descendentes diretos (pais para filhos, por exemplo), desde que o donatário seja residente fiscal em Portugal. A escritura de doação deve ser formalizada num cartório notarial, que cuidará de todos os trâmites legais e fiscais. Além do imposto de selo, pode haver custos associados à escritura e ao registo da propriedade, dependendo do cartório e da localização do imóvel. A doação de imóveis pode ser uma excelente ferramenta de gestão patrimonial, mas deve ser cuidadosamente planeada para otimizar benefícios fiscais e evitar conflitos futuros. Avaliar as implicações legais e fiscais com um advogado especialista é essencial. Na MATLAW, somos especialistas em direito imobiliário, apoiando os nossos clientes a navegar por estas questões com segurança e eficiência. Entre em contacto connosco para garantir que a sua doação seja feita de forma tranquila. #direitoimobiliario #imoliário #sucessão 📩 geral@matlaw.pt 📲 210 434 150 (Lisboa) | 289 356 330 (Algarve)

Cadastro Predial em Portugal: o que precisa saber O cadastro predial é um elemento essencial no mercado imobiliário em Portugal. Desempenha um papel fundamental na identificação e regularização de propriedades. Este sistema organiza as informações relativas aos terrenos e imóveis no país, garantindo transparência e segurança jurídica nas transações imobiliárias. O cadastro predial é mais do que um simples registo, é um pilar essencial para o mercado imobiliário em Portugal. Assegura a proteção dos direitos dos proprietários e contribui para um ambiente regulatório claro e eficiente. Descubra mais informações no slide abaixo. Se está a considerar investir, comprar ou regularizar uma propriedade, certifique-se de que o cadastro predial está em conformidade. Consulte um advogado para garantir que a sua propriedade está em total conformidade com a legislação. 📩 geral@matlaw.pt 📲 210 434 150 (Lisboa) | 289 356 330 (Algarve) #direitoimobiliario #imobiliario

🇬🇧 ⤵️ O Decreto-Lei n.º 76/2024 veio trazer alterações significativas ao regime jurídico da exploração dos estabelecimentos de alojamento local em Portugal. Este diploma, que entrou em vigor a 1 novembro 2024, confere novas competências aos municípios, define novas regras de atuação para os condomínios e reforça a supervisão do setor. Saiba o que mudou ›› Faça download do nosso Legal Alert (link nos comentários) ... The Decree-Law no. 76/2024 brought significant changes to the legal framework for establishing local accommodation establishments in Portugal. This law, which came into force on 1 November 2024, gives new powers to municipalities, defines new rules for condominiums, and strengthens supervision of the sector. For further information ›› Download MATLAW Legal Alerts (link in comments). #alojamentolocal #realestate #localaccommodation

No seguimento da publicação da Lei 45-A/2024 de 31 de dezembro que entrou em vigor a 1 de janeiro de 2025, analisamos e destacamos as alterações mais significativas do Orçamento de Estado 2025. Um artigo assinado por Diana Lopes e Inês Correia. Mais informações >> Download Legal Alert

Transformação de Solos Rústicos em Urbanos: Novas Regras Recentemente, o Governo introduziu mudanças significativas no regime de reclassificação de solos rústicos para urbanos, para facilitar a construção de habitações e aumentar a oferta de terrenos disponíveis. Estas alterações foram aprovadas no Conselho de Ministros e prometem desburocratizar processos, eliminando a necessidade de pareceres de entidades externas como as CCDR ou a Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente. O que precisa saber? Veja nos slides abaixo. Qual o impacto se for investidor: Estas mudanças representam uma oportunidade para investidores privados e municípios. Ao facilitar o acesso a terrenos, o Governo espera aumentar significativamente a construção habitacional e, consequentemente, reduzir os preços das casas. A flexibilização nas regras de reclassificação e a redução de custos associados podem atrair maior participação de investidores e cooperativas habitacionais. Caso tenha dúvidas sobre as atuais mudanças e como podem afetar projetos futuros, contacte-nos. 📩 geral@matlaw.pt 📲 210 434 150 (Lisboa) | 289 356 330 (Algarve)