Buying Your First Home in Portugal: Complete Checklist
Step-by-step checklist for buying your first property in Portugal. Costs, taxes, financing and legal requirements in 2026.
Buying a property in Portugal involves several steps, taxes, and costs that can add 6–8% on top of the purchase price. This checklist covers the complete process from budget to deed.
1. Set your budget
Before viewing properties, calculate:
- Maximum loan: use the mortgage calculator with your net monthly income and existing debts
- Deposit: banks typically lend 90% for a primary residence (LTV 90%) — you need at least 10% plus transaction costs
- Transaction costs: typically 6–8% of the purchase price (IMT + Stamp Duty + notary + bank)
2. Calculate IMT (Property Transfer Tax)
IMT is the main one-off purchase tax. Use the IMT calculator.
Key points:
- Youth IMT: if you are ≤35 years old, buying a first primary residence on the mainland, you may pay €0 in IMT up to €324,058
- Primary vs. secondary residence: different rate tables apply
- Madeira and Azores: separate tables with slightly higher thresholds
3. Calculate all transaction costs
Use the total cost calculator to estimate:
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| IMT | 0% – 7.5% of purchase price |
| Stamp Duty (transfer) | 0.8% of purchase price |
| Stamp Duty (mortgage) | 0.6% of loan amount |
| Notary + Land Registry | ~€300 – €900 (estimate) |
| Bank costs | ~€450 – €900 (valuation + processing) |
4. Check annual IMI
After purchase you will pay IMI annually. Use the IMI calculator.
Good news: if the property VPT is ≤ €125,000 and your household income is ≤ €153,300, you get a 3-year IMI exemption as a first-home buyer.
5. Understand the buying process
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| CPCV | Promissory contract — usually 10–30% deposit, buyer loses deposit if they withdraw; seller pays double if they withdraw |
| Mortgage approval | Bank valuation (avaliação), credit committee approval, signing |
| Escritura | Final notarial deed — pay IMT + Stamp Duty before or at this stage |
| Land Registry | Registration of ownership at the Conservatória do Registo Predial |
6. Required documents (buyer)
- Portuguese NIF (tax identification number) — get this first if you don’t have one
- Valid ID (passport or EU ID card)
- Proof of address
- Income documents (pay slips, IRS declaration) for mortgage
- Bank statements
7. Useful calculators
- IMT calculator — property transfer tax
- Mortgage calculator — monthly payment & affordability
- Total cost calculator — all purchase costs in one view
- IMI calculator — annual property tax
Informational content. For binding decisions, consult a licensed notary, lawyer, or credit intermediary authorised by the Banco de Portugal.