Mensagens

Mortgaging in Portugal: A Guide for Foreign and Non-Resident Buyers

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  Buying property in Portugal through financing is possible for both residents and non-residents, but mortgage conditions vary depending on nationality, residency status, and banking policies. Below is an overview of what to expect based on different buyer profiles. 1. Portuguese Citizens Residing Abroad (Non-Residents) Portuguese nationals who live outside Portugal but want to purchase property in the country have access to local mortgages under special conditions. Banks often classify them as non-resident buyers , meaning: ✅ Loan-to-Value (LTV): Up to 70%-80% of the property’s appraised value or purchase price (whichever is lower). ✅ Interest Rates: Generally similar to resident rates, but can be slightly higher. ✅ Income Assessment: Global income is considered, but some banks may apply currency conversion risks for non-EUR earnings. ✅ Required Documents: Proof of income, tax returns, Portuguese tax number (NIF), and credit history from the country of residence. 💡 Tip: If you h...

Real Estate in Portugal: The Key Difference Between a "Real Estate Agent" and a "Real Estate Consultant

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If you're an American expat looking to buy, sell, or rent property in Portugal, there's a crucial distinction in the real estate industry in Portugal that you should be aware of.  Unlike in the U.S., where a licensed Real Estate Agent is legally authorized to represent clients in transactions, in Portugal, most professionals you meet are actually Real Estate Consultants—not agents . 🔹 Who is a Real Estate Agent in Portugal? A licensed Real Estate Agent (Agente Imobiliário) or Private Broker, holds an official license from the Portuguese regulatory authority (IMPIC), carries professional liability insurance, and is legally responsible for transactions. The agent deals directly with clients and assumes full accountability under Portuguese law. 🔹 What about Real Estate Consultants? Most professionals working under big-name real estate franchises in Portugal are Real Estate Consultants (Consultores Imobiliários). They are contracted by the brand, not individually licensed, and op...

Renting vs. Buying a Property in Portugal: What’s Best?

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Deciding whether to rent or buy a property in Portugal depends on several factors, including financial situation, long-term plans, and personal preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the key considerations: Buying a Property ✅ Long-Term Investment – Property prices in Portugal have shown steady growth, making it a solid investment. ✅ Golden Visa Program – Non-EU buyers may qualify for residency through property investment. ✅ Stability & Personalization – Owning a home provides stability and the freedom to customize the space. ✅ Potential Rental Income – A property can generate income through short-term (Airbnb) or long-term rentals. ⚠ Considerations : Buying involves upfront costs (down payment, taxes, legal fees) and long-term commitment. Renting a Property ✅ Flexibility – Ideal for those unsure about long-term residence or wanting to explore different areas. ✅ Lower Initial Costs – No need for a large down payment, only a security deposit and rent. ✅ Easier Process – Faster a...

Relocation & Conciérge Services in Northern Portugal 🚚 Making Portugal Feel Like Home

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'Extraordinary' Relocation & Concierge Package  Hassle-Free Rental Experience in Northern Portugal Relocating to Portugal? Our 'Extraordinary'  Package is designed for international clients seeking a stress-free transition to the North of Portugal. From property searches to legal paperwork, we handle every step, ensuring you arrive with everything set up and ready to go . ✅ Remote Convenience – Set everything up before arriving in Portugal . ✅ Expert Guidance – Local expertise, legal insights, and personalized support. What’s Included? Pre-Arrival & Rental Assistance: 🔎 Rental Market Research – 75+ hours of research tailored to your needs. 🏡 Property Visits & Reports – 6 in-person visits by our team with detailed feedback. 📄 Lease Agreement Review – Legal verification to ensure fair terms. 📝 Translation of Lease Agreement – Bilingual if required, for full clarity. Concierge & Bureaucratic Support: 🏦 Bank Account Setup – Assistance in openin...

Demystifying Real Estate Commissions: The Role of the Buyer's Agent

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In the Portuguese real estate market, there is a common misconception among buyers: the idea that the presence of a  buyer's specialist  (or  buyer's agent ) increases the cost of the property. In reality, this is a myth that needs clarification. How Do Real Estate Commissions Work? In traditional real estate transactions, the commission paid for brokerage services is, in most cases, covered by the  seller , not the buyer. This commission is pre-agreed between the seller and the real estate agency representing the property. What many people don't realize is that within this commission structure,  there are usually two agents involved : The listing agent  – Represents the seller and promotes the property in the market. The buyer's agent  – Works directly with the buyer, helping them find the best option and negotiating the most favorable terms. Rather than increasing costs, the presence of a buyer's agent means that the total commission agreed with the ...

Benefits, Eligibility, Deadlines, and Everything You Need to Know About the (NHR 2.0) Status

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The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) status is a special regime that offers reduced Personal Income Tax (IRS) for 10 years to new foreign residents (of any nationality) and Portuguese citizens who have been living abroad for more than five years . To benefit from this favorable tax regime, the non-habitual resident must either work in a profession considered to be of "high added value" or be a pensioner . This incentive aims to attract highly qualified professionals in key industries and retirees with pensions earned abroad. Pay attention to the latest updates explained below. What Does the Law Say? The NHR status was introduced in 2009 under the Investment Tax Code (Decree-Law No. 249/2009, of September 23) . The Portuguese Tax Authority has created a guide for the Non-Habitual Resident Tax Regime , which you can consult [ chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://info.portaldasfinancas.gov.pt/pt/apoio_contribuinte/Folhetos_informativos/Documents/IRS_RNH_PT...

Taxes in Portugal: Residing in Portugal and Working for a Foreign Business

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- If you work abroad but maintain your tax residence in Portugal, you will need to declare in Portugal all income earned during the fiscal year, both in Portugal and abroad, as per Article 15 of the Personal Income Tax Code (CIRS). However, the foreign country where you work will also tax your income , which theoretically could mean double taxation, which obviously doesn't make sense.  - How to avoid double taxation? There are two mechanisms in place: either you activate the existing convention with the country in question (if there is one), or Portugal unilaterally reduces or eliminates that taxation, according to Article 81 of the CIRS . - Which countries have agreements with Portugal and how can I activate them? According to the Portal das Finanças, as of 2022, there are 77 conventions in force with countries around the world. Remember, if there is a bilateral agreement that prevents double taxation, you will need to activate it through a tax residency certificate. Here are s...

Animals in Apartments: rules to follow

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Many expats question what is the portuguese law about keeping animals in a Condo. This website has a well and thorough explanation about the issue: https://vizinhos.blog/animais-em-apartamentos-regras-a-cumprir/ Here's a transcripton: Animals in apartments: six essential questions How many animals can there be in the apartment ? What are the general conditions for having animals ? Can the condominium prohibit pets ? Can the landlord prohibit animals? The barking dog is relentless. What now ? The neighbor's animals are mistreated, what should I do ? Having animals in an apartment is a right with duties. In addition to the conditions that must be met, it is necessary to know the existing limitations and possible prohibitions. Sometimes it is difficult to see which side is right. The questions gathered here help to clarify. The resident on the first floor can't live without his dogs, the neighbor upstairs complains about their barking and the atmosphere between the two has alr...

Business and Services - Rental, Buying, Representation and Property Management

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Rental Services ✅ Comprehensive Property Search & Validation Property search, technical inspections, validations, and visits. Local area exploration. Remote calls and video walkthroughs when required. Legal procedure preparation and validation. 📜 Lease Contract & Legal Assistance In Portugal, a Licensed Agent is certified to apply for Property Registrations and all necessary lease documentation. Coordination with a Real Estate Lawyer for thorough document review and validation. Bilingual Lease Contract (PT/EN) included in the service, at no extra cost (most agencies charge around €130 for this). 📡 Utilities & Settling-In Support Assistance in setting up water, gas/electricity, phone, TV, and Internet contracts. 💰 Commission Structure Most listing agents and private landlords do not share/pay commission , meaning I act as your dedicated Rental Agent : 1 month’s rent for contracts up to 1 year . 1.5 months’ rent for contracts of 2 years or more . 🔹 Exceptions: a) ...

Housing in Portugal: The Problem Requires Multiple Solutions * Habitação em Portugal - Housing in Portugal

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  Economist Pedro Brinca argues that Portugal's housing crisis has no single solution. Action is needed on multiple fronts: reducing construction costs and bureaucracy, creating incentives for renting, and investing in transport to decentralize housing supply. Construction has not kept up with demand, driving prices higher. Additionally, many policies encourage home buying without ensuring more housing supply, worsening the issue. Brinca stresses that improving the economic environment is key to making housing more affordable. As for the future, prices are expected to keep rising unless conditions are created for increased construction and greater confidence in the rental market. source - https://www.idealista.pt/news/imobiliario/habitacao/2025/02/05/67918-da-construcao-a-mobilidade-habitacao-precisa-de-abordagem-holistica https://youtu.be/4LCTHmyLRnkHabitação em Portugal: Problema exige várias soluções O economista Pedro Brinca defende que a crise da habitação em Portugal não tem ...

🔹5 Razões para Não Anunciar o Seu Imóvel Sozinho *** 5 Reasons Not to Advertise Your Property Alone

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1️⃣ Preço Certo, Negócio Fechado – Avaliar um imóvel sem conhecimento de mercado pode resultar em meses parado ou dinheiro perdido. Um agente experiente conhece o valor real e sabe como posicioná-lo. A maioria dos proprietários não tem acesso a informação privilegiada, disponível apenas em plataformas profissionais. 2️⃣ Visibilidade Máxima – Publicar num site gratuito não chega. Um profissional utiliza redes, contactos e estratégias para atrair compradores qualificados. Muitos proprietários acreditam que basta publicar o imóvel com fotos tiradas no telemóvel, sem critério ou edição, mas a realidade é que os compradores valorizam uma apresentação profissional. Reportagens de qualidade, com 'home staging', vídeos, drones e virtual 3D, fazem toda a diferença na valorização do imóvel. 3️⃣ Tempo é Dinheiro – Responder a perguntas, marcar visitas e negociar pode ser desgastante. Um agente cuida de tudo, poupando-lhe tempo e stress. Além disso, preparar toda a documentação exigida ...

Venda ou Arrende o Seu Imóvel com um Serviço Personalizado e Sem Complicações

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 🎯 Selling or Renting a Property in Portugal? Skip the generic agency approach. Work with a Private Broker who puts your property first. ✔️ Personalized Strategy ✔️ International Buyers & Expats ✔️ Pro Photos, Video & 3D Tours ✔️ Direct, Dedicated Service Let’s do it the right way — tailored, agile, and effective . 👉 Read more here 📩 ulisses.uchomes@gmail.com 📞 +351 919 128 664 📍 U C Homes – AMI 24449 Se é proprietário e pretende vender ou arrendar o seu imóvel, precisa de mais do que uma abordagem genérica de grandes redes imobiliárias. Como seu  Private Broker , ofereço-lhe um serviço exclusivo, ágil e personalizado , focado apenas no seu imóvel , como se fosse o único. O Que Me Distingue? ✅ Atenção Individualizada – Sem burocracias ou processos padronizados. O seu imóvel tem um plano de marketing próprio e um acompanhamento dedicado. ✅ Acesso ao Mercado Internacional – Trabalho diretamente com expats, investidores e compradores estrangeiros para ...

*** GETTING YOUR NIF AND BANK ACCOUNT ***

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Dear Expats, Please note the following: if you will be looking for a rental or property purchase with me, and still needing to get your NIF (Portuguese Tax Number) and open a Bank Acoount, I will help you to get both, completely FREE OF CHARGE!!!  📍 U C Homes - AMI 24449 📧 ulisses.uchomes@gmail.com 📞 +351 919 128 664 (chamada rede móvel nacional)

You can buy your dream Classic Car in Portugal as an investment, and simultaneously get a Golden Visa?!...

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  - Did you know?!...  During 2006 and 2015 I was responsible for the International Operations of a major Classic Car Restoration workshop in the North of Portugal.  Just recently, I've been pleasantly overwhelmed by the foundation of such fantastic idea of bringing up a specific Investment Fund for the greatest collectors of Classic Cars, under our Golden Visa program in Portugal!   Read here, - https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2024-06-27/secure-a-classic-car-golden-visa-and-eu-citizenship-in-one/90229 - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/michael-maxwell-57160235_goldenvisa-activity-7276713104590196736-Kwvk?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop - https://portugalpanorama.com/ - General legislation applying to getting a Portuguese Golden Visa (Please Google translate as this page does not have a EN version - strangely enough...): - https://www.sef.pt/pt/pages/conteudo-detalhe.aspx?nID=62 More info: https://getgoldenvisa.com/portugal-golden-visa-pro...