Property surveys in Portugal

When buying a property in Portugal, you want it to be both legally and physically watertight. visit the property and carry out checks to validate the integrity and value of the property you’re purchasing.

There are two checks that need to be completed:

• Legal due diligence
• Physical checks

Here, we’ll outline the main physical and legal checks to ensure the property you’re purchasing is up to scratch.

Legal due diligence

It’s important to have an independent lawyer on your side when buying a property in Portugal. Along with drafting contacts, a key role they partake in is carrying out legal due diligence on the property you’d like to make an offer on. They can check that the property has the correct licenses, for any outstanding debts, proper ownership and that the property paperwork is all up to date.

If you’re looking to renovate, make big changes or let out the property, ensure your lawyer knows about this. They may be able to advise on planning permissions having a better knowledge of how the local authority works.

A structural survey in Portugal

Although neither very common nor a legal requirement, getting a surveyor to check your property in Portugal for any structural defects  worthwhile.

Lots of international buyers choose to get a structural survey for their own peace of mind.

It can be a powerful tool when it comes to negotiating a price, too. Any defects or faults can be used as a bargaining chip. Alternatively, if any defects come up in the inspection, you may wish to ask the seller to make repairs or for a lower price to cover the repair costs yourself.

It is worth bearing in mind that there may be areas of the property that are difficult to do a comprehensive survey they are not easily accessible, such as the roof, under floor and plumbing.

Types of inspections: structural and technical

Structural inspections are important to ensure the building is in good condition. A professional surveyor will examine the property for any structural defects, including issues with the roof, walls, or foundation.

Technical inspections check the property’s utilities, such as electrical systems, plumbing and heating. These inspections can reveal any existing or potential issues that could lead to costly repairs in the future. Lots of international buyers ask qualified builders or connections to check these for them. Alternatively, your estate agent may be able to suggest someone who can assist you, always bearing in mind that they are not a disinterested party.

Finding a surveyor in Portugal

The good news is that the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) operates in Portugal. An alternative is to look at English-language websites and local newspapers. If you intend having work done anyway, making friends with a local builder could help you get the place checked out informally, free of charge, while getting quotes for building in advance of buying.

Property surveys in Portugal aren’t usually very expensive — it’s unlikely that you will be expected to pay more than €1,000 for a thorough assessment of a property.

Key considerations for new-home buyers in Portugal

Just because homes are new, it doesn’t mean corners haven’t been cut. If you’re going into a new development, it makes sense to go and speak to your potential new neighbours to get the low-down on what to expect in terms of building quality and other issues. If there’s a warranty in place, you or your lawyer should check that the company supporting that warranty is still in business.

A property being relatively new doesn’t mean it’s immune from the kind of issues that can affect older homes. Damp and mould during a wet winter is always something to look out for in Portugal, and something that won’t show itself if you’re purchasing your property during the summer months.

Understanding inspection reports and recommendations

After a surveyor inspects your property, you will receive a detailed report which will outline the property’s condition. Unless you’ve asked otherwise, it’s important to note that this will be drawn up in Portuguese, so it’s worth considering hiring an English-speaking surveyor or employing a translation service to fully understand the inspection’s findings.

The survey should cover:

• The structure, including the ground on which the property sits, the foundations and crawl spaces. The surveyor will check for cracks (an indication of subsidence), water staining and damp, joists (if possible), door and window frames.
• Depending on the services of the surveyor, a check for vermin, termites, rot and fungi may also be conducted.
• Plumbing will be an important element for inspection, including the air-conditioning and heating systems.
• Electrical systems will get the once over, to ensure that they meet modern standards. It should include smoke and carbon monoxide detectors too, and these should be wired in permanently.

The final inspection report should be easy to understand and give an indication of possible repairs that should be passed onto a builder. With the report, you’ll be in a better place to ask for a price decrease and protect yourself from future issues.