OUR BUYING SERVICE

Our Property Buying Service in Central Lisbon

A free, structured, end-to-end service for international buyers in central Lisbon. We handle everything — from your first call to getting the keys.

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HOW IT WORKS

Your Buying Journey

Buying property in Portugal as an international buyer involves more moving parts than most people expect — legal setup, finance preparation, due diligence, contracts, and a notary process that's entirely in Portuguese. Our 9-step service is designed to remove that complexity entirely. We handle every step, coordinate every professional, and keep you informed throughout — so you can focus on finding the right home, not navigating the paperwork.

Unlike agencies that cover all of Portugal — Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, Cascais — we focus exclusively on central Lisbon. That depth of local knowledge is what protects you in a fast-moving market.

1

Free Discovery Call

Whether you're relocating from abroad or investing as a foreign buyer, we start with a relaxed, no-obligation conversation — no sales pitch, no pressure. We want to understand your goals, your budget, your timeline, and what kind of property and lifestyle you're looking for. We'll also walk you through the full buying process in Portugal so there are no surprises along the way. By the end of the call, you'll know exactly how we work, what happens next, and whether we're the right fit for each other.

2

Legal & Admin Setup

Before anything else, we get the legal foundations in place. We introduce you to a trusted, English-speaking lawyer who will represent your interests throughout the purchase. We also help you obtain your NIF — Portugal's tax identification number, which you'll need for everything from opening a bank account to signing contracts. We set up a shared client tracker so you can follow every step of your purchase in real time and always know exactly where things stand.

3

Finance & Mortgage Prep

We get your finances in order before we start searching — not after you've found a property. We introduce you to experienced mortgage brokers who specialise in lending to international buyers in Portugal. We help you understand exactly how much you can borrow, what your monthly costs will look like, and what budget you're genuinely working with. We also advise on currency transfer, which can make a significant difference to the final cost of your purchase. When the right property comes up, you'll be ready to move immediately.

4

Neighbourhood & Property Search

Central Lisbon has distinct neighbourhoods that suit very different lifestyles and budgets — Chiado, Príncipe Real, Alfama, Estrela, Alcântara, Avenidas Novas all have their own character, price points, and trade-offs. We guide you through the options based on what matters most to you, then carry out a focused, ongoing property search on your behalf. We search across all available listings and — importantly — actively look for off-market and pre-listed opportunities that never appear on the public portals. This is especially valuable for international buyers who aren't yet plugged into the local network.

5

Property Visits

We schedule and accompany every viewing. Before each visit, we brief you on the property — what we like about it, what gives us pause, and what to look for. During the viewing, we ask the questions you might not know to ask and look for the things that aren't obvious on a first visit: building condition, management issues, potential hidden costs, noise, and anything else that affects the real value of the property. After each viewing, we give you our honest assessment. If we don't think a property is right for you, we'll say so — even if it's one you love.

6

Offer & Negotiation

When you've found the right property, we prepare a market-informed offer based on comparable sales, the property's condition, and current market dynamics. We negotiate firmly on your behalf — on price, on conditions, and on timing. Our goal is always the best possible outcome for you, not the fastest close. We manage the back-and-forth with the seller's agent, keep you updated at every stage, and advise you on when to push and when to hold. In Portugal, most agents are listing agents — they represent the seller. We never do. Every negotiation we conduct is purely in your interest. A good negotiation can save you tens of thousands of euros.

7

Due Diligence & Contracts

Your real estate lawyer carries out thorough due diligence — checking title, planning compliance, any charges or encumbrances on the property, and the legal status of the building. We coordinate closely throughout this process to make sure everything is moving efficiently. Once due diligence is complete, we move to the CPCV — the promissory contract — which commits both parties to the sale. Because your finances are already in place from Step 3, there are no last-minute delays. Your deposit is protected and the timeline is clear.

8

Final Deed & Handover

The escritura — the final deed — is signed at a notary in Portugal in the presence of both parties. We're with you for this, making sure everything is in order, the payments are confirmed, and there are no last-minute surprises. If you can't be in Portugal for the signing, your real estate lawyer can act under power of attorney on your behalf. Once the deed is signed, the property is legally yours. Keys are handed over and we make sure the handover is clean and complete.

9

Settling In & Ongoing Support

Our service doesn't end when you get the keys. We help you set up utilities, connect with trusted contractors for any renovation or decoration work, navigate local registrations, and settle into life in Lisbon. If questions come up in the weeks and months after your purchase — and they always do — you'll have someone to call who knows your situation and can point you in the right direction. We're invested in making sure your move to Lisbon is a success, not just a completed transaction.

We work for you, not the seller

No conflicts of interest. Our job is to find the right property — including the ones we think you should walk away from.

Access to the full market

We search all listings, including off-market and pre-listed properties that never reach the portals.

Expert negotiation on your side

We help you make a smart, informed offer and negotiate firmly on your behalf to get the best possible price and terms.

OUR MODEL

Free for Buyers — Here's How It Works

In Portugal, agent fees are paid by the seller — typically 3–5% of the sale price. As your buyer's agent, we earn a share of that commission at completion, which means you receive expert, independent representation at no cost to you. No hidden fees. No retainer. No surprises. Just someone working hard to get you the right property at the right price.

WHY LISBON PROPERTY

The Central Lisbon Specialists

Hyper-local expertise

We know central Lisbon street by street — which buildings have issues, which streets are noisy, which neighbourhoods are changing. That knowledge protects you and saves you from costly mistakes.

Truly independent

We never list properties or represent sellers. Zero conflicts of interest — and advice you can actually trust, including when we think a property isn't right for you.

Finance-first approach

We get your mortgage pre-approval in place before you start viewing. When the right property comes up in Lisbon's fast-moving market, you can act immediately and with confidence.

AMI Licensed

Lisbon Property is a fully licensed, AMI-certified buyer's agent in Portugal. We operate transparently and follow best practice on every transaction. Your purchase is in safe, professional hands.

PROFESSIONAL & REGULATED

AMI Licensed

Lisbon Property is a fully licensed, AMI-certified buyer's agent in Portugal. We operate transparently, conduct thorough due diligence on every transaction, and follow best practice at every stage of the buying process. Your purchase is in safe, professional hands.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a buyer's agent cost in Portugal?

Our service is completely free for buyers. In Portugal, agent fees are paid by the seller — typically 3–5% of the sale price. As your buyer's agent, we receive a share of that commission at completion. You pay nothing upfront and nothing extra on top of your purchase price.

What is the difference between a buyer's agent and a listing agent in Portugal?

A listing agent represents the seller — their job is to achieve the best price and terms for the person selling the property. A buyer's agent represents you. We have no interest in any particular property and no incentive to push you towards a faster or higher-priced sale. Our only job is to find the right property for you and negotiate the best possible deal on your behalf.

Can foreigners buy property in Lisbon?

Yes — Portugal places no restrictions on foreign buyers purchasing property. International buyers and expats make up a significant share of the central Lisbon property market. You will need a NIF (Portuguese tax number) and a Portuguese bank account, both of which we help you set up as part of our service.

Do I need a lawyer to buy property in Portugal?

It's not a legal requirement, but it's strongly advisable — and we always recommend it. A real estate lawyer carries out title checks, reviews contracts, and ensures the property is free of any charges or legal issues before you commit. We introduce you to a trusted, English-speaking lawyer as part of Step 2 of our process.

How long does it take to buy property in central Lisbon?

The timeline varies depending on your situation and how quickly the right property comes up. From starting your search to signing the final deed, most purchases take between 2 and 6 months. The CPCV (promissory contract) is typically signed 4–8 weeks after an offer is accepted, with the escritura (final deed) following 4–12 weeks after that. Having your finances in place before you start searching significantly speeds things up.

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Ready to Start Your Search in Lisbon?

Book a free, no-obligation discovery call. We'll talk through what you're looking for and how we can help.