From the first document to completion: how to sell a home

Preparation

Resolve first what could block the sale

1. 01
   Identify owners and charges

   Check the land registry certificate (certidão permanente predial) for registered owners, mortgages, court-ordered seizures (penhoras), rights to use and benefit from the property (usufruct) or other registrations that may need attention before or at the sale.

2. 02
   Gather the documents

   Gather the property tax record (caderneta predial), energy certificate, reference to the approved-use permit (licença de utilização) or exemption, technical file where applicable, and condominium records.

3. 03
   Compare areas with reality

   Check whether extensions, outbuildings, a pool, garage or current use are consistent with the available documentation.

4. 04
   Set the price and conditions

   Choose a supported range, the intended timescale and the conditions that are essential before accepting an offer.

Market

Present it well and qualify buyers before negotiating

Clear photographs, objective information and prepared documents reduce doubts and poorly matched viewings. The listing should describe what exists without concealing relevant limitations or promising unconfirmed uses.

Before accepting an offer, understand how the buyer intends to finance, which deadlines they need and what conditions they want included. Compare the net outcome and transaction certainty, not only the headline price.

Completion

From the offer to the final contract

• Record the agreed price, deposit, deadline and conditions in writing.
• Have a preliminary sale contract — the binding contrato-promessa de compra e venda (CPCV) used in Portugal — prepared for the circumstances, and confirm who must sign.
• Coordinate financing, mortgage discharge and documents in advance.
• The final contract formalises payment, transfer and the applicable registrations.