Portuguese Mortgages Made Easy: Buy Property in Portugal
Begin your journey to own property in Portugal with confidence, supported by Worldwide Property Co. As international mortgage brokers and buyer’s agents, we excel in facilitating property acquisitions for non-residents in the Portuguese property market, offering expert advice on tailored solutions for Portuguese mortgages.
TAILORED SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR PORTUGUESE PROPERTY NEEDS
Whether you’re envisioning a beachfront villa in the Algarve, a chic apartment in Lisbon, or a modern home in Cascais, our services cater to your unique requirements. We work with leading Portuguese lenders to secure competitive rates and flexible terms, ensuring the best deals possible.
Save Time & Money with Our Expertise
By partnering with us, you can streamline the mortgage process, securing the best rates and terms efficiently. Our deep understanding of the Portuguese mortgage market allows us to help you make smart financial decisions, saving both time and money.
AVOID PITFALLS IN THE PORTUGUESE PROPERTY MARKET
Navigate the complexities of the Portuguese property market with ease. Our expert guidance helps you avoid common pitfalls and ensures a smooth investment process. From pre-approval to completion, we provide clarity and support every step of the way.
Your Trusted Partner for Property Investing in Portugal
At Worldwide Property Co, we understand that purchasing property abroad can be daunting. Our dedicated team ensures a hassle-free experience, offering transparency and comprehensive assistance. We empower you to make informed decisions, turning your property goals into reality.
START YOUR PORTUGUESE PROPERTY JOURNEY TODAY
Ready to explore property opportunities in Portugal? Let Worldwide Property Co be your trusted ally. Discover our services, connect with our team, and take the first step towards your dream property in Portugal. Your adventure begins here.
Contact UsFAQs
Getting a Portuguese mortgage is generally straightforward, especially with our assistance. We help streamline the process by assessing your financial situation, guiding you through the application, and connecting you with the right lenders to improve your chances of approval.
Typically, you will need a deposit of around 20-30% of the property’s purchase price. We can help you understand the exact requirements based on your financial profile and connect you with lenders who offer favourable terms.
Yes, UK citizens can get a mortgage in Portugal. We specialize in assisting non-residents, including UK citizens, through the entire mortgage process, ensuring you meet all requirements and find the best mortgage options available.
The minimum mortgage amount in Portugal varies by lender, generally around €50,000. We can help you find lenders that suit your financial needs and provide guidance on meeting their minimum requirements.
Yes, foreigners can get a mortgage in Portugal. We assist non-residents by simplifying the application process, ensuring all necessary documentation is in order, and connecting you with lenders who offer competitive mortgage products.
Some potential pitfalls include unclear property titles, high transaction costs, currency exchange risks, and differences in legal systems. We mitigate these risks by providing access to our network of experienced lawyers, reputable FX dealers, and local real estate experts to ensure a smooth transaction.
Yes, you will need a Portuguese bank account to manage your property-related finances, such as paying taxes, utilities, and mortgage installments. We can assist you in opening a Portuguese bank account to facilitate seamless transactions.
Yes, there are property taxes in Portugal, including IMT (Property Transfer Tax), IMI (Municipal Property Tax), and Stamp Duty. We provide detailed guidance on these taxes and help you budget for them accurately to avoid any surprises.
WHAT DOCUMENTATION DO I NEED FOR A PORTUGUESE MORTGAGE?
Here’s what you’ll need to provide with your application:
Personal Documents
- Valid passport copy.
- Birth/marriage certificate, driving license, national ID card, or resident card.
- Divorce consent order and decree (if applicable).
- Proof of address (e.g., utility bill, bank statement).
Fiscal Documents
- Portuguese Fiscal Number (NIF).
- Proof of NIF issuance (can be obtained from the local tax office).
Financial Information
- Last 3 months’ bank statements.
- Statements for vehicle financing or other loans.
- Proof of personal financial contribution.
- Latest credit card statement.
- Proof of deposit and purchase cost availability.
- A copy of your credit score report.
- Recent statements of financial investments, share portfolios, pensions.
Income Documentation: Salaried or Retired
- Recent pay slip/pension statement.
- Last 3 years’ tax certificates (e.g., P60).
- Employer/pension provider letter on headed paper (employment contract acceptable).
Income Documentation: Self-employed/Company Director
- Last 3 years’ full tax returns.
- Latest certified business accounts.
Property Being Purchased
- Signed preliminary sales agreement (Contrato de Promessa de Compra e Venda).
- Land registry document (Caderneta Predial).
- Property advertisement link or PDF.
- Proof of property’s debt-free status (usually obtained through due diligence by a lawyer).
- Property valuation report (if required by the mortgage lender).
Additional Documents for Mortgage Application (if applicable)
- Current main residency mortgage statement or tenancy agreement.
- Rental investment income for each rental property: address, valuation, recent mortgage statements, tenancy agreements.
- Employer/pension provider letter on headed paper (employment contract acceptable).
Buying Process in Portugal
1. Assess your budget: Confirm how much you can borrow by speaking to one of our mortgage brokers.
2. Set Up Foreign Currency Exchange: Open an account with a reputable Foreign Exchange dealer (ask about our panel of FX dealers).
3. Obtain a Portuguese Fiscal Number (NIF): Get a NIF from the local tax office to proceed with property transactions. We can assist you with this process.
4. Conduct Due Diligence: Make sure to get the official tax and registration documentation in order (to ensure the property is debt free).
5. Secure Your Property: Agree on the price and sign the Contrato de Promessa de Compra e Venda (preliminary promissory buying and selling contract).
6. Budget for Additional Costs: Allow for an additional 5 – 10 % on top of the purchase price which will include hidden costs such as purchase tax, notary fees, stamp duty and legal fees.
7. Pay the Deposit: Pay a deposit (usually around 15% although significantly less for new-build properties).
8. Arrange a Mortgage: Let one of our mortgage brokers arrange a mortgage that suits your finances and the property.
9. Arrange Life Insurance: Get life insurance to cover the mortgage amount, as required by lenders.
10. Open a Portuguese Bank Account: Open a local bank account to manage property-related finances.
11. Arrange Building Insurance: Secure building insurance for existing properties to protect your investment.
12. Transfer Funds: Use our recommended FX dealers to send the balance of the deposit, legal fees, and taxes to the notary before completion.
13. Sign the Sales Agreement: Sign the Escritura de Compra e Venda in the presence of the notary.
14. Register the Property: Register the property in your name at the Land Registry office and Local Tax Office.
15. Complete: Congratulations! You now own the property. Transfer utilities to your name and enjoy your new home in Portugal.
Mortgage Terminology
Purchase Price
This is the cost of the property you intend to buy, excluding any additional fees. It may include or exclude VAT, depending on the property type.
Mortgage Amount
This is the amount you wish to borrow through a mortgage, or the maximum amount we can secure for you.
LTV (Loan to Value)
The Loan to Value ratio indicates the maximum loan amount in relation to the property’s value. For non-residents, the LTV is usually up to 60-70%. For residents, it can go up to around 80%. These ratios can vary based on lender policies and your financial situation.
Interest Rate
This is the rate offered by the lender. Note that the rate is only locked in when the mortgage offer is issued, so it may change before then.
Duration
The length of your mortgage as a non-resident is typically between 20-25 years. Some Portuguese banks may offer terms up to 30 years, depending on your financial situation, age, and the lender’s policies.
Monthly Repayment
This is the amount you need to pay each month towards your mortgage, excluding mortgage insurance.
Insurance Premium
The cost of mandatory mortgage insurance, calculated based on the original amount borrowed. We might help you reduce this cost.
Deposit
The money you need to contribute from your own savings to purchase the property, excluding fees.
Notary Fees
These are fees similar to stamp duty, payable at the signing of the deed of sale. This fee cannot be added to the mortgage.
Property Tax
Taxes associated with buying, selling, and owning property in Portugal, including:
- IMI (Imposto Municipal sobre Imóveis): Annual tax based on the cadastral value, ranging from 0.3% to 0.8%.
- IMT (Imposto Municipal sobre as Transmissões Onerosas de Imóveis): Transfer tax paid by the buyer, typically between 1% and 6%.
- IS (Imposto de Selo): Stamp duty on the purchase price, usually around 0.8%.
- Wealth Tax: Applicable to high-value properties, varies by region.
Broker Fee
We charge a 1% fee of the loan amount if your purchase is successfully financed by a bank. This fee is due at the signing of the deed of sale.
Bank Fee
Bank fees vary, typically ranging from 0.3% to 1% of the loan amount, payable at the signing of the deed of sale.
Personal Contribution
The total amount you need to pay from your savings, due at the signing of the deed of sale. For off-plan properties, the deposit must be paid before the mortgage kicks in.
Collateral Required
For private bank dealings, you and your adviser will decide on investment options. The funds, as collateral, should be understandable to the banker and make sense from a risk perspective.
Total Interest Paid
The total amount of interest you will pay over the life of the mortgage if you do not make overpayments.
Total Insurance Paid
The total amount of mortgage insurance paid over the life of the mortgage if no overpayments are made.
APRC (Annual Percentage Rate of Charge)
The actual percentage rate including the mortgage rate, insurance rate, bank fees, broker fees, and mortgage registration tax.
Total Cost of the Loan (fees + interest + insurance)
The total cost of your loan over the mortgage term if no overpayments are made.
Total Deposit (including fees and collateral)
The total amount to be paid upfront to the bank, including all fees and collateral.
