Property
Land registration, notarial or lawyer-certified deeds and controlled urban leases
Ownership and charges are recorded in the Land Registry, and transfers are made by public deed or by a lawyer- or solicitor-certified private document. Urban tenancies are governed by the Urban Lease Act as amended by successive housing reforms.
Key rules
- Registration is essential to protect a purchaser against competing claims and hidden charges.
- Residential leases have statutory minimum terms and regulated grounds for termination.
- Transfers attract IMT transfer tax and stamp duty, with annual municipal property tax thereafter.
Governing law
- Civil Code (Código Civil)
- Urban Lease Act (Novo Regime do Arrendamento Urbano)
In practice
Check the caderneta predial and the licence of use as well as the registry certificate; irregular licensing is a common obstacle to sale.