AMI Licence Numbers & Certificates
Tips for Dealing with Estate Agents In Portugal
In order to operate legally in Portugal, an estate agent must train and become certified by the Instituto da Construcao e do Imobiliario, (INCI). Agents are strictly regulated, making it quite simple to check on credentials for an agent you may be working with. All you need is their license number from Associacão de Mediadores Imobiliários, (AMI). PortugalProperty.com prides itself on obtaining our Licence number in Portugal.
All estate agents in Portugal are required to display this number on every type of literature related to their business. This includes their webpage, flyers used for promotion, business cards, and all marketing and advertisement ventures. This makes it extremely simple to check the credentials of a Portuguese estate agent.
Yet, you have to ensure the number is valid by visiting the INCI’s website. You can’t take any number you see at face value, but you can click on the “Checking Out an AMI Number” link on the website and quickly enter the number. Simply press “Pesquisar” and you will know if the agent is licensed and if the company’s insurance is valid.
If you find that an AMI licence number is invalid, no results will be displayed on the site. You will know instantly that this is a dishonest agent that should be avoided.
Right now, the Portuguese real estate industry is undergoing a lot of change. There are many illegal companies in operation, with many hiding behind European laws concerning online advertising. These companies have made a choice to betray the country in which they live and simply refuse to pay their taxes.
In order to protect yourself as a buyer, you have to realize that all licensed companies are legally required to carry special coverage known as Civil Responsibility Insurance. This coverage protects both parties against any problems that may occur during the sale. If you end up working with an illegal agent who does not have this coverage, you drastically increase your risk of financial loss.
If you will be purchasing property in Portugal, it is essential that you protect yourself by checking every potential agents AMI number through INCI. The best case scenario is to use an agent such as PortugalProperty.com who openly reveals this number. When you find a reputable, legal agent that proudly displays their AMI number, you will know that you are getting the most competitive service possible.
For more information please write to us on info@portugalproperty.com or feel free to call us on +44 (0) 800 014 8201 and a member of the Portugal Property who will be happy to answer any of your questions.
We look forward to helping you find your dream Portugal Property!