Selling Your Portuguese Property: A 2025 Timeline & Checklist

Published on 8th December, 2025

Seller’s Diary: January 15th, 2025 – The Decision to Sell My Portuguese Haven

Dear Diary, it’s with a mix of nostalgia and anticipation that I’ve made the decision: it’s time to sell our beautiful casa in the Algarve. We’ve had incredible years here – the sunshine, the culture, the amazing food – but a new chapter calls, and that means passing this haven on to someone else. The first, and arguably most crucial, step is choosing the right real estate agent. After much research and a few initial conversations, I’ve decided to partner with PortugalProperty.com. Their professionalism, deep market knowledge, and impressive international reach give me confidence that they can find the right buyer for our unique home. They understand the nuances of the Portuguese property market and have a clear strategy. The journey begins!

Seller’s Diary: February 10th, 2025 – Preparation & Valuation

Dear Diary, February has been all about getting the house market-ready. It’s amazing how much you accumulate over the years! We’ve decluttered significantly, made those little repairs we’d been putting off (a fresh coat of paint here, a new tap there), and focused on enhancing the property’s best features. The team from PortugalProperty.com arranged for a professional valuation. It was an insightful process, considering recent comparable sales, current market trends, and the specific attributes of our home. We discussed the valuation report in detail and agreed on a listing price that we feel is competitive yet reflects the true value of what we’re offering. It’s a delicate balance, but their data-driven approach was reassuring.

Seller’s Diary: March 5th, 2025 – Marketing & Viewings

Dear Diary, the marketing push is in full swing! PortugalProperty.com organised professional photography and videography, and the results are stunning – they’ve truly captured the essence and charm of our home. The online listings went live on their website, www.PortugalProperty.com, and various international portals. The brochure looks fantastic too. The first viewings have started, which is always a slightly nerve-wracking experience, keeping the house pristine and trying to be scarce. Our agent handles the viewings expertly, providing feedback afterwards. It’s a waiting game now, but the initial interest seems promising.

Seller’s Diary: April 12th, 2025 – Receiving an Offer & Negotiation

Dear Diary, exciting news! We’ve received our first serious offer. It came via our agent at PortugalProperty.com from an international buyer who viewed the property last week. The offer is a little below our asking price, so now begins the negotiation phase. Our agent has been excellent in guiding us through this, advising on a counter-offer strategy and managing communications with the buyer’s representative. It’s a delicate dance, trying to reach an agreement that works for both parties. Fingers crossed we can find common ground. The agent is handling all the direct back-and-forth, which certainly reduces the stress for us.

Seller’s Diary: May 3rd, 2025 – The Promissory Contract (CPCV)

Dear Diary, success! After a bit of negotiation, we’ve agreed on a sale price and terms. The next crucial step is the Promissory Contract of Purchase and Sale (Contrato de Promessa de Compra e Venda - CPCV). Our lawyer, recommended by PortugalProperty.com (though we had the option to choose our own, of course), has been working closely with the buyer’s lawyer to draft and finalise this legally binding document. It outlines all the terms of the sale, the agreed price, the deposit amount (usually 10-20%), details of the property, any conditions (like subject to finance, though in this case, the buyer is a cash purchaser), and the timeframe for completion (the final deed). The buyer has now paid the deposit, which is held securely. It feels like a significant milestone has been reached.

Seller’s Diary: June 20th, 2025 – Pre-Completion Formalities

Dear Diary, the period between the CPCV and the final deed (Escritura) is a busy one, mostly for the lawyers and the buyer, but we have our part to play too. We’ve had to ensure all our property documentation is in order and up-to-date. This includes the Energy Performance Certificate (Certificado Energético), the property registration certificate (Certidão do Registo Predial), the tax document (Caderneta Predial), and proof that all property taxes (IMI) are paid. The buyer has been conducting their final due diligence. Since they are not requiring a mortgage, that simplifies one aspect. Our lawyer is coordinating with theirs to ensure everything is on track for the scheduled completion date.

Seller’s Diary: July 15th, 2025 – The Final Deed (Escritura) & Handover

Dear Diary, today was the day! We met at the Notary’s office with the buyers and both sets of lawyers for the signing of the final deed (Escritura Pública de Compra e Venda). It’s a formal process, with the Notary reading through the deed and confirming all details. The final payment was transferred, and once all signatures were in place, the property officially changed hands. We handed over the keys, a moment filled with mixed emotions – sadness to leave, but happiness for the lovely couple who will now make it their home. Now, we need to address Capital Gains Tax. Our accountant is already preparing the necessary calculations for our IRS tax return. PortugalProperty.com was with us every step of the way, ensuring a smooth process from listing to completion.

Seller’s Checklist: Key Documents & Steps (Summary)

Selling a property in Portugal involves several key stages and documents. Here’s a quick recap for anyone embarking on this journey:

Choose a Reputable Real Estate Agent: Look for experience, market knowledge, and strong marketing capabilities (e.g., PortugalProperty.com).
Prepare Your Property: Declutter, repair, and present it at its best.
Valuation: Obtain a realistic market valuation.
Gather Documents Early: Energy Performance Certificate, Property Registration, Tax Documents (Caderneta Predial), IMI receipts, plans, etc.
Marketing: Professional photos/videos are essential.
Negotiation: Be prepared to negotiate on price and terms.
Promissory Contract (CPCV): A crucial legally binding document. Ensure it’s reviewed by your lawyer.
Deposit: Typically 10-20% of the sale price, paid upon signing the CPCV.
Pre-Completion: Allow time for buyer’s due diligence and for all legal and financial aspects to be finalised.
Final Deed (Escritura): The official transfer of ownership at the Notary.
Handover: Provide keys and all relevant property information to the new owners.
Capital Gains Tax: Understand your potential liability and report it correctly.

24-Hour Challenge: If you’re considering selling your Portuguese property in the next year, what’s the one thing you could do in the next 24 hours to start the process? Perhaps it’s researching agents, decluttering a room, or finding your property documents. Take that first step! And for expert guidance, visit www.PortugalProperty.com.

Published in: Miscellaneous