Selling property in Portugal
Selling your property in Portugal? Whether you’re relocating, moving back to the UK, or selling a holiday home, making the most of your proceeds starts with getting the exchange right.
At Lumon, we’ve supported thousands of sellers in Portugal, helping them move their funds home smoothly, securely, and with a competitive exchange rate.
- Moving your proceeds back home
- Local expertise to help sell property in Portugal
- What to consider when selling property in Portugal
- How do I sell a property in Portugal? A step-by-step guide
- How to prepare your property for sale
- Additional costs of selling property in Portugal
- Brexit impact on UK nationals selling in Portugal
- Frequently asked questions
- Working with Lumon – your trusted currency partner
- What our customers are saying
- News and views
- Helping you send the proceeds of your sale home safely
Moving your proceeds back home
Selling property in Portugal as a non-resident? We help you move your money home smoothly, with expert support from sale to transfer.
Send proceeds, without the need to travel
If you’re selling your property in Portugal from abroad, you don’t need to return just to complete the sale. We can manage the proceeds locally on your behalf.
Keep control with a Lumon e-wallet
After your sale completes, you can choose to hold the proceeds in euros using your Lumon e-wallet. This gives you flexibility and breathing room to wait for an exchange rate that works for you.
Tap into local property expertise
With extensive experience and a network of trusted legal partners, we’ll support you through the process, both in Portugal and your country of residence.
Local expertise to help sell property in Portugal
Portugal legal process can be complex, but our local expertise helps you avoid delays and repatriate your funds, no need to return to Portugal.
Supporting you in navigating the Portuguese system: Selling from abroad can be challenging. We guide you through the legal process, helping you manage everything remotely with confidence and ease.
In-country banking support: Portuguese notaries may require a local bank account to release sale proceeds. We provide access to in-country accounts, so you can transfer funds securely without travelling.
Trusted local partnerships: We work with experienced legal and financial contacts in Portugal to help you manage paperwork, transfers, and formalities, with less friction and more peace of mind.
What to consider when selling property in Portugal
Choosing your asking price: Set a price that aligns with your goals and the local market. Consider what you paid, what you hope to gain, and whether demand in your area is rising or falling.
What you’ll get in your home currency: If you’re moving funds back to the UK, exchange rates will affect your return. Even small shifts can make a difference; working with a currency specialist can help you time it right.
When to sell: If you’re relocating or under pressure to sell, speed may take priority. If you have flexibility, you can wait for a stronger market or better offer.
Your timeline: Property timelines vary depending on where you’re selling in Portugal. Being aware of these can give you insight into when to transfer.
How do I sell a property in Portugal? A step-by-step guide
1. Get your paperwork in order
Before listing, gather the required documents: your title deed (caderneta predial), land registry certificate, energy performance certificate, and proof that property taxes (IMI) and utilities are up to date. Having these ready helps avoid delays later.
2. Find an estate agent or list it yourself
Many sellers use a local estate agent for market advice, pricing guidance, and to manage viewings. Alternatively, you can sell privately, but you’ll need to handle marketing, negotiations, and paperwork yourself.
3. Advertise the property effectively
High-quality photos, clear descriptions, and well-written listings on popular property portals can attract more interest. Highlight key features such as location, amenities, and recent upgrades.
4. Arrange viewings and negotiate offers
Be flexible with viewing times and prepared to answer questions from potential buyers. Once you receive offers, negotiate terms that meet your price expectations and preferred timeline.
5. Sign the Promissory Contract (CPCV)
Once you agree on a sale, both parties sign the Contrato-Promessa de Compra e Venda (CPCV). This legally binding document outlines the sale terms and typically involves the buyer paying a deposit (usually 10%).
6. Final deed signing and property transfer
The sale is completed when both parties sign the Escritura Pública de Compra e Venda (final deed) before a notary. At this stage, the buyer pays the balance, ownership is transferred, and the proceeds can be moved to your chosen account.
How to prepare your property for sale
Set up a listing: You’ll need proof of ownership to list your property, including your title deed, land registry certificate, and recent tax receipts.
Get your paperwork in order: Selling in Portugal requires paperwork like an energy certificate and proof that local taxes and utilities are paid. We’ll help you stay on track.
Plan for the financial side: Account for legal fees, commissions, and exchange rate impacts if repatriating funds. A currency specialist can help you maximise your return.
Working with Lumon – your trusted currency partner
Selling property in Portugal often means moving a large sum across borders and we’re here to make sure it arrives safely back home. Your dedicated currency specialist will guide you through each stage, offering market insights so you can decide the right time to convert your euros and maximise your return.
Bank-beating exchange rates* and no transfer fees
Cared for over 70,000 customers since 2000
Award-winning service
International property specialists
Additional costs of selling property in Portugal
When you sell your property in Portugal, awareness of extra costs and tax implications can save you any surprises.
Capital Gains Tax on the sale
If you sell your Portuguese property for more than you paid, you may have to pay Capital Gains Tax (Mais-Valias). The rate and calculation depend on your residency status, how long you’ve owned the property, and whether it was your primary residence.
Certain costs, such as estate agent fees, notary fees, and qualifying renovation expenses, can be deducted to reduce the taxable gain. Non-residents may also need to appoint a fiscal representative to handle the tax process.
Wealth tax on property (AIMI)
If the combined value of your Portuguese real estate exceeds €600,000 (or €1.2 million for married couples), you may be liable for Portugal’s annual property wealth tax, the Adicional ao IMI (AIMI).
Although it’s assessed yearly rather than at the point of sale, it’s important to consider it if you own multiple properties in Portugal or a high-value home.
Notary fees and sale costs
A Portuguese notary (notário) is required to formalise and register the sale. While the buyer typically covers most notary fees, sellers may still need to pay certain costs, such as mortgage cancellation, property registry updates, or preparing extra documents.
These costs are generally modest but should be factored into your final return from the sale.
Inheritance tax on inherited property in Portugal
Portugal does not have a standard inheritance tax, but Stamp Duty at 10% applies to inherited property if the beneficiary is not a spouse, child, or parent of the deceased. Close family members are exempt from this charge.
Brexit impact on UK nationals selling in Portugal
New tax requirements: Non-EU residents must appoint a fiscal representative for any Portuguese tax matters, including Capital Gains Tax when selling.
Visa and travel limitations: You’re now limited to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen Zone, which can make it harder to manage viewings or complete paperwork in person.
Longer administrative timelines: Additional paperwork, notarisation, and certified translations can add delays to the process.
Frequently asked questions
How can I sell a property in Portugal from the UK?
You can sell your Portuguese property from the UK, but you’ll need the right support on the ground. It’s common to appoint a bilingual lawyer and grant power of attorney (procuration) to handle paperwork and sign documents on your behalf.
In many cases, a Portuguese bank account is also required, as notaires may be unable or unwilling to transfer sale proceeds directly to an overseas account. With the right arrangements in place, the entire process can be managed remotely.
How much tax do you pay when selling a house in Portugal?
If you’re selling a property in Portugal as a non-resident, you may need to pay tax on any profit you make. The amount depends on how long you’ve owned the property, and some exemptions or reductions may apply.
You could also be responsible for local taxes, and in some cases, you may need to appoint a fiscal representative to manage the process.
How to avoid capital gains tax in Portugal on property?
There are some situations where you may be able to reduce or avoid capital gains tax, such as if the property was your main residence, or if you’ve owned it for a long time.
In some cases, certain costs related to improvements or legal fees for selling property in Portugal may also help reduce your tax bill. Tax rules can be complex and subject to change, so it’s best to speak to a tax adviser for advice based on your specific situation.
Who pays the Notaire fees when selling a house in Portugal?
In Portugal, notaire fees are typically paid by the buyer. However, the seller may still incur some legal or administrative costs, especially if extra services are required or if a fiscal representative is needed.
The notaire acts on behalf of the state, not either party, so their role is neutral but essential to the sale process.
Supporting our customers
We have been using Lumon since 2019 when we bought our property in Portugal and again now, that we have sold it. They have never disappointed us. We feel they provide a safe pair of hands and we are confident that we are getting a fair exchange rates.
*Bank-beating exchange rates
Get more for your money with great value on every transfer. We offer bank-beating exchange rates, no transfer fees, and award-winning service you can rely on.
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The information provided is for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Lumon, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice. It is recommended you seek professional advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
Your guide to selling a property abroad
Our selling property guide is packed with information and resources to support you, including:
- Key considerations before putting your property on the market
- Information on taxes, legal processes and required paperwork
- A handy checklist to help keep your sale on track
- Useful tips to help make the selling process as smooth as possible
