Since you have already selected the region where you want to buy, you now need to do some research before going home-hunting.
There are plenty of real estate offers in Portugal, therefore, in order to save time you should first elaborate a list of criteria of what you want and what you don’t want in the house you are planning to buy.
Define the type of property you like. You have to check your finance and decide on the price range you are considering to pay but also know the general market price of the location.
HOUSE HUNTING:
There isn't a set number of houses you should see before you make a final decision. Obtain details of as many houses as possible in your selected region and price range, and make a list of those you wish to view. Visit as many as it takes to form an opinion on the price and the quality level in the area in order to find the one you really want but do not see too many in one day, as it is easy to become confused over the merits of each property.
There are many ways of finding a house: Internet, newspapers, Estate Agents or simply by touring the area where you want to buy. If you use an agent and are shown properties you do not like, tell the agent what is wrong about the properties and what your requirements are. You will save some time. Since you will probably visit different houses in a day, take the GPS coordinates, make notes of both the good and bad features and take photographs of each house: the outside, the major rooms, the yard, the extra features that you like and the ones you see as potential problems. Bring a professional along with you for help and don't hesitate to return for a second look if necessary.
VIEWING:
Before you have even chosen the first house you wish to view, it may be worth spending time creating an image of your perfect house, selecting the criteria of what you want and what you do not want in the house. These features should cover the obvious criteria such as the type of house and its rough size, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
Of course, it is usually your budget that will dictate this. Apartments are generally cheaper than houses and semi-detached houses are usually cheaper than detached villas.
Another important criterion to take into consideration is the age of the property; do you want it brand new building or an older property that can be renovated???... You also need to consider the garden and other external features such as a swimming pool. The criteria relating to the environment should also be taken into account. Is it important to you of being near shops, schools or a railway station???...
VIEWING TRIP:
If you live outside Portugal you have to consider the cost of the viewing trip. Even if you are being offered the travel and accommodation in case you buy, don’t let the real estate agent or promoter rush you. Allow sufficient time to view and compare properties because a long weekend isn’t time enough to have a good look around, unless you know exactly what it is and where you want to buy. If you use a Portuguese contact, confirm that the property you are planning to visit is still for sale before travelling. I suggest a virtual visit first that any estate agent or property owner can easily do with you live wether on zoom, WhatsApp, FaceTime or other application.
INSPECTIONS & SURVEYS:
After having found the property you like, you have to inspect it thoroughly in order to disclose defects in the property that could materially affect its safety, liveability, or resale value.
Obviously the type of inspection depends on the age of the property. In some case, especially if the house is old or if you suspect some problem in the house, you should ask assistance from a professional to proceed with a full evaluation and get a full report about the structure, foundations, walls roof, woodwork (check also for termite), plumbing and sewerage, electricity, A/C or heating systems and anything else you would like being inspected such as a swimming pool and its equipment.
Banks will also require an evaluation to ensure that the property value is worth the money they are lending. Usually, a full structural valuation will cost you half a percent of the property value or less which is really a small price to pay compared to the peace of mind you will get.
CHECKLISTS:
EXTERIOR:
Condition of the roof tiles
Exterior chimney
Exterior & retaining walls
window frames
Gutters and drainpipes (if existing)
Foundations
Yard drainage and landscape
Wells and watering system
Swimming pool and equipment
Exterior lighting and outlets
Any evidence of wood destroying insects
Exterior and interior of garage, decks, porches, walkways and driveways
Light orientation (especially during winter)
Sewerage or septic tank
INTERIOR:
Doors
Fireplace/wood stove
Stairway and handrail
Halls
Floor and tiles
Bathroom and all fixtures
Kitchen and all fixtures
Appliances: stove, oven, dishwasher, refrigerator...
Ceilings, windows, walls, floors, doors, electrical outlets, heat sources in every room
BASEMENT:
Accessible foundation and floor
Crawl space and ventilation
Windows
Load bearing girders
Support columns
Sill, sub floor and floor joists
Interior chimney
Check for evidence of wood destroying insects
Inspect for water penetration, past or present
Radon test detection
ATTIC:
Access to attic
Structural supports
Roof backings
Ceiling joist
Ventilation
Whole house fan
Evidence of water penetration
PLUMBING:
Supply and waste systems
Visual condition of accessible feed lines and connectors within structure
Visual condition of accessible waste lines/connections within structure
Main vent stack
Accessible well equipment
Laundry tub
Washer/dryer connections
Hot water heater
Interior sewer ejector pump
ELECTRICITY:
Accessible wiring
Service panel box
Fuses and circuit breakers
Service panel box
Junction box covers
Switch plate covers
HEATING:
Accessible wiring
Service panel box
Fuses and circuit breakers
Service panel box
Junction box covers
Switch plate covers
COOLING:
Compressor Evaporator unit
Service line
Condenser drain
Temperature at service line
Electric disconnect
Compressor slab
Among the problems that can be experienced by buyers in Portugal are properties purchased without a legal title; properties built or enlarged illegally without planning permission; properties with missing infrastructure; builders or developers going bust or absconding with their clients money; un-discharged mortgages from the previous owner; properties sold with outstanding bills for utilities; intermediaries disappearing with the seller’s proceeds (possibly after having been given power of attorney); overcharging by vendors (particularly when selling to foreigners); and properties sold to more than one buyer.
Note that in the not too distant past, many properties in Portugal were built without planning permission, weren’t constructed according to the approved plans or were built on land that wasn’t zoned for building in the first place.
COMMON MISTAKES:
Not taking legal advice
Not considering the necessary clauses in the contract
Not surveying the property
Choosing the wrong location
Buying in a remote location where it is difficult to resell
Financing with a too high mortgage to pay back
Overestimating the rental return of the property
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