The asking price is only part of what a purchase in Portugal will cost you. Taxes and fees add a meaningful amount on top — and they are best worked out before you commit, not after. Here is what to budget for.
Property transfer tax (IMT)
IMT (Imposto Municipal sobre as Transmissões) is usually the largest extra cost. It is charged on the higher of the purchase price or the property’s tax value (VPT), at a progressive rate that depends on the value, the type of property and whether it will be your main home or a second/investment property. Lower-value primary homes benefit from reduced rates or an exemption threshold; higher values and non-primary use are taxed more heavily.
Stamp duty (Imposto do Selo)
A flat 0.8% is due on the purchase value. If you take out a Portuguese mortgage, additional stamp duty applies to the loan itself.
Notary, deed and registration
The public deed (escritura) and the definitive Land Registry entry carry notary and registration fees. These are comparatively small, but they belong in the budget.
Annual property tax (IMI)
Once you own the property you pay IMI (Imposto Municipal sobre Imóveis) every year — typically 0.3%–0.45% of the tax value for urban property, set by each municipality. Very high-value holdings may also attract the additional AIMI.
Legal fees
Engaging a lawyer to run the due diligence, contracts and deed is itself a cost — but it is the one that protects every other euro you are spending. Your lawyer is independent of the seller and the agent and works only for you.
A rough rule of thumb
As a guide, buyers often budget around 6–8% on top of the price for taxes and fees combined — but the real figure depends entirely on the property’s value, location and intended use. We calculate the full, specific number for your purchase before you make any commitment.
Plan before you sign
These costs interact with wider questions — financing, how the property is held, and tax in your home country. It pays to have the complete picture from the outset.
Want the exact costs for a specific property? Tell us about it and we will work them out with you. Get in touch or see how we support buying property in Portugal.