Selling a property in Portugal in 2026 requires documentation, attention to taxes and careful preparation of the property before putting it on the market.
Source: Adobe Stock
Author: Redaction
Prepare the documentation before the sale
Before advertising the property, gather the necessary documentation and check that the information is up to date. Relevant documents include the
Urban Property Tax Register, the
Permanent Land Registry Certificate and the
Energy Performance Certificate.
The property's planning status should also be checked. Following the changes introduced by the Urban Planning Simplex, it is no longer mandatory to present or prove the existence of the use permit and the housing technical file as part of the purchase and sale process.
Having the documents organised makes it easier to answer potential buyers' questions, avoid delays and facilitate the stages leading up to the deed.
Set the price and understand the costs
Setting an appropriate price is essential to sell a property. Location, size, condition, energy efficiency and the prices charged for similar properties in the area should all be considered. A professional valuation can help determine a price that is better aligned with the market.
It is also important to calculate the costs associated with the sale. These may include documentation, the Energy Performance Certificate, any works or improvements and the commission charged by an estate agent, where applicable.
Property capital gains are another aspect to consider. The sale of a property may be subject to income tax, with the calculation carried out according to the applicable tax rules and after taking certain eligible expenses and costs into account.
In the case of a permanent main residence, tax may be excluded when the sale proceeds, after deducting the loan used for the purchase, are reinvested under the terms provided by law. Reinvestment can take place between 24 months before and 36 months after the sale.
However, there is an important condition: the property being sold must have been used as the owner's or their household's permanent main residence, as evidenced by the tax address, during the 12 months preceding the transfer or, where earlier, the date of reinvestment. Exceptions apply in certain exceptional circumstances.
Prepare the property and organise the sale
The presentation of the property can influence buyers' interest. Before viewings, clean thoroughly, organise the spaces, make the most of natural light and fix minor issues that could negatively affect the perception of the property.
The Promissory Purchase and Sale Agreement (CPCV) remains an important stage of the process, allowing the terms agreed between buyer and seller to be established, such as the price, deadlines and deposit amount.
Using an estate agent can simplify the sale, from defining the strategy and promoting the property to negotiating and overseeing the various stages of the transaction.
In 2026, selling a property therefore requires more than setting a price and finding a buyer. Having the documentation ready, understanding the tax costs and assessing the terms of the transaction in advance can help avoid surprises and make the process simpler and safer.
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