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Writer's pictureShane Dunann

The Importance of Working With a (trustworthy) Realtor When Buying Property in Portugal: Don't get scammed.

Updated: Nov 5

Why Choosing the Right Realtor in Portugal Is Critical: Brutal Truths About the Industry



Buying property in Portugal can be a dream come true, and should be a lot of fun. But, it can turn into a really stressful process if you end up working with a realtor that is not playing with an open book.


Portugal’s real estate market has seen a boom, especially with foreign buyers looking for homes and investment opportunities. Unfortunately, this has also attracted a wave of dishonest and unqualified realtors, many of whom engage in questionable or even illegal practices. Therefore, transparency is paramount.


This is what is going on:

  • Illegal Properties for Sale: It is common to find homes and land plots for sale that don’t have proper legal documentation or licenses. Some realtors, knowing this, may still push the sale, leaving buyers to deal with massive legal problems down the road. Buying a home that doesn’t legally exist or where you can’t legally build can be financially devastating.


  • Unlicensed and Unqualified Realtors: It is entirely possible to find realtors operating without proper certification. These agents lack the legal knowledge and ethics to guide you through complex real estate transactions. It is common for them to cut corners and ignore red flags in order to close a deal fast.


  • Lack of Due Diligence: Due diligence is not just an option—it’s mandatory. Some dishonest realtors, however, will tell you what you want to hear, encouraging you to skip critical steps like property inspections or document verification. This puts you at significant risk of acquiring a property with legal, structural, or financial problems.


  • Misleading on Bureaucracy: Some agents may falsely claim that Portugal's bureaucratic processes are simple and fast. Or that making changes or requests will be "simple". The reality is, paperwork, licenses, and approvals often take much longer than expected. Relying on these misleading assurances could leave you in legal limbo or with unfinished projects.


Choose Wisely to Stay Safe


In Portugal, the difference between a dream home and a legal nightmare can be the realtor you choose. Make sure you work with someone who is fully qualified, transparent, and committed to protecting your interests. The wrong choice can cost you far more than just money.


How to Choose a Realtor in Portugal


  • Make Contact: Reach out and connect with a realtor responsible for a listing you are interested in. During this call, by you should already get a feeling for the person and if you feel comfortable. Some things to keep in mind:


  • Language: Does this person speak English (or your native language)? If there is already a significant language barrier, you may need assistance going forward in order to protect yourself.


  • Transparency: Typically, realtors working with properties that are legal will be more transparent on the phone before scheduling the first viewing. If in this first call, you find it difficult to retrieve information, there may be a reason for it.


  • Experience: You may be able to tell that a listing you like is represented by someone who does not fully understand the market yet. The problem is, you must go through this agent to get to the listing. So, at this point, it would be wise to continue to make contact with other agents until you find someone you feel comfortable with. Then, ask that agent to represent you in speaking with the less experienced agent. This way, you can get someone with you asking questions that need to be asked during the search process.


  • Check for Proper Licensing: Always confirm that your realtor is licensed by AMI (Agente Imobiliário). This ensures they’re bound by Portugal’s real estate regulations.


  • Ask About Due Diligence: Any trustworthy realtor should emphasize the importance of checking land registry, property licensing and documentation, and building permits. If they try to rush you or dismiss these steps, it's time to walk away.


  • Beware of Unrealistic Promises: Dishonest agents often promise unrealistic returns on investments or assure you that certain legal issues will “sort themselves out later.” Do not fall for this— make sure you verify all statements before signing anything.


Our conclusion:


Navigating the market in Portugal can be perplexing for locals and even more so for expatriates. When possible, collaborating with foreign agents who comprehend your language, understand you, and cater to your needs can significantly streamline your search process, saving you time and ensuring peace of mind.


Prior to contacting any real estate agents, consider reaching out to your network of friends and family to inquire if they have any recommendations based on their past experiences. If you do not have any connections in that regard, feel free to get in touch with us here.


A Personal Note:


We are very passionate about this topic. In fact, it is the main reason why we became realtors ourselves:


Shane, one of our founders, is an expat (from USA) and investor in Portuguese real estate, and had experienced the pitfalls and difficulties himself while going through the buying process. He realized how complicated and frustrating the task can actually become, especially for a foreigner. He saw a very clear need for honesty, transparency, and hospitality in the market.


Teresa, our other founder, has a background in law and hospitality, and became a realtor in 2023. Teresa is dedicated to providing a service unique in Portugal, with a focus on customer service and making certain that every step of the process is handled with care and attention.


Permanent Vacation Portugal is committed to ensuring that our clients feel empowered and confident in the decisions they are making.



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