Taxes and Fees When Buying Real Estate in Portugal

Buying property in Portugal involves more than just the purchase price. In this episode, we walk through the key taxes and fees every buyer—local or foreign—should budget for when acquiring real estate in Portugal.

Understanding these costs upfront helps avoid surprises and ensures smoother transactions.

🔎 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

1️⃣ IMT – Property Transfer Tax

The main tax payable on acquisition is IMT (Imposto Municipal sobre as Transmissões Onerosas de Imóveis).

• IMT is calculated based on the type of property (urban, rural, residential, etc.)

• The rate increases progressively depending on the property value

• Different rules may apply for primary residence vs. investment property

2️⃣ Stamp Duty on the Purchase

In addition to IMT, buyers must pay Stamp Duty (Imposto do Selo) at a flat rate of 0.8% of the transaction value.

3️⃣ Notarial and Registration Fees

Property transfers also involve:

• Notary or deed formalisation costs

• Land registry and property registration fees

While smaller compared to taxes, these costs are mandatory and should be included in any purchase budget.

4️⃣ Additional Costs When Using a Mortgage

If the purchase is financed:

• Additional Stamp Duty applies to the loan amount

• The rate depends on the loan term and structure

This episode offers a practical overview of the real costs involved in buying Portuguese real estate—essential listening for anyone considering a purchase, whether for residence or investment.