The roll of the Notary in Portugal.

If you intend buying a property in Portugal, whether this be an apartment with sea views, a plot of land or country estate, as soon as you find your property, STOP, don't sign anything. THE FIRST THING YOU SHOULD DO IS GO AND SEE A NOTARY.

Do not sign any private contract without first consulting with a Notary. As soon as an agreement on the price is reached with the seller, let a Notary handle the paper work for you. The Notary will draw up the deed, find the best balance of interests and provide appropreiate advice on your purchase. He will control the legality of the purchase and demand the necessary licences and authorisations.

In this way the buyer can always be sure he is buying in accordance with the Law and the Notary will undertake to check the ownershipof the property.

In most cases, the Notary can be asked to handle the question of paying your taxes, reporting your investment as non-resident to the Portuguese Authorities, handle the question of filing the deed at the respective official bodies and at the Land Registry, etc.

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