Who covers what in a Portuguese property purchase
Defined scope of each professional, and the shared gap none of them fills
Property Lawyer
Contracted by buyer
Legal title and ownership
Charges and encumbrances
Licença de utilização review
CPCV terms and conditions
Preferência holders check
IMT, stamp duty, costs
Physical building condition
Unlicensed works detection
Notary
Neutral public official
Identity verification
Escritura authentication
Document confirmation
IMT payment confirmation
Land registry filing
Legal advice to buyer
Physical compliance check
Removed by DL 10/2024
Mediador (Agent)
Contracted by seller
Property presentation
Transaction facilitation
CPCV drafting assistance
Known information relay
Buyer's financial interest
Conflict of interest disclosure
Technical defect search
Physical condition check
The shared gap: what none of the three covers
Physical building: unchecked by all three professionals
Structural integrity
Moisture and damp
Electrical compliance
Gas installation
Unlicensed works
Licensed vs. actual footprint
Roof condition
MEP systems
Sources: Lei n.o 15/2013, de 8 de fevereiro · Decreto-Lei n.o 10/2024, de 8 de janeiro · Codigo Civil Portugues · Ordem dos Engenheiros