Section 4 · Before vs. after escritura
Finding Illegal Works:
Before vs. After
The difference is not merely financial; it is legal and temporal One gives you choices. The other gives you a bill.
Inspect
OS
PROPERTY INSPECTION
Central decision point
Inspection conducted before CPCV?
✓ Yes, before CPCV
You control the outcome
3 options available to the buyer
1
Negotiate a price reduction covering estimated legalisation cost
2
Require the seller to legalise the works as a condition of sale
3
Walk away before signing anything binding
OR
✗ No, after escritura
Far fewer options
Claims depend on the facts and the contract
✗
Enforcement notices go to you as the new owner
✗
Claims against the seller depend on the warranty regime and are slow
✗
Legalisation or demolition costs fall on you first
Typical cost to legalise a common illegal construction
€5,500–€7,000
Municipal fees vary · Some works cannot be legalised at all
Don't be in the right column
Book Simplex Safe before your CPCV
· Report in 3 to 5 business days
· Available across mainland Portugal
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