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
Withdraw from the purchase without any financial penalty
OR
✗ No — After Escritura
You absorb the outcome
Zero options — full liability transferred
✗
Illegal works are legally your problem from Day 0
✗
Seller has no residual obligation after deed is signed
✗
Legalisation or demolition costs fall entirely on you
Average hidden cost discovered post-purchase
€12,400
Up to €250,000 for larger unlicensed structures · InspectOS data, 2024
Don't be in the right column
Book Simplex Safe before your CPCV —
€450 · Report in 48 hours
· Available across mainland Portugal
Book Inspection →