Deed, registration and Casa Pronta: completing the purchase in detail

Key points

This guide details the options for completing a property purchase in Portugal, the role of Casa Pronta, and the importance of land registration after the deed.

1. Public deed or authenticated private document

The purchase and sale of a property is legally subject to a public deed or a private document authenticated by a lawyer, solicitor or other competent entity, in order to produce all the legal effects of transferring ownership.

The public deed is executed before a notary, who checks the documentation, reads the contract and confirms both parties understand the terms before signing. The authenticated private document follows an equivalent procedure, but outside the traditional notary's office.

• Confirm which of the two forms will be used for your purchase.
• Understand the role of the notary or authenticating entity.
• Confirm the chosen document meets the legal requirements.

2. The Casa Pronta service

Casa Pronta handles the sale contract, any mortgage and the related registrations at a single counter, simplifying a process that traditionally required visits to several different entities.

You can book the appointment in advance through the official website, choosing an available date and counter, which allows enough time to plan document preparation.

• Understand Casa Pronta handles the contract, mortgage and registrations at one counter.
• Book the appointment in advance through the official website.
• Prepare all documents before the scheduled date.

3. Documents required at completion

Completion usually requires civil and tax identification of the parties, the permanent land registry certificate, an up-to-date tax property record, the energy certificate, proof of payment of IMT and Stamp Duty, and, where applicable, the condominium debt statement.

Confirm the complete, case-specific list in advance with the notary, Casa Pronta or the professional supporting you, to avoid last-minute delays.

• Gather identification, property documents and tax proofs.
• Confirm the full, case-specific list with whoever is completing the process.
• Bring all documents in their original or required form.

4. Land registration and effects against third parties

After the deed or equivalent document, the land registry must be updated to reflect the new owner. This registration has a declaratory function and protects against third parties: without it, your position as owner can be more vulnerable in disputes with third parties unaware of the transfer.

With Casa Pronta, registration is usually handled at the same counter and on the same day as completion. With a traditional deed, confirm with the notary who submits the registration request and within what deadline.

• Confirm the land registry is updated after the purchase.
• Understand the registry's role in protecting you against third parties.
• Confirm who submits the registration request and the deadline.

5. What to do after registration

Once registration in your name is confirmed, keep a copy of the deed or equivalent document, proof of registration and all tax payment receipts, which may be needed in the future, including for a later sale.

Also update your tax address and confirm that any insurance required by the bank, if applicable, is active from the deed date, without gaps in coverage.

• Keep copies of all completion documents.
• Update your tax address after the purchase.
• Confirm required insurance is active with no gaps in coverage.