Pedro Tabuada · Advogado

Notes for international buyers

Buying Property in the Algarve? Make Sure Your Pool Is Legally Registered

· Pedro Tabuada, Lawyer

It is easy to fall in love with a beautiful villa in Albufeira or Portimão, especially if it features a swimming pool or a guest annex.

However, a common pitfall is the difference between what you see and what is legally registered. In Portugal, permanent structures need official approval from the Town Hall (Câmara Municipal).

THE RISK: If additions were built without proper permits, they legally DO NOT EXIST on paper. With Councils now using drones and satellite imagery to spot illegal structures, the risk is higher than ever. This can lead to:

YOUR LEGAL SAFEGUARD: Before signing any Promissory Contract (CPCV), a full Due Diligence is crucial. We compare the official plans and the User License against the physical reality.

Protect your investment. Ensure all legal checks are completed efficiently before you commit.

Written on the date shown. The law and tax figures may have changed since. This article is general information, not advice on your particular case. For questions: info@pedrotabuada.com · +351 923 337 076.

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