Notes for international buyers
Technical Survey vs. Legal Due Diligence: Do You Need Both?
When purchasing a property in the Algarve, many international buyers hire a surveyor or engineer to inspect the building's structure. This is a vital step—they check for dampness, roof integrity, and the general condition of the house.
But here is the catch: A technical survey does not protect you from legal disasters.
While an engineer asks, "Is this wall solid?", as your lawyer, I ask, "Is this wall legal?"
In my practice in Albufeira, I often find properties that are structurally perfect but legally problematic. An annex or a swimming pool might be beautifully built, but if it wasn’t licensed by the Town Hall, it technically doesn’t exist. This can lead to heavy fines or even demolition orders after you have already paid for the house.
A safe purchase requires both eyes: the technical eye for the bricks and the legal eye for the documents.
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.