What It’s Really Like Buying Property in Portugal (So Far)
- Rhonda
- Nov 5
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 6
A Journey of Paperwork, Patience, and Purpose
When we first decided to make Portugal our home, we knew the process wouldn’t be quick — but we didn’t realize just how much patience and persistence it would require. Buying property here has been one of the most rewarding and eye-opening experiences of our journey so far — filled with lessons about the land, the language, and ourselves.
We’re still waiting for the final deed (escritura) to be completed for our dream property, Encanto do Vale. But even in this waiting season, we’ve learned that purchasing a home in Portugal is about much more than signatures and documents — it’s about learning the rhythm of a country that moves at its own beautiful pace.
The Search: From Curiosity to Connection
Our search began months ago with late-night research and long lists of possible regions — each one promising a different kind of life. We explored areas around Caldas de Raina and Coimbra before the quiet village of Pernadas, in Proença-a-Nova, finally captured our hearts.
The property itself — a spacious stone home with a guesthouse, orchard, and sweeping valley views — felt instantly right. There was something grounding about it, something familiar. Even though it needed love and restoration, it had soul. That’s when we knew: this wasn’t just a house — it was our valley.
Life by the Sea — And What We’ll Miss
For now, we’re still living in the coastal village of Salir do Porto, and it’s hard not to feel nostalgic about leaving. We’ve grown close to the locals who greet us daily, always with kindness and curiosity about our Portuguese journey.
Every morning, we take our three-mile walk along the pier, watching the waves meet the sand as the sun rises over São Martinho Bay. It’s become a ritual — a moment to breathe, reflect, and remind ourselves why we chose this life of simplicity and nature.
Troy, meanwhile, finds his peace on the water — kayaking and fishing along the bay whenever he can. It’s a rhythm we’ve both come to love: the sound of paddles cutting through calm water, the scent of sea salt and eucalyptus in the air. As excited as we are to move inland, these memories of coastal life will always be part of our story.
What We’ve Learned (So Far)
Buying property in Portugal as foreigners has meant navigating new systems, languages, and timelines. Here’s what’s stood out most in our experience so far:
🕰 Things take time — even when you’re paying cash.
We were told the process would move quickly since we were buying the property outright. But even with no financing involved, we quickly learned that Portugal runs on its own clock. The paperwork, signatures, and approvals all take time — and learning to be patient has been a beautiful, humbling lesson.
📜 Documents matter.
From NIF numbers and bank accounts to confirming land classifications (like RAN/REN) and septic permits, the details truly matter. Having a good lawyer and translator can make all the difference.
💬 Communication is key.
Portuguese real estate agents and notaries are friendly and helpful — but it helps to stay proactive. A gentle check-in email or a quick phone call can often keep things moving.
❤️ Trust the timing.
There are days we feel impatient, wondering when we’ll finally hold those keys. But Portugal has a way of reminding us that good things take time.
Embracing the Waiting Season
Instead of rushing, we’re using this time to plan:
Designing our luxury guest suites upstairs and villa conversion for the guesthouse.
Mapping out garden zones and orchard layouts.
Learning Portuguese terms for contracts and renovation materials (with lots of laughter along the way!).
It’s not always easy — there are delays, surprises, and plenty of “learning moments” — but every step reminds us why we chose this path: to build a slower, simpler, more intentional life.
Our Advice to Future Dreamers
If you’re considering buying property in Portugal, here’s what we’ve learned from experience:
🌿 Take your time. Don’t rush the search — the right property will speak to you.
🧾 Hire local professionals. A good lawyer, notary, and accountant are worth every cent.
💬 Learn some Portuguese — even small phrases build trust and open doors.
☀️ Prepare for unexpected beauty (and bureaucracy). Both are part of the adventure.
Looking Ahead
Soon, when the papers are signed and the keys are in our hands, we’ll officially begin transforming Encanto do Vale into the retreat we’ve imagined — one step, one wall, one sunrise at a time.
Until then, we’re learning that sometimes the most meaningful growth happens in the waiting — just like roots spreading quietly beneath the soil.
🌿 Follow our journey as we breathe new life into this valley —
one wall, one garden, and one sunrise at a time.
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