How to find a real estate agent in Portugal

From rustic farmhouses in the Alentejo to sea-view apartments in the Algarve, Portugal has something for every kind of buyer. But finding the right property starts with finding the right agent — and that's where things can get complicated, especially if you're buying from the UK.

Portugal's property market has its own rules, licensing requirements, and fee structures. Understanding how they work will help you avoid costly mistakes and make the process far smoother.

What does a real estate agent do in Portugal?

A real estate agent (mediador imobiliário) in Portugal acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers. Their role typically includes:

• Listing and marketing properties
• Arranging viewings
• Negotiating offers on behalf of their client
• Coordinating with solicitors and notaries to complete the sale

Most agents in Portugal represent the seller. That's an important distinction. It means the agent's primary obligation is to the person selling the property, not to you as the buyer. [2]

If you want someone working specifically in your interest, you may want to consider a buyer's agent — more on that below.

How to check if an agent is licensed

Every real estate agent and agency operating in Portugal must hold a valid AMI licence. AMI stands for Autorização de Mediação Imobiliária, and it's issued by IMPIC (Instituto dos Mercados Públicos, do Imobiliário e da Construção), the government body that regulates the real estate and construction sectors. [1][4]

Here's how to verify an agent's licence:

1. Ask the agent or agency for their AMI number
2. Visit the IMPIC website
3. Enter the AMI number in the search tool
4. Confirm the licence is active and matches the agency name

An AMI-licensed agent must follow legal and ethical standards, use regulated contracts, and maintain civil liability insurance. Working with an unlicensed agent means you have no regulatory protection if something goes wrong. [4]

Real estate agent fees in Portugal

In Portugal, the seller typically pays the agent's commission. The standard rate is commonly around 5% of the sale price, plus VAT — though this can range from 3% to 6% depending on the agency, property type, and whether the agent has an exclusive listing. [3]

As a buyer, you generally won't pay a commission to the seller's agent. However, if you hire a buyer's agent to help you find and negotiate a property, their fee is usually separate. Buyer's agent fees vary, but they often charge around 2–3% of the purchase price or a fixed fee. [3]

Seller's agent vs. buyer's agent

Most estate agents in Portugal work for the seller. They're incentivised to get the highest price possible, which doesn't always align with your interests as a buyer.

A buyer's agent works exclusively for you. They can:

• Search for properties that match your criteria — including off-market listings
• Arrange and attend viewings on your behalf
• Negotiate the purchase price
• Coordinate with lawyers, surveyors, and other professionals

This can be particularly useful if you're buying from the UK and can't easily travel to Portugal for every viewing. A good buyer's agent will also understand the local market dynamics that aren't obvious from property listings alone.

Where to search for property in Portugal

Whether you're working with an agent or browsing independently, these are the main property websites used in Portugal:

• Idealista — the largest property portal in Portugal, with listings across the country
• Imovirtual — another major portal with a wide range of residential and commercial properties
• Casa Sapo — a well-established Portuguese property site
• Kyero — focuses on international buyers looking at property in southern Europe
• Rightmove Overseas — useful for UK buyers, with a dedicated Portugal section

Many agents list on multiple platforms, so you may see the same property appear on several sites. It's worth checking more than one portal to get a full picture of what's available.

Tips for choosing the right agent

Finding a licensed agent is the starting point. But not all licensed agents offer the same level of service. Here are a few things to look for:

• Local expertise — An agent who specialises in your target area will know the market, pricing trends, and potential issues with specific properties or neighbourhoods
• Language skills — If you don't speak Portuguese, working with an agent who communicates clearly in English can save a lot of confusion during negotiations and paperwork
• Transparent communication — A good agent will explain the buying process, timeline, and costs upfront. If they're vague about fees or timelines, that's a red flag
• Reviews and references — Check Google reviews, expat forums, and ask for references from previous UK or international clients
• No pressure tactics — Portugal's property market moves at its own pace. Be cautious of agents who push you to make quick decisions

The buying process at a glance

Once you've found a property and agreed a price, the purchase process in Portugal typically follows these steps:

1. Get a Portuguese tax number (NIF) — required for any property transaction
2. Hire a solicitor (advogado) — they'll handle legal checks, contracts, and due diligence
3. Sign the promissory contract (CPCV) — a binding agreement where you pay a deposit, usually 10–30% of the purchase price
4. Complete the deed (escritura) — the final signing, typically 30–60 days after the CPCV, at a notary's office

Your solicitor should be independent from the estate agent. This ensures someone is reviewing the transaction solely in your interest.

Managing money when buying property in Portugal

Buying property abroad means dealing with currency exchange — and the costs can add up quickly, especially on large sums.

When you're transferring money from the UK to Portugal, the exchange rate you get on your GBP to EUR conversion makes a significant difference. On a £300,000 property, even a small difference in the exchange rate could mean thousands of pounds more or less.

The Wise account is one option that can help you manage money across currencies. With Wise, you can:

• Hold and convert money in 40+ currencies, including GBP and EUR
• Convert between currencies using the mid-market exchange rate
• Send large international transfers with fees shown upfront
• Get local account details in multiple currencies

Wise is not a bank. Your money is held in accordance with safeguarding requirements, not covered by FSCS protection. For large property transactions, it's worth comparing several providers and speaking to a currency specialist. [5]

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a real estate agent to buy property in Portugal?

No, it's not legally required. But an agent — especially one who knows the local market — can help you navigate the process, find suitable properties, and negotiate effectively. For international buyers, working with a licensed agent is generally recommended. [2]

How do I verify a real estate agent's licence in Portugal?

Ask for their AMI number and check it on the IMPIC website. The licence should be active and match the agency's registered name. [1]

What fees will I pay as a buyer in Portugal?

As a buyer, you typically don't pay the estate agent's commission — that's covered by the seller. However, you'll need to budget for IMT (property transfer tax), stamp duty, notary fees, legal fees, and land registry costs. If you use a buyer's agent, their fee is separate. [3]

Can I buy property in Portugal as a UK citizen after Brexit?

Yes. UK citizens can still buy property in Portugal. Brexit hasn't changed property ownership rights. However, if you plan to live in Portugal, you'll need to apply for a residence visa separately.

How long does it take to buy a property in Portugal?

The process typically takes 2–3 months from agreeing a price to completing the deed, though it can vary depending on legal checks, mortgage approvals, and the complexity of the transaction.

Sources

Sources checked 1 April 2026.