Question 1

What is a buyer's agent in the Algarve?

Accepted Answer

A professional who represents the buyer exclusively to search, analyse, negotiate and secure a property. No ties whatsoever with sellers.

Question 2

How much do your services cost?

Accepted Answer

When the agency marketing the property shares its commission, Butterfly Buyers may be remunerated without additional direct fees to the buyer. Where commission sharing is not available, the fee structure is agreed clearly before any commitment. In all cases, how we are remunerated is explained transparently before we begin working together.

Question 3

Can a foreigner buy freely in Portugal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, no restrictions for EU nationals. A NIF (Portuguese tax number) is all that's needed, obtained within 48 hours.

Question 4

Is the Golden Visa still available in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but no longer via direct property investment since October 2023. It remains accessible through investment funds (€500k), job creation or cultural patronage.

Question 5

What is the annual property tax in Portugal?

Accepted Answer

IMI (property tax) is 0.3% to 0.45% of the rateable value. An additional AIMI of 0.4% to 1% applies above €600,000 of personally held property assets.

Question 6

Can a non-resident get a mortgage in Portugal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, up to 70% of the property value, over 25 to 30 years, with banks such as Millennium BCP, Novo Banco, Santander Totta or Bankinter.

Question 7

Is a lawyer mandatory?

Accepted Answer

Strongly recommended. The Portuguese notary authenticates the deed but does not carry out full due diligence as in France. A lawyer typically costs 1% to 1.5% of the price.

Question 8

What are the total purchase costs?

Accepted Answer

Budget 7% to 10% of the price: IMT (0% to 7.5% on a progressive scale), Imposto do Selo (0.8%), notary and registry (~1%), lawyer (1% to 1.5%).

Question 9

Can I let my property short-term (Airbnb)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with an Alojamento Local (AL) licence. Note that since 2024, licences have been capped in certain Algarve parishes. Always check before buying.

Question 10

How long does a purchase take from start to finish?

Accepted Answer

On average 2 to 4 months between an accepted offer and handover of the keys. 2 to 4 weeks for the CPCV, then 30 to 90 days for the escritura.

Question 11

What are the most sought-after areas in the Algarve?

Accepted Answer

Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago and Vilamoura for prestige; Lagos, Carvoeiro and Albufeira for a lifestyle/price balance; Tavira and the inland countryside for authenticity.

Question 12

Do you also handle rental management after the purchase?

Accepted Answer

We do not manage properties ourselves, but we connect you with our trusted partners (property managers, concierge services), and share our own Airbnb Superhost experience (butterfly-mystery.com).

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