The costliest error involves relying on the seller's lawyer. The developer gets a commission when the deal closes, which is not the same as looking after your interests. Your own legal adviser represents a small fraction of the purchase and is the single best safeguard.
Signing documents you cannot read comes a close second. An official translation is a small expense next to the purchase price. Promises made in conversation mean nothing when the written text differs — only the signed text matters.
Purchasing off-plan on trust has ruined many budgets. Before paying anything, examine previous developments, the building permits, and whether payments are held in escrow. Delays happen frequently with even the best developers; stalled projects are rarer but much more damaging.
Ignoring the exit is a subtler error. A home bought abroad will one day be sold, and buy property in portugal the resale market determines the price. A unit that only appeals to foreign buyers is harder to move when sentiment turns.
Lastly, many buyers fail to plan cascais real estate for sale the annual paperwork. Local tax returns can be required regardless of whether the property earns anything, and late filings lead to charges nobody warns you about. Putting in place a local accountant at the outset avoids the majority of these headaches.
