Do I Need a Home Inspection?

Do I Need a Home Inspection in Portugal?

Buying a home in Portugal is exciting — whether it’s your first apartment in Lisbon, a vacation spot in the Algarve, or a family house in Mafra. But one thing that surprises a lot of people, especially expats, is that home inspections aren’t common here.

So do you really need one? My answer is yes. Here’s why.

Hidden Issues Are Common

Portugal’s homes are built differently than what many expats are used to. Instead of wood framing, you’ll often see solid masonry walls, flat roofs, and tile everywhere. They hold up well, but they can hide problems:

• Moisture intrusion that only shows in winter.

• Older electrical systems without modern safety protections.

• Roof wear and patching that looks fine until the first big storm.

These things don’t always show up in a quick walk-through. That’s where an inspection helps.

The Timing Really Matters

Here in Portugal, most property deals are locked in with a CPCV (promissory contract). Once you sign that, you’re committed — usually with a hefty deposit. If you find surprises after that point, you don’t have much room to renegotiate.

Getting the inspection before CPCV means you have the facts up front. You can budget for repairs, negotiate with the seller, or in some cases, decide to walk away before money is on the line.

Peace of Mind for Buyers (and Realtors)

At the end of the day, a home inspection isn’t about finding reasons to say “no.” It’s about giving you the confidence to say “yes” — knowing what you’re getting into and planning ahead.

That helps you as a buyer, and it helps realtors keep deals moving smoothly.

Want to see what an inspection looks like? Check out our Sample Reports from Lisbon, Mafra, and Setúbal to get a feel for the detail and clarity we provide.