Mortgages in Portugal

Get a Mortgage in Portugal with Expert Support

Helping expats and foreign residents secure the right mortgage in Portugal by comparing trusted Portuguese banks.
Mortagage options in Portugal

Mortgage options for buying, upgrading or refinancing your home in Portugal

Your First Home

Mortgage solutions for buying property in Portugal

Upgrade Your Home

Move or refinance your current mortgage in Portugal

Second Home

Finance your holiday or investment property in Portugal

Construction

Build your home in Portugal with tailored mortgage support

How Mortgages Work in Portugal

Mortgages in Portugal allow expats and foreign residents to finance property with terms tailored to their financial profile. Our advisors help you compare Portuguese banks, understand the process and secure the right solution in English.
As an independent mortgage broker in Portugal, our role is to simplify the process and act in your best interest when dealing with banks.
How does it work?

Step-by-step mortgage process

1

Submit your mortgage request

Tell us about your property plans in Portugal.

2

Compare mortgage offers

We present options from trusted Portuguese banks.

3

Bank approval & property valuation

The bank reviews your profile and schedules the deed signing.

4

Completion & key handover

Finalize your mortgage and move into your new home in Portugal.

Essential Mortgage Concepts in Portugal

Key terms you will encounter when applying for a mortgage in Portugal.

APR – Annual Percentage Rate (TAN)

Base rate applied to the outstanding principal, excluding commissions or insurance. Annual percentage applied to the loan. It does not include additional costs or taxes.

APR – Annual Percentage Rate (TAEG)

Total cost of the loan, including commissions, taxes, and insurance. The best metric for comparing offers between banks, as it aggregates all charges.

Spread

The bank’s margin added to the reference index (e.g., Euribor). It is a fixed and negotiable percentage. The lower the spread, the lower the monthly payment.

Euribor

A variable reference rate that affects the monthly payment (3/6/12-month terms). When the Euribor rises or falls, the NAR (TAN) and the monthly payment adjust accordingly at the contract’s review date.

Mortgage

A mortgage in Portugal uses the property as collateral while you repay the loan over time through monthly instalments.

IMT & Stamp Duty

Taxes paid upon the property purchase and the mortgage contract. IMT varies according to the property’s value and purpose; Stamp Duty applies to the contract and the deed.

Property Appraisal

Defines the reference value and the loan’s LTV. Conducted by certified appraisers; it influences the financed amount and the conditions offered.
Practical tips

Important Tips Before Applying for a Mortgage in Portugal

Assess Your Financial Capacity

Before submitting your application, evaluate your monthly budget and ensure that the mortgage payment is compatible with your disposable income before applying for a mortgage in Portugal.
The Bank of Portugal recommends that the debt-to-income ratio (the percentage of monthly income allocated to loan payments) should generally not exceed 35%.

Compare Different Offers

Request simulations from multiple Portuguese banks. Conditions—such as interest rates, terms, fees, and insurance—may vary and significantly impact the total cost of the loan.

Pay Special Attention to the APRC (TAEG)

The Annual Percentage Rate of Charge (APRC) includes all costs associated with the loan (interest, fees, taxes, and mandatory insurance). It is the indicator that provides the most comprehensive comparison between different offers.

Choose the Mortgage Term Carefully

A longer term reduces the monthly payment but increases the total amount paid over time. Assess the balance between the monthly installment and the overall cost of the loan.

Understand the type of interest rate

There are mortgages with fixed, variable, or mixed interest rates. The variable rate depends on the Euribor and may cause the monthly payment to increase or decrease over time. Make sure you understand the impact of each option.

Prepare the Required Documentation

Have documents such as your latest IRS return, payslips, proof of address, and the Bank of Portugal’s Credit Liabilities Report ready. Having everything prepared streamlines the assessment of your application.

Consider the Mandatory Insurance Policies

A mortgage generally requires life insurance and home multi-risk insurance. You may choose to obtain these insurance policies through the bank or another insurance provider — review the conditions and compare prices.

Check All Associated Fees and Costs

Review the opening, appraisal, processing, and early repayment fees. These costs may vary between institutions and can affect the total cost of the mortgage.

Assess the Stability of Your Financial Situation

Before taking out a mortgage, consider your professional and family situation in the medium and long term. Changes in income or additional expenses may affect your repayment capacity.