Deed day in Portugal: what to check before getting the keys

The deed can feel like the end of the purchase. In practice, it is the moment when every loose end since the CPCV has to line up: bank, documents, taxes, registration, payment and key handover.

Before booking the deed

After the CPCV, ask for a written list of everything still needed for completion: seller documents, property documents, taxes, bank attendance, cancellation of any seller mortgage, powers of attorney and payment method.

If you need a mortgage, do not book the date based only on a simulation or pre-approval. Final approval should come with the approved FINE and draft credit contract. There is also a mandatory reflection period before the credit can be signed, so that timing has to fit the completion calendar.

Documents you should not see for the first time on the day

Ideally, completion day has no surprises. Review the land registry certificate, tax record, licence or dispensation, energy certificate and condominium documents beforehand. If areas, address, unit, ownership or charges do not match, do not leave that discussion for the signing table.

For Casa Pronta, the service lists civil and tax identification for the parties, the technical housing file if it exists, a deed mentioning the use licence or dispensation for certain buildings, and the energy certificate. The exact list depends on the property and act, so ask the professional handling completion for the final checklist.

Pay attention to the urbanistic title

Since 2024, some formal display requirements at completion have been simplified. That does not make the licence, communication, dispensation or other relevant title irrelevant. For a buyer, the practical question is still: "which document proves this home can be used as it is being sold?"

Payment: align everything before signing

Completion day is not the best moment to discover transfer limits, missing bank cheques or incomplete bank instructions. Confirm in writing how the balance of the price will be paid and who receives each amount.

If there is a mortgage, confirm whether the bank transfers at the signing, issues a bank cheque or sends a representative. If the seller has an existing mortgage, confirm whether part of the price goes directly to repay it and how the cancellation document will be issued.

On deed day

Read the essential details before signing: names, tax numbers, property identification, price, payment method, mortgage, seller statements, energy certificate reference and credit conditions. If something does not match, stop and ask for clarification.

Key handover should also be concrete. Include door keys, mailbox, garage, storage room, remotes, cards, alarm codes, manuals, guarantees and condominium administrator contact.

After completion

After signing, confirm that the land registration is completed or ask for proof of submission. The land registry is what lets you check the legal status of the property, including ownership and charges.

In the following weeks, handle the practical changes: water, electricity and gas contracts, fiscal address, insurance, condominium, resident parking permit where relevant and temporary IMI exemption if you qualify. For IMI, the request is made after changing address and within the applicable period after the deed.

Next step

In the week of completion, run one closing call with the bank, seller and professional handling the act. If an answer is vague, ask for written confirmation. The goal is to reach signing day without improvising.