Buying a property abroad can be a daunting prospect, but here at Chavetejo, our aim  is to help you through the whole process with the minimum amount of fuss.

When you are looking to purchase a property abroad, whether for the first time or the fifth, our advice is the same - ensure you are completely satisfied and happy to start the purchase procedure before you part with any money.

The purchasing process here in Portugal is relatively straight forward and follows a set procedure. In Portugal all estate agents or imobilária are licensed and regulated by the government. By law all licensed agents must display their AMI number on all documents and property advertisements. The governing body which oversees all agencies in Portugal is Instituto da Construção e do Imobiliário INCI.

However to purchase any property in Portugal you will need to have a 'Numéro Fiscal de Contribuinte' or tax card, which we here at Chavetejo will help you obtain.

Once you have found the property you wish to purchase, simply make an offer to the owner. If this offer is accepted then the next step is to sign a 'Contrato de Promessa de Compra e Venda, then the property is secured.

A promessa contract is drawn up by an 'advogada' (or lawyer) and signed by both the sellers and the buyers and a deposit is handed over. Once all parties have signed, the lawyer registers this document online. A deposit is required to be given, usually around 10%, by the buyers at this stage. It is worthwhile to note the contract ensures you will not be gazumped and it will usually state the date for the 'Escritura' or completion.

Prior to the escritura you will have to pay 'Imposto Municipal Sobre as Transmissões' or IMT tax, if relevant, at the local finanças office at least three days prior to the final signing. If you are taking out a mortgage to purchase your property, then this will have to be registered with the Conservatória do Registo Predial (land registry office) at least 15 days prior to the signing, however your appointed advogada will usually take care of this for you.

Once you've completed the Escritura you will need to register your property at the Conservatória and at the local Finanças, to ensure the annual rates bills are received in your name. However if the property is to be your sole residence then you can apply for an exemption from rates.