Checklist for property viewings in Portugal: What buyers in the Algarve should look out for

The Algarve is a property buyer's paradise: it attracts numerous people every year who want to enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle, mild climate and stunning coastlines and beaches permanently. But buying a property is a significant investment. A thorough on-site inspection is essential to avoid surprises later on. As your real estate agent in the Algarve, we would like to help you with this practical checklist to consider all the important points - compact, clear and tailored to the Portuguese real estate market.

👉 We also provide you with a shortened version of the checklist as a PDF download, ideal for your next viewing tour.

1. Location, location, location – why the environment counts more than first impressions

The location of a property is the decisive factor for the later value of the investment and your quality of life. In the Algarve, this not only means that the house should be beautifully located, it is also important to consider all the practical aspects of the environment.

• Check distances: How far is it to the nearest supermarket, café, hospital or beach? If you travel a lot, the proximity to the motorway or the airport could also be important.
• Neighborhood and surroundings: A beautiful house in a less attractive area can be problematic in the long run. Pay attention to how the neighborhood looks. Is it quiet, or is there a lot of traffic and noise?
• Sea view as a real plus or a deceptive attraction? An unobstructed view of the sea is a dream for many buyers and significantly increases the resale value. But be careful: Check whether the sea view is permanently secured or could be impaired by future development. There are ongoing or planned construction projects in many popular Algarve areas.

The Algarve is big – from the natural western Algarve to the lively east, there are huge differences in lifestyle! We've summarised helpful information on the different places in the Algarve in our blog post "The best places to buy property in the Algarve: Which location suits me? Your comprehensive guide from east to west."

2. Critically examine the condition of the house: No chance for hidden defects

The first, outward appearance can be deceiving. When viewing a property in the Algarve, you should focus on the condition of the building in addition to beautiful details.

• Plumbing and electrics: Check taps, showers, toilets, and electrics. Make sure everything is working and there are no leaks.
• Moisture and mold: Moisture damage is particularly relevant in the Algarve due to the high level of humidity. Look for traces of moisture on walls, especially in basements or bathrooms and behind furniture. Water stains on the ceiling could indicate roof problems. Also pay attention to the windows and whether they are well insulated. Do they have damage that could affect energy efficiency?

3. Special aspects of real estate in the Algarve

In the Algarve, there are some special aspects that need to be considered when buying a property. Especially if you want to rent out the property later, you should definitely consider these points.

• Pool and garden: Maintaining a garden and pool can be expensive, especially for large plots. Check the condition of the pool (e.g. cracks in the pool, dirt) and have the condition of the garden irrigation system explained to you.
• Air conditioning and heating system: The Algarve has a mild climate, but also hot summers and cool winters. Therefore, pay attention to whether a powerful and energy-efficient air conditioning system is available. A reversible air conditioning system (split system) is ideal, which cools in summer and heats reliably in winter. If this is not available, you should check whether the property has an additional heating system.
• AL license (Alojamento Local): If you plan to rent out the property as a holiday accommodation, you must have a valid Alojamento Local (AL) license. Without this licence, you cannot operate a legal holiday rental business, which is particularly important for investors. In so-called "tourist resorts", this license is usually already included. If an AL license already exists, it can usually be transferred to the new owner. You can find more details in our blog article: "Rental and AL licenses in the Algarve in 2025: everything you need to know about the latest changes."
• Operating costs: Find out about the ongoing operating costs – especially for electricity, water, garbage collection or any community fees. These can vary depending on the region, provider or resort and should be included in your calculation.

4. Avoid legal stumbling blocks: Which documents are important

A careful look at the legal documents and building permits is essential to avoid unpleasant surprises later. In Portugal, legal hurdles can quickly arise if important documents are missing. Have all documents checked by a lawyer before you sign the contracts. Especially with older properties, missing permits and unauthorized conversion measures can occur, which could later lead to legal and financial problems.

• Land Registry Extract ("Caderneta Predial") and Proof of Ownership ("Certidão Permanente"): These documents prove that the seller is indeed the rightful owner and that there are no outstanding legal claims against the property.
• Building permits: It is crucial that all relevant conversions and extensions have been properly approved and registered. Unapproved structural changes can cause problems later on, especially if you want to rent out or resell the property.
• Energy certificate ("Certificado Energético"): The energy certificate is mandatory when selling or renting a property in Portugal and is valid for up to 10 years. Make sure they are up-to-date and valid.
• Certificate of Use ("Licença de Utilização"): This document confirms that the building has been completed and authorised in accordance with its intended use (e.g. residential use). If this certificate is missing, the house may not be officially occupied. Banks also require this for financing purposes.
• IMI Tax Certificate: Make sure that there are no open property tax obligations ("Imposto Municipal sobre Imóveis"). The current tax assessment shows whether the seller is at peace with all taxes. Otherwise, outstanding amounts could be transferred to you as the buyer.

5. Emotions vs. Facts: How to Make a Well-Considered Purchase Decision

Buying a property is not only a financial investment, but also an emotional decision. Especially in a region like the Algarve, where many dream of the Mediterranean lifestyle. But this is precisely why it is important to let the facts speak for themselves in addition to gut feeling.

After each visit, it is worthwhile to reflect on the impressions systematically:
What did you like? Which points made you think? Record these thoughts in a pros and cons list. This will help you keep track of everything, especially if you're comparing multiple properties. Often, the true value of a property only becomes apparent at second glance. Give yourself some distance: Sleep on your decision for a night to gain clarity, especially for large investments, and arrange a second viewing if necessary.

Conclusion: With the right preparation to the best decision

A property viewing in the Algarve is an exciting step on the way to your new home or holiday property. With careful preparation and a clear checklist, you can ensure that you consider all the important factors and don't have any unpleasant surprises later. As your local real estate agent, we accompany you competently, personally and with a trained eye for detail - so that you can find the property that really suits you.

Would you like to take the next step?
Feel free to contact us for an individual consultation or arrange your viewing directly.

Bonus: Your personal checklist for viewing – compact & free of charge as a PDF