Things you need to do before building a house in Portugal
Are you dreaming of your relocation to Portugal? You certainly are not alone. People of all ages and from all over are starting to realize just how special Portugal is and are starting to make plans to call it their new home. Many of those people, like yourself, even have big dreams of building the home of their dream home in this sunny country. Before you set out on your Portuguese house-building journey, several things need to be done to ensure a smooth process from start to finish. This article will discuss the important steps that must be taken before building a house in Portugal, including obtaining the necessary building permit and understanding Portuguese home-building regulations. Read on to learn more about the essential prerequisites for building a house in Portugal!
Understanding basic planning permission in Portugal
In Portugal, before you can start building your house, you will need to obtain a “Licença de Construção” or construction license (building permit). This document is issued by the local municipality and permits you to proceed with your project. There are two types of construction licenses in Portugal: ● A Licença de Obra Pública (LOP), which is required for any work considered public interest, such as roads, bridges, dams, etc. ● A Licença de Obra Particular (LOP) is required for all other construction projects, such as private homes. To apply for a building permit, you will need to submit several documents to the municipality, including the following: ● A project description ● An architect's report ● Plans and drawings ● A certificate of ownership ● Proof of planning permission ● And other supporting documents as required.
Getting started with your build
1. Research the Portuguese property market
Before making any decisions, it's important to do your research on the Portuguese property market. Look at prices in different regions and compare them to your budget. It's also worth considering the rental potential of your property if you're planning on living in it part-time.
2. Find the right location
Once you've decided where to build your home in Portugal, it's time to start looking for land or a plot. It's important to consider factors like proximity to amenities, transport links, and the local community.
3. Get professional help
Unless you're an experienced builder or architect, it's advisable to get professional help when planning and to construct your home in Portugal. A good architect can help you navigate the planning process and ensure that your construction project meets all the relevant regulations.
Planning for architecture
The city council will approve you to build on your chosen plot of land once you have done a topographical survey and presented an architectural plan, both of which must be approved. You'll need specialized plans for waste disposal, water, gas, electricity, and communications. The city hall will then analyze all these plans and decide whether to grant you a building permit in Portugal after you've done this.
Starting construction and the usage permit
Before the construction ball gets rolling, you must find a supervisor to oversee the project and keep a construction site diary. In the construction site diary, the civil engineer will keep all the necessary information regarding construction. Then, to move into your new home, you will need to return to the city council for one final document: the usage permit. As long as the original project has not changed, you can apply for a housing permit and water and sewage inspections. A final permit must be obtained from the city council's urbanism department. All of this indeed costs money. And then, congrats! Your relocation to Portugal dreams have been fulfilled, and you can move into your new home.
Quick Summary
In summary, building a house in Portugal requires obtaining a "Licença de Construção" or construction license (building permit) from the local municipality. Two types of licenses are available: one for work considered public interest, and one for all other construction projects. To apply for a permit, you will need to submit a project description, architect's report, plans and drawings, certificate of ownership, proof of planning permission and other supporting documents. Before starting the process, it's important to research the Portuguese property market, find the right location and get professional help. Additionally, a topographical survey and architectural plan must be approved by the city council before construction can begin.
