Selling a property can represent a major decision, both financially and emotionally.
Our Seller´s Handbook guides you through a step by step process, with information to ensure you make a confident and definitive decision.
The second edition of Mapro's lifestyle magazine, The Scene. Your handbook to life in the Algarve and your guide to the local property market.
DISCLAIMER Before selling your property, we encourage you to find out about the process and costs involved in the purchase. Choose a good lawyer. A lawyer with experience in this area will check the ownership of the property, taxation history and registered deeds, at the same time that an independent inspector analyzes the condition of the property.
SUZANA BENTO MAPRO | KNIGHT FRANK
Our Story
Having sold nearly all 45 plots of the first phase in the first year, the exchange of owners buying into Quinta Verde and selling their properties in Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and the surrounding areas, connected Mapro, and our client base grew from strength to strength. Mapro’s involvement in Quinta Verde set a ground-breaking milestone.
This established recognition and credibility, as one of the most experienced and stable agents in today’s market. Mapro has grown organically over the years and we are now excited to learn, grow and deliver as an official Knight Frank co-branded associate.
We believe you deserve the personal attention and professional expertise that we have become known for. We are a fully licensed Portuguese agent with over 30 years of local knowledge and experience in the market. Whether buying or selling, our goal is to deliver yours, by providing a straight forward, simple and stress free experience.
A company’s success hinges on the excellence of its team members."
SANDRINE PIRES FRED MACIEIRA SUZANA BENTO SANDRA NEVES SAM REMUS FILIPA SILVA
Selling Process
INFORMED & ENGAGE PROFESSIONALS
Before listing your property for sale, consult with your lawyer to fully understand the legal process, tax implications, and costs involved. This ensures a smooth transaction and helps you make informed decisions throughout the sale.
DEFINE THE CONDITIONS OF SALE
Beyond determining the sale price, it is crucial to agree on the key terms and conditions of the transaction with the buyer. These may include timelines, included fixtures or furniture, and any other specific agreements that need to be outlined before proceeding.
The buyer’s lawyer will require all necessary property documents to conduct due diligence and verify the property’s title. At this stage, it is also mandatory to provide your real estate agent with a Know Your Client (KYC) form and ensure all relevant documents are up to date.
(CONTRATO DE PROMESSA DE COMPRA E VENDA – CPCV)
Once all legal checks are completed and the terms agreed upon, a Promissory Contract (CPCV) is drawn up.
Typically, a 10% deposit is paid upon signing this contract. Under Portuguese law: If the buyer defaults, they forfeit the deposit. If the seller defaults, they must refund double the deposit to the buyer.
STEP FINAL DEED & OWNERSHIP TRANSFER (ESCRITURA DE COMPRA E VENDA)
The final deed (Escritura) is signed before a notary or at the local land registry office. At this stage, the remaining balance is paid, and ownership is officially transferred to the buyer. The new ownership is then registered in the Land Registry (Registo Predial)
Selling Costs
INHERITANCE TAX
Portugal does not impose inheritance tax on direct ascendants and descendants. Transfers of property by inheritance or gift between spouses, as well as to direct descendants and ascendants, are fully exempt from taxation.
Close family members are fully exempt, including:
Spouse or civil partner
Children and stepchildren
Grandchildren
Parents and grandparents
These relatives only pay 0.8% Stamp Duty on gifted or inherited assets, like property.
For all other individuals and corporate entities, a flat tax rate of 10% applies. This exemption is specifically applicable to residents in Portugal. If you are not a resident, it is advisable to review the relevant legislation in your country of residence, as additional legal or tax obligations may apply.
In Portugal, an estate will not be subject to inheritance tax as long as the beneficiaries are direct ascendants, descendants, or spouses.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
The following documents are mandatory when listing your property for sale:
Owners ID – Passport or National ID
Ultimate Beneficiary Declaration RCBE - Registo
Central do Beneficiário Efectivo
If the Property is held in a Company
Fiscal Number NIF
Proof of Tax Residential Address
Valid Land Registry Registo Predial
Valid Tax Document Caderneta Predial
Habitation License if applicable Licença de Habitação
Technical Property Documents Ficha Técnica
Council Approved Plans Telas Finais
Energy Certificate Certificado Energético
Cadastral Registration Registo Cadastral
KYC Know Your Client
Capital Gains Tax
TAX ON PROPERTIES OWNED BY COMPANIES PORTUGUESE COMPANIES
A Portuguese company selling a property out of the company structure is subject to Corporate Income Tax (IRC) up to 21% on the gain.
Renovation costs invoiced to the company have no limited validation period.
Resident beneficiaries will be subject to a 14% tax if the company is deemed a micro company.
Non-resident beneficiaries will be subject to a 28% tax on the gain. This may be reduced to 14%, for specific micro company transactions, if the company is owned for a minimum 12-month period.
Shareholders' loans can be deducted from this CGT.
Licensed real estate fees are also deductible.
TAX ON PROPERTIES OWNED BY COMPANIES NON-RESIDENT COMPANIES
In the sale of a non-resident company holding a property, a CGT of 28% will be triggered and may be taxed in the country of the seller´s tax residence. OR there may be additional tax in the seller´s country of tax residence.
When a non-resident company sells a property in Portugal and generates a gain, Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is applied at a rate of 25%, payable by the beneficiary. In 2025 this gain may be reduced to residents, but non-residents will need to align with CGT in their country of tax residence.
Renovation costs invoiced to the company have a 12-year limited validation period.
Shareholders’ loans can be deducted from CGT.
Licensed real estate fees are also deductible.
The information provided serves as a guideline only, as your tax residence will affect your individual tax obligations. Please consult your tax advisor for personalised advice.
Sales Collateral
VISUAL MARKETING
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO
High-quality imagery is essential to capturing attention. We arrange professional photos and videos showcasing both the interiors and exteriors of your property. This includes striking drone footage to highlight the home's setting and surroundings.
WALKTHROUGH TOURS
Short-form and full-length walkthrough videos are produced to bring the property to life for remote and international buyers. These are optimized for both social media and our website.
CUSTOM BROCHURES
We create bespoke digital and print brochures, professionally designed to highlight the property's key features and appeal to discerning buyers.
PLOT & FLOOR PLANS
Our team prepares clear and attractive layout and plot plans based on the information provided, allowing potential buyers to fully visualize the property’s footprint.
DIGITAL PRESENCE
PAID DIGITAL MEDIA
We implement highly targeted paid media campaigns across Google, Meta (Facebook & Instagram), and other strategic ad networks. These campaigns are crafted to attract motivated buyers through remarketing, demographic targeting, and behaviour-based segmentation. Each campaign is monitored and refined regularly to ensure optimal performance and cost efficiency.
Sales Collateral
STRATEGIC OUTREACH
CRM & BUYER DATABASE
Our advanced CRM system enables us to match your property with our network of qualified buyers. By tracking buyer preferences and behaviours, we can provide timely, personalized communication and recommendations.
KNIGHT FRANK GLOBAL NETWORK
Your property will be promoted through the Knight Frank Private Office, Sporting & Entertainment Desk, and their wider network, including international offices and strategic UK-based contacts — giving you access to a global audience of high-net-worth individuals.
TRADITIONAL MARKETING
OUTDOOR ADVERTISING
We maintain a strategic presence through billboard placements in high-visibility areas across the Algarve. These long term placements ensure consistent exposure to both locals and visitors.
MAGAZINE FEATURE
Your property may be featured in The Scene - our annual lifestyle and market insight magazine, distributed to a qualified readership both locally and internationally. The publication highlights the Algarve lifestyle, offers a general overview of the property market including taxation and visa guidance, and showcases premium property opportunities, primarily in the Algarve but also in select international destinations.
KNIGHT FRANK MEDIA COLLABORATIONS
In addition to local exposure, we collaborate with Knight Frank on traditional media campaigns, securing features and property placements in renowned international publications. These include luxury lifestyle magazines and industry leading property showcases, offering exceptional visibility to a global buyer base.
The Global Network
As an official co-branded associate of the Knight Frank network, we are connected to the Knight Frank International portfolio. This includes access to the Knight Frank website, social media platforms, international property platforms, annual reports and publications such as The Wealth Report, Quantifying ESG in real estate, The Ski Report, The View, Africa Horizons, Active Capital including The intelligence Talks publications and podcasts.
We are delighted to celebrate this association with Mapro Real Estate that further strengthens our already impressive Portuguese network.
Our London and Global International teams are excited to work closely with Mapro to promote some of the superb opportunities that this region boasts in both a proactive and innovative manner.
Having worked closely with Suzana and her team, I can say with enormous confidence that they epitomise our core beliefs with an excellent quality of service, in depth market knowledge as well as, of course, being trusted advisors to all our clients.”
ALEXANDER KOCH DE GOOREYND PARTNER, KNIGHT FRANK INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE OFFICE
Viewing & Reporting Process
VIEWING
Confidentiality
Qualifying Buyers
Scheduling & Notice of Visits
Property Preparation
REPORTING
Regularity
Format
Detail to be Included
Viewing Feedback
Client Expectations
DOCUMENT REQUEST
Owners Identification
Owners Fiscal Number (NIF)
Proof of Owners Residential Address
Ultimate Beneficiary Declaration (RCBE - Registo Central do Beneficiário Efectivo)
VALID PROPERTY DOCUMENTS
Land Registry (Registo Predial)
Tax Document (Caderneta Predial)
Habitation License (Licença de Habitação)
Energy Certificate (Certificado Energético)
Council Approved Plans (Telas Finais)
Cadastral Registration (Registo Cadestral)
Property Documents (Ficha Técnica)
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION AND LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
As fully licensed agents, we are required to collect specific documentation prior to listing your property. These documents are typically provided by your legal representative and must be accompanied by a signed mandate agreement.
During this stage, we also encourage open discussion regarding any known irregularities—such as planning or licensing issues. These matters are not uncommon and, when disclosed early, allow us to manage buyer expectations appropriately and reduce the risk of complications during the sales process.
All offers will be promptly communicated to you. Should an offer be of interest, we will work diligently to negotiate the most favourable terms on your behalf. Once a sale is agreed, we will provide a detailed summary of the agreement for your review and approval. This will include the sale price, deposit structure, timeline, included contents, and any other agreed conditions. We will then liaise with the legal representatives of both parties to ensure all details are accurately conveyed and facilitate a smooth and coordinated transition through to completion.
AGENCY FEES & MARKETING VALUE
In continental Europe, it is not uncommon for estate agents to charge fees of around 6%, with costs sometimes shared between buyer and seller. In Portugal, however, agency fees are typically the responsibility of the seller, with the industry standard practising 5% plus VAT-though this can vary depending on the agreement.
Importantly, the invoice from a licensed agent is deductible against your capital gains liability.
When choosing an agent, it is essential to consider not only their fee structure but also the scope and quality of the marketing they offer. A comprehensive marketing strategy is key to achieving the best possible result. Be sure to clarify whether their full marketing package is included in their fee, and only payable upon a successful sale.
It is also standard for the mandate to outline a 50% payment of the agency fee at the promissory contract stage, provided a deposit of at least 10% is exchanged, with the remaining 50% due upon completion of the deed. These terms and conditions are to be discussed with your agent.
EXCLUSIVE VS. MULTI-AGENCY REPRESENTATION
While listing your property with multiple agents is relatively common in Portugal, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks. Many agents advertise on the same property portals, which can result in your property appearing multiple times with different branding, prices, or details. This can create confusion for buyers and its over exposure may send a negative signal about the property's marketability.
Opting for an exclusive mandate allows for more cohesive marketing, clearer communication, and often better control over property access for viewings in addition to the agent working multiple buyers for your property at the same time, creating an opportunity to work at attainting the best conditions for the sale for consideration.
At Mapro | Knight Frank, all marketing and advertising costs are included in our service, and fees are only payable upon a successful sale.
Testimonials
GL SELLER - LOULÉ
Sam was appointed as our agent for the sale of our property in Loulé. We are very grateful and impressed by the level of service and support he provided particularly as the sale has been fairly complex and convoluted. We have no hesitation in recommending Mapro. Suzana and her team, and in particular Sam, to help you to sell or buy your home in the Algarve.
GK SELLER - ALMANCIL
Mapro sold my property in 2024. I found Sandra and her team to be very helpful, professional and efficient. I would have no hesitation in recommending Mapro.
DD SELLER - QUINTA DO LAGO
Would highly recommend Mapro Real Estate. We had a fantastic experience with the Mapro Team especially Sandra Neves. Excellent service, considerate & patient, adaptable and with fantastic attention to detail and post sale follow up.
