What should I check before renovating a property I just bought in Portugal?

Start with the licensing status (pre-1951 exemption or usage licence), an independent condition survey, and the property's EPC rating. These three determine your permit obligations and realistic budget before you scope any actual renovation work.

Do I need a permit before I start renovating a newly purchased property?

It depends on scope. Cosmetic work usually needs no permit. Structural changes, façade alterations, or moving plumbing and electrical risers typically require a comunicação prévia or full licenciamento from the câmara municipal, confirmed before work begins, not after.

How soon after buying should I get a condition survey?

Ideally before you finalise any renovation budget. An independent inspection establishes a documented baseline, which protects you if a contractor later claims pre-existing damage was part of their work, or vice versa.

Does the pre-1951 rule mean I can renovate without a permit?

Not automatically. A property that predates 1951 can qualify for a licensing exemption under the RJUE, but the exemption depends on continuous use and prior alterations, and is frequently misapplied. Confirm your property's specific status with your câmara municipal before assuming the exemption covers your planned work.

Post-purchase · Last updated July 2026

Just bought a property in Portugal? Start here.

Before committing to a renovation budget on a property you've just bought in Portugal, confirm three things: the licensing status against the caderneta predial, an independent condition survey covering structure, electrics and plumbing, and the property's EPC energy rating. A property rated D or below may trigger the EU renovation passport obligation, in force in Portugal since 29 May 2026. Get these three checks right first, whether the property is in Cascais, Lisboa or Sintra, and every quote that follows will be scoped against a verified baseline instead of guesswork.

Before you scope anything

What to check first

Confirm the licensing status

Check the property's caderneta predial and, if it predates 1951, whether it holds a valid pre-51 exemption or a usage licence (licença de utilização). This determines what you can change without triggering full licenciamento.

Get an independent condition survey

Before scoping any renovation, a qualified inspector should document the existing structure, plumbing, electrics, and roof condition. This becomes the baseline for every quote you receive.

Check the EPC rating

If the property is rated D or below, it may fall under the EU renovation passport obligation. Some upgrade stages are effectively mandatory before certain sales or rentals.

Separate must-do from nice-to-have

Structural, electrical, and plumbing issues take priority. Kitchens and bathrooms can usually wait a phase if the budget is tight.

Once the licensing and condition picture is clear, most new owners move straight into scoping the actual work. remodel.pt handles this the same way regardless of the property's history: an English-language intake form, competitive quotes from alvará-verified contractors, an independent pre-renovation inspection, and staged payments tied to milestone sign-off.

Read the full guide to the 1951 rule and pre-51 exemptions →See what the EU renovation passport means for your EPC rating →

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