Don't Buy Someone Else's €40,000 Problem

A comprehensive inspection includes: structural assessment (foundations, walls, roof), moisture and damp evaluation (thermal imaging, moisture meters), electrical and plumbing systems check, illegal additions and permit verification, energy efficiency assessment, and detailed written report with photos and remediation cost estimates. The inspection typically takes 2-4 hours on-site plus report preparation.

Schedule the inspection immediately after your offer is accepted but BEFORE signing the CPCV. This allows you to: 1) Identify issues before committing, 2) Negotiate repairs or price reductions, 3) Add inspection contingencies to CPCV, 4) Make informed purchase decision. If you wait until after CPCV signing, you're committed to buy regardless of findings.

If major problems are found, you have options: 1) Negotiate seller repairs before purchase, 2) Negotiate price reduction to cover repair costs, 3) Request seller provide remediation before deed, 4) Walk away (if inspection contingency in CPCV), 5) Proceed with full knowledge and budget for repairs. Your lawyer can help negotiate based on inspection findings.

Basic pre-purchase inspection: €400-€800. Structural engineering report: €600-€1,200. Moisture survey: €300-€600. Legal compliance check: €500-€1,000. Comprehensive deep-dive (all services): €1,200-€2,500. Costs vary by property size, age, and location. Larger or older properties cost more. The investment is minimal compared to discovering €10,000+ problems after purchase.

No, you must use Portuguese-licensed professionals. Property inspections require: knowledge of Portuguese building codes, understanding of local construction methods, familiarity with common Portuguese property issues (rising damp, illegal additions), and ability to provide legally valid reports. Use licensed civil engineers (engenheiros civis) or certified home inspectors registered in Portugal.

Rising damp is moisture that rises from the ground through walls via capillary action. It's extremely common in older Portuguese buildings (pre-1980s) due to lack of damp-proof courses. Symptoms: damp walls, peeling paint, musty smell, mold growth. Remediation requires: installing damp-proof course, replastering walls, improving ventilation. Costs: €5,000-€15,000+ depending on severity. It's a major issue that significantly affects property value and livability.