After buying a property in Portugal, it is necessary to deal with a set of important matters and details. We talk about choosing and hiring a company to supply electricity, water, telephone and internet communications, gardening, cleaning, minor maintenance and renovations, etc.

In the following months and years, it is necessary to check and pay the bills, inspect the maintenance and cleanliness of the property, check the mailbox (with many sheets of advertising), etc.

Even with the internet and online payment services, detailed attention and personal care is still necessary to avoid that the purchase of a property in Portugal become frustrating.

In Portugal, usually, the seller of a property (new or used) does not keep electricity, gas, water, etc. Therefore, the buyer’s first task is to sign a contract with the companies that provide these services.

1 – Free price market

In Portugal, the market for all these services (with the exception of water) operates on a commercial basis with free price competition. Each company offers different types of contracts and prices, depending on the needs and lifestyle of each client. The buyer must therefore research and understand very well which company offers the best type of contract/price. Supplies are paid monthly, through counting done by mechanisms called “accountants”.

Once the contract has been signed with each company, the next step is to install/reconnect electricity, water and gas. For that, in general, the technicians of each company will have to go to the property to activate these meters. For this, it is necessary that the owner or his representative be present to allow the technician access to the property, monitor the work and sign the final document.

2 – Supply of gas only after inspection/certification of the property

Regarding the supply of gas, a prior inspection / certification of the property by an independent accredited technician is always necessary to certify the security of the property.This inspection is always paid for in advance. If the gas inspector finds any anomaly or problem in the property, he will issue an order of necessary work, and the owner is obliged to comply within a normally short period of time. Only after a second inspection (also paid in advance) will the inspector verify that the property is in a safe situation and give the gas supply company authorization to install/reactivate the meter.

3 – Supply of piped water

With regard to the supply of piped water, this is the only service in which there is only one company per geographical area that manages and supplies water. These companies usually belong to the Portuguese State. There is, therefore, no competitive market in this sector.

The owner must contact the local supply company and schedule the installation/reconnection of the meter.

4 – Telephone and internet communications companies

There are several companies in Portugal that supply telephone communications and internet services, with different types of contracts and prices.

The owner has to research the best type of contract and price for his lifestyle.

After the service contract is signed, a visit to the company’s technician will be scheduled to verify the property and connect the service.

5 – Garbage Management

In Portugal, the management and transport of waste is completely free of charge and carried out by the local public authority. Residents just have to select the different types of garbage (glass, paper, plastic, metal, cooking oil, batteries, or undifferentiated) and put it in the dumps available on the streets.

For free discard of damaged furniture and large broken equipment, the owner will have to schedule in advance the day and time that discard to the public waste management service.

6 – Surveillance, cleaning, gardening, swimming pool, etc.

In Portugal, there are very qualified companies that provide services related to the property, on an all-inclusive basis, such as materials, equipment and employees.

The owner may also hire workers on a price/hour basis and buy the products and equipment at his own expense.

In both cases, it is always necessary to pay attention and monitor the services provided, as they tend to become routine and lose some quality over time.

7 – Maintenance services

Frequently, It is necessary to inspect the property to ensure that it is safe and in good condition. The owner who is away from the property for long periods of time, must provide access to someone so that he can regularly check the condition of the property and carry out, in due time, the repair and maintenance work.

In Portugal, there are very qualified companies in the maintenance of properties. These companies charge rather high prices for Portuguese purchasing power because they use good quality products and skilled workers.