Buying Property in Portugal - The 1951 Rule. 🇵🇹 Can You Really Live There So Easily ??

[@FontedaPipaPortugueseFarmLife]

If you found this video of help please think about buying us a coffee, this video took weeks in the making. 🙂

[@garethoswald3392]

How can i contact you with my story. Of portugal property purchase.

[@thefashiongoddesschannel8099]

Hello, just found your channel. Very interesting. I'm from western suburbs of Chicago and the first settlement of all Illinois, known as Brookfield and LaGrange, where you won't find more laws on the books anywhere else on the planet, and where inspectors will stalk you for years in order to catch you changing doorknobs or kitchen counters, and regularly pick through your garbage for evidence to use against you. They'll blow right past your "No Tresspassing," signs and your Constitutional rights, and then order your water, electric current off, red tag your house so you cannot enter the land or building, then send the para-military swat team to shoot you dead in your own back yard. I'm living proof, and only still alive because I refused to get up out of my chair. I know the tricks too, and knew not to stand up. I'm also a contractor, State certified. And I will tell you, a lot of these same situations, are elsewhere, except in the U.S. our laws are the most entangling and unconstitutional than anywhere else. Under Judeo-Christian law, Tresspassing is the oldest law known to mankind, is recognized anywhere, besides that of marriage. This law, was absorbed and grandfathered into every Christian case law in every country. Ususally, the seas surpass any rights of government, but, most people aren't well educated in this, and don't know how to use those laws. I'm leaving the U.S., because of the hellhole it has become. My family signed that Constitution, and died in every war this treasonous government has gotten us into, like the present WWlll, and tresspassed their way into our daily lives. :-( I'm from thousands of years of farmers and homesteaders, so that's my goal. You're right about the barn living, Chicago and Cook County cops would drag you out by the hair on your head, then trial you in Maywood where the cop killers and gangs are trialed. There are many barn conversion channels here, yes. I've spent plenty of my life, using forested toilets, and now, I thank God for the toughening. It will come in handy. As we say, "even bears shit in the woods."

[@thefashiongoddesschannel8099]

@@JOHNDANIEL1 Exactly, EU private corporation, was bought by U.N., a private corporation, under the dictates of the U.S.A., an older private corporation puppet committee.

[@aliencactus720]

It is also true though, that many Camaras do look they other way, if you are someone with a hut or similar, that you might not technically spend the entire year at - and there are so many people living on rustic land. Though, so many agents imply "buy a yurt and live in it" - rustic land does have 'habitation' possibility but that was back in the old days, when say, families went out for olive harvest and stayed on the land or week or so while doing it but things are a bit tightened up maybe. 30 years ago, you could drive around in a totally unregistered car and the police would not care ( in rural areas ). Also, rural people have their winter home in the town and summer might be more on the land guaranteed in the past, 50 plus years ago, rural people lived a lot of time on their land wit their animals and working on the land. In modern terms the "stay on rustic land while lambing season' obviously is outdated and no longer applies in massively deserted countryside. So the modern equivalents might be:: stay on the land to tend your hydroponics or raised beds etc. Seems the massive influx of outsiders who have basically rescued and revived land, has led to looser or flexible interpretations on the 'fine points' on what where commonly used places, especially in Camara areas that were basically dead and dying of life, without foreign presence and investment to revive them.

[@thereisacrack3]

At last someone is saying this and being heard. As Portuguese, I’ve always been bewildered by all those foreign youtubers buying agricultural land (greenfield sites) and turning barns into houses DIY, no plans or permits whatsoever, and then broadcasting it to the world. A house built prior to 1951 will, generally, go without a living permit - but ony a house! A barn is not a house, just like a chicken coop, a shed or a pigstale are not houses. I’ve seen some people trying to convey this message in other videos, but were usually shunned as if they were simply being hateful to forigners. There is a reason why Portuguese people are not doing the same… Still, many of us have converted barns into houses legally, as is obvious, after getting a permit and submiting a proper plan. Yes, it will be a somewhat lenghty and expensive endeavour. Does that come as a surprise to any European or American? Besides, although codes and regulations vary from one place to another, many DIY home “improvments” are ilegal in most western countries. You need a licenced builder to make them - and, again, does that come as a surprise to any European or American? I am not saying that real estate agents and local solicitors are straighforward lying to you, but mind this: they want to sell; they realize many municipalities are not actively enforcing the law (usually in areas that are becoming deserted, and they want to see repopulated); and also, this “trend” is a relatively recent phenomena in Central Portugal, meaning local authorities have not yet “made their minds” about it - unlike, for exemple, in the Algarve, where you cannot build anything without permits (maybe if you “hide” in the mountains, but I wouldn´t take a risk). And don´t forget that having to pay a fine and demolish all that you’ve built is not the only risk: every summer dozens of ilegal houses burn down because they are not identified in any oficial planning. And, if you plan on ever selling your property, remember that no matter how much work and money you’ve put into an ilegal house, it won’t enhance property value. Could even devalue it; I was thinking about buying a house with land a few months ago, but, when noticed there were ilegal buildings in the property, I said I would’t unless they were previously legalized or knocked down. Plus, stop showing the whole world your “barn conversions”! I cringe when I see all these people, many times young couples, naiifly broadcasting every move they make in their agricultural land and buildings, putting theirs and others endeavours at risk. How long do you think it will take before all those videos begin to tickle the nose of the local authorities? There is no reason to avoid contacting the municipality directly. In most cases there will be someone able to help you in English. Besides, if you want to come in live in a certain region, you should start regarding it as YOUR region, and the municipality as YOUR municipality. They are not your enemies that you must hide from.

[@annashealthylifeeverything8583]

you are wrong about one thing. yes governments and municipalities ARE enemies. you just didn't realise it yet

[@geillis8248]

So how is the bigger channels who have vlogged stating after this video in comments theirs is legal then?, I won't name the channel because get jumped on again, but they converted a tiny barn into a house, if your saying government won't allow it, why is the channel stating theirs is allowed, makes no sense. Is there certain circumstances where it is allowed?

[@annashealthylifeeverything8583]

@@geillis8248 you can convert a barn into a house but it will cost you a lot of money to do it legally. you will need to seek permission with an architect made project. As they said in this vlog DIY is not quite legal so you will need also to put a legal building team on this project. And it's not 100% the camara will approve the project because of other circumstances mentioned in this vlog. If you got the project approved and the conversion is finished they will give you habitation license and you will also need energy certification. And the land the house on will also need to be changed to "urban". This particular channel you are talking about I don't know if they have taken all these steps, I don't watch them. it doesn't look like this. He said that their conversion is legal but didn't explain why, it tells a lot I think

[@geillis8248]

​@Annas healthy life &everything OK Thank you for explaining it ,makes sense, well I challenged said person off said channel to provide. Full proof they had it all " legal" way before they started converting, as in seeing a date and timed officially, didn't get a reply back to that, yet went and commented on others, lol, I doubt very much we will ever see that paperwork because most of it was DIY apart from one part, big part actually, even that ended up being finished DIY!

[@thereisacrack3]

@@annashealthylifeeverything8583

[@orlandomontfort5101]

This video is really informative and necessary to bring in a dose of reality. I'm Portuguese and often feel terribly sorry for this twisted idea of life in paradise being protraid in idealistic and romanticised KZbin channels. I think a lot of people are making bad investments based on false info from KZbin channels. Thanks for taking time for such valuable information.

[@FontedaPipaPortugueseFarmLife]

Thank you, just trying to tell it how it is 🙂🙏

[@donnacosta5633]

Yes, I fully agree many folks are making bad investments. They are buying properties that have very little value and can only be used for argricultural use, many are paying as much as ten times what the property is worth. No sane portuguese person would ever consider buying this type of properties, that's why they are abandoned properties.

[@jonaafr]

Your post is very revealing and thank you so much. If I am not wrong, most of those who bought a property and moved to Portugal are Britishers and North Europeans. Many thought and think that they can do "this and that" on the sly without asking for a permit to do so. Every country have their rules and regulations that must be respected. There are hundreds of Utubers postings about buying properties and living their sweet dreams in Portugal (same for Spain) for cheap. Yes, lovely weather conditions, Portuguese or Spanish people are very warm and welcoming, food is cheaper, land and properties are cheaper than Northern Europe. I know of an American couple who came, bought, lived to finally resold their property because they did not respect local laws and made quite some lost. Britishers form the majority of these new immigrants and many forgot that they did Brexit and rules are not the same for them like EU members. All these must be taken into serious consideration before taking the big step. Only advise I can suggest is :- check thoroughly the rules and regulations b4 you make a fatal decision.

[@fightforlife3798]

@@FontedaPipaPortugueseFarmLife You saved my savings. I am indebted to you. Your subscriber from today.

[@FontedaPipaPortugueseFarmLife]

@@fightforlife3798 That is great news, we hope you will carry on your search for a suitable place 👍

[@l.hansens9060]

You think this was boring? This is probably the best video on Portugal I have seen. I kept saying to my wife, who really wants to go there, no way all these works are legal. A real estate agent once told me the Portuguese people don't want those properties and you made it clear why not. He also told me that there is no law in Portugal that forbids you to live on your land. Looks he was deceitful about that as well. They are just waiting for the next chump who believes them so they can sell overpriced land.

[@FontedaPipaPortugueseFarmLife]

I dont think it is boring but with how YTube can be we were a little apprehensive in doing this video but we are very happy people are getting something useful from it, if it helps one not "slip up" then it will be worth it. Yes many Portuguese are elderly and do not want the hassle of fines for not cleaning or just the upkeep of it all. You can never trust any salesman really, it's his job to sell but in this case it is often all of some ones money at risk 🙄 Dont get me wrong some of these barns can be made legal, easily, so the 'dream' is there for people, they just need to to know the pitfalls 🙂👍

[@donnacosta5633]

Most estate agents will say whatever they think will most likely convince the buyer. I've seen plenty of offgrid videos about converting properties that will never get habitation licence. They just don't know it yet... because they bought the property, moved on to it, and started upgrading / building without consulting their local Camara. They'll have a BIG SURPRISE when the fine comes. It may take some time because the Camaras don't have human resources, but if they were to sell, they'd soon find out their property is UNSALABLE. Just saying...

[@anamagalhaes7571]

Quando virem propriedades muito baratas é porque não se pode construir. Não comprem e não comecem a povoar Portugal com barracas sem saneamento básico. A Revolução do 25 de Abril fez-se também para acabar com sa miséria. O movimento hippie saiu de moda. Haja paciência .

[@k-dogg9086]

So the west has gotten very non freedom I deem. Permits for this, permits for that; rules, regulations, red tape, beaurocracy, fines, fees, taxation without representation, and laws telling you what to do even on your own land! OK gotcha. 👍

[@Prometheus7272]

@@k-dogg9086Yes it’s a big shame

[@QGDeclined]

As an American that has been following many of those types of KZbinrs, thank you for the reality check. I personally am a rule follower, I would rather do it right and get all the paperwork. And if I can't afford to do it right, then I can't afford to do it. Thank you so very much for outlining a lot of the little (and big!) details that the others so casually don't mention. Very informative and helpful - and not boring at all for those of us who are serious!

[@simplylive2466]

Just be aware, it is not just about "affording it" financially.. but paperwork/approvals in Portugal can literally take decades.. you think they have met their latest requirements, resubmit, and find a new person on the desk who has a different opinion. My PT partner waiting 40 years for a local municipality decision on his land!

[@sofiaalmeida3770]

I’m grateful for people like you who take the time to make videos like this. I’m Portuguese and have never lived anywhere other than portugal and I didn’t know all you know about this subject. Thank you so much. And it’s true people, this country has some sophisticated laws and it’s not cheap to live here. Proceed with caution.

[@gb4939]

Strangely as a french person and after watching this video, it looks like Portugal has a lot of regulations about housing. I thought France was the worst but obviously I was wrong.

[@thebordenkw486]

I think this family is the most genuine, most down to earth, most likable, most approachable, informative and they are not afraid to show and not just tell (this video aside, and it is still extremely important, informant, and relevant). I love that you take us off the farm occasionally. It shows that you really have a love for your "home." It is apparent to us all. I look forward to warmer days, and your biking trips, and car rides into town. Thank you for loving my home. You three are now as Portuguese as my own family. 💚💚💚💛❤❤

[@FontedaPipaPortugueseFarmLife]

What a lovely comment, thank you very much. We love Portugal Muito obrigado, um gande abraco ❤🇵🇹💚

[@thebordenkw486]

@@FontedaPipaPortugueseFarmLife Por nada. Força, amigos! Um abração :)

[@rickhewitt2885]

Thank you for letting people know about the regulations in Portugal. I have been watching these types of videos for over a year now, and I have never heard of anyone providing such useful and practical information as you did here. Thank you so very much.

[@snakey319]

Project Kamp and even a newb acct, my 15000 house, talks of permits. Never saw one yet that makes it look easy without rules.

[@violetarobic516]

This might be the most useful video l saw lately. Half of these young KZbinrs are like- we now have 3 tomatoes, two lettuces and some green beans. Now we are on the way to become self-sufficient. Next video- "great news guys, we got ourselves a cute goat, huge step forward..." And followers are melted, watching cute goat happily jumping around 🤦🏼‍♀️😆 lf you want to have a farm and want it to become somewhat self-sufficient and it includes farm animals (obviously it does if goat is step forward), you will need many of those cute goats and other cute animals that will eventually become a meat. That barbecue you are preparing on your "off grid veranda" once was cute goat or sheep. That's the reality of the farm life, speaking from experience. Romantic ideas are ok but you can't live of them. If you are moving to foreign country you need to get familiar with the laws and regulations, you need to learn at least basics of the language of that country, and you need to secure your income. Get a job, then if you have savings choose carefully and buy that piece of land, see how it goes in free time.

[@CapricornAndroid]

Portuguese living here and has built his own house as well, I have to say that your understanding of how things work legally is very on point, which is impressive due to perhaps language barrier and city councils more or so not disclosing actually most of this information up front which results in various troubles down the line. One thing people that come from outside would be also wise to understand is the risk of being in a zone of high fire risk. We have almost zero guarantees that you will safeguarded from fires. This means, bad road access to zones you think is very secluded and great to be from further away of other houses might be very dangerous during summer times. And a lot of dry wells during this times if you plan on doing agriculture. Also construction prices are very high over here and its quality is not always guaranteed. To be honest this was more feasible 10 years ago than it is now in terms of restoring old houses. As costs in constructing are more than double the prices nowadays and you'd like an house over here, I would say the same, do your research and be very patient.

[@CindyVine]

Great video! This is why I am only sticking to the footprint and restoring the ruined parts. People can't understand why I don't put in extra windows or doors. Your video explains why. Luckily my cottage was lived in over 60 years ago, was registered for habitation in 1900 according to the deeds, and is on an urban article in a non-fire risk area.

[@annashealthylifeeverything8583]

but DIY is not allowed in Portugal as far as I know. even to renovate you need a permission and a licensed builder

[@notyouraveragegringos]

@@annashealthylifeeverything8583I think it depends what works you’re doing regarding DIY. We got permission to do restoration work on our house. It’s a pre 1951 house exempt from habitation and was in somewhat habitable condition. The permit cost 5.20€ and they asked the name of the contractor who would be doing the work. When I said we would be doing the work ourselves she seemed confused (perhaps because I’m a woman?) but when I rephrased the answer to my husband and I will be doing the work she was fine with that response. We’re just replacing the roof, windows and doors. Nothing structural and no changes to the existing configuration, so I’m sure for something structural you would need a qualified builder.

[@FontedaPipaPortugueseFarmLife]

@@notyouraveragegringos That's great to hear ! And yes you are right some basic home improvements like replacing some rotten beams but not changing anything structural can be done on an already legal property. Once people start putting in things that never existed like kitchens bathrooms and shower/toilet and cesspits you need full planning and if you dont you lose the pre 1951 rights as the place is now an illegal build..... it can be hard to understand but like you have done a quick trip to the city council and you get all the info, help and forms. Best of luck with all the work ahead 🙂👍

[@notyouraveragegringos]

@@FontedaPipaPortugueseFarmLife Thank you! We've already made enough improvements that we're quite comfortable. Can't wait to finish renovating the kitchen though. That will be the last big job out of the way! 🎉😁

[@ruthconstantino6861]

This is so helpful, thank you Alex and Sandra for taking the initiative to promote clearer, honest, and very valuable information. This wasn't boring or negative or judgmental, just honest... which is more important for me than videos that can be catalytical to misleading ourselves. Barn conversions are a thing in some countries, but evidently not in Portugal, and now it's better understood as to why (🔥, lack of 💧, etc). I can see how some channels likely encouraged others who chose the route of converting agricultural support buildings while living in camper vans or yurts on their rustic land. 😔 I hope these owners are encouraged to attain the documented approvals for their works and also to register their locations with the bombeiros 🙏🏼. I also do hope we viewers of Central Portugal channels will study this video well and proceed with guided caution. I don't think it can ever be encouraged enough for us to do our own research too, and to take on proven professional help to review every aspect of properties and the purchase process with a fine tooth comb.

[@FontedaPipaPortugueseFarmLife]

thanks! Many of these barns could be made legal but moving in and just starting work makes them some problems, they needed the planning before they start adding bathrooms etc. Staying in trucks and yurts for more than a few weeks makes them permanent dwellings, most know but avoid talking about it in videos. It doesnt have to be hard, just check and at the city Camara they are happy to help and it is free. Have a great week Ruth 🙂

[@donnacosta5633]

@@FontedaPipaPortugueseFarmLife Absolutely correct. Hope you'll do more videos on this topic.

[@CClarinet123]

Barn conversions CAN be a thing in Portugal. The point is, you need permits, an architect and a licenced builder. Most channels do these conversions as DYI and lack most, or all, of these requirements, rendering the whole thing illegal.

[@BrentonRE]

Excellent information. So valuable. Thank you so much for being brutally honest and realistic and helpful.

[@speakingupforpointmolate4670]

This is why it is extremely important to obtain a referred Portuguese attorney. I have bought two properties in Portugal, and having an attorney to go through all the legalities has been invaluable. Having her to check out everything has given me peace of mind.

[@markcallaghan843]

Finally someone says out loud what everyone knows (if they are honest) but won’t say on video. Personally I think it’s pretty delusional to think you can buy a sheep shack with a tin roof on a couple of hectares anywhere and just live in it without any problems. You can’t do that in the uk so there’s no reason to believe you could do it anywhere in Europe either. I aspire to move there but I’ll do it with my eyes open and I’ll learn the rules first. Most of these places are not farms, Quinta’s, homesteads or whatever else you want to call them. They are pasture fields with agricultural buildings in them. I’ll do my homework, learn the law, get a good lawyer and ask the right questions. If that process makes it unaffordable then maybe I’m not ready yet. I absolutely applaud you for making this video. Some things I didn’t know for sure. You are the best examples of what that life is actually like and I really respect your honesty with everything you do.

[@Ragnar8504]

I think there are some remote corners of Europe that indeed have very relaxed laws (apparently rural Sweden is one of them) but they're few and far in between. Apparently in Italy it used to be much easier to have illegal builds permitted in retrospect than obtain planning permission before starting the work but that was 20 years ago or more, no idea how it works these days. In general I'd say you're 100% right but surprisingly many people are a bit delusional. Having grown up with holiday visits to Austrian and German expats in Italy I'd say you have to be delusional if you think subsistence farming with zero experience in a somewhat hostile environment (heat and very limited rain doesn't help trying to grow plants) is easier than being employed and living in a flat or house somewhere. As far as I know all but one of those expats who moved there in the 80s have long since thrown in the towel and moved back to Hamburg, Vienna or whereever they'd come from.

[@annashealthylifeeverything8583]

​@@Ragnar8504in Sweden relaxed laws?? I've been living their for almost 30 years and would definitely never call Swedish laws "relaxed". everything is strictly regulated

[@ALittleBitOfEverything-wd9ee]

As much as I understand that there are normally reasons for these rules, I also find it kind of sad. There are unfortunately very few places in my country (the United States) that no longer are free of building rules. My experience is that for some people with certain disabilities, it actually can be more feasible to practice subsistence hunting and farming than to hold a job. It is not about it being less work, it's just that you can't hold a job when you don't know ahead of time what days you will be well enough to work. This makes farming difficult as well obviously, but with a lot of planning (things like automated irrigation for example) you can perhaps grow and harvest food with some level of success. I am lucky enough to have inherited a rural residence. Unfortunately most people are not. I'm not saying it is the wonderful life some people imagine, but it is better than being homeless.

[@homeoffice3524]

I'm not agree with you. I'm from Northern Europe. You can buy any type of land and live on that full time without any permissions at all. It's your private property. Yes you need building permission for safety and what kind of house you will build there. But that's about it. If I decide put caravan on my land I can live there legally till I die. UK is to fucked up with this laws.

[@markcallaghan843]

@@homeoffice3524 I’m the last person that would claim uk laws are in any way good. They certainly are not! The more I look into Portuguese planning laws the more I realise that they are actually pretty simple, if you want to do things legally. The problem is that legal isn’t cheap. I’ve looked at a lot of properties now and the ones with habitation certs are usually double or triple the cost of the ones without. If you’re willing to take a gamble on a property without a cert then there are bargains to be had but they are cheap for a reason. You just have to get an honest realtor, a good local lawyer and an accountant and be prepared for things to cost a good deal more than you think!

[@owenp65]

This video really is one of the if not the best at laying out the pitfalls etc. of buying property without doing your research. Like many I have been drawn in like moths to a flame at the lovely country and the properties with 'potential' that Portugal has to offer. It did seem to good to be true, and sure enough... I've watched this episode a number if times now and i pick up something new everytime. Your advice to do our research and follow the rules etc. is bang on, especially as a good number of us will be buying with hard earned savings/pensions etc. I've never been one to jump right in, and this video has certainly confirmed that is is the best policy. I mean you'd do your research buying property in your own country, so why on earth you wouldn't do the same in a foreign country beats me. It was interesting to see in the weeks following the date this was released the videos that were put out by certain KZbinrs. Thank you so much.

[@FontedaPipaPortugueseFarmLife]

Thank you, very glad it has helped. Most of the people living off grid know exactly what they are doing and tell us "we dont care, everyone else is doing it" ... some really stupid logic. After this video we saw lots saying there place is legal or they only rebuilt the ruin, then show them adding outdoor kitchens, cesspits, outside bathrooms etc, it think they feel if they say it enough times it will be true.. i find it very sad they lie so easily and miss lead people who hand out money to them on their illegal projects. There was a fire near us last night, a hippy community, I think badly burned, not legal. then on Facebook many posts of more off griders close to the fire saying " we are off grid, they dont know where we live, what should i do??"..... they dont know where they live as they are not legal and have not informed the firemen as they should do...... just a drain on our tax paid fire services.

[@vossierebel]

So... not as easy as jumping in a camper and going over to start the new life! Thanks for your honesty and the effort you've put into doing this video!!

[@richardteychenne3950]

Wise words. An important video for all would be buyers. 😀👌 We used a well recognised lawyer, not expensive by UK standards, they went through and ensured all the certificates were in place before the sale. Next we talked to a recognised architect, again sound advice on the approval process and importance of getting things agreed in the official channels. Don't be afraid it can all work much more smoothly than you might expect. But they also pointed out pitfalls that you need to avoid so seek advice. We have a pre 1951 property and are not looking to make major changes just those that make for a comfortable living environment. He is also advising how to upgrade at reasonable cost and to ensure our property is scalable, should we wish to, retains character and market attractiveness and works within our budget. Advice is worthwhile! 👍

[@melaniemartin6785]

Hi Richard, would you be able to share the lawyer and architect's contact information please? Thank you.

[@FontedaPipaPortugueseFarmLife]

Thank you for the kind words and it is great to see someone doing things the right way, wishing you all the very best in making a life in beautiful Portugal 👍🙂

[@richardteychenne3950]

@@melaniemartin6785 Let me just check with them as a courtesy. They operate primarily in the Fundao council area is that where you are looking to purchase? Also please don't be surprised if it takes a little while as I know they are both very busy.

[@melaniemartin6785]

@Richard Teychenne Thanks Richard, appreciate it. Yes, I'm interested in Fundao area. No problem with the timeframe, it's not urgent, would like some advice for now. 🙏

[@richardteychenne3950]

@@melaniemartin6785

[@tiogoala7654]

Amazing information, thank you. There are many "English" KZbin videos looking to make the bucks off of people who are not schooled. As a Portuguese resident, I don't appreciate the people who are misleading everyone on how "easy" it is to buy a property in Portugal. It's disgusting how the prices have sky rocketed due to these property invasions and scammers who want to grab a quick buck.

[@horacio9432]

Great video, nice to see some truth on KZbin for a change. There are way too many youtubers that are showing the lifestyle that is totally illegal. The one that comes to mind without naming them is a barn conversion series, roughing it etc etc. Now they are on acreage with a big home, new equipment and all of that under just the guise of obtaining views and flogging the free stuff they get to promote. Keep up the honest content.

[@shelleypeppard4694]

Glad someone else sees through that particular channel….

[@HeidiPriest]

if she happens to read this, she be poorly again

[@denisescally7090]

'They' even stated that they were responsible for the 'convert a barn in Portugal' genre. They earned a lot of You Tube income from pushing it but had secretly moved on to their not very tiny home!

[@shelleypeppard4694]

@@HeidiPriest god don’t you know it….like a child who throws her dummy out if we don’t all say nice things. What I don’t understand is why so many people literally don’t see through them. They have fallen out with many you tubers in Portugal - I wonder why? I watched them in the ‘win the wilderness’ and that’s when I realised what they were truly about, and don’t get me started on the begging video for the ‘fire in our big huge property that we didn’t tell you about’

[@denisescally7090]

@@xvsupremacy7190 I can’t watch them anymore. They definitely made it look like the off grid tiny house life could be possible in Portugal. They couldn’t abandon it fast enough!!

[@TheSillybits]

It took a while for KZbin to present this video to me but it’s absolutely the right thing to watch! To me it’s not boring at all as I really don’t fancy losing money on properties that may turn out not possible to use as presented. Very informative so thank you very very much for putting this together!

[@michaelreynolds7706]

You have most certainly exposed a lot of these KZbinrs who have been advertising properties with land and lots of potential selling false dreams thanks for painting a more detailed description

[@hotmalm]

Thank you for taking your time to clarify things. It’s a jungle out here, and a lot of KZbin channels aren’t really making things better or easier.

[@Pedro-fr8tz]

As a portuguese in is late forties owning land in central Portugal I can assure you that all Cameras Municipais are eager to have people living in their municipality and they will “bend rules” and look the other way all the time. They will never check if you live a max of 9 months, NEVER. They will use the pre-1951 law and bend it to have you living there, only thing they are concerned is with your bathroom (composting toilets our out house only) and NO DRILLING for water, only weal. This advise is extremely useful because most people are buying above market price and improving their land convinced that they will increase even more that value and that is not the case. Not an investment is a basic homestead to enjoy an alternative life style.

[@istandforfreedom1111]

Interesting thankyou. You mentioned no drilling for water and weal is that well.. only use well water?

[@PresidentBust]

Id also love to hear more from you about what the no drilling for water thing is about?

[@freebird7017]

@@PresidentBustNo boreholes, I presume.

[@lauraboyes6345]

Ah - A Portuguese saying they will "NEVER" check if you stay more than 9 months without applying for planning permission - hmmm!

[@63Bungo]

Hi. Not looking into moving to Portugal but i found your video really interesting and refreshingly honest and straightforward. Fair play to you both. Keep up the great work.

[@keithnisbet]

Incredibly helpful. Thanks. It’s clear that the most sensible thing is to buy a real house for more money with none of the restrictions you mention. Thanks for clarifying these details. Seeking professional advice, using a lawyer and architect is the way to go. I was ready to fly over and buy an inexpensive piece of land for future off grid living. Thanks for a healthy dose of reality.

[@FontedaPipaPortugueseFarmLife]

Not even more money there are cheap, run down but legal houses available for 15,000 euros... but it might be easier in the long run for most. If your thinking about it, then message the agents and ask only for land with a house with Habitation licence or the possibility to get one, then view those, it isnt super expensive or hard on the right place.🙂👍

[@brigid6609]

Be aware that they might ask for a planning permission for renovating aswell.

[@keithnisbet]

@@FontedaPipaPortugueseFarmLife thankyou

[@19abc86]

I don't comment on videos often, but this video is genuinely brilliant. So informative, love these guys! So helpful!!

[@lusonuno]

Obrigado, one of the best and most honest videos yet about buying and living there. It really opens your eyes to so many other youtubers doing it illegal. Best to your family abraço

[@FontedaPipaPortugueseFarmLife]

Obrigado eu. 👍🙂

[@kerrieregan]

We entered into promissory contract knowing the villa had no habitation license. The agent told us it would take 3 months to go through the process. The vendor engaged with an Engineer and submitted plans to Camara. Certain work was undertaken - windows removed, parts of buildings demolished, and evidence was given to Camara when the work was completed, and the Camara issued the license. This whole process took 2 YEARS 8 MONTHS to complete!!!!! So don't be fooled - this is NOT a simple/quick process.

[@portugalthewrightway]

Very informative, thank you. We also learned a lot from Steve Robinson in the lead up to our move over here. A lot of people don't know about all the "extras" like the architect fees when getting habitation license, as well as the "incomplete" information the agents can give you just to sell the property. Thank you for this video.

[@christinetomlinson4132]

Great info guys 👍 we also paid €28 at the camara for a land report to help us understand what we could do on the property before we offered. We did this on another property we were really interested in buying then discovered the ‘house’ was in a nature reserve and it would be impossible to get a habitation licence so well worth paying for the report prior to putting in an offer

[@FontedaPipaPortugueseFarmLife]

€28 for peace of mind.......... Priceless. Thanks for adding that 👍🙂

[@donnacosta5633]

Most of the time you don't need to pay if you have a copy of the Caderneta of the property (ask the seller or agent) and take it to the Camara, they'll tell you there and then as they know their district as well as their own hands. During summer when they are very busy they may only accept written requests by filling a PIP form, but as said above, €28 for peace of mind is nothing.

[@notyouraveragegringos]

Great information! We thought it was a bit odd to see so many people building off grid on rustic land in what was clearly not a building previously used for habitation. We had no intention of going that route so it didn’t affect our plans at all. Glad to see you sharing useful information and a reality check. I would hate to see someone spend their life savings setting up their forever home only to find out it has not been done correctly and they can’t live there. That would be devastating. 😢

[@SiHickman]

Great video, I have told countless people what you can "get away with" and what's legal are two very different things.

[@kaganmateo7375]

I have only begun to research moving to Portugal and think how very lucky I am to have found this video! Thank you very much for accurate information !

[@andrewbabcock8681]

I too am so glad to have stumbled across this video, I'm just a week in with my research. No more barn conversion videos for me.

[@lauramartins5953]

Why would you move here?

[@lauramartins5953]

We can't take all of you!

[@leonelduarte1822]

I am Portuguese with rustic and urban property, and i learn new things here. Very well done

[@WendyW123]

I'm so glad you made this video, you may have potentially helped many to avoid the pitfalls associated with buying property/land in Portugal. Bravo for speaking about the realities 👏🤗🌟

[@FontedaPipaPortugueseFarmLife]

Thanks so much! If we help even just one avoid any problems we will be very happy. 👍🙂

[@virtualworldsbyloff]

Great infos, we have a saying in Portugal - The cheap turns out expensive !!! Mind that...

[@Kenny-bj2zq]

Yeah, some times its so much easier just to buy a new move in ready house then try to do a renovation which can get more expensive then buying a brand new one

[@divaontheroad]

These are good advices. My son was looking for a property and knew the rules already. He made an offer (which is accepted)non a property not very far from you. If you don't ask, no one will tell you. They just try to sell you a piece of land, but if you ask questions about it they will tell you the rules. Some agents however tell you that it is not a big deal.

[@jaimehidalgo9072]

Thank you guys... This is by far the most informative video Ive seen since I started looking at Portugal as a place to buy property to retire in. No KZbin real estate person has gone in the deep details as you have . I might be a bit more scared or cautious about it but im not retiring for another 5-6 years , thanks for the great content.

[@Boak7]

we the locals don't need more old retired people purchasing our land.

[@sammudd1365]

You are spot on, thank you. I probably should have watched this 3 months ago - I bought a house in the Azores which was old but not a ruin (it went well but I intuitively did a lot of research ahead of time as you recommended). However, I almost also bought land and made all of the mistakes you mentioned. Fortunately, I backed out safely on closing day. I’ll be smarter next time now. Obrigada.

[@TheLastSongbird124]

I retired into a rented apt in a town here in PT and have met a lot of tourists (mostly Brits & Americans). In conversations, I found Brits are more likely to not do enough homework before moving here. The biggest issue I come across speaking to such tourists is that they think living here will be just like their holidays have been....big mistake! I have found Americans to be more likely to have done some serious research before committing themselves than Brits. This video is exactly what anyone considering moving here need to know, well done guys :)

[@AndNowIWrite]

Totally agree with you! We moved here in 2019, doing everything the legal way, which is a bit slow, but it means a lot to us to follow the rules and respect the policies.

[@TheLastSongbird124]

@@AndNowIWrite oh, someone being pleasant and rational... wasn't expecting that ! Thought the meanies would be all over me :) thnx :)

[@AndNowIWrite]

@sayitasiseeit626 ❤️

[@kynnbullock8068]

Thank you for your honesty and the clear explanations on the complicated rules governing all the different options of land/properties. Well done!

[@gb4939]

I think what you did here is super useful and I want to say thank you. I believe many people unfortunately go a bit too fast and miss very important informations about the laws. I think that ytube is full of videos that often covers the dream aspect of housing project but rarely talk about the more pragmatic aspect and the regulations. So your video has even more merit. Please continue to empower people to help them to avoid huge mistakes.

[@AlexLukachina]

Very Important video, Good job guys! Unfortunately, I am forced to sell my dream land, But I come across a lot people telling me " Your price is high, I can buy a land for this and that", And I am like " Yeah, Go on".

[@christines5430]

I am really sorry to hear that you have to sell your lovely land. I hope you get an excellent price for it.

[@auntiemandy5638]

Hey Alex, people wondered where you had gone, oh no that's terrible news about the land you worked so hard , hope your papa is better and things turn out how you hope

[@AlexLukachina]

@@christines5430 Thank you Christine :)

[@AlexLukachina]

@@auntiemandy5638 Thank you Auntie Mandy, Appreciate it :)

[@inesneto5280]

I was wondering where you had gone to. I'm really sorry to hear that you have to sell your land. I so looked forward to your videos. If I may ask, why do you have to sell. You have done such a wonderful job with the restoration of your dream home.

[@angusbaird2475]

This is the best video I have seen on the topic. please do not hesitate to make more. realistic information is not a downer, it is a positive bedrock. thank you.

[@vyvienvp3413]

Thank you, finally people talking sense. Portugal in an organized EEC country, not some rural back water, to be taken advantage of. X:)

[@buteos8632]

Portuguese here correcting for a small correction if I may. Portugal is a hard working conservative very christian society rulled by corrupt liberals both in the gov and in the industry working in tandem. Our laws are purposely outdated and loosely updated in order to make room for the corruption. Remember in order to exist corruption one must take from another, and that's where the real estate agents, junta, câmara, architects and lawers get in, and they all adjust their fees to the economical capacity of the targeted, unsuspecting, ignorant buyer. Cheers.

[@udosteger]

Very helpful and honest down to earth information, thank you very much. As you said, you cannot provide legal advice but I think it is one of the best checklists (along with the supplementary information added by some commenters) for anyone seriosly considering to buy property in Portugal live there, and maybe some day sell it again without a loss. I think it is important to understand that while many parts of Portugal are rural and literally in the west of Europe, it is not the Wild West, it has laws and rules and authorities which apply to everyone, even to those foreigners with their funny yellow numberplates and steering wheel on the wrong side. In fact, a lot of the laws are implementations of EU directives or guidelines, e.g. energy efficiency rules. This means, the laws are probably not very different from the country where you come from, including UK which despite Brexit probably still has very similar rules re. houses and properties. See esp. the currently discussed upcoming revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) with it's Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) which has the potential to make basically any building older than 5-10 years illegal to live in unless you massively invest into insulation. Note, it is going to be a directive, which applies directly as a national law, actually it is superior to national law, and there will be little room for national deviations. In particular, currently they only discuss exceptions for listed historic monuments, and probably thing like the "1951 rule" will cease to exist.

[@matthunt2128]

Just to add... My first rustic property has been changed to Urbano which means I can live in it and my second property is also in the process of being changed to Urbano so that will become habitable. That's the workaround so you can live in these properties.

[@denisescally7090]

Congrats!

[@biankabooth9891]

Can you say what you did, who u saw or filled in forms to get that changed to urban please?

[@joelmendes4506]

great video, portuguese here, to everyone who wants to buy a piece of land with a ruin, dont fully trust the state agent selling it, wither a lower (usually they are not into building regulations), talk to an architect do check it in the local municipality.

[@stevefinds743]

The best and most informative bit of info on youtube regarding buying land in portugal i have see over the past few months (and i have watched 1000's of videos on it) WELL DONE and THANKYOU

[@Boak7]

we the locals don't need you here buying our land.

[@sculpturegrl1]

Your video popped up because I watch a lot of immigrants building in just the way you describe. It has led me to so many questions and you answered most or ALL of them! THANK YOU SO MUCH for taking the time to do this video!!!!!! I've now subscribed.

[@justoneacre7873]

Thankyou for so much realistic information. It’s fabulous hearing reliable information from a person who has lived in Portugal for some time.

[@FontedaPipaPortugueseFarmLife]

Glad it was helpful!🙂👍

[@thefiniwini]

That was a great video. Very informative. I’m Portuguese and I had no idea how complicated could be and all the risks involved. Thanks ever so much and all the best .

[@semvlasveld8799]

I was really wondering about this, because yes the pretty cheap properties look amazing, but further then the before 1951 rule I did not know anything and was really wondering. Glad to have found this video. Thank you!

[@123456789018156]

This makes so much sense why they have a quinta a village house or town house .Thank you .

[@Offred]

Wow I feel very sorry for people who bought without understanding this…what a dilemma for them (KZbinrs are otherwise). Thanks for this clear explanation.

[@maggietaylor9713]

This is a great video. I've been here since 2003 and the laws are changing so often that the Camara sometimes doesn't know the current law without referring to their legal departments; especially in early spring after new laws are introduced. However I would like to add a point. Many of the paleirhas(barns) did have families living in them year round ( animals downstairs and family above) and as they were less than 30 square metres they didn't have to apply for habitation as it was the size of the building that dictated registration, back in the day. I believe this is where a lot of the confusion comes from. The rural areas are so underpopulated that the Camaras are often very helpful as abandoned land isn't good for anyone so I strongly support your suggestion to talk with the Engineers at your local Camara. 😊

[@sanshuma0]

you guys have done a great job by sharing what "those" channels might hide or at least find too boring to share ... gold dust

[@johnsmith-g2h]

Finally a channel living legally. Well done on a very much needed informative video 👍

[@SlackHoffman]

This is the most informative and hugely useful video on Portugal 🇵🇹 ever !!

[@FontedaPipaPortugueseFarmLife]

That's an amazing compliment, thank you, hope it helps someone🙂👍

[@MariDorot]

This is by far the best video I've seen on the subject so far. Thanks for giving everyone who's willing to listen a well needed reality check.

[@abdulazizsaleh8650]

Im surprised 😮 😐it's completely different from what i was told....thank you very much indeed 👏🏻👌🏻💯 For Sharing this episode.....💐

[@jacquesmertens3369]

This is the best and only video people need to watch before buying anything in Portugal. Thanks a million ! You moved in at just the right moment, when prices were less than half of what they are today. Could you perhaps explain how healthcare works in your area? If there's one thing stopping me from moving to Portugal it's a lack of proper healthcare. Most doctors, nurses and dentists have moved abroad, and there are hardly any hospitals either. What's your experience?

[@leemedd8189]

The best video I have seen on purchasing a home in Portugal. Thank you

[@FontedaPipaPortugueseFarmLife]

Thank you!

[@lieuwina]

This is very informative as I do follow a few channels that are in Portugal including yours and I often wonder what they are allowed and not allowed to do. Thank you for sharing your experiences and helping others by putting this out there. Have a lovely day.

[@anthonybutler3157]

A good and informative video. Grateful we moved to portugal 5 years ago before the explosion of videos. Bought our house with the expert help of a portuguese lawyer and have settled into this wonderful country. Good luck on your ongoing renovations

[@FontedaPipaPortugueseFarmLife]

I managed to find out about the laws from my living room in the UK before coming 9 years ago and then there were no facebook groups or websites explaining the it all not like now. where about's are you?

[@anthonybutler3157]

@@FontedaPipaPortugueseFarmLife we are in manique do intendente a pleasant town of about 1000 surrounded by vineyards, about an hour north of lisbon. I also had to do a lot of old fashion research before moving here

[@brigid6609]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I live in Spain and I was wondering how it could be that our laws are so much different from the Portuguese laws, turns out, they aren't. I hope this video saves people from investing in something they will never be able to live in. Right now it seems the Portuguese are not heavy on enforcing their rules, but that could change. And then who would like to take the risk?

[@carolinesarahthompson9690]

Thank you for your honesty 🙏 on this subject. I truly hope this helps potential purchasers make the right legal choices. It makes me sad so many people are being misled or holding back the realities and pitfalls where you could lose your life savings.

[@donnacosta5633]

They might have been misled by other youtubers and agents & sellers but NEVER by their local Camara. The problem is... they don't bother to consult their Camara, they'd rather believe social media heresay and assume they can do whatever they want because some folks say so. Does this attitude apply in their own country?

[@annashealthylifeeverything8583]

​@@donnacosta5633the local camara we contacted was very misleading. I learn more from other sources than from them. they are either very misleading or don't even know their own local regulations

[@donnacosta5633]

@@annashealthylifeeverything8583 Your comment above is like saying you went to the doctor and he knew nothing about medicine...! It doesn't make any sense... LOL If you went to the local Camara (local to where the property is located) they sure know about the local regulations because... they make them and implement them. It's called the local PDM = Plano Director Municipal. What I'm guessing is that you asked a generic question, without any supporting docs, and since every property is different, they could not answer your questions. You have to take a copy of the Caderneta Predial of the specific property with you (that's the ID doc of each property and sellers or agents must give you a copy) and ask what you can and can't do in that specific property. If you understanf portuguese well, the PDM can also be check online, but you'd need to understand local cartography and planning jargon. If the Camara is not very busy when you visit, you'll get an answer there and then FREE of charge, or you may be required to fill in a PIP form (Pedido de Informaçao Previa) and get a written reply for around 30 Euros.

[@brunofatela9093]

Great video, I am from Portugal and didn't know most of what you said in the video. All the best

[@wilwilliamson8831]

Very informative, basically buy a house ( registered dwelling) 👍

[@robertcarter1569]

Congratulations on this well prepared and presented video,no stone left unturned and an absolute must see before viewing property in Portugal

[@srantoniomatos]

Extras: Even if you buy a land with a legal register house, if you do renovations (just a new window, an extra door, etc,) you have to do an arquitec project and get it aply and registe in the camara. You also need a topografic mapping by a competent and autorized topograph (usually it need 1 m levelling lines). Sometimes this guys demand the land to be cleared first so they can do it. If one decides to sell it, or use it to airbn etc, you also need a energetic certificate. In some cases its also necessary to go trough specialized projects for electrics, swage, etc. All this can had thousands of euros to a project. And months to years of hardships in the camara and specialized workships. Belive that the concrete water tanks only count as pools if they are more then half buried. The problem with color is that it sparks attention if they decide to fiscalize it by drone or google maps... Also, wells, they need to be register even if one dont use it. If they are used as source of drinking water (specially in comercial settings like airbn, etc), that new wave of troubles...

[@donnacosta5633]

Absolutely correct. Many youtubers say they''ll put up a yurt or two in their land to rent out on AirBnB... what they don't realise is that a tent can be rented out by a licensed CAMPING SITE, but not by any unlicensed individual. Yurts are not recognized by any Camara as "habitation" and it is IMPOSSIBLE to get an habitation licence for a yurt. Without habitation licence, no energy certificate, etc. they won't be able to register for holiday rental = AL (Alojamento Local). Another myth debunked.

[@srantoniomatos]

​​​​@@donnacosta5633 yes. And yet many youtubers broadcast to the world how they setle with yurts and other tends, campers, containers, cob/pallet houses etc. Not only for habit on it, but to rent it too. Sometimes they dont even known the borders of their lands...nor the classification of the land. Its a reserve? Protected land? Rural? Dont care... Pulling water from creeks, ilegal wells, roofs, no sewage, all dump somewhere completly outlaw. And they even claim its "more eco". Theres hundrees of it out there... and no problem, no fiscalization no problem. For me its ok. Do whatever they want. Theres so many bigger problems outhere that this is even funny.

[@pollyjazz]

You don't need a license for general renovation. If you want to move a door, add a window , knock down or build a wall, or anything that messes with the basic structure you need a license. You can renovate your kitchen or bathroom, changing tiles and flooring , ceramics and stuff without licensing as long as you Don't change anything on the original layout. Any registered habitation has a copy of the plans filed away at the local câmara municipal. Só even if you get away with doing something on the sly now eventually it will come back to haunt you when you try to sell the place or for any other reason require an inspection. If you do want to change the location of the sink or toilet for example ( structural plumbing) , you then need to get that approved by submitting the plans made by an arquitect or engineer and then get the licence and then you have an x amount of time to get it done or the licence lapses and you have to start all over again. I also see a lot of properties for sale that advertise that they have approved plans for a house or whatever. The problem is most of them have an approved plan but don't actually have a valid license. It all takes a lot of red tape to get through and many times by the time you get your license you are in a different situation and can't afford or get the project done in the time frame of the license. So they decide to sell. The problem is just because it got a license before does not garante you will get it again. So you might get stuck with a property that's not what you thought it was. This was a very informative and important video. Even as a Portuguese citizen that speaks the language it's hard to get real valid information on this subject so this was extremely helpful 😃.

[@donnacosta5633]

@@pollyjazz Just to add: The "projecto aprovado" = planning permission, is valid for a number of years, this is the complete professional drawing(s) done by an architect and will include anything that is going to be done, plus the drawing of what is already there to start with. As you say, this project is not needed if you are only going to paint the walls, put new flooring, change window frames etc. But if you are putting in new electrics, new plumbing, new cesspit, move walls, etc. you do need an approved project. If its date expires before you sart the work, you'll have to go back to the Camara to aprove it again. You may not need planning permission = projecto, but you'll always need a "licença de obra" even if you are doing the work yourself. The "licença de obra" can be renewed several times up to a maximum of a few years for big projects, it's very easy & cheap to renew it. You apply for a licença de obra at the local Camara, ONLY AFTER you've got the approved project. It gives the name & address of the professionals responsible for the works, such as the builder, electrician, or yourself if you are qualified to do it, and a timeframe to do the works. During the works the Camara may send an inspector to check that the works are being done according to the regulations. You need the" licença de obra" for ALL renovations, because at the end of the renovation you have to go to the Camara and ask for a new "licença de habitaçao" so that the status of your house can be UPDATED If you did not get a "licença de obra" the Camara does not know what you've been doing and whether it was done according to regulations or not, they cannot see what is inside the walls, the reinforced concrete pillars to support the roof, the electrics, etc because they'll be covered by plaster and paint. Too late. They may not give you the "licença de habitaçao". Big fine & hassle. The professional builders, electrician etc, also have to sign the paperwork confirming that they've finished the renovation. If you don't employ professionals who is going to sign the paperwork for the Camara? How is the Camara going to trust that what is covered inside the walls is acceptable & according to current regulations? I've heard of cases where the Camara told the owner to remove plaster and render so that the inspectors could check. A neighbour of mine even had to break up a bathroom and redo it again because they did it different from the floorplan. Anyone that understands portuguese well enough can find a lot of useful info on the internet by professionals. As said here before: Each property is different, ask rhe Camara what you have to do.

[@Ragnar8504]

@@pollyjazz That's extremely strict! In Austria you only need planning permission for structural alterations, e.g. moving walls, adding levels, etc.. Changes to the exterior of the house are notifiable (roof replacement, window replacement, addition of doors and windows) but that's a simple letter to the council and if they don't object within six weeks you're good to go. Plumbing and electrical works are required to be carried out by licensed contractors but don't require any permissions. That's for renovations. For a new build you need full planning permission (can take up to six months), a builder, and all the plumbing and electrical need to be signed off before you can move in (the certificates are issued by the contractors, so you can't DIY even if you could get by in a renovation). The reality is that many contractors are happy to let you do the grunt work and only finish the work or they can even legally sign off your work as their own if they trust you, just like they can sign off work done by their own employees as usually only one person in the company is fully certified and all the others are working under their supervision. Technically you could DIY a new house from the foundation up if you had contractors who signed off you work and that's certainly been done, although most people would usually enlist professional help for things like pouring slabs or ceilings.

[@carolynellis387]

Ive just been looking into moving here, Portugal, and came across your channel which is very helpful and practical

[@MARIADaSilva-dw9cs]

Brilliant and truthful. Great job. Land for Pinhal _ trees only Land Rustico - rustic plot Land Agricola- vegetable patch Land construccao - you can build You must get permits from the Camara of the area where you want to build. An architect, an engineer, lawyers and real estate agents must be involved

[@barryinglaterra]

É permitido plantar arvores em terreno agrícola (por exemplo, arvores de frutas)? Ou é necessário pedir permissão na câmara municipal antes?

[@carolleenkelmann4751]

Yes, we're watching you all on KZbin. If you are ignorant of the English Laws and Building Regulations or anywhere, for that matter, every little bit of information counts. That's a lovely description isn't it: Agricultural Support Buildings. Thankyou so much for sharing and most probably, lessening the pain of gaining experience in settling into a foreign country.

[@r2dad282]

finally found a site that addresses these hurdles. big picture it sounds easy, but in reality municipal administration can block your construction plans (as would any in the US). many thanks for you insights.

[@rootsdownhomestead]

Such great information! You are completely right, there is such an illusion that you can just buy somewhere and live on that land. I think many people have made some huge mistakes and often invested their life savings. This video will definitely help people learn more and avoid making mistakes Good job 😊

[@gee3883]

Watched again. A must vie if you are considering the move. Don't believe the estate agents is a big take -away and check with the local authorities on what you can or can't do with the property. Check out all the info they have provided in their description. Thanks again folks, i'll check out your website on how to stay on your farm.

[@bedardpelchat]

Real estate agents are just what they are: sellers. Everything is beautiful. I had doubts about all those farm buildings being converted as houses let alone all these ruins! Some of the lands are barely able to hold grass. They would require herculean efforts to make them useful. When you're in your 20s it might be OK but those folks who are in their 60s and retiring are up for a big surprise. I thought of moving to Portugal. It seems now unrealistic. This video lightens up the issues at play. Thank you!

[@OaktreePaula]

Such a honest video! Thanks finally someone tells it like it is!

[@azoresmarine]

Courageous and refreshing information. I hope you get good comments, and that you can save people lots of trouble in the future. Muito obrigado.

[@FontedaPipaPortugueseFarmLife]

Thanks so much, all we want is to help people get informed 👍🙂

[@stevenhull5025]

I wish my son had this information before he fell for all the KZbin hype hook line and sinker. You live and learn as they say. Valuable information here for any newbie to the Portugal property scene.

[@TheStunlaw1]

Amazing and detailed video. Thank you for putting this together.Most helpful. Also puts the spotlight on the current state of affairs on the ground in Portugal for anyone thinking of purchasing land in that country .Sounds like the "market" has gone absolutely ballistic in a not so great way? Great to see you both hale and hearty after all your early trials after moving to Portugal.

[@DittersGustav]

I understand why rules have to be in place to avoid some risks and for orderly occupation of land, but good luck for small rural communities not ending as completely empty land if the laws are not modernized to at least allow people to live around. Many rustic plots of land could be converted to homesteads in a sustainable way, and help revitalize some regions.

[@NicTrades]

The best video on living in Portugal that I have seen. Thank you both

[@zitagabriel3978]

Well done for raising this flag!! Thank you for your care.

[@PaulClarke-o1k]

Thank you so much for taking you time to this video really did help me iv been looking to buy in the next year has a build I thought this would be perfect for my to live of the land but now I'm thinking twice thank you keep up the good work

[@attract1234]

Thank you so much for your honestly. best advice i heard, nearly jumped a few months back , but i can say even the lawyer i felt wasn't up front.

[@FontedaPipaPortugueseFarmLife]

Dont give up the hope, there are still lots of places that are or can be made legal without too much investment. 🙂👍

[@alferret1969]

I think there will be a few "KZbinrs" worrying about their accomodation after watching this. Great info tho.

[@donnacosta5633]

Only a few that live in the "expat bouble" and don't know what's happening around them. This has been on the portuguese news for a while.

[@LiLBitsDK]

@@donnacosta5633 can you recommend any portuguese news sites in english? (still sloooooowly learning portuguese

[@donnacosta5633]

@@LiLBitsDK I'm afraid all portuguese news sites are in portuguese. You can see a lot of news, documentaries & debates on the RTP website, either live or replay. The live daily news at 13:00 and 21:00 hours portuguese time cover what's going on and can be seen anywhere in the world through RTP International channel. You can also watch debates like Linha da Frente, and É Ou Não É in replay. To find past broadcasts just google up: "RTP Linha da Frente, progrmaçao" and RTP É Ou Não É, programaçao" I also have a quick look at the site of Diario de Noticias: dn pt Today they have some news on Portugal - UK and Brexit.

[@MariaMoreira-wm7tn]

Gostei muito de assistir ao vosso vídeo, que deu informações muito importantes a quem pensa vir viver para Portugal. A quase totalidade das pessoas pensam que, uma vez comprado o terreno, podem fazer tudo o que quiserem. O que está muito longe da verdade, e nem podia ser de outra forma, como é compreensível. Fico arrepiada, quando vejo construir enormes tendas de pano nos terrenos, sem pensarem que podem estar na rota de deslocações de terras provocadas por chuvas intensas e repentinas ou à mercê de faúlhas vindas de um qualquer incêndio, mais ou menos longe.

[@carlosbelo9304]

há muita malta que não pensa, mas depois fartam-se de chorar quando as coisas acontecem.

[@jameshenderson8146]

Sandra and Alex, well said!! I am aware like you of the many KZbinrs that appear to be on rocky ground (pardon the pund!) and hope that they and others that follow do not fall into this trap.

[@aNaturalist]

I'm enjoying this video even though I'm not planning to move to Portugal or Europe. I'm in Texas and wanting to move back rural, as I lived earlier in life. Central Texas looks a lot like the Iberian peninsula at times.

[@gerardvriend729]

Thanks for everything, I’ve been viewing a few plots. They indeed say that all is possible and all is legal. If you ask papers it’s already more difficult. I’ll go about as planned but now I get confirmed what I thought!

[@FontedaPipaPortugueseFarmLife]

If the agent does not have the paperwork i would suspect something strange, they should have a copy of the Caderneta Predial. Portuguese for Title Deeds, take those to the Camara and ask what is possible. good luck 👍🙂

[@donnacosta5633]

Most agents try to mislead & confuse you. I'm portuguese, I speak the language and know the laws and when I was trying to buy an old property in my own town, the agent refused to give me a copy of the Caderneta Predial with the following excuses: * The seller does not have a Caderneta Predial (wrong, ALL properties including the smallest piece of land, have one and the seller can get a copy at their local Land Registry Office or even online through their own online tax account, they can print as many copies of the Caderneta as they like) * You don't need it now, you'll get it when you sign the deeds, you'll get all the documents then (wrong, I do need it to check the status of the property and what I'm buying, before making an offer) * We've already sent you all the documents (wrong, they'd sent me irrelevant papers that were not the Caderneta Predial) * Yes the Caderneta is missing but the seller will give it to you when you sign the transfer of deeds (too late then, I need it before I make an offer) * Agents are not obliged to give you a copy of the Caderneta (wrong, any agent needs to have copies of the Caderneta and all other documents before they can advertise & sell the property, prospective buyers have the right to check all documents) * We can only give a copy of the Caderneta to a lawyer or legal representative (wrong, you don't need a lawyer or anyone to represent yourself, you are the buyer and have the right to know) In the end I told the agent: OK, you don't give me a copy of the Caderneta, and I won't buy the property, how about that? And then, and only then... the Caderneta miraculously appeared... and you guessed it... the property was full of potential problems and part of it was illegaly built. That agent was so "friendly and helpful" if I were an inexperienced buyer I would have fallen for their tricks... and the building was lovely too. 🏠 Thank you! But no, thank you! 🏡

[@dweamy1]

Thank you both for being so clear on the building laws in Portugal, I would say that there are many similarities to the UK planning laws. I see so many plots of land being worked on by lovely youtubers and always wonder if they've actually got planning permission? You are so right in saying that speaking to the local Camera is imperative, so that you know what you can and cannot do, it'll save a ton of money and tears down the road. This is a vlog that was really needed, so thank you again ! 🙂

[@FontedaPipaPortugueseFarmLife]

The trouble is we have personally told many channels how to do things legally and they just dont care.... slightly different but the farm animals being transported in cars, possibly transporting diseases which could effect our and others legal business and livelihood. and thats why they are risking a 40,000 euros fine for doing so, i think a fine like that would wipe them out financially so that is one hell of a risk and one i am not prepared to take. They might seem lovely people but they are giving a very false impression in their videos, sad but true🙄 Thank you for your comment 👍🙂

[@oakolive]

The problem is that so many people outside of youtube do the same stuff. We are planning and extension and going the legal way for it, but again and again, people we know (and even Portuguese) tell us to just build it. It's easier to ask for forgiveness than ask for permission and so on. I could not sleep at night out of fear that someone would rat us out and we'd have to knock down thousands of euros of building 😅

[@xvsupremacy7190]

@@oakolive You are doing the right thing. You see the problem is , too many confuse Permission to stay in Portugal 🇵🇹 as a licence to do what they want afterwards. But as these honest people pointed out just provoke a view from Google earth and you are scuppered .

[@UrbanGrrl69]

Lots of good information which a lot of KZbinrs are not telling us. So glad I watched this before thinking about buying some land.

[@FontedaPipaPortugueseFarmLife]

Just trying to keep it real, but looking at our subscriber count it seems the fake fairy life is more appealing but that is fine with us...... Quality not quantity is how we like it.🙂👍

[@infour44]

Additionally, be mindful of properties that are subject to multiple and inter generational ownership. Similarly neighbours can have a first option, right to buy a property.

[@zuchs1969]

Thank for taking the time to explain the 1951 rule. This video be on a saved list for future reference.

[@captainlockheed]

My tip to anyone thinking of making a country their new home is rent something local and as cheap as possible for at least a year, this will give you a chance to get to know the locals, they lay of the land (excuse the pun) and as they say the wrinkles before committing to a permanent move and buying anything.

[@marybates2201]

I think i will stick to a village house with a garden. Thank you

[@thefatbaker]

Well done Alex and Sandra, my wife and I bought a little property on the edge of a village probably a twenty minute drive from you, I would add get a lawyer and ask all the questions for every eventuality.

[@FontedaPipaPortugueseFarmLife]

Welcome to Portugal, always better to be safe than sorry. 🙂

[@donnacosta5633]

Correct, but also do some research on your lawyer before hiring them... if in doubt, ask your local notary. Someone had huge problems with the purchase of their property even when they had hired a lawyer to deal with it all. Another buyer paid the lawyer aound 3000 Euros when the going rate was less than 300 Euros. The lawyer had been recommended by an expat Facebook group... 😀😇😛I wonder how that fee was split... LOL

[@LiLBitsDK]

@@donnacosta5633 that sounds like a lawyer to avoid at all costs... really dislike scammers like that