Buying a property in Portugal is the beginning of a new life plan for many people: more nature, more peace, more freedom – and perhaps the desire to realise their own house, a small retreat or a nature-focused holiday project.

However, especially in rural regions such as around Pedrógão Grande in Central Portugal, many practical questions arise: What additional costs are incurred when purchasing? How does the connection to electricity, water, sewage or internet work? What steps are necessary if one wants to build? And who provides local support with administrative procedures, planning, and approval?

For buyers of properties in the Pedrógão Grande region, Best Home Therefore, we offer a special additional service: practical, locally networked, and tailored to the typical requirements of international buyers.

Guidance before buying: What additional costs are there?

When purchasing property in Portugal, various additional costs arise besides the purchase price. The following example can serve as a rough guide:

When the property purchase price is 50,000 Euros The following incidental costs of purchase may arise:

• About. 2,500 Euro property transfer tax
• About. 400 Euro stamp duty
• About. 250 Euro land registry fee for registration
• About. 300 Euros Notary Fees

These values serve as an example and can vary depending on the property, usage, tax classification, and individual circumstances. However, they provide an initial realistic estimate that buyers can use for their calculations.

Electricity, water, sewage and internet: What is possible?

An important part of property valuation is the issue of infrastructure. Not every plot of land in a rural location already has direct connections – but solutions are often easily achievable.

Mains connection or solar power system

If existing power lines are already in close proximity to the property, the costs for a small wall with a meter box and connection are often around €1,500 - €2,000.

If the next power line is further away, the costs will increase accordingly. As a rough rule of thumb, for every 40 metres of additional distance, approximately €500 can be added, especially if additional poles and lines need to be erected.

Therefore, a self-sufficient solution is also of interest for many properties. Modern solar systems have become significantly cheaper in the meantime. A powerful system with good battery capacity can already be realised from around €6,000 – particularly attractive for anyone who wants to live independently or implement a nature-oriented off-grid concept.

Water connection or borewell

For properties on the outskirts of a town, there is often a public water pipe nearby. If the existing pipe lies less than approximately 20 metres removed, a connection can cost around €1,000. For larger distances, additional costs are incurred, which are usually borne by the property owner.

Alternatively, many buyers opt for their own well. The initial costs are usually higher than connecting to the local water network. However, this investment can pay off in the long run, as there are no ongoing water costs afterwards – especially for larger properties, gardens, fruit trees, or high water requirements in the summer.

Wastewater: Connection or own septic tank

In many suburban areas, there is a sewage pipe in the street that can be connected to. However, connection is not always mandatory. Often, a private septic tank on the property is also possible.

A properly constructed and professionally used cesspit is odourless and largely low-maintenance. The costs often range from around 1,000 to 2,000 euros.

Telephone and internet

If a telephone line is available within approximately 400 metres, connection can often be made without a connection fee; the line up to the property is usually covered by the provider.

Fibre optic broadband is available in many places in the region. Alternatively, the internet can also be used via the mobile network – for example, with a router. The monthly costs are often around 20 euros, depending on the provider and tariff.

Besthomez Special

Anyone who buys a property in the Pedrógão Grande region through Besthomez will receive selected support services free of charge.

This includes:

• Application for a Portuguese tax number
• Assistance with registration and residency registration
• Help with re-registering a car

Especially for international buyers, these first administrative steps are often unfamiliar. Our goal is to make the initial process on site simpler, clearer, and more efficient.

Planning and Building Permits: Fee-based support

Anyone who wants to build on their property requires professional planning, building documents, and a permit process. Besthomez can also assist buyers during this phase and facilitate contact with experienced local professionals.

The costs for building plans and the building permit process depend on the size and complexity of the project. In many cases, they are approximately between €4,000 and €8,000.

Planning phase

In the planning phase, the foundations of the construction project are developed. This includes, among other things:

• Design and adaptation of the existing design according to the client's wishes
• Up to three rounds of revisions
• Creation of all necessary plans at a scale of 1:100
• Floor plans, sections, roof plan and elevations
• Detailed plans
• Topographical plan
• Situation plan
• Accessibility Statement
• Volume and area calculations
• Statistical forms
• Fire protection forms
• Written documents for the building application
• Advice on building materials and procedure
• Indicative cost estimate based on client's information

Technical project phase

In the second phase, the so-called Specialties developed – meaning the technical and engineering documentation required for approval.

This can include:

• Structural Engineering and Stability
• Freshwater and wastewater planning
• Rainwater drainage
• Application for septic tank or connection to the sewer
• Environmental design
• Fire protection
• Acoustic project
• Thermal insulation certificate
• Gas project or exemption application

The construction management can also be organised upon request.