Question 1

What does a buyer's agent do in Portugal?

Accepted Answer

A buyer's agent works exclusively for you, the buyer, not the seller. At Bloom Spaces, we search the market on your behalf, arrange and attend viewings, negotiate price and terms, coordinate lawyers, surveyors and other specialists, and support you through to signing the deed. Most agents in Portugal represent the seller, which creates a conflict of interest; a buyer's agent removes that.

Question 2

How much does a buyer's agent cost in Costa da Caparica or South Lisbon?

Accepted Answer

Our fees depend on the level of support you need. Our Basic plan starts at €500 + VAT as a retainer, covering property search, viewings and negotiation. Our Premium plan is a fixed fee of €4,500 + VAT and adds independent survey, valuation and diligence. We also offer a variable-fee Discovery plan for clients who want guided area tours before committing.

Question 3

Is Bloom Spaces a licensed real estate agency?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bloom Spaces is a fully licensed real estate agency in Portugal, registered under AMI license 16729. This means we can legally represent you through the entire purchase, including accompanying you at the signing of the deed, something unlicensed brokers and introducers cannot do.

Question 4

Do I need a buyer's agent to purchase property in South Lisbon?

Accepted Answer

You're not legally required to use one, but it's strongly recommended, especially for international buyers. South Lisbon covers Costa da Caparica, Charneca da Caparica, Aroeira and the wider Setúbal region, each with its own local market quirks. Without independent representation, you're relying entirely on the seller's agent, who works in the seller's interest, not yours.

Question 5

What areas does Bloom Spaces cover?

Accepted Answer

Our core focus and deepest local knowledge is South Lisbon, Costa da Caparica, Charneca da Caparica, Aroeira and Setúbal, where we have the most experience and listings. We also have dedicated agents covering Lisbon, Cascais and Estoril.

Question 6

What's the difference between a buyer's agent and a seller's agent?

Accepted Answer

A seller's agent, the typical real estate agent in Portugal, is paid by and represents the seller; their job is to get the seller the best price. A buyer's agent like Bloom Spaces is retained by and represents you, the buyer, so our incentive is aligned with getting you the right property on the best terms, not the highest sale price for someone else.

Question 7

Can foreigners buy property in Portugal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, foreigners can buy property in Portugal with no restrictions on nationality or residency status. The process does involve Portugal-specific steps, such as obtaining a NIF tax number, opening a local bank account, and engaging a lawyer for due diligence, which is exactly what we help international buyers navigate.

Question 8

Does Bloom Spaces help with renting as well as buying?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Alongside our buyer's agency service for purchases, we offer a dedicated rental service, including house hunting, booking and accompanying visits online or in person, and support through to contract signing, for a one-time fee of one month's rent plus VAT.

Question 9

How long does it take to buy a property in Portugal with a buyer's agent?

Accepted Answer

Timelines vary depending on your readiness and how quickly the right property becomes available, but our process moves through clear stages: an initial call to define your plan, property search and viewings, offer and negotiation, then paperwork and due diligence through to the deed. Working with a dedicated agent typically shortens this compared to searching alone.

Question 10

What happens during the free introductory call?

Accepted Answer

We offer a free video call to understand your objectives, including budget, location preferences, timeline and property type, and to explain which of our plans best fits your situation. There's no obligation; it's simply to make sure we're a good fit before you retain our services.

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