Building a house Portugal – steps to building your home

Building a house in Portugal is a common aspiration, but it is also a complex process that requires careful planning, organization, and technical expertise.
Before beginning your project, it is essential to understand the different construction phases, urban regulations, and the impact of recent legal updates, such as Decree-Law No. 10/2024 – the Urban Planning “Simplex”, which simplified the Legal Regime of Urbanization and Building (RJUE).

First Steps: Planning and Legal Framework

Consultation with the Municipal Council

Before you begin, schedule a meeting with the Municipal Council to:

Confirm the urban planning conditions of the land;

Verify construction indices, easements, and accessibility;

Clarify any questions regarding local regulations and required permits.

This step is crucial to assess the feasibility of the project and to prevent unnecessary delays or additional costs.

Steps to Build a House in Portugal

Choosing the Land

Check the Municipal Master Plan (PDM) to confirm if the plot is suitable for construction.

Request essential documents: land registry certificate, property tax record, and technical land sheet.

Analyse access, infrastructure, and environmental restrictions.

Defining Budget and Financing

Calculate the estimated costs for land acquisition, architectural design, construction, and finishes.

Explore construction financing options.

Set aside a contingency margin (10–15%) for unforeseen expenses.

Request for Preliminary Information

The PIP is the first technical step that determines whether construction is feasible on a given plot.
According to Article 14 of the RJUE, there are two types:

Generic PIP – A simplified request to confirm construction feasibility without the need for full technical documentation.

Qualified PIP – A detailed request requiring full project documentation and technical studies (as specified in Ordinance No. 71-A/2024).

Architectural and Technical Design

Hiring an Architect

The architect develops the design in compliance with the PDM, the Municipal Urbanization and Building Regulations, and applicable national standards.
The project must combine functionality, aesthetics, and energy efficiency.

Engineering and Technical Specialties

Engineering and specialties: Includes structural, water and sewage, electrical, thermal, and acoustic projects.

Once completed, all projects are submitted to the Municipal Council for review.

Licensing and Authorizations

After project approval:

The municipality issues the construction permit;

The owner hires a certified construction company;

The architect and engineer oversee the work to ensure compliance and quality.

Construction Phases

The construction process is typically divided into several key phases:

1. Earthworks and foundations – soil preparation and structural base;

2. Structure and walls – construction of slabs and load-bearing walls;

3. Roofing – installation of the roof structure;

4. Technical installations – electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems;

5. Finishes – painting, coatings, carpentry, and fixtures;

6. Technical supervision – ongoing monitoring to ensure quality and legal compliance.

Average duration: between 12 and 24 months, depending on project complexity and administrative procedures.

Works Exempt from Prior Control

The Urban Simplex (DL 10/2024) reduced the number of works requiring prior licensing.
However, projects exempt from prior control remain subject to inspection.

The property owner must:

Ensure complete technical project documentation;

Hire a qualified construction company;

Comply with all legal and regulatory requirements.

Exemption from control does not imply exemption from responsibility.

Required documentation: Property registration certificate, property tax booklet, and technical data sheet of the land.

Purchase and sale agreement: Formalize the purchase through a public deed.

Registration and Utility Connections

After the completion of the construction:

Register the property at the Land Registry Office;

Request connections for electricity, water, gas, and telecommunications;

Complete interior decoration and prepare to move into your new home.

This process can take between 12 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of the construction and the bureaucratic procedures.

Our Perspective

At MJARC Architects, we accompany every stage of the process — from preliminary study to licensing, construction, and supervision.
Our approach combines contemporary architecture, sustainability, and technical efficiency, ensuring that each residence reflects the lifestyle of its owner.

Ready to build your home?

Schedule a personalized consultation and discover how we can help you plan and construct your home in Portugal safely and efficiently here.

REFERENCE AND CONTEXT:

Order of Architects

NOTE: Reading this information does not exempt consulting the current legislation.