A 24-hour, 30-day and annual sequence for organising registration, address, utilities, IMI, insurance, condominium matters and maintenance.
Key takeaways
- Keep your own secure property file.
- Confirm registration, tax record, address, utilities and insurance.
- Create an annual tax and maintenance calendar.
Receiving the keys starts the management phase. Keep independent copies of the title, registration, credit contract, tax payments, insurance, energy certificate, plans, condominium papers, warranties and included equipment inventory.
First week
Record meter readings and keys, confirm registration and the tax record, update the address if the home becomes your main permanent residence, and arrange utilities. Do not inherit another person’s informal contract or debt without clarification.
First 30 days
Review insurance cover, exclusions and start dates. Ask the condominium for rules, budget, fees, recent minutes and approved works. Inspect water shut-offs, electrical board, damp, roof, drainage, ventilation, heating, windows and external structures.
IMI
The Portuguese Tax Authority explains that IMI is based on the taxable property value and is due from the person recorded on 31 December. Up to €100 is paid in May; amounts above €100 up to €500 in May and November; amounts above €500 in May, August and November. Check any exemption individually using official Tax Authority guidance.
Create an annual calendar for property tax, insurance, condominium charges, maintenance, drainage, damp, energy use and emergency contacts. This is general organisation guidance, not individual tax, legal or insurance advice.
Suggested timetable versus legal deadlines
The 24-hour, week and 30-day windows above are an organisational plan, not universal legal deadlines. Registration, address changes, tax benefits and contracts have their own rules.
CIMI article 8 generally makes the owner on 31 December liable for that year’s IMI, with special rules for usufruct, surface rights and undivided estates. Normal payment takes place the following year under article 120.
Fictional example: buying in October 2026 and remaining owner on 31 December normally means 2026 IMI is payable in 2027, unless an exemption or special rule applies. A private proportional adjustment with the seller does not itself change liability to the Tax Authority. Record the tax year, year-end owner, assessment, payment dates and any exemption application separately.
Editorial review: 21 October 2026. The rules and official sources below were checked on this date. This is general information, not an individual legal, tax or financial opinion.
Official sources and references
Links consulted and cited in the article. Always check the current version for your circumstances.
Editorial note
Prepared by FRANETIC using identified sources. General information only; legal, tax, banking, technical and planning matters require case-specific validation.
