UCI is the only financial entity in Portugal specialized in mortgage solutions exclusively available through real estate agents.

UCI was founded by two of the largest financial groups in Europe, Grupo Santander and BNP Paribas. UCI is, in turn, a multinational group, operating in Portugal, Spain and Greece. Through the experience acquired, developed and shared with other countries, we are familiar with and understand your needs.

As a specialist, UCI offers a complete service, from application to signing the mortgage deed, making the purchase of your house easy, convenient and secure. As the preferred financing partner of the real estate agents, UCI helps you to secure a good buy at a fair price.

If you want to move to Portugal, or if you just want to enjoy great holiday experience at your own property in this country, UCI has the most appropriate mortgage solution for you.

UCI’s New Mortgage for Non Residents (European Community citizens) is the easiest way to buy your house in Portugal.

Because UCI is…

• Expert – UCI is a financial institution specialized in mortgage solutions;
• Innovative – UCI is always trying to find new ways to match client’s needs;
• Trustworthy – As part of two of the most important Financial Groups in Europe UCI is the right choice for your mortgage;
• Focused – UCI’s mortgages are only available through real estate agents;
• Safe – By working together with real estate agents, UCI assesses you as to the safety of your investment;
• Quick – UCI has its own exclusive teams of solicitors who take care of all the required documentation in the right timing so that you can quickly buy the house of your dreams;
• Responsible – UCI is a voluntary adherent to the European Code of Conduct on Mortgage.

UCI wants to help you have a pleasant experience in buying your house in Portugal. Because the purchasing process has many specificities in different countries, UCI offers you some practical advice about the Portuguese reality.

1. PROFESSIONAL HELP AND ADVICE

We know how important it is to be advised by professionals who speak your own language. That?s why our team is always there for you at all stages of the process of buying a house in Portugal.

2. START HOUSE-HUNTING

If you haven?t yet found a house, you can contact Real Estate Agents who will help you through the process and make sure that the house you choose has been legally declared fit to live in. You can also look for your house in specialised web sites and magazines, or contact property developers.

3. MAKING AN OFFER

If you are interested in a house, make an offer directly to his real estate agent. If it is accepted, you must make a down payment and sign the deposit or reservation contract.

4. CHECKING THE HOUSE BACKGROUND

Before formalising the purchase you should check a number of items related to the house as to safeguard the operation. During this process, UCI?s team of professional solicitors will conduct all searches and verifications and will obtain all necessary documents and make sure everything is in order.

5. APPLYING YOUR MORTGAGE

Your UCI mortgage adviser will help to find the best solution to suit your needs and give you as much advice as you need to get you moving.

6. ARRANGING HOUSE VALUATION

The house valuation is a very important stage of the buying process because it can influence the amount of the finance, and because it helps you guarantee that the purchase price is adequate.

7. ADDITIONAL EXPENSES FOR THE BUYER
- House valuation fees
- Land register fees
- Notary fees
- Solicitors


8. TAXES

Urban Transfer Tax ? This tax is defined by the value of the purchase and it only applies to transactions over 80.000 ?. Stamp Duty ? 0,8% of the declared amount of the sale, payable to the notary; 0,6% of the mortgage, withheld by the bank; 0,4% of the process opening fees; withheld by the bank. Urban Property Tax ? This tax is paid every year and the local council settles the amount.

9. CONVEYANCE

After our solicitor has checked the legal title and made the appropriate searches, he will arrange Conveyancing in a notarial deed. Our solicitor will also check that the previous owner has paid all Property and Capital Gains Taxes and Owners? Association contributions. If you wish, you can also request optional services, such as checking due payment of basic utility bills (the cost depends on the service).

10. INSURANCE

You are obliged by law to make Multi-Risk Insurance on the property, naming the entity that grants the loan as beneficiary of the insurance. You are also recommended to take out adequate Life Assurance.