Pre-purchase home inspection in Porto
An independent engineer goes through the property before you sign the CPCV, then tells you in plain English or Portuguese what is wrong, what it means and what to do about it.
What we check
- Structure: foundations, load-bearing walls, cracks, settlement and movement
- Damp and moisture: walls, ceilings and floors, with thermal imaging where it helps
- Roof and terraces: tiles, flashing, gutters, chimneys and flat-roof waterproofing
- Timber: floors, beams and roof timbers, checked for rot and woodworm
- Electrics: distribution board, circuits, earthing, RCD protection and visible wiring
- Plumbing and gas: water pressure, visible pipework, leaks, gas hoses and water heaters
- Windows, doors, insulation and ventilation
- Legal red flags: visible signs of unlicensed alterations for your lawyer to follow up
Why it matters
Many properties have defects the seller does not know about, or does not mention. An independent inspection puts the facts on paper before you commit.
Identifying issues before you sign the Contrato-Promessa de Compra e Venda (CPCV) gives you real negotiating power. You can renegotiate the price, ask for repairs before the sale or add protective clauses to the agreement. After the CPCV is signed, those options narrow fast.
And since DL 10/2024 (Simplex Urbanístico) removed the habitation licence requirement from the deed, the due diligence is on you. Here is what changed.
How we rank what we find
The same four levels run through every OHI report, so you always know what to deal with first.
- Immediate
Safety risk
An expired gas hose, a live fault, anything that should not be used until fixed.
- Urgent
Active water ingress or missing earthing
Needs a qualified professional soon, and a place in your negotiation.
- Recommended
Upgrade to current practice
Old boards, undersized circuits, ageing windows. Budget for them.
- Monitor
Fine today, watch it
Hairline cracks, low-level damp, minor wear. Not a reason to walk away.
How it works
Send us the listing
A link or the address, plus your phone number. Email, WhatsApp or the form, whichever is easier.
We send your quote
You get a clear quote and a date. We reply within one business day.
Inspection day
A licensed civil engineer inspects the property, photographs every finding and measures what can be measured.
Report in 48 hours
Your report arrives in English and Portuguese, findings ranked by priority. You decide what to do before the CPCV.
Questions about this service
How much does a pre-purchase inspection cost?
Every property is different, so we quote each one. Send us the listing or address and you get a quote within one business day.
When should I book a pre-purchase inspection?
After you have agreed a price in principle and before you sign the CPCV. You still have room to renegotiate or walk away.
How long until I get the report?
Within 48 hours of the inspection, in English and Portuguese, with photographs and a priority list.
Can I be there during the inspection?
You are welcome to attend. If you can’t, the photographic report shows every finding in context.
Is this a structural or legal survey?
No. It is a visual inspection of accessible areas by a civil engineer. If we see signs of structural movement we will tell you clearly and recommend a structural engineer. Title and licensing checks stay with your lawyer.
Can a drone roof survey be added?
Yes. We can add a drone roof inspection so the whole roof is checked without anyone climbing on it.
Ready when you are.
Send us the listing, the address or a short description. You get a quote and a date within one business day.