Caderneta predial

The tax registry document of a property, issued by Finanças — it shows the registered owner, the description of the property and its VPT (taxable value). One of the first documents checked in due diligence.

Where people slip: it describes the property as declared, not as built. An extension, a converted garage or a closed balcony that was never declared simply will not appear — and what is on paper is what Finanças taxes and what the bank lends against. A flat that looks bigger than its caderneta is a warning, not a bonus.

Do this: ask the seller for a recent copy (the owner downloads it free from Portal das Finanças) and compare the described areas and permitted use with what you actually walked through.