What is the CPCV and the sinal (deposit) when buying property?
The CPCV (Contrato-Promessa de Compra e Venda) is the binding promise contract signed between offer and final deed. With it you pay the sinal — a deposit, typically ~10% of the price.
If the seller walks away: they owe it back doubled.
Everything in writing — terms, deadlines, what's included.
Before signing a CPCV, your lawyer runs due diligence on:
- Caderneta predial (tax registry) and certidão do registo predial — who really owns it, and what debts or charges sit on it;
- Licença de utilização — the property is licensed for its actual use;
- AL (short-term rental) licence status, if income matters to you.
The flow is: reserve → CPCV + sinal → due diligence and financing → escritura (final deed at the notary), where the balance and taxes are paid. Budget legal fees around €700–1,500 for a standard transaction — money well spent precisely because of the doubled-deposit rule above.
Sources
IRN — Registos e NotariadoFrequently asked questions
What if the buyer backs out after the CPCV?
How big is the sinal usually?
Do I need a lawyer for the CPCV?
Keep reading
CPCV and sinal: the 10% deposit that bites both ways What is the caderneta predial urbana — and why does it matter when buying? Buying land in Portugal: what to check before you payAnd in your actual case?
The article gives you the rule. What decides your case is the detail — the area, the price, the state of the paperwork. Tell me what you are looking for and I will tell you what to check first.
Guidance, not legal or tax advice — verify your case with official sources.