How long does it take to buy property in Madeira?

Signing the final documents itself takes around an hour, but it is preceded by a preparation period that usually takes two to four months, depending on the circumstances and the complexity of the property.

The final signing before the notary (Escritura) takes, on average, about one hour. This is the moment most people imagine when they think of the “transaction”, but it is only the final step: by that day, the taxes must already have been paid, all documents prepared and checked, and all terms agreed. Thorough and well-organised preparation is what makes the signing itself quick and helps avoid surprises.

After signing, the ownership registration process begins at the Conservatória do Registo Predial. In most cases, it is completed within 90 days, although the exact timeframe depends on the workload of the relevant Land Registry Office.

For my clients, the period from the first viewing to receiving the keys usually takes between two and four months. The timeframe depends on whether a mortgage was required from the outset and how well prepared the seller's documents are.

Viktoria Pavlovskaya — private real estate and investment expert in Madeira. Consultation is free, with no obligation.