Lawyers etc. advice needed

[ctaylor]

I am currently buying a new property in Carvoeiro and would appreciate any comments on lawyers and the fees involved. Can anyone recommend a lawyer and let me have the contacts?

Thank you advance.

[alf1956]

we used Dr Paul Serra based in carvoeiro when we purchased our property.we found him&his staff very helpful&they speak fluent english.his office is more or less opposite bo jangles bar i will try to find you the exact address.his office phone number is 0351 282357276.if you tell him you was recommended by mr alf marshall from monte servo.if you have not yet found a property i would highly recommend EDL estae agents also based in carvoeiro these guys are fantastic&even now which is 18 months after we bought a property from them they are on hand to help with any problems that arise in connection with our property.hope this helps

[wolfie]

Unfortunately he has just emigrated to Brazil .We were a client of his and bit miffed that didn't tell us - the firm is still there however and one of the others will take our business on

[Barry]

Didn't know that wolfie. We bought our villa through EDL, and Nelson recommended Paulo, who turned out fine. So long as Teresa is still there I will still feel confortable using their services. She is so helpful. Held our hand through the whole villa set up process.

[alf1956]

i didnt know that paul serra had gone either!but i agree that terresa is a godsend so it should be ok to use that firm.nelson&edgar from EDL also recommended paul serra to me&those guys at EDL are the dogs *ollocks for me!!!

[wolfie]

I agree Teresa is always on the ball and as far as I know she is still there .

[joanne]

Yes she is I went in last week when told Dr Serra had gone by Sandra at Palm, she said no problem another Solicitor in the Company has taken over all his Business and will be our Fiscal Rep etc so should be no problems, was just a little surprised that we had not been emailed etc and told.

[BONDI]

Joanne

One piece of ADVISE. Please DO make sure you have agreed the lawyers total fees for your purchase down to the last details WELL IN ADVANCE.. you should NOT be payingt more than 1-1.5% of transaction value.

i hope you have found a good laywer BUT BE WARNED ABOUT OVERCHARGING which is common practise amongswt lawyers here.ask for full completion statement showing the fees and charges. and stay on TOP of the paperwork.And do remember lawers in portugal dont work in the same way as in U.K., so please keep a track of conveyancing process throught, and ask as many questions you need to to your lawyer, and have it all in WRITING. Especially check out the original planning permission for your property that you are buying.

Good luck and do stay on top of all your paperwork, take my word for it. 30 years of experience in delaling with lawyers in portugal has taught me a lot, along my previous profession as estate agent in the algarve.

[widge]

I would also advise to insist on a set of completion accounts especially if you are buying a previously owned property. The lawyer will take responsibility for paying / reclaiming outstanding tax & utility bills etc.

In my case this resulted in a credit balance of €1500 which I only discovered by accident two years after completion !!!!

Had I not discovered it I don't think I would have received my rebate.

[joanne]

Thanks Bondi

We have bought 2 places now through Dr Serra and all ok as far as we are aware, all paperwork was fine etc, was just a bit miffed that he had not emailed to say he was leaving as I am aware you need a representative if you not live in Portugal all the time.

Thanks for the advice

Joanne