Cost comparison · PT vs GB
Cost of buying property: Portugal vs the United Kingdom
Buying costs differ sharply between Portugal and the United Kingdom. Below, the one-off purchase costs and the annual costs of ownership for each — pivoted from the same researched basis as our calculators, side by side, so you can compare like for like.
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All-in one-off cost — side by side
Portugal
≈ 6–8% of price (all-in one-off)
All-in one-off cost — side by side
the United Kingdom
SDLT can reach ~19% for a non-resident second home; fees add ~£2–5k
Portugal
All-in estimate
≈ 6–8% of price (all-in one-off)
One-off costs — Portugal
Progressive. For 2026 the brackets are uplifted so IMT only bites above ~€106,346, rising to a top marginal band of ~7.5–8% on higher-value homes.
Flat, on the deed value.
Notary deed (escritura) and Land Registry / conservatória.
Independent lawyer (advogado); reviews the CPCV and runs title checks.
Required for non-EU non-residents until you become resident.
Annual costs — Portugal
Annual, on the taxable (VPT) value.
Only on the portion of Portuguese property value above €600,000 per owner.
Flat on net rent for non-residents; progressive if resident.
the United Kingdom
All-in estimate
SDLT can reach ~19% for a non-resident second home; fees add ~£2–5k
One-off costs — the United Kingdom
Progressive by band on the purchase price (England & NI; Scotland/Wales differ).
If you spent fewer than 183 days in the UK in the relevant 12 months — most foreign buyers.
Since 31 Oct 2024, if you already own any property anywhere in the world.
Plus VAT; handles contracts and completion.
Local authority searches and registration of title.
Annual costs — the United Kingdom
Annual, banded by property value and local authority.
Most London flats are leasehold; service charges can run to thousands/year.
Avoid corporate ownership of homes — the Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings is punitive.
Costs are only half the decision. Get fair-price analysis, legal flags and rental ROI for a specific address.
Run the full dossier on a property →Frequently asked
Is it cheaper to buy property in Portugal or the United Kingdom?
Typical all-in one-off costs are ≈ 6–8% of price (all-in one-off) in Portugal and SDLT can reach ~19% for a non-resident second home; fees add ~£2–5k in the United Kingdom. Compare the full breakdowns above and use each country's calculator for a price-specific figure before deciding.
How much does it cost to buy a house in Portugal?
Budget roughly 6–8% of the price all-in: progressive IMT transfer tax (up to ~7.5–8% on higher-value homes, less on cheaper ones), 0.8% stamp duty, plus notary, registration and legal fees of about 1.5–2.5% combined.
How much stamp duty does a foreigner pay in the UK?
On top of the standard SDLT bands, a non-UK-resident buying an additional property pays both the 2% non-resident surcharge and the 5% additional-dwelling surcharge — about 7 percentage points extra across all bands. If it is your only home worldwide and you'll live in it, only the 2% non-resident surcharge applies.