KUABIT WELCOMES YOU
Working With You
Kuabit is an exclusive property buyer's agency in Portugal with years of real estate experience that has helped us gain extensive knowledge of the Portuguese market and a wide array of contacts across the real estate world. Using this network and our business knowledge, we help our clients find the most suitable properties and secure the right one at the right price. Our clients include people, families, and corporations, and we aim to find the very best features to match your desires, no matter who you are. With us, there are no shortcuts; our focus is on providing you the very best service.
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MEET THE HUSBAND AND WIFE DUO BEHIND KUABIT
They say “home is where the heart is,” but for some, it is the workplace also.
Charlaine is from South Africa and moved to Portugal in 2015 after living in Dubai and Qatar in the Middle East. She traveled the world for 5 years and worked with different cultures and nationalities from around the world. Each country leaves its memories, but Portugal was an absolute favorite for her, so when a job opportunity came up to move to Portugal, she went for it. Since young, she has always had a genuine interest in property. Sunday afternoons were for viewing showhouses just because she loved looking at property. Most of her free time was spent looking at property online and decided to turn her passion into a way of living.
Carlos is an IT program & project manager but loves to give a hand or sometimes two. Some people like to do sports to reduce stress; others enjoy playing video games; Carlos likes to find potential good deals and handle complex negotiations. They recently had a baby boy, so Carlos had to step in and help even further. As an IT program & project manager, he had the opportunity to live and work abroad, mainly in the US, East Timor, and Brazil, so spotting opportunities, handling communications and negotiations comes naturally. They love working together as they balance one other out; Charlaine is more in touch with the emotional side of purchasing a property, where Carlos is more investment-oriented. They like to think that their clients are getting the best of both worlds.
When they are with their clients, they are who they are. They genuinely connect and appreciate each journey with their clients and put themselves in their shoes, so it feels as exciting for them as it feels for their clients when they finally find their dream home. Building long-lasting relationships based on trust and successful purchases are what matters to them.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT
Our agents are trained and have knowledge of the home buying process as well as negotiations. You can be sure to receive a guiding hand every step of the way with the buying process.
Working closely with each buyer and understanding their needs, wants, and wishes are our goal. The Portuguese home buying process can be extremely stressful and time-consuming; however, with one of our agents, be sure to find the ideal home at the right price.
BUSINESS HOURS
By Appointment
Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm
Sat: 10am - 2pm
Sun: Closed
GET IN CONTACT
The Kuabit team has helped people buy real estate, mainly in the Algarve, Cascais, Lisbon, and Silver Coast. We´re happy to clarify any doubts that you may have. Reach out to us, and we’ll respond asap.
+351 936 070 311
GOLDEN VISA GUIDE
The Golden Visa program was created in 2012 with the aim of attracting foreign investment in Portugal. The program makes it possible to obtain residency to foreigners who invest in Portugal. It is available for nationals from outside of the EU (European Union) and the EEA (European Economic Area) and allows for traveling within the European countries (Schengen Area).
Portuguese golden visa holders will get a temporary residence permit that will be valid for one year. The subsequent renewals of the visa will last for two years. Golden visa holders may request permanent residency in Portugal after five years and then after six years, they can apply for Portuguese citizenship.
What are its benefits and advantages?
Visa-free entry to Portugal
Visa-free travel throughout the 26 Schengen countries of the European Union
Possibility to study, work and live in Portugal
Residency may extend to family members
Possibility of obtaining permanent residency after five years
Possibility to apply for a European passport after six years
What are the minimum stay requirements in Portugal for this visa type?
Only seven days are required in the first year and 14 days in the subsequent two years.
MOST COMMON INVESTMENT OPTIONS
Capital Transfer
Bank transfer of a minimum of 1 million euros to Portugal.
Creation of 10 jobs
Creation of a company that hires at least ten people in a fulltime position
Invest € 500,000 in Real Estate
Real estate investment of a minimum of € 500,000 for any property type and anywhere located in Portugal
Invest in the renovation of a property
Renovation of an eligible property which should be, or over 30 years old, or located in a designated urban rehabilitation area (ARU).
Need assistance in obtaining your Golden Visa?
As we briefly touched on obtaining a Golden Visa, we understand that it may be challenging if you don't speak the language and don't know where to start. If you require assistance in connecting you with lawyers who specialize in property and immigration law, feel free to reach out to us.
BUYER´S AGENT
What is a buyer's agent?
Very much like real estate agents who help you sell your home; a buyer's agent is a licensed professional who works with you. They act on your behalf from the initial search, shortlisting properties, analyzing, and then finally negotiating the purchase price—their aim to ensure that you do not overpay for a property.
Most homebuyers make the mistake of choosing to work with a sales agent or a part-time buyer agent. The issue is that a lot of time is wasted, and these agents don't only work for you. When you sell a home, a sales agent is great, but when you are purchasing,
then a dual agent might work against you.
Since seller's agents work for the seller and they aim to obtain the best price and terms for the seller. It would be best if you have a trustworthy agent who looks out for you and you alone. The best part of everything, it's potentially free!
What does a buyer's agent do?
Hear your housing needs and objectives.
Reduce stress and save you time from spending your own time searching the market, finding various places, and evaluating several properties.
Educate you on the everchanging market conditions and the process of buying a property in Portugal
Filter many properties to find ones that suit your requirements
Use their vast network to provide you with exclusive access to new or "off-market listings."
Shortlist and schedule home viewings
Give unbiased feedback on each property's positives and negatives.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
Every day we work in the local real estate market, we study the current market trends, negotiate, write contracts, show properties, and, most importantly, build relationships with other agents. Our knowledge will be shared with you.
SCHEDULES VIEWINGS, SO YOU DON'T HAVE
We will make all the calls, coordinate the viewings, and give you all the essential information about each property.
IT'S FREE, REALLY
The seller pays the listing agent and in most cases, the listing agent will split the commission with the buyer's agent at closing.
TIME, WE BUY IT
We will follow your brief, do the search, and arrange viewings. Get your weekends back to enjoy, rather than spending endless time going through all the unsuitable online listings and avoiding the real estate agent pressure.
STRESS, YOU DON'T NEED
We deal with all aspects of your property buying process and only involve you when needed.
SILENT LISTINGS, WE HEAR THEM
Through our professional network, we can access new listings coming to market and off-market opportunities
How are Buyer's Agents Paid?
Agents are normally paid through the proceeds of a sale in Portugal. These agent fees are already built into the sales price; once the purchase is complete, the seller will pay the listing agents and, in most situations, these agents will split the commission with the buyer's agent. You still pay for it at the end, regardless of whether you want to be represented. You thus get all the information, advice, and assistance, in most of the transactions, at no extra cost. As such, you have little to lose by having our agents assist you in the buying process.
WE FIND HOMES FOR BUYERS - WE DONT SELL PROPERTY
BUYING PROCESS
STEP 1 – GET IN TOUCH
Contact us and tell us your ideas, objectives, budget, and other requirements with regards to purchasing your new home.
STEP 2 – MEETING / BUYERS BRIEF
An initial meeting is set to get a thorough understanding of your wants and needs and identify the essential property characteristics such as location, property type, budget, proximity to schools, transport, and amenities. We would then put together a comprehensive Buyer's Brief, clarify our services provided, and cover any questions you might have.
This meeting can be done via video conference, telephonically, or face-to-face meetings if you are already in Portugal.
STEP 3 – PROPERTY SCAN / SEARCH
During this phase, we concentrate on finding a home that matches your search criteria, not just any random property. Meticulously we scan through dozens of listings using many different sources such as:
Agency websites
Online real estate platforms
Local real estate agents
Partner agents that may have silent listings & pre-market listings
STEP 4 – SHORTLIST & SUGGESTIONS
A shortlist of properties is provided that we trust suits your needs and specifications.
If you are an overseas buyer and not physically in Portugal, we may provide additional photos and videos of the property, area, street views, and surrounding properties. Listing agents often focus on the positive characteristics and features of the property. However, we also try to recognize potential issues and disadvantages before the purchase. Being comfortable in choosing the right property that fits your needs is what matters most to us.
STEP 5 – VIEWINGS
We make all the calls, coordinate the viewings, and provide you with all the essential information about each property.
STEP 6 – NEGOTIATION | PURCHASING THE PROPERTY
We ensure that you purchase the property at the best possible price. After we have found your suitable property, we will decide on a negotiating strategy. Getting you the most affordable price with the most reasonable terms is our goal.
STEP 7 – RESERVATION
In some cases, the seller's agent will request that a reservation contract be signed where the buyer reserves the property and pays a deposit (usually 5000€). The seller states not to sell the property to another buyer during the reservation period. If the buyer proceeds with the sale, the deposit is deducted from the purchase price. This deposit is usually non-refundable as the purpose of a reservation deposit is to make the buyer commit to the property purchase.
STEP 8 – SALE & PURCHASE PROMISSORY CONTRACT
Normally within 14 days of signing the "Reservation Contract" both the buyer and seller enter a promissory agreement (´Contrato Promessa de Compra e Venda' in Portuguese) identifying the following:
Agreed price
Deposit amounts
Payment terms
Items included in the purchase, e.g., furniture, appliances, fixtures, fittings, etc
The date of property handover and the completion of the contract
In most transactions, this type of contract is used and is legally binding for both parties. A deposit is paid directly to the seller when signing the promissory contract, typically 10%-20% of the total purchase price. This contract is usually signed at a notary, in case you have signed a power of attorney (POA) in favor of your lawyer, you do not need to be present.
The defaulting party may suffer consequences. In the situation that the buyer pulls out of the sale, he/she will lose their deposit, and if the seller does pull out of the deal, they are required to pay back twice the deposit to the buyer.
STEP 9 – COMPLETION / CLOSING / FINAL DEED
Usually the signing of the final deed (escritura de compra e venda in Portuguese) occurs one to three months after signing the promissory contract at a notary. Closing includes transferring legal ownership, making the final balance payment, plus other payments such as notary fees and the deed registration fee.
The property is now officially yours, and we will arrange the pick-up of keys of your new home and deliver them to your lawyer, property manager, yourself, or any other chosen contact.
In case you have signed a power of attorney in favor of your lawyer, he/she will make you aware of the deed's content, protect your interest, and you do not need to be present.
WHY PORTUGAL
TEN REASONS FOR BUYING A PROPERTY IN PORTUGAL
You may be eligible for Portuguese citizenship by buying and maintaining ownership of a property for five years.
2. A charming destination with over 300 days a year of sunshine!
3. Tourism growth – Portugal won the "European leading Destination 2019" by World Travel Awards.
4. It is a breathtaking country with unspoiled nature and sandy beaches, and at the World Travel Awards 2017, the Algarve was voted Europe's No.1 beach destination.
5. Portugal is expat-friendly - Not only are Portuguese people welcoming and friendly, but many speak English in the major cities.
6. In Portugal, the cost of living is one of the lowest in Europe.
7. Portugal is a secure place with a high degree of political stability (Ranked 3rd safest in the world in 2019 by Global Peace Index).
8. Excellent Tax advantages through the NHR scheme and inheritance tax was abolished several years ago.
9. It is easy to connect to the rest of the world, conveniently reachable from Africa, Europe, and the United States.
