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We are planning to retire to Portugal late 2014, we expect to rent long term whilst we look to find somewhere to buy in the Caldas da Rainha/
Alcobaca area.

We have no set idea on what we would like to buy, apart from not a complete ruin, and feel from just looking at the internet so far we will probably have a huge choice. My question is we have seen some partially completed new builds, can we buy and complete the work ourselves, rather than paying the builder, as my understanding is that the habitation licence is issued to the builder? Or am I mistaken in this? We are not talking about plumbing/electricals, but maybe tiling, putting in kitchens and bathrooms.

Thank you for your time and advice.

Denise

 

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Habitation Licence

OK, thanks for that, so it should be possible to work with the builder so that we agree an amount to bring a build up to the standard so that a Habitation Licence can be issued, but leaving us what we want to do ourselves? I am assuming that due to the economic situation builders don't want to invest any more money/effort in properties that may not find a buyer.

Its just one avenue that we were considering, we are looking at properties at the lower end of our budget, which have potential but will require gutting by a builder and reconfiguring/renovating (I did take on board your comments re. issues with windows), and others towards the top end of budget, which we could move straight into, BUT, though they are beautifully finished, just not to our taste, and my naturally tight nature would find it very difficult to rip out an expensive brand new kitchen. Equally, it wouldn't feel like our home with a wonderful, high tech shiny black kitchen. Seems to be a world-wide trend at present for black tiling in kitchens and bathrooms, with white tiles.

Completely different subject, are there reclamation yards in Portugal?

Thank you for all the help and constructive advice you have offered so far, it certainly makes it much easier to get an authorative answer to any random questions we may have!

Denise

 

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Thank you, will not waste time mulling that over then!

Denise