Applied for a mortgage and got asked for a document you’d never even heard of?
Tried to sell your house and found an error in the property data?
Believe it or not, it happens all the time — usually because of a document that seems secondary, but is actually crucial: the caderneta predial.
As of 2025, it remains a key piece in any real estate transaction.
Having an up-to-date caderneta predial can save you from delays, unexpected costs, bank refusals, or legal surprises when you least expect them.
In this guide, we break it down — no fluff, no confusion — what it is, when you need it, how to get it, and what mistakes to avoid. Because when everything else looks ready, this might be the one thing that seals the deal — or stalls it.
So, What Is the Caderneta Predial?
Think of it as your property’s ID card. Issued by the Portuguese Tax Authority (Autoridade Tributária), it’s valid for 12 months and contains all the key data the State cares about — which means you should care too.
What does it include?
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Exact location (district, municipality, parish)
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Type of property (urban or rural)
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Total area, layout, and divisions
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Purpose of use (residential, commercial, etc.)
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Taxable value (valor patrimonial) — used to calculate property taxes
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Owner details: name, tax number, address
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Extras like sun exposure or tax exemptions
This is the document the government uses to assess your property's value for tax purposes — so it’s important the information is accurate.
When Do You Need a Caderneta Predial?
Any time you’re doing something important with your property.
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Selling? You’ll need it for the deed.
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Getting a mortgage? The bank will require it.
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Requesting an appraisal, registering changes, or applying for an energy certificate? Also needed.
In short: it may look like “just a PDF,” but if it’s missing or outdated, it can halt the entire process.
How to Get the Caderneta Predial in 2025
Online — free, fast, and easy
Since going digital, it’s become simple:
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Go to portaldasfinancas.gov.pt
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Log in with your NIF and password (or use Digital Mobile Key)
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Search for “Consultar património predial”
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View the properties under your name
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Click “Caderneta” on the relevant property and download the PDF
It's free and holds the same legal weight as a paper copy.
In person — only if necessary
You can still request it at a tax office, but you’ll pay a fee. It’s only worth it if you urgently need a printed version or can’t access it online.
Urban or Rural Caderneta — Which One Do You Need?
Not all cadernetas are the same. There are two main types:
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Urban Property Record: For homes, apartments, shops, offices. Includes useful areas, number of floors, layout, and intended use.
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Rural Property Record: For farmland, forests, or undeveloped plots. Focuses on total area, boundaries, and type of land.
If you own a mixed property (e.g. a farmhouse with agricultural land), you might have two separate records or one with both sections.
Caderneta Predial vs. Land Registry Certificate: What’s the Difference?
You’ll hear both terms a lot when dealing with property — but they serve different purposes.
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The Caderneta Predial is about taxes — what the property is, where it is, size, use, taxable value, and ownership.
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The Permanent Land Registry Certificate (Certidão Permanente) is about legal status — who owns it, if there are mortgages, liens, or historical notes.
If you're buying or selling, you’ll need both.
One tells you the what and how much — the other tells you who and under what conditions.
What If the Caderneta Predial Is Wrong?
It’s more common than you think — and it can seriously complicate things:
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Sale blocked because records don’t match
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Mortgage denied
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IMI property tax overcharged
If you’ve made changes (extensions, internal layout, etc.), you have 60 days to notify the Tax Authority.
And since 2025, any change to the geometry (e.g. altered area) requires an official site plan drawn up by a certified technician. Skipping this step can lead to delays and legal headaches.
Which Taxes Depend on the Caderneta Predial?
Everything listed in the caderneta directly affects your taxes:
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IMI (Municipal Property Tax): Based on the assessed value shown here.
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IMT (Property Transfer Tax) and Stamp Duty: Calculated using the higher of the market price or this assessed value.
If you think your property is undervalued or overvalued, you can request a revaluation using the IMI Model 1 form — and potentially pay less tax.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Caderneta Predial:
Can I sell without a Caderneta Predial?
No. It’s mandatory for the deed — no exceptions.
How long does an update take?
It depends. Simple changes: a few days. With new plans or significant changes: it can take weeks.
Does the digital version have the same value?
Yes. It’s legally equivalent to a printed copy issued in person.
Simple But Essential
The caderneta predial might not show off your balcony view — but when it comes to buying, selling, or financing a home, it holds serious weight.
Knowing how it works, keeping it updated, and acting on time helps you avoid costly surprises.
At BRAVA, we take care of this with you. We review, correct, and explain it — clearly, carefully, and without stress.
