BUILD · RENOVATE · EXTEND

Build your home, with the bank keeping pace with the works

Funds released in stages, in step with the construction schedule. We negotiate the terms so the financing never holds up the build.

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WHO IT'S FOR

A self-build mortgage is for you if...

Four typical scenarios.

You are going to build from scratch on land you already own or are about to buy.
You want to extend your existing home (a new floor, an annexe, a loft conversion).
You have structural works planned (roof, foundations, major interventions).
The property needs a deep renovation before it is habitable.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Our role in a self-build mortgage.

File and negotiation

We gather the project, budget and schedule, submit to the banks and negotiate the terms: spread, term, construction insurance and the drawdown schedule.

Drawdown schedule

The bank releases funds in stages, against progress on site. We work to get an approved schedule that fits your build plan.

Inspection by the bank

After completion, the bank runs the loan: a surveyor appointed by the bank inspects the site before each drawdown. We explain what is checked at each stage.

Conversion to a standard mortgage

When the build is finished, the bank converts the self-build loan into a standard mortgage on the terms agreed at the outset. That is why we negotiate those terms at approval.

PROCESS

The self-build mortgage process.

01
Project and budget
We gather the approved project, the detailed budget and the construction schedule.
02
Initial valuation
The bank values the land, the project and the expected final value.
03
Approval and schedule
The bank approves the loan and sets the drawdown schedule by construction stage. We negotiate the terms up to this point.
04
Build and drawdowns, with the bank
After completion, the bank’s surveyor inspects each stage and the bank releases the matching drawdown. We remain available for questions.

See the full process

DOCUMENTATION

Documents to start the build.

More documents than a standard mortgage, and that is normal.

See the full checklist

ID document, tax number (NIF) and income tax (IRS) returns for the last 2 years.
Property tax record (caderneta predial) and land registry certificate for the plot.
Architectural project approved by the local council.
Detailed construction budget, signed by the builder.
Building licence (or application in progress, depending on the stage).

BANKS

We compare against the main banks operating in Portugal.

CGD
BPI
Novobanco
UCI
ABANCA
Crédito Agrícola
Santander
Bankinter
Banco CTT

COMMON QUESTIONS

Self-build mortgage

Can’t find your question?

Browse the guides or write to us. We reply within 48 hours.

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Funds are released in tranches as the build progresses. Typically 5 to 7 tranches: land, foundations, structure, roof, finishes, completion. Each tranche is validated by an inspection report.

No. You only pay interest on the funds actually released at each point. As the build progresses and funds are released, the repayment adjusts.

Always a surveyor appointed by the bank. They inspect the site before each drawdown and validate the release of funds. Your own site manager follows the build, but does not replace the bank’s inspection.

Yes, as long as the budget is credible and the builder has references. The bank does not impose who builds; it only requires the budget and the schedule to make sense.

SERVICES