How long does the whole process usually take?

How long does each stage take?

These are rough timings, from our experience:

• Gathering the documents: about 1 week.
• Answers and offers from the banks: 1 to 2 weeks.
• Valuation of the home and final approval: another 1 to 2 weeks.
• Reflection period and booking the deed: at least 7 days.

In total, 30 to 60 days. Timings change with the bank, the home and your case.

Which deadlines are set by law?

The bank's offer is valid for at least 30 days. During that time, the bank cannot change the terms. You have time to compare without rushing.

You cannot sign the contract in the first 7 days after you receive the offer. The rule is there to give you time to think.

The bank has 10 days to give you a copy of the home's valuation. They count from the day it receives the valuer's report.

What usually causes delays?

• Missing or out-of-date documents. Every bank request left unanswered stops the process.
• A valuation below the price. The bank lends on the lower of the price and the valuation. If the valuation comes in lower, you need more of your own money or a new price.
• Life insurance. It may involve a health questionnaire and, sometimes, medical tests.

How can I speed things up?

Have your documents ready from the start. Our document checklists show what to gather for each case. See also the guide Which documents do I need to prepare to get started?

Ask early for your credit liabilities report («Mapa de Responsabilidades de Crédito»). You get it on the Banco de Portugal website.

Do you have a valuation of the home made for another bank less than 6 months ago? You can hand it in. The bank can only refuse it in cases set out in law.

Know how much you can borrow before you start. The home purchase simulator shows your affordability ratio.

An example with timings

You hand in complete documents on day 1. The banks answer by day 14. The valuation and approval are ready on day 28, with the approved ESIS.

The first day you can sign is day 35, 7 days later. Once the deed is booked, you sign around day 40.

If a document is missing and the bank waits 2 weeks for it, everything moves 14 days. The deed moves to around day 54. These are example timings.

Where FINOVA helps

We handle the application to the banks and talk to them for you. We always tell you where the process stands. Our fee is paid by the bank.

The stages are explained in the guide What are the main steps until I get the keys?

Sources

• Banco de Portugal — New rules on mortgage credit (in Portuguese)
• Banco de Portugal — Guarantees
• Banco de Portugal — Creditworthiness assessment
• Banco de Portugal — Credit liabilities

Sources checked on 22 September 2026.