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Our Terms of engagement

1. Service Packages
At Algarve House Hunters, we offer a range of service packages designed to support clients at every stage of their property journey — from early research to full relocation and purchase.
Some packages provide standalone services (such as property searches, scouting tours, or NIF/bank setup), while others include our full Buyer’s Agent Service, where we represent you exclusively throughout your purchase.
Any Buyer agent package payments (where applicable) are credited or deducted from the final balance due at completion (final deed) upon a successful purchase.
 
If you are not planning to purchase within the next nine months, or are not eligible for our Free Buyer’s Agent Service, you may select the package that best fits your needs.

Our Services
 
Basic Search Only
For clients who wish to browse available properties but are still uncertain about purchasing in Portugal.
Includes access to listings, updates, and general market guidance — without buyer representation or legal setup.
 
Buyer Ready – Preparation Only
For clients preparing to buy soon. Includes assistance with obtaining a NIF number, setting up a Portuguese bank account, and other essentials for becoming “buyer ready” before actively searching.
 
Scouting-Only Service
Scouting Only – For clients requesting on-the-ground local tours without full buyer representation.
 
Purchase-Only Support
For clients who have already found a property and require guidance only through the purchase process.
Includes:

  • Liaising with the selling agent and lawyer

  • Full property due dilligence

  • Arranging and overseeing surveys, bank valuations etc

  • Offer management and negotiation support

  • Assistance through to final deed completion
     

Buyers Agent Packages and services
 
Silver Package
For clients wanting flexibility, unsure of exact purchase date or timeline.
Includes: Everything above in the basic search plus

  • Buyer ready support

  • Ongoing property updates 

  • B​uyer support

  • Priority access to off-market and agency listings

  • Full itinerary planning for your visit

​(Any budget welcome, no fixed timeframe required.)
 
Free Buyer Service (for eligible clients)
For clients planning to purchase within nine months and who are “buyer ready” or would like our assistance to become ready. Includes all Silver Package benefits at no upfront cost.
 
Gold Package
Includes all Silver Package benefits plus:

  • A personalized property scouting tour
     

Prestige Package
A complete relocation and property purchase service, designed for clients seeking full support.
Includes everything in the Gold Package, plus:

  • Relocation coordination (schools, utilities, move-in support)

  • Personal concierge services

  • After-sale and settlement assistance
     

2. Buyer’s Agent Service
When you sign up for our Buyer’s Agent Service, you’ll be invited to schedule your first introductory call.
During this call, we’ll discuss your goals and preferences, then recommend the service package that best suits your needs. If you’re only at the exploratory stage, we may suggest starting with our Basic Search or Buyer Ready options. 
 
Please note: There is no binding agreement until after your first call. At that stage, both you and Algarve House Hunters can decide whether to proceed. If we move forward together, you’ll receive full details of our service packages. Once you’ve selected your preferred package, we ask clients to agree to work exclusively with Algarve House Hunters throughout the property search process.
If you are unsure, we encourage you to:

If either party decides not to proceed, you’ll receive a confirmation email, and these Terms of Engagement will no longer apply.
 
If you wish to cancel any agreement, you may do so here:
Cancel Here
 
At Algarve House Hunters, we work on a foundation of mutual trust and commitment. If at any point you’re not satisfied with our service, please contact us directly so we can resolve any concerns quickly and professionally.
 
3. Free Package Eligibility
The Free Package is available only if the purchase results in a sale assisted by Algarve House Hunters, with a minimum property budget of €250,000. Clients using the Free Package agree to provide an honest review of our services during the search process or upon completion. Failure to provide or removing a published review may result in a service fee being charged to cover time and resources invested.
 
Disclaimer
If you select the Free Package but it does not result in a completed purchase over €250,000, Algarve House Hunters reserves the right to calculate the services and time provided and issue an invoice accordingly.
 
4. Refunds & Upgrades
Refunds if a Sale Does Not Proceed. If a sale does not proceed after an offer has been made due to unforeseen circumstances, the client may choose to continue the property search or withdraw from the process.
If you decide not to proceed, Algarve House Hunters will, as a gesture of goodwill, review the work undertaken and refund any unused portion of the package fee, where applicable.
Non-Refundable Elements
Administrative costs, travel expenses, and third-party fees (such as obtaining NIFs or other external services) are non-refundable.
Upgrades
If you purchase a lower-tier package (e.g., Silver) but require additional support or services beyond what is included, we will upgrade you to the appropriate package and charge the difference at the end of the agreement.
 
5. Validity & Transferability
All paid packages are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. 
If you do not proceed within this period, we may discuss pausing (“freezing”) the service until you are ready to continue. Free packages are valid for nine months. After this period, we may extend the service for an additional three months or discuss converting it into a paid package.
 
Packages are non-transferable and apply only to the client(s) named at registration.
 
6. Our Agreement
At Algarve House Hunters, we pride ourselves on providing a unique Buyer’s Agent service by always putting our clients first. If you are ever dissatisfied with our services, please notify us in writing (or in a recorded conversation) as soon as the issue becomes apparent. This gives us the opportunity to resolve the matter quickly, either by addressing the concern directly or, if necessary, assigning you a different agent.
 
We kindly ask that clients allow us the opportunity to resolve concerns before publishing negative reviews.
 
7. Third-Party Services Disclaimer
If you experience any issues with a company or professional we have recommended, please notify us in writing as soon as possible. Your feedback allows us to address concerns promptly, assist you in finding alternatives, and ensure we continue to work only with trusted service providers.
 
For transparency, any negative reviews regarding third-party services should be directed to the service provider’s own platform or website. Please note: While we only recommend providers with a proven track record, Algarve House Hunters cannot be held responsible for the services they deliver. Our recommendations are made in good faith based on past performance.
 
8. General Provision
These Terms remain in place unless superseded by a separate written agreement. In such cases, the signed agreement shall take precedence and these Terms shall be considered void.
 
9. Limitation of Liability
Algarve House Hunters shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential losses.
Our total liability for direct damages is limited to the amount paid by you for your chosen package, to the maximum extent permitted by law.
 
10. Consumer Rights (EU Law)
If you purchase a package online, you have the right to cancel within 14 days and request a refund.
If services begin during this period, we may deduct a proportionate fee for work already completed.
 
11. Our Remuneration
When Algarve House Hunters acts as your Buyer’s Agent, our fee is based on a transparent and fair commission structure.

  • The commission is 2.5% of the property purchase price, with a minimum fee of €5,000.

  • This cost is covered by the seller or the selling agent, meaning you, as the buyer, typically do not pay any fees directly.

  • We are paid through the proceeds of the sale, managed between Algarve House Hunters and the selling agent.

If we encounter a seller or agency that is not willing to share commission, we will make you aware in writing and explain the situation clearly. There are a number of options available to address this, and we will always look for the best possible solution to avoid any costs being incurred by the buyer. Transparency is a key part of our service, and you will always be informed in advance of any exceptions or adjustments.
 
12. Breach of Contract
If the Client purchases a property without Algarve House Hunters’ involvement during the term of this Agreement, or engages another real estate agent in breach of the exclusivity agreement, the Client shall be liable to pay compensation equivalent to the agreed commission.

  • The commission for breach purposes is 2 - 2.5% of the property purchase price, with a minimum fee of €5,000.

  • Payment shall be made within 14 days upon written request by Algarve House Hunters.

This clause ensures fairness and protects the time, effort, and resources invested in representing the client’s interests.
 
13. Governing Law
These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of Portugal. Any disputes shall be resolved exclusively by the Portuguese courts.
14. Acceptance of Terms
By choosing any of our packages — including the Free Package — you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.

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