Real Estate in Portugal

How do I find a place to live in Portugal?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"We travelled extensively around Portugal, and although we wanted to live in the far north it was too cold in winter so we travelled further south and loved Tomar with its peaceful atmosphere, good connections, good shopping for my wife, good facilities and excellent access. We lived close by for 3 years," said one expat in Tomar.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Portugal?

"Expat homes and apartments in Portugal typically have bright, white-washed interiors with a minimalist style. In coastal areas, you can find more traditional, rustic-style houses with breezy patios and terraces. Many expat homes come with modern amenities, such as central heating, air conditioning, and equipped kitchens. Common features in apartments include terraces with views of the city or the ocean and easy access to public transportation. Portugal is known for its mild climate, unique terraced gardens, and beautiful beaches, so many expats take advantage of these features and invest in homes with outdoor spaces and sprawling gardens," explained one person living in Portugal.

"We rent a condo. Yes, most of our expat friends have done the same, although, as it turns out, our landlords are also expats who own several condos and a single family house that they live in," said one expat in Porto.

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What is the average cost of housing in Portugal?

If you are thinking about moving to Portugal, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"My home loan was 200k euros and I pay around 600 euros a month. Property takes is another 1k a year and generally speaking water, electric, heating, cable tv and such round off to about 350 euros monthly. It's MUCH cheaper out here than in the US," explained one expat living in Braga, Portugal.

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Should I buy or rent a home in Portugal?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Portugal, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"We decided to rent for a year while we get to know different towns before buying," said one person in Tavira .

"I am renting an apartment. It was difficult at first because a number of realtors didn't show an interest in helping me. When I found the right realtor, it went fairly easily. The biggest issue was having to pay for an entire years rent due to having no family in Portugal. There is also a scarcity of rental properties that are long term rentals," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Cascais.

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What do I need to know when buying property in Portugal?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Portugal, they said:

"Understand what is and is not including in the price. It is common for sellers to take appliances, light fixtures, and much more with them if it is not listed in detail in the offer. Be patient. See many properties to understand the market. It's nearly impossible to do a market analysis of the asking price since historical sales are not easily known. When you find something you like, move quickly. No two sellers are alike. Some are highly motivated and will negotiate. Many will not budge. In Portugal you are basically buying the property "as is." Inspections are almost unheard of. Be prepared for unexpected expenses and repairs after closing," said one foreigner living in Matosinhos, Portugal (a suburb or Porto), Portugal.

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Are foreigners allowed to own property in Portugal?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Portugal, they said...

"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in Portugal. Non-residents are able to purchase property in Portugal without any restrictions, and the process is relatively straightforward. The Portuguese government has made it easy for foreigners to purchase property in Portugal, and the process is similar to that of a Portuguese citizen. The only difference is that non-residents must obtain a tax identification number from the Portuguese tax authorities before they can purchase a property. Additionally, non-residents must also open a Portuguese bank account in order to complete the purchase," explained one expat in Portugal.

"None that I am aware of. The only unusual thing is if you want a mortgage. Most lenders require a mortgage to be paid off by age 70 (some a bit older) so it doesn't help most folks buying at retirement age. We did a cash purchase so everything went quickly from offer to closing in about 3 weeks," explained one person living in Matosinhos, Portugal (a suburb or Porto), Portugal.

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What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Portugal what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"Many rental properties in Portugal come with a range of appliances to make life more comfortable, such as a refrigerator, stove, and washing machine. The kitchen may also include a dishwasher, cooktop, and oven to make cooking and entertaining more enjoyable. Depending on the property, air conditioning and central heating may also be included. Other common appliances typically found in rental homes in Portugal include a fan, television, microwave, toaster, and coffee machine," explained one expat in Portugal.

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Additional Information about Searching for a Home in Portugal:

We asked foreigners in Portugal what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included...

"There is no MLS equivalent. Different companies have different sources of properties for sale. Work with more than one real estate agent at the same time. Make sure your agent is licensed," wrote one expat who made the move to Portugal.

"There is no MLS in Portugal. You need to search a wide variety of consolidating sites (idealista.com) and individual real estate firm sites (Re/Max, K-W, Lars Sonho, etc.) You also want to talk to people in cafes and shops. Many properties sell by word of mouth. We worked with a Re/Max agent in Matosinhos who is herself an expat and specializes in the special needs of expat buyers. Her name is Fabiola Verissimo. She was worth her weight in gold," explained one foreigner living in Matosinhos, Portugal (a suburb or Porto), Portugal.

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