Renting an Apartment or House in Portugal
Most people who move to Portugal end up renting for a period of time, even if their ultimate aim is to buy a place here. Others end up renting for their entire time here. It’s always tricky to find a good rental, both in Portugal and in other countries, but, along with all of the things you probably already look out for when renting a property, there are a few extra things to look out for when renting a room or …
Buying a Rental Property in Portugal
Thanks to its warm weather, low cost of living, and beautiful beaches and countryside, Portugal has become an incredibly desirable place to own a holiday home or vacation rental, particularly in areas like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. It’s also home to some of the best golf courses in the world, many undiscovered wine regions, and often has cheap flights from destinations like the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands. If you’re looking for a property to add to your portfolio, …
Buying Property in Portugal: The Real Process, Not the Brochure Version
Buying a home in Portugal is one of those ideas that feels wonderfully simple on the surface. An apartment in Lisbon. A quiet stone house in the countryside. A villa near the sea. For many people, it’s tied up with lifestyle dreams, retirement plans, or the idea of putting down roots in Europe. And in fairness — buying property in Portugal is absolutely achievable for foreign buyers. There are no restrictions on foreign ownership. The legal system is well established. …
Getting Your Water Connected in Portugal
When you move to Portugal, sorting out your water supply is key, along with sorting out other utilities like electricity and gas and arranging home internet. In Portugal, water services are managed by local municipalities. This means you don’t get much choice with your provider; it depends on where you live. Each area has its own supplier, and information about your specific provider is available through your local municipality. For example, Aguas de Lisboa e Vale do Tejo looks after …
How to Sell Your House in Portugal Without An Estate Agent
In Portugal, estate agents typically charge 5% (or more) commission + VAT. For many expats living in Portugal—and an increasing number of Portuguese—that’s too much. 5% of a €250,000 property is €12,500. If your property is more expensive, say €750,000, you could be paying €37,500 just in commission. Some estate agents will drop their commissions ever so slightly, but it’s unlikely that you’ll get them below 3%. Even getting them to drop below 5% can sometimes be a struggle. But, why …
The Best Property Websites For Buying Property in Portugal
If you’re familiar with Zillow or Realtor.com in the US—or Rightmove and Zoopla in the UK—your instinct is probably to look for “the one big website” that lists every property for sale. In Portugal, that doesn’t exist. There is no MLS system, and that means two things: Think of Portugal as a patchwork: different agents upload to different portals, some post only on their agency website, and a surprising number of rural owners still list only on classifieds. Below is …
Dealing with Noisy Houses & Apartments in Portugal
Apartments and houses in Portugal lack insulation. This means that not only can they be absolutely freezing during the winter months, but noise travels between apartments very easily as well. And while there are things you can do to stay warm in Portuguese apartments, it’s very hard to solve noise problems. For many people, this won’t be an issue. For those that are sensitive to noise, wake up easily, or are going to be working from home a lot, it …
Dream Big, Buy Smart By Using A Buyer’s Agent in Portugal
At Portugalist, we understand that buying property in Portugal is not just a transaction—it’s a step towards a dream. Whether you’re looking for a sunny seaside villa in the Algarve, that perfect apartment in Lisbon, or a plot of land in the Alentejo, our partnered buyer’s agents are here to make your dream a reality. What Does A Buyer’s Agent Do? Basically: a buyer’s agent is there to hold your hand through the process of buying a property in Portugal. …
Selling Your Property in Portugal: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you considering selling your property in Portugal? Portugal’s property market has been thriving in recent years, attracting both domestic and international buyers. With its stunning coastlines, vibrant cities, and warm climate, it’s no wonder that so many people are interested in moving here or owning a second home here. As a seller, this means you have a great opportunity to capitalise on the demand and get the best value for your property. In the following sections, we’ll cover everything …
Furnishing Your Home: Where to Buy Furniture in Portugal
Anyone living in Portugal, whether they’re renting or have bought a house, will have to buy furniture at some point or another. Maybe you need to furnish an entire apartment or house, or maybe you just need one or two small things. Either way, the question is: where should you go to buy furniture in Portugal? The answer depends a lot on the type of furniture that you’re looking for, and where you are in the country. For some people, …