How to find a property in Portugal
Properties in Portugal come in all shapes and sizes, to suit all budgets from cheap fixer-uppers to lavish, modern new-build penthouses. There’s a wide variety of property types which each serve a different purpose too.
But how do you find a property in Portugal to suit you? Scroll down to find out.
Searching for a property online
A logical place to start is by browsing the current market. See what’s available and the price points. This insight will help you understand what you can afford and where. There are a range of overseas property portals with thousands of homes for you to browse. To get you started, here are a few we recommend:
These portals allow you to filter your search by budget, number of bedrooms and property type (apartment, house, villa). Additionally, you can search for specific features, such as rural, golf, new build and more.
You can do so much online before even thinking of booking a flight. From checking out the local area on Google Maps/Earth, the social scene on social media or number of online forums, to reading reviews of local cafes and bars, you can really get a feel for an area before visiting it.
Top tip: When you’re browsing Portuguese property listings, you will notice properties – particularly apartments – described as T0/T1/T2, and so on. It simply refers to the number of bedrooms. A T0 is a studio with no separate bedroom. A T1 is one bedroom, and so on. Something else you might see is T2+1, T3+1 etc. This indicates that there’s an additional small room – think dressing room or box room – which may or may not be big enough to serve as an additional bedroom.
Booking a viewing trip
A key step in finding your ideal property in Portugal is to visit and view properties in person. While virtual tours and floor plans are helpful, it’s strongly advised to book a trip to see your chosen properties firsthand. For example, there could be noise pollution that you wouldn’t have noticed on a virtual tour.
Most buyers prefer to visit in the off season to avoid the summer heat and crowds. Then again if you plan to enjoy it as a holiday home yourself, or rent out the property, consider visiting during peak season to gauge the area’s activity.
The length and itinerary of your viewing trip is entirely dependent on the number of properties and agents you wish to see while in Portugal. For guidance, download our free guide.
Types of viewing trips
Viewing trip with an estate agent
Before flying out to view properties in Portugal, you will have got to know your estate agent via phone, email or video calls. They will often meet you at your hotel or accommodation and drive you to relevant resale properties or new development sites.
Ensure that your estate agent has a good idea of what you are looking for in a Portuguese property and will suggest properties you liked online and possibly those you hadn’t considered that also fit your requirements. Local estate agents might also be expats, so they will often be able to act as your guide to the area and its local amenities. Most agents will proudly tell you about local golf clubs or the nearest international school.
On the last day of your viewing trip, you will hopefully have found your ideal Portuguese home and be ready to sort out your reservation contract.
It isn’t unusual for property buyers to make more than one visit or take time after the trip itself (often when back home) to consider their next steps. It is possible to proceed with the property purchase once you are back home, especially if you’ve already got your professional team in place.
Inspection trip with a developer
If you’re looking to buy a new-build or development property in Portugal, you may wish to book an inspection trip. This is when a developer subsidises the cost of a trip to Portugal for prospective buyers to look at properties.
They might even help out arranging your flights and accommodation too. The downside of these trips is that you might struggle to find the time to view alternative properties or do much exploring alone as the itinerary is often predetermined by the developer.
Organising a viewing trip on your own
It’s entirely possible to make your own arrangements to visit various estate agents and/or developers in Portugal without making prior arrangements. While this method means you will have to do more research yourself, you get to take things at your own pace.
Please note that property market in Portugal is buoyant and it is advisable to prepare for a viewing trip and give your estate agent as much notice as possible about your trip dates, your place of stay so that they can truly assist you while you are visiting the local area. That way, you will also be able to view more properties and get the most out of your visit.
Things to consider when looking for a property
When searching for a property in Portugal, it’s best to be organised and methodical about it. Work out a “must have” and “nice to have” list. Consider both the intrinsic qualities of the property (design, layout, space and most of all how it makes you feel), plus the extrinsic factors such as proximity to amenities, schools and transport links.
Researching the local area, including the social scene and community reviews, can also provide you with valuable insights.
It’s important to consider foreign exchange when you find a property in Portugal. The price will be in euros, so consider your exchange rate. Speaking to a currency specialist before you book a viewing trip can help you understand the rates you could get and they’re able to offer services your high-street bank or app-only service can’t, like forward contracts. It’s a currency tool that allows you to lock in a specific rate for up to a year, providing buyers with peace of mind that they won’t be affected by unexpected exchange rate movements.
Talking to a property consultant
Engaging with a property consultant can save you time and effort. They can provide expert advice, help you navigate the market and connect you with reliable estate agents and legal professionals who speak your language.
At Property Guides we have a small team of property consultants available Monday to Friday, from 8:30am – 5:30pm (UK time). Give them a call on 0808 7898 0549 or book a callback at a time that suits you.
How does it work?
By detailing your property plans, such as what and where you would like to buy and your budget, our property consultants will be able to connect you with trusted partners who are best suited to help you. For example, this could be connecting you with an estate agent located in the Algarve who is experienced at assisting international buyers with finding a home there.
Your property consultant will also be able to connect you with a Portugal-based lawyer, a currency specialist, a tax advisor, visa specialist and other services to make buying stress-free.
Even if your property plans are less concrete – you might be torn between Lisbon and Porto, unsure if you want to rent out your property or just use it as a second home – it is still worth giving our property consultants a call. They can answer questions and offer guidance based on their expertise.
