Updated: April 4, 2025
2025 keeps us guessing. In the current geopolitical climate, with economic and political changes happening in quick succession, having a Plan B can provide stability in a room full of changes.
Economic shifts, political uncertainty, and lifestyle changes have each led many to seek out a Pan B that offers both security and peace of mind. Real estate has long been a reliable asset – investing in brick and mortar provides a tangible, physical asset that, in Portugal, is highly likely to increase in value over time. Buying property for Plan B can be a smart move.
Not just for wealth-building but for safeguarding one’s future, Portugal offers stability, a high quality of life, and consistently high property market growth, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a solid Plan B.
What makes Portugal a smart Plan B?
Portugal has emerged in recent years as a hotspot for global citizens seeking a safe, stable country with a high quality of life and affordable living. While you’re no doubt aware of the quaint villages, charming cities, and beautiful landscapes, Portugal has far more to offer than this.
- Stability and safety: Portugal provides a stable political-economic system, making it a secure place to invest in a Plan B property
- Pathway to citizenship: Should you gain residency in Portugal, after five years, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship and permanent residency
- Capital appreciation: Historically over the past five year period, properties have appreciated in value substantially during this time.
- A blossoming tech center in Europe: Lisbon, Porto, and Braga have fast become leading tech hubs in Europe, with countless startups and international companies having relocated to Portugal.
- Top healthcare and education: Portugal has an excellent healthcare system and offers an array of education options, with 51 international schools across the country.
- Sublime climate: Portugal’s mild climate makes it possible to enjoy outdoor activities throughout the year, from golfing to water sports, horse-riding to tennis.
- Expat community: A number of expats now call Portugal home, including many American expats, and locals are usually very welcoming, making it easier to transition to the local way of life in the country and establish your circle of friends.
Buying Property Provides Financial Security
Beyond the obvious lifestyle benefits of snapping up your dream home on Portugal, the property market has proven itself over and over again to be a stronghold for investment.
In recent years, particularly in the past five years, property values have been increasing significantly. With solid returns and properties consistently appreciating in value, jumping on the property ladder in Portugal yields attractive returns. The real estate market has proved to be resilient to external factors, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukrainian War – despite the uncertainty at the time, the property market proved to be robust in the face of global changes.
Rental yields in the Greater Lisbon Area currently stand at an impressive 6.8 percent, while in Porto, they stand at 6.6 percent, highlighting the strong potential to score a nice return on your investment.
A Route to EU Citizenship
While it is no longer possible to invest in property as part of the Portugal Golden Visa to secure residency, you can easily enough secure residency in the country through another route while also buying property in Portugal. After five years of legal residency in Portugal, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship, provided you meet the Nationality Law requirements.
If you are looking to secure residency in Portugal, our citizenship and residency division, Global Citizen Solutions, has been helping expats from across the world relocate to Portugal for years and can match you with the visa option that is best suited to you. They are on hand to assist with all the legalities and guide you through the entire residency process.
One of the key reasons why Portugal has become so popular with foreign nationals in recent years is the variety of residency options on the table. For example, the Portugal D7 Visa caters to retirees and those looking to live on passive income, while the Digital Nomad (D8) Visa is the perfect option for those looking to work remotely from Portugal.
Where should you buy in Portugal?
For such a small country – around 107 times smaller than the USA – Portugal is exceptionally diverse. From rolling green hills in the Alentejo to the golden sands of the Algarve, from the historic, winding streets of Porto to the cosmopolitan hustle and bustle of Lisbon.
In Portugal, you are spoilt for choice. While we highly recommend visiting this jewel in Southern Europe and taking a trip to explore which part of the country captures your heart – and, it will certainly be more than one location – below, we share some of the true standouts.
Lisbon
It would be impossible to start anywhere else that Lisbon, Portugal’s diverse, cosmopolitan capital. Perfectly blending modernity and innovation with timeless tradition, Lisbon manages to retain its roots while looking to the future. For example, you can visit your local tasca (family run restaurant) in the morning for a delicious meal for under ten euros and then, come evening, head to a swish cocktail bar in the evening.
You’ll find several co-working spaces that have set up shop in Portugal’s capital, and there are always events happening in the city to network and get to know fellow expats. There are countless museums and art galleries, plus you’re within striking distance of some of the best beaches in the country.
Cascais
What was once the summer retreat for Portugal’s royal family is now one of the most sought-after seaside towns in Europe.
Where Ian Flemming famously found inspiration for his James Bond novels at the Hotel Palacio in Estoril, visiting Cascais and this part of the country has attracted lifestyle buyers and property investors for many years.
The property market has strong potential for appreciation and the lifestyle here is a delight. What better spot in Portugal than to kickstart your Plan B strategy in Portugal in style?
Algarve
Voted as the best beach destination in 2024 for the third time running in the World Travel Awards, you’ll have to take a moment to admire the sheer wonder of the Algarve should you choose to visit. And, if you are lucky enough to live there, expect endless sunny days, some of the best golf courses in the world – such as Dom Pedro Old Golf Course – and a high quality of life are all but guaranteed.
The Algarve region has recently been ranked as having the fourth fastest-growing luxury market in the world, according to a recent report by Knight Frank. If you are after something truly special, check out properties on the market in the so-called Golden Triangle of Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago, and Vilamoura, just outside of Faro, the capital of the Algarve.
Lagos, in the Western Algarve, is also an increasingly popular choice, particularly amongst Americans, who are drawn to the beautiful modern properties that come with stunning ocean views.
Porto
Porto’s transformation is truly special. While Lisbon was always the main protagonist in Portugal, drawing in expats, investors, and tourists from across the world, Porto is now a clear rival of Portugal’s capital city. With charming, winding streets, hidden gin bars, and arguably the best food in Portugal, Porto has emerged as a top choice for lifestyle buyers, while investors will find strong potential to secure a nice return on their investment.
Nearly 7 million guests visited Portugal in 2024, with an impressive 13 million overnight stays. Long-term rentals can also be a smart move and require less hand-on management, with an array of students and young professionals looking to live in the city.
Silver Coast
While not as widely known as the Algarve, the Silver Coast – which covers the stretch of coastline in between Lisbon and Porto – provides a more authentic experience to the South of Portugal. You’ll find this dramatic coastline full of local traditions that are unique to each town. Take Nazaré, for example, where the fishermen’s wives still wear seven colorful layers of skirts, as well as wooden clogs and the traditional black headscarves.
You’ll find incredible seafood and fish specialities on this coastline, spacious properties with stunning ocean views, and a culture that is waiting to be explored. Keen surfers will also be able to test their mettle, with Ericeira, Peniche, and Nazaré very well-known amongst surf communities across the world.
South West
We can’t recommend the southwest of Portugal enough, particularly if you are looking for unique luxury properties in the heart of nature. Towns such as Melides and Comporta are very special locations where several international designers and leading actors have come to call home, including Christian Louboutin, Monica Bellucci, and Carla Bruni. The area surrounding these two towns is also growing rapidly. Buying a property here could a smart move as this entire region of Portugal looks set to be one of the hottest spots in Europe in the coming years.
Want to learn how you can snap up your dream home? Check out our ultimate guide.
Your Plan B is Closer Than You Think
Buying property outside your home country can be tricky, but with the right help, it doesn’t have to be. Navigating legal requirements, finding your ideal property – the one that ticks all your boxes – and understanding the property buying process require attention to detail, local knowledge, and an expert’s eye to ensure that the process runs smoothly.
That’s where Goldcrest come in.
Goldcrest: How We Can Help You
Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent that is based in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, providing expert, impartial advice on real estate investments and how to buy property in Portugal. From scouting out your dream property through to property acquisition, we have you covered throughout the process. We can also help you navigate through the mortgage process to ensure you have clarity on financing your ideal property.
We pride ourselves in putting ourselves in your shoes, so we can clearly find properties that match your exact needs and requirements.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team of skilled experts is available to solve all your real estate doubts, offering insightful expertise and strategic advice.
Why choose Goldcrest?
- Local knowledge: With offices located across Portugal, our presence nationwide allows us to assist you personally across the country.
- Independent service: As an independent buying agent, we do not represent any development or project. Our service is entirely tailored toward each individual client, providing you with everything you need to secure the perfect property at the best possible price. As an impartial advisor on the market, we work solely on behalf of our client and provide a service tailored to your needs and requirements.
- Streamlined process: Our real estate agents speak English and Portuguese, and our service is completely focused on providing you with a hassle-free buying experience, saving you time.
- Experienced team: Our expert real estate team has a vast local knowledge of the Portuguese property market. We have cutting-edge technology and metasearch tools at your disposal to provide full market coverage, ensuring the best investment choices and negotiated prices.
- Network of partners: Lawyers, property management services, builders, architects, designers, and landscape gardeners, again saving you time and hassle by providing you with trusted experts in their field of work.
