Gonçalo Peixoto Updated: May 25, 2026
Foreign buyers purchased 41,086 homes in Portugal in 2025, with Brazilians becoming the largest foreign house buyers in the country and accounting for 9808 of property acquisitions. Buyers from the USA, UK, Angola, and several other nationalities also remain active in the market, highlighting the country’s appeal amongst international buyers.
Number of Transactions in 2025 Reached a Record High
The Portuguese real estate market saw the number of property transactions reach a record high in 2025, with 169,812 properties sold. This is according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE), with prices soaring by 17.6 percent, the largest rise since this data was first measured back in 2009.
Foreign buyers have purchased 41086 homes within the framework of institutional family housing transactions. Of this number, 34,838 transactions were carried out by foreigners who have their tax domicile in Portugal, 11.4 percent higher than the previous year.
The 6,248 transactions attributed to buyers with tax domicile outside Portugal dropped by 14.1 percent compared with 2024, a decrease for the third consecutive year, according to the INE.
This highlights that the majority of foreign buyers in Portugal have their tax residence in Portugal.
Which nationalities are buying property in Portugal?
Brazilians accounted for the most foreign purchases in 2025, accounting for 9,808 property purchases, followed by Angolans (4,145). Buyers from Cape Verde, Ukraine, and Venezuela also registered growth in the number of transactions exceeding 25 percent in 2025.
Despite the growth in absolute numbers, the relative weight of foreigners in total household home purchases fell to 27.6 percent in 2025, the lowest since 2021.
Regardless, foreign buyers typically acquire properties at higher prices than nationals. Properties purchased by those with tax domicile in Portugal cost, on average €213,120, buyers from the EU paid €335,640, and those from other countries, €470,277.
The INE also highlighted that British and American buyers were purchasing property in 2025, with average transaction values of €512,585 and €479,403, respectively, more than 120 percent above the average value of buyers born in Portugal.
Foreigners Seeking Out Financing
The growing number of foreign buyers in the Portuguese property market is not just reflected in property deeds, but there is also an upward trend in housing loans.
The Bank of Portugal has released data that shows that foreigners accounted for 13.56 percent of the total amount contracted to permanent primary housing loans in 2025. This is approximately €2.6 billion out of a total of more than €19 billion, almost double the 7.38 percent in 2021.
The number of contracts likewise follows the same trend, with 11.74 percent of loan contracts in 2025, compared with 6.05 percent in 2021.
Brazilian buyers also dominate the mortgage lending for foreigners, accounting for 44 percent of foreign buyers taking out a mortgage in 2025.
Want to see how much you can borrow in Portugal?
Housing Market in Portugal Accelerating
Portugal’s property market is accelerating, reaching highs in both activity and value. According to INE, 169,812 homes were sold in 2025, highlighting an 8.6 percent increase compared with the year before. In terms of value, transactions totaled €41.2 billion, up 21.7 percent year-on-year. Taken together, the data from INE and the Bank of Portugal paints a picture of a property market that remains dynamic and internationally connected. 2026 looks set to follow this same momentum.
Goldcrest: How We Can Help You
Goldcrest is the first buyer’s agent in Portugal. We provide expert, impartial advice on real estate investments and how to buy property in Portugal. From scouting out the perfect property through to property acquisition, we have you covered throughout the process.
Unlike traditional real estate agents in Portugal who represent the seller, we are dedicated exclusively to protecting the buyer’s interests.
If you are looking to purchase property in Portugal, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team of skilled experts is available to solve all your real estate doubts, helping you with the property search and 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.
- 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. We can also help you buy property remotely.
- 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: We have a close network of partners, including 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.
