Barbara Queiróz Updated: November 19, 2025
Porto city offers a bit of everything: fine port wine, luxury properties, traditional architecture, and many beaches nearby. It is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon, an industrial center and a magnet for tourists, expats, and property investors.
If you are interested in buying real estate, our team at Goldcrest can offer valuable market insight and help you find the best prices. A buyer’s agent or a real estate agent in Porto can search for properties, contact private sellers, and monitor local listings.
In this guide, you can explore the advantages of working with professional agents, how to distinguish a buyer’s agent from a real estate agent, and the steps to buying property as a foreigner in Portugal.
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Why do you need a real estate agent in Porto?
An agent knows the Portuguese real estate market. They collect data and follow price trends for houses, luxury villas, apartments, and commercial properties.
Since there is no Zillow Portugal, where you can find all the properties in one place, many international buyers rely on agents to find the properties for them.
Agents work with developers, sellers, and other agents to collect listings, especially for exclusive properties.
Here is what expert agents can do for you.
Track and analyze the Portuguese market
Real estate is an open-ended market. Everyone has different goals, budgets, and worries. Parents want to raise their children in a safe area away from oncoming traffic. High-net-worth international buyers often buy luxury real estate near the coastline.
A real estate advisor provides in-depth knowledge of the local real estate market. They spot trends, analyze prices, and identify property types, whether you are interested in apartments, luxury villas, or resorts and properties near golf courses.
Agents also compare rental yields and find opportunities for real estate investment in Porto that could benefit their clients.
Personalized property matching
A realtor in Portugal can help you find the exact type of property you need by collecting neighborhood data reports, school ratings, and recent development plans.
A real estate advisor can give you access to exclusive properties you may not find in the fragmented online market. They can also set up in-person viewings and negotiations on your behalf.
Here are a couple of questions a buyer’s agent and a real estate agent will ask to match you with the right property:
- Would you prefer a beach house or an apartment?
- Are you okay with the old houses, or do you want a new one?
- Would you like to live in the city center or prefer somewhere more private?
- Do you want to be situated close to international schools?
- Have you considered nearby areas like Vila Nova de Gaia or Vila do Conde?
Navigating legal and financial processes
Real estate services should also include assisting clients with financial transactions and the legal paperwork related to purchasing the property. Services should also include:
- Liaising with your lawyer, the seller, etc. If you do not yet have a trusted real estate lawyer on your side, they can also recommend one.
- Guiding you through property checks and paperwork alongside your lawyer, to ensure no debt is attached to the property.
- Guiding you through background checks on the seller to ensure the owners have the right to sell.
- Informing you of any property restrictions.
An experienced agency or buyer’s agent, such as Goldcrest, will make property transactions more straightforward and ensure that all aspects of the purchase comply with Portuguese real estate law. They can introduce you to a real estate lawyer in Porto, who can support you in court, create, and review legal contracts.
How to find the best real estate agent in Porto?
Below, we will explore the steps you can take to start your search for the best real estate agent for expats in Porto.
Identify your real estate needs
Before you start looking for properties, you should have a clear budget in mind to avoid overspending. Think about the demographics of the Porto neighborhoods you want to explore and the type of properties you can buy. For example, the coastline has strong luxury real estate with great long-term appreciation. You can use a property finder in Portugal to check the local price points and find off-market deals.
Begin searching for agents
You can find agents who work in Porto online. In 2025, most businesses will have a website and a strong social media presence. Interview a couple of agents with years of experience and check for past references and reviews from clients they have worked with. You can also ask friends and family for a referral.
Evaluate potential agents
When you’ve found the right realtor, talk to them about their excellent service and expertise in Portugal’s property market.
The checklist below can help you analyze a real estate agency before you hire them.
Criteria | Evaluation |
Language Proficiency | Do they speak English? |
Experience with International Buyers | Can they provide project data proving experience? |
Property Market Insight | Do they have an exceptional understanding of the Portuguese real estate market to provide expert investment advice and services? |
Focus on Real Estate in Portugal | Is their service focused on real estate in Portugal? |
Track Record of Excellence and Communication | Do they maintain contact and have a track record of excellence? |
Business Credentials | Do they have business credentials to share with clients? |
AMI License Number | Do they have an AMI license number? |
Alignment of Company Values | Do their company values align with your interests? |
The Difference Between Real Estate Agents and Buyer's Agents
Having real estate agents is very helpful, but they work on behalf of the seller and will get a higher commission for a bigger sale. A buyer’s agent works solely on behalf of the client (the buyer), which is a significant advantage of choosing a buyer’s agent, such as Goldcrest. Buyer agents do not sell real estate.
It’s also nice to have a real estate agent who always provides you with the latest updates in the real estate market and the recently added properties to boost your search. Buying a house in Portugal with a buyer’s agent will provide access to properties that real estate agents may not have, plus new listings and exclusive properties you will not find elsewhere.
Look at our comprehensive guideline showcasing each option’s advantages and potential drawbacks.
Factors | Real Estate Agent | Buyer's Agent |
Work Scope | Facilitates transactions for various parties | Exclusively works for the buyer throughout the process |
Search & Selection Assistance | May present options, but not solely focused on buyer's needs | Focuses on finding options that suit the buyer best |
Representation | Represents the seller's interests primarily | Solely represents the buyer's interests |
Conducting Legal Checks | May overlook some legal checks for buyer's benefit | Ensures thorough legal checks for buyer's protection |
Language Assistance | Language proficiency may vary | Proficient in the buyer's language |
Negotiation | Represents seller's interests in negotiation | Negotiates exclusively for buyer's benefit |
Documentation Handling | May not prioritize all necessary documentation | Ensures all required documentation is in order |
Time and Cost Savings | May not optimize for time and cost efficiency | Saves time and money by focusing on buyer's needs |
Commission | Earns higher commission for higher sale prices | Does not earn based on sale price, focused on buyer |
Step-By-Step Guide: Buying Property in Porto With a Real Estate Agent
Here is how the purchasing process looks with an agent:
Step 1: Apply for a Portuguese tax number (NIF) at the tax office and open a local bank account.
Step 2: Check out the local listings for flats, houses, and villas for sale or rentals.
Step 3: Write down your maximum price range, contract terms, and deal breakers, then share them with your agent so they can negotiate on your behalf.
Step 4: Investigate the state of the property, preferably with a real estate lawyer in Portugal, to prevent any setbacks, such as debts, undisclosed mortgages, or illegal construction.
Step 5: Sign a Promissory Contract (CPCV) and pay a deposit.
Step 6: Sign the final deed (Escritura) in front of a notary in Porto.
Goldcrest: How We Can Help You
Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent that is based in Lisbon. 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.
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. 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: 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Finding a Real Estate Agent in Porto
What does a real estate agent do?
Top-rated Porto real estate agents provide valuable insights and native knowledge. They also help clients secure the best deals, bridge language barriers, and negotiate prices.
What are the services offered by Porto estate agents?
Agents offer an excellent service in the Porto, Portugal, real estate market. They can assist clients in buying and selling residential properties, managing rental properties, analyzing the local market, and guiding clients through legal paperwork and financial transactions.
Why should I consider hiring a real estate agency in Porto?
Buying property in Portugal can be tricky. A bilingual agent offers advice and property listings to help you navigate the Portuguese real estate market so that you can find the perfect homes for sale.
How to find the best real estate agent in Porto?
To find a real estate agent, look for services online. Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent who can do the research for you and find the best properties to buy in Porto, Portugal. Our team has access to exclusive listings, which can save you a lot of time.
Should I work with a real estate or buyer's agent?
In Portugal, real estate agents work on behalf of the seller and get a higher commission for a higher sale, while a buyer’s agent works on behalf of the buyer. Working with a buyer’s agent can be a good idea to ensure your needs are fully met. They will help you locate the best properties at the best price.
What is the most credible real estate agent license?
The most credible real estate license is the AMI license issued by IMPIC, allowing real estate agents with a license to conduct business in Portugal real estate.
How to verify an agent's credentials?
To verify an agent in Portugal, visit the IMPIC website and check their AMI number link. If the agent is registered, you’ll see their license details, which prove they’re credible.
What is estate agent commission in Portugal?
A real estate agent’s commission rates vary and depend on the property’s purchase price. However, affordable agents in Porto usually receive between 3 and 6 percent of the property price in commission.
How much does a real estate agent earn in Portugal?
According to Glassdoor, real estate agents can earn anywhere from €9,900 to €72,000 per year. But the salaries vary based on their experience and the services they provide.
Does Porto have a Golden Triangle?
No. The Golden Triangle is an area in the Algarve, in the south of Portugal, designed for luxury real estate. But, Porto has a fair share of luxury properties that you can also find in the Golden Triangle, like high-end villas, golf courses, and exclusive resorts.
