Updated: January 23, 2023
Best Places to Find Farms for Sale in Portugal
Sitting back in the Portuguese countryside. With a glass of vinho verde (Portuguese green wine), some freshly baked bread, and perhaps some local queijo (cheese). If you are looking past the modern city apartment or beach villa, have you considered looking into farms for sale in Portugal?
Now more than ever, we are opting for some peace and quiet and to get out of the hustle and bustle of city life. If COVID-19 has taught us one thing, it is that it is increasingly possible to work from just about anywhere in the world – given that you have a stable wifi connection.
Why not, then, escape to the heart of the Portuguese countryside and invest in a charming farm or rural house? In this article, we will discuss some of the practicalities of buying a farm in Portugal. Following this, we will run over some of the best areas in the country to own a farm.
Why buy a farm in Portugal?
You have the vibrant cities of Lisbon and Porto. The sublime stretches of coastline in the Algarve. The unique islands of Madeira and the Azores. As there are so many beautiful areas in Portugal, one of the most breathtaking, and definitely understated areas to invest in, is the Portuguese countryside.
Take the Alentejo for instance. With some of the most affordable property prices in Portugal, let alone in Europe, the region is known as the breadbasket of the country. Owning a property here, in the heart of nature is perfect if you are looking for a quiet reclusive spot. An added bonus is that this is the proud home of some of the best produce in the Iberian peninsula.
Practicalities of Buying a Farm in Portugal
This section will discuss the practicalities of buying a farm in Portugal. This will include the restrictions to purchasing for foreigners, the cost of farms in the country, and how to go about finding the right property for you.
Are there restrictions to buying land for foreigners in Portugal?
There are no restrictions to buying land in Portugal as a foreigner. The real estate sector in Portugal is also very well developed. You should, therefore, not have any problems when buying land or property here.
Although there are no restrictions in place, there are certain permits and documents that you may need depending on where the land is located. It is best to talk with a lawyer to determine if this is the case for you. For example, historic locations may require further documentation.
How much does buying a farm in Portugal cost?
As with all properties, the price of farms depends greatly on their type, size, and the land attributed to them. The price of farms for sale in Portugal will also depend on where you buy. Land can be cheap in Portugal, some of the cheapest in Europe, and can cost less than €200 per square meter in some rural areas.
The cost for farms vary depending on many factors, such as age, type of a building, location, the offer, etc. If you look for cheap farms for sale in Portugal, you can find some properties at €250,000.00 or even cheaper. There are also many properties on the higher end of the spectrum. A 7-bedroom country house in Santarém (land is 4000m2, with riding arena and horse stalls, situated about 50 minutes from Lisbon) can cost you €580,000. Or there is another farm ranch in Caniçada, Braga, with 10 beds and 4000m2 costing €690,000. This is just to provide you with an indication of the prices that you can expect.
Much of finding a lovely farm depends on your luck and the property’s characteristics. There can also be abandoned farms for sale – Portugal that could be worth considering. In this case, you can shape your farm pretty much from scratch, creating the perfect place to make your dreams of living on your own in a warm and cozy environment come true.
To provide you with an indication of the more luxurious farms in the country, a farm with a vineyard in the Douro Valley (total size of 700m² and 10 hectares) will cost you €2,350,000.00. In the Alentejo, a luxury 4-bedroom equestrian farmhouse would set you back €750,000.00. Closer to the center of the country, a Silver Coast countryside farm-style villa will cost €349,000.00
How to find the right property?
To buy a property in Portugal, start with research. Firstly, it is a good idea to have a general idea of the prices. Check out some of the Portuguese platforms where you can find this information. Two examples where you can find countryside properties and farms for sale in Portugal include Idealista and Imovirtual.
It is worth having an experienced estate agent on your side. It is always good to have an impartial buyers agent on your side, such as Goldcrest, that can help you secure the best properties suited for you and help you with the buying process.
The Portugal Golden Visa
The Portugal Golden Visa, initiated in 2012, is a five-year residency-through investment Golden visa scheme. From 1 January 2022, in terms of residential real estate, you can only invest in new or used properties for €500,000 in interior areas of Portugal. If you are looking to invest in real estate rehabilitation, the price is €350,000.
For low-density areas, you will also be able to have a 20% discount. To see the difference between low-density and interior areas you can see our article here.
Most farms for sale in Portugal are located in the interior of the country and they are a great option to qualify for the scheme. This is a significant advantage of buying in the rural heart of the country.
Best Areas to Look for Farms for Sale in Portugal
Rural Portugal is often overlooked, in favor of the 1,794 km coastline. However, exploring the heart of the country is a delight. From the green rolling hills of the Alentejo to the hidden gems in the north, the countryside of Portugal is simply stunning.
Whether you are looking to move to Portugal for a calm and unique experience, to get away from the busy life back home, to be more in touch with nature, or simply for a change of scenery, Portugal is a good point of call.
The Alentejo
The “Bread Basket of Portugal”, the Alentejo is the beautiful beating heart of the country. The Alentejo is defined within Portugal as the land that borders the Tagus River in its northernmost point, down until you reach the Algarve in its southern border.
The Alentejo is a favorite with Portuguese locals as a holiday destination and is often overlooked by expats. The area is characterized by its rolling hills, picturesque horizons, and field-after-field of produce. The Alentejo experiences the warmest temperatures in the summer, but also some of the coldest in the winter. However, many modern farmhouses are equipped with private pools to cool down in the summer months or roaring fires to keep cozy through the coldest nights.
Tranquility and calm are what you will find in the Alentejo. Here, the old ways of life are still very much visible, creating an easy-going ambiance. An added bonus is that some of the very best wines are produced here.
What could be more appealing than sipping on some vinho tinto (red wine) and tucking into some fresh Portuguese delicacies, whilst overlooking the vineyards and fertile lands where your food has been produced?
Santarém
A short one-hour drive north of Lisbon, you have Santarém. Continually favored by Portuguese monarchs, intense trading during the middle ages gave Santarém a period of great socio-economic development. The buildings and monuments still provide a window into Portugal’s history.
With beautiful countryside, not far from the coast, Santarém offers a great climate all year round and some beautiful properties. The proximity to Lisbon makes it a desirable location.
The North
The North of Portugal offers a window into a life that has yet to adapt to modern realities. Here you will find locals retaining the traditional ways of life in the heart of the countryside. Properties in the North of Portugal are also amongst the most affordable in the country.
Close to Porto and historic cities, such as Braga and Guimarães, the North of Portugal has ample to offer. Also, if you were looking for vineyards in Portugal, there are many wineries and vineyards in the north to explore.
Wherever you buy a farm in Portugal, be rest assured that, if you get the property right, you will have a peaceful and unique lifestyle.
Portugal is a relatively small country. You can drive from the southwesternmost point, Sagres, to Bragança, in the northwest, in just over seven hours. Because of this, you are never truly far from healthcare facilities, towns, or civilization.
