Updated: September 3, 2025

 

As you begin your search for homes for sale in Portugal, whether in the blissful Algarve region or the bustling capital of Lisbon, you may find it challenging if you are not fluent in Portuguese and do not have the help of an English-speaking realtor. 

In this article, we’ll help you find the best realtor Portugal can offer to help you discover the properties for sale in Portugal and ultimately find your dream home. We’ll also explore the home purchase process and how working with the best Portuguese realtor or buyer’s agent can help you better navigate the intricacies of Portugal’s real estate sector. 

Understanding the Role of Portuguese Realtors

In Portugal, a realtor’s main job is to help people buy, sell, or rent property. They act as a go-between, representing the client’s interests throughout the process.

Their work revolves around various aspects, such as finding properties that match the client’s needs and setting an appropriate price based on comparable properties. They can help with staging and offer advice on improvements that could help the apartment, house, or luxury villa sell faster for the best price.

Portuguese realtors create the listings, market, and advertise the properties for sellers. They write and interpret standard contracts, like the Promissory Contract (CPCV). They must have a valid AMI license (Agência de Mediação Imobiliária) from IMPIC (Instituto dos Mercados Públicos, do Imobiliário e da Construção).

While they guide clients through the transaction, a separate real estate lawyer is often needed for legal advice and due diligence, such as checking for property debts.

Why work with a realtor in Portugal?

work with a realtor portgual

Portugal’s property market continues to thrive, with Lisbon experiencing a 13.8 percent increase in house sales and Porto’s property sales climbing 19 percent over the past year.  

If you are ready to dip your toe in the dynamic Portuguese property market and explore properties from around the country, here are the crucial reasons you should consider working with a Portuguese realtor or buyer’s agent for your real estate purchase to ensure the buying process is a complete success. 

GC-ICON-10Language barrier and cultural mediation

One crucial advantage of having a top English-speaking realtor in Portugal or a buyer’s agent like Goldcrest on your side is helping you navigate the language barrier.

If you do not speak Portuguese and deal directly with individuals in Portugal cities who do not speak English, your realtor, who speaks both languages, will ensure smooth communication throughout the buying process. 

English-speaking realtors in Portugal should also bridge the gap between cultural differences, ensuring smoother negotiations. 

GC-ICON-15Experience and local connections

Find properties for sale in Portugal An English-speaking realtor in Portugal will often have a broad professional network, including lawyers, contractors, accountants, and even interior designers, that you can tap into to ensure you have all the support and advice you need.

Their professional network can also include home inspectors and maintenance services, offering access to professionals who inspect properties for sale in Portugal for potential issues and provide maintenance services.

Access to listings and viewings of property for sale

find property listings with a realtor in Portugal There isn’t one website where you will find all property listings available in Portugal, such as Zillow. Due to the fragmented Portuguese real estate market, it is best to work with a realtor or buyer’s agent who can help you secure the home of your dreams.

Real estate companies in Portugal have access to a market database to find listings that match your budget and preferences while guiding you through each stage of the buying process.

If you choose to work with a buyer’s agent, their team will be able to put you in contact with a wider exclusive network of Portugal property owners and arrange viewings on your behalf.

You can learn more about finding your ideal property for sale in Portugal in our article: Property Finder Portugal. 

Market trends and insight

Real estate companies in Portugal have an in-depth understanding of the Portuguese real estate market and will be able to provide you with expert advice on the perfect house to invest in. 

Most importantly, English-speaking realtors will articulate these insights clearly so that you can make well-informed decisions before you accept a sale offer and sign any contracts.

Benefits of Portugal realtors

Here are the advantages of working with an English-speaking realtor in Portugal:

  • They have an inner network of resources like lawyers, contractors, and accountants.
  • They save you time when closing a deal, whether you are buying or selling a home.
  • They negotiate the best prices with the least amount of stress.
  • They keep you in the loop for any fluctuating prices, interest rates, or new property listings.
  • They spot red flags such as problems with a property’s status, unexpected property damage, and issues with the seller’s credibility.

Let Goldcrest manage your property purchase and make the process easy

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How to Choose the Best Realtor in Portugal

Knowing where to begin to find the perfect real estate agent Portugal has to offer can be challenging. 

Buying a new home is a significant investment, so you will want to ensure you have help from the very best real estate companies in Portugal. Here are the key steps to finding the best English-speaking realtor Portugal offers. 

GC-ICON-93Do your research

The first step is to get to grips with the Portuguese real estatReal estate agent researche market, including price ranges, property types, and popular locations where you’d like to buy your dream property.

Would you prefer a quiet home in the country or an apartment in one of the bustling Portugal cities? How many bedrooms will you need? Would you like to be close to the ocean? For example, buying property in Madeira can give you access to stunning ocean views.

When searching online, you can use property type filters to get an idea of the types of homes available for sale in Portugal.

You will also need to decide if you’ll need a mortgage to finance your purchase. When you start meeting Portugal real estate agents, they will need this information to narrow your options.

Once you have a good idea of what you are looking for, a simple online search using a search term like “real estate agent Portugal” will help direct you to real estate companies in Portugal. You could also ask your personal network of friends and family for recommendations.

Ask targeted questions

finding a realtor in Portugal: ask questions When you are speaking with prospective agencies, ask targeted questions, including examples about how they have helped other international buyers.

If you are looking to work with a real estate agent in Alentejo or a real estate agent in Braga, for example, ask them about the key obstacles to buying property in the specific region. 

Below, we have listed a few questions you may want to ask realtors when looking to purchase a property for sale in Portugal:

  1. What experience do they have working with international buyers? 
  2. What experience do they have with handling legal elements, including the seller and the property itself? 
  3. How are they able to assist with your specific requirements? 
  4. What are their fees and commissions? Are there any other hidden costs? 
  5. Ask for a portfolio and proven track record of helping buyers snap up property in the region you are interested in. 

GC-ICON-78Finding a well-connected realtor in Portugal

If you invest in real estate in Portugal, you will likely require other services. Find a good Portuguese realtor with a strong network who is well-connected to key industry players, such as a reputable real estate lawyer who can help you with the legalities of buying property in Portugal.

Discover all you need to know about buying property in Portugal in our ultimate guide!

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The List of Services Realtors Can Provide

A realtor Portugal can help you find your dream home

Here is a list of services realtors in Portugal can provide:

  • Property pricing and evaluation: They will research the local real estate market to estimate the value of a specific property.
  • Marketing and analyzing: The realtor uses different channels to get the word out, like posting the property on popular real estate portals. They will also create posts on social media, run paid advertisements, and create email newsletters to reach specific buyers.
  • Property search and showings: They help buyers and sellers find suitable properties, schedule and attend viewings, and provide information about neighborhoods and amenities.
  • Negotiation: They negotiate with both the buyer and seller to find the ideal price, terms, and offers.
  • Paperwork and contracts: They guide clients through every stage of paperwork and fill out the documents.

Portugal Realtor Fees & Saving Strategies

In Portugal, the seller pays the standard realtor commission, which is typically around 5 percent of the sale price plus 23 percent VAT (Value Added Tax), making the total effective fee about 6.15 percent. This fee is not legally regulated and can vary by region.

To save money, sellers can:

  • Negotiate the fee, especially for high-value properties.
  • Work with lower-commission or online agencies, though these might offer fewer services.
  • Sell the property themselves (For Sale By Owner), but this requires navigating complex legal and marketing tasks on your own.
  • Use the commission as a deductible expense to reduce capital gains tax.

Why work with Goldcrest to find Portugal property for sale?

Goldcrest, the first Portuguese buyer’s agent based in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, provides insightful local real estate expertise and strategic advice. From sourcing to Portugal property acquisition, we offer a tailor-made service for our clients. 

Remember that realtors work for the seller and earn higher commissions on higher sales. Buyer’s agents, on the other hand, represent you exclusively and prioritize your interests. 

From finding the perfect Portugal homes to post-purchase support, we’re here to assist every step of the way, whether you’re settling in or managing your Portugal property as a rental. Get in touch today for an informal chat—our team is ready to help. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Finding an English-speaking Realtor in Portugal

A quick online search for “English-speaking realtor Portugal” will provide you with a list of realtor options in Portugal, whereby you can dig into their services.

You could also ask your network of friends and family for referrals. Remember that while they should have your best interests at heart, realtors in Portugal work on behalf of the seller and will get a higher commission for a higher sale.

Therefore, it can be a better option to work with a buyer’s agent, such as the Goldcrest team. They will work solely on behalf of you, the buyer, ensuring that you secure your desired Portugal property at the best possible price. 

You will find English estate agents in Portugal across the country, whether you are searching for real estate agents in Lisbon, Portugal, a real estate agent in Porto, or in any other part of the country.

Engaging the services of a realtor offers numerous benefits. A quick search for “English speaking realtor Portugal” will kickstart your search.  

Real estate firms possess a profound comprehension of the intricacies of the Portuguese property market, enabling them to offer you professional guidance. They leverage their extensive database of market information to pinpoint options that align with your specific needs and financial constraints.  

Another option would be to work with an independent buyer’s agent. Going one step further than a realtor, a buyer’s agent such as Goldcrest prioritizes your needs as the buyer only rather than the seller’s. This is the best way to ensure all your needs are met, and your interests are put first.  

When seeking an English-speaking realtor in Portugal, prioritize qualities such as fluency in English and Portuguese, local market knowledge (for example, a real estate agent in Cascais should have a deep knowledge of the Cascais real estate market), strong communication skills, a proven track record, and a client-focused approach. These qualities ensure effective communication, expertise, and a smooth real estate experience. 

A real estate lawyer handles all your legal matters. They will examine Portugal property records to confirm ownership, resolve title issues, and ensure due diligence and a clean title transfer between the buyer and seller.

They will also ensure all contracts accurately reflect the deal’s terms, protecting your interests and complying with Portuguese property law. 

Regarding Portugal property acquisitions, pitfalls may include:

  • Unclear Portugal property or land titles
  • Zoning issues
  • Outstanding debts
  • Hidden liabilities

 

Both countries offer a dynamic real estate market. Portugal property is generally more affordable than in Spain. With attractive rental yields in Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, and Silver Coast, you can understand why Portugal is such a popular choice for investors.

The NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is the tax number in Portugal required to purchase Portugal homes and real estate, and for other significant financial transactions in the country.

Yes, many realtors in Portugal speak English, especially in popular expat regions like Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, and the Silver Coast. It’s common to find agencies specifically catering to English-speaking clients. From looking for a real estate agent in Setubal to agencies in Lisbon, – and even real estate agents in Azores and Madeira – you’ll find many have an excellent command of English and will be able to assist you with your purchase.

In Portugal, realtors work on behalf of the seller and will, therefore, get a higher commission for a higher sale. To avoid this, working with a buyer’s agent, who will work solely on behalf of the buyer and ensure their needs are protected, is a better move. 

When buying a property in Portugal through an agent, expect comprehensive assistance with property viewings, negotiations, legal paperwork, and coordination with notaries, ensuring a smooth and compliant transaction.

Hiring a realtor in Portugal offers benefits like expert local market knowledge, negotiation skills, legal assistance, and a streamlined property search process, ensuring a stress-free experience for buyers and sellers.  

You can also find realtors that specialize in a specific region for expert advice. If you’re considering purchasing property in the Algarve, you could search for a real estate agent in Tavira or real estate agents in Lagos Portugal, for example, to access in-depth knowledge of the specific area.  

 

A qualified realtor in Portugal should hold an AMI license issued by IMPIC, demonstrating they have met the legal requirements and professional standards to operate in the real estate sector. Verify the credentials of realtors in Portugal by checking their AMI license number, seeking client testimonials, and ensuring they are registered with the Instituto dos Mercados Públicos, do Imobiliário e da Construção (IMPIC). 

Make sure that you ask about their experience, particularly concerning how they have helped foreign buyers in a similar situation to your own, the local market conditions, property history, legal requirements, their commission structure, and how they handle negotiations to ensure a successful Portugal property purchase whereby you get the best deal possible.

Realtors in Portugal work on behalf of the seller and will, therefore, get a higher commission for a higher sale. While most will have your best interests at heart, working with a buyer’s agent ensures you do not have this conflict of interest. Buyer’s agents work solely on behalf of the buyer, ensuring that your interests are protected.

Realtors schedule viewings on your behalf, offer virtual tours, and provide detailed property descriptions with high-quality photos.

For example, if you are looking for property on the Silver Coast, working with a real estate agent in Silver Coast makes it easy for them to schedule viewings on your behalf and facilitate virtual tours there.

There are websites with property type filters that are popular for searching for property for sale in Portugal, but international sites like Zillow are not available. However, listings can be outdated, may carry a risk of pitfalls like scams and overpriced properties, and none of the websites will have all the properties available in one place. So, working with a local buyer’s agent like Goldcrest will ensure you have full market access and that you find the best properties at the best price. 

Yes, you can live in Portugal on $2,000 a month. You can live quite comfortably on this budget in smaller Portugal cities or rural areas where the cost of living is lower. In Lisbon or Porto, you may need to budget carefully, but it’s still possible with a modest lifestyle. 

Idealista is the most widely used real estate platforms in Portugal. But, even so, it does not contain all the available listings on the market. For accurate market insights and access to exclusive off-market deals, a buyer’s agent like Goldcrest is highly recommended. 

Yes, foreigners can buy property in Portugal with no restrictions, and the process is relatively straightforward. Portugal is a popular choice among international buyers due to its mild climate, affordable cost of living, strong property market, and residency options.