Updated: June 9, 2025

Famous for its stunning architecture, picturesque landscape, pleasant summers, and welcoming population, Portugal is situated in Southwestern Europe and is surrounded by the Atlantic ocean. Since the country experiences varied weather conditions – from very hot summers to storms during winters, it is important to find a property management company to manage your property in the country to protect your house/apartments from harsh weather conditions. 

In addition, a property management company in the country will also help you promote your property, maintain client relationships and more. This article details how to find a property manager in Portugal, how to hire a property management company, and the cost of property management agencies.

Advantages of Hiring a Property Management Company

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If you are considering buying a property in Portugal and are looking to rent it out or will not be staying in Portugal full-time, it is important to hire a good property manager. A property management company helps you to ensure the maintenance of your property in Portugal on your behalf. A property management company offers various services, such as:

  • Marketing and promotion of your property in Portugal
  • Maintaining relationships with prospective rentals and managing inquiries
  • Filtering tenants
  • Organizing viewing sessions of your property for potential tenants
  • Taking care of all payments and paperwork
  • Managing queries of clients or addressing complaints
  • Carrying out evictions (if required)
  • Maintaining your property, initiating repair works, and other activities like ensuring pest control, and the maintenance of smoke alarms, lighting, pool, and lawn.

You must note that these services are mostly customized according to your needs and requirements by your property management agency. Since all these services are critical, it is quite helpful for householders in Portugal to manage their property through property managers – whether it is a single property or multiple properties in the country.

Cost of Hiring a Property Management Company

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It is critical to choose the right property management company to manage your property in the country efficiently. A good property management company often comes with a price, but it also ensures proper administration of your real estate. So you should definitely invest in a decent property management company if you have a property in Portugal and want to market it extensively.

There are various property management companies that offer property management services in Portugal. It is important to note that the cost of these agencies can differ and mostly depends on the location of your property in the country, the square foot of your property and the range of services that you want to avail of from the property management company.

Most property management companies charge clients an ongoing fee on the basis of services offered. But there are also property management agencies that work on a commission model. 

Considerations when Choosing a Property Management Agency

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Choosing the right agency plays an important role in ensuring proper management of your property in Portugal. If your property is located in one of the main cities or near the coastline, you will tend to find more property management companies.

Look up the local property management companies online to evaluate their experience and find out more about the services on offer. Consider referrals on local forums/expat forums that can also provide assistance and advice. 

However, if you are around the area where your property is actually situated, you can always avail of the advice of the local residents or real estate agencies. After you have completed your search, make sure to choose the right property management company by comparing fees and services, as it will be the entity responsible for running the entire management of your property and upholding your reputation. Ask the right questions, as it will help you zero down on the best property management company. You will also need to check their licenses and certifications, as well as their online reviews, to see if they are well regarded in the industry.

Expat Property Management – Questions to Ask your Property Manager

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  • How much experience do you have in managing properties in the area?
  • What network and resources do you offer?
  • How can you meet my specific needs?
  • What is your experience with different property types?
  • What are the kind of services that you offer? Is there any specific service that you cannot provide?
  • How much do you charge for the operation and maintenance of the property?
  • Do you charge any additional fees?
  • How do you market/promote the property?
  • How long does the management contract remain valid for?
  • What is your cancellation policy?
  • How much do you charge for managing properties? Are there any pricing packages available?
  • How frequently do you update your clients about their properties?

If you are interested in finding out more about investing in the Portuguese real estate market, make sure to check out the following articles:

Frequently Asked Questions

Most property managers charge 20% of your rent in Portugal as property management fees. In addition to this, you need to add 6% VAT to the cost.

First, you need to decide your budget. Next, you need to list down all your requirements and priorities. Next, you need to select your seller and offer your price. You can do so through two options – Buyer’s agent or realtor.

Wherever you live in the world, it is always a little dicey when it comes to negotiation for rental properties. The negotiation completely depends on the will of the landlord and the area where the property is located. If the house is situated in a high-demand area and is of the highest quality, it is unlikely that the rent will be negotiated.

Yes, you can rent out your property in the country. But keep in mind that the rental market is highly regulated, so make sure that you follow all rules and regulations while putting your property on rent – especially for a short-term basis.

Yes, if you are a citizen of the country then you need to pay tax on your rental income at a flat rate of 25%.

To find a property manager in Lisbon, you should prioritize local property management companies with experience in the Lisbon real estate market, especially if your property is a flat or other specific type.

Consider asking for referrals from your real estate agent, your personal network of friends and family, or within the expat community, and compare the fees and services offered by different companies before making a decision.

To find a property manager in the Algarve, start by asking for referrals from friends, family, or your real estate agent. Online reviews and local apartment associations can also provide valuable insights. Create a list of potential companies, compare their fees and services, read reviews online, and check for relevant licenses and certifications.

Then, you can set up in-person interviews with the potential managers to ask about their experience and discuss your specific needs. Once you’ve narrowed down your list, negotiate terms to find the most suitable manager for your needs.