Updated: October 31, 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. Many property owners invest in the Portuguese market due to high rental yields. But keeping that property in perfect condition requires time and effort. A property management company is here to manage your property to protect your house or apartment from damage or deterioration.
Property managers can also help promote your property, maintain client relations, and provide regular reports. This article covers how to find a property manager in Portugal, how to hire a property management company, and the cost of property management agencies.
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What does a property manager in Portugal do?
If you are wondering, “Can foreigners buy property in Portugal?” Then you’ll be pleased to know that there are no restrictions. However, if you are looking to purchase property to rent out or will not be staying in Portugal full-time, it is important to hire a good property manager.
A property management company will help you with buying to let in Portugal to ensure that the maintenance of your property is carried out on your behalf. They don’t just screen tenants, they handle property maintenance complaints, service upkeep, collect rent receipts, and transfer utilities to residents if necessary.
A property manager can provide additional services according to your needs. For example, they can pay the mortgage or property taxes on your behalf. If a tenant causes issues, they can handle evictions, making property managers helpful for property owners in Portugal.
Advantages of Hiring a Property Management Company
A property management company offers various services with many benefits, such as:
- Taking professional photos to market and promote your property in Portugal
- Concierge services, like meeting the guests in person for viewing sessions
- Maintaining relationships with prospective renters and addressing complaints
- Filtering tenants
- Taking care of all payments and rental contracts
- Carrying out evictions (if required)
- Property maintenance, initiating repair works, and other activities like ensuring pest control and maintaining smoke alarms, lighting, pool, and lawn.
Why hire a property manager in Portugal?
Hiring a property manager in Portugal allows property owners to maximize their investment in a dynamic Portuguese market. They outsource time-consuming tasks, such as securing the mandatory AL license (Alojamento Local) for short-term rentals.
A manager provides excellent service and specialized rental property management in Portugal for short- and long-term rentals. They ensure compliance, maintenance, and maximum occupancy to deliver the highest rental yields, so owners can enjoy peace of mind.
How to find the best property manager in Portugal?
To find a property manager in Portugal, 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 buyer’s agent or real estate agent in Portugal, 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.
Cost of Hiring a Property Management Company
Choosing the right property management company to manage your property efficiently in the country is critical. So, if you have a property and want to market it extensively, you should definitely invest in a decent property management company.
The costs for property management in Lisbon, Portugal, vary based on the location and the size of your real estate:
- Short-term rentals: For high-end services, fees can reach 30 percent to 40 percent of rental income because vacation rentals require more upkeep and frequent guest turnovers. But some companies offer basic or co-hosting packages for 10 percent to 15 percent of income by excluding cleaning and maintenance costs.
- Long-term rentals: The fees usually range between 8 percent and 12 percent of the monthly rent, while comprehensive management packages can go as high as 15 percent to 20 percent.
- Medium-term rentals: Management costs generally fall somewhere in between, depending on how often tenants change and the level of property management support you need.
Most property management companies charge clients an ongoing fee based on the services offered. However, property management agencies also work on a commission model. With a property finder in Portugal, you can access local insights you would have never known otherwise. They can make the home search easier and more efficient.
Considerations When Choosing a Property Management Agency
When choosing the right agency, check to see what kind of property type they specialize in, like residential, industrial, or commercial. If your property in Portugal is located in one of the main cities or near the coastline, you need an agency with experience with tourists.
Look up the local property management companies online to evaluate their experience and learn more about the services they offer. Consider referrals on local forums or expat forums that can also provide assistance and advice. They can give an honest review.
To choose the right property management company, compare their fees and services. Ask the right questions, as it will help you zero in on the best property management company. You will also need to check their licenses and certifications, and their online reviews to see if they are well regarded in the industry.
Expat Property Management Questions to Ask Your Property Manager
Here are some questions to ask your property manager before hiring them:
- How much experience do you have in managing properties in the area?
- How many property owners have you worked with?
- What network and resources do you offer?
- How can you meet my specific needs?
- What kinds of services do you offer? Is there any specific service that you cannot provide?
- How much do you charge for rental management?
- How do you set the rent?
- What steps do you take to market the property?
- How long does the management contract remain valid for?
- What is your cancellation policy?
- Do you use any new technologies to improve the guest experience?
- Are you an active real estate investor in Portugal?
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 Property Manager in Portugal
What is the property management fee for the Algarve?
The fee depends on the rental type. For typical short-term or holiday rentals, the commission is high, ranging from 20 percent to 40 percent of the gross rental income, plus a standard 23 percent VAT on the management service fee. Long-term fees are significantly lower, usually 8 percent to 15 percent.
How do I invest in a property in Portugal?
First, obtain a Portuguese NIF (tax number) and open a local bank account. You can then hire a lawyer for due diligence. When you are ready, find your property, negotiate the price, sign the promissory contract, and finalize the purchase before a public notary.
Is rent negotiable in Portugal?
Wherever you live in the world, negotiating rental property rent is always a little dicey. The negotiation completely depends on the landlord’s will 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.
Can I rent out my property in Portugal?
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.
Is rental income taxed in Portugal?
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 percent.
How to find a property manager in Algarve?
To find Algarve Portugal property management, 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.