Long-Term Rentals in Lisbon: The City of Light

Long-term rentals in Lisbon are popular among individuals looking to explore this bustling Portuguese city for a longer period of time. They are usually more affordable than short-term rentals and provide a convenient alternative if you are not yet ready to purchase a property, or perhaps need more time to find the perfect place for you.

In this article, we’ll look at the different types of properties available for long-term rentals, as well as why you should consider renting in Lisbon. 

What is a long term rental in Lisbon, Portugal?

First things first – what is a long-term rental? Well, it’s a property that a landlord chooses to rent to a tenant for an extended period of time, generally six months to a year. During this period, the rental amount is fixed, and a lease or rental contract is signed by both parties, detailing their responsibilities and obligations. 

As you can imagine, housing and apartments in Lisbon are sought after by a variety of individuals – students looking for student accommodation, professionals moving to Lisbon for work and looking for long-term accommodation, and even digital nomads looking to stay in the city for a few months. You’ll even find luxury apartments and villas to rent, such as in Chiado and Príncipe Real. 

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Long Term Rentals in Lisbon

Rentals Lisbon Portugal: Advantages

For landlords: There’s nothing like finding the perfect house for rent in Lisbon. Long-term accommodation is popular for a number of reasons. For landlords, long-term rentals mean a guaranteed income for a fixed period of time. It also means lower maintenance costs and damage to property, as tenants are generally more invested in maintaining the condition of a property they are occupying for a significant period. With the high demand for housing in Portugal, you’re also likely to have no problem finding a tenant.

Landlords have the option of utilizing the services of a property manager in Lisbon that will screen the tenant, run all necessary checks, and handle much of the rental process for you. Their expert knowledge helps to minimize any risks associated with long-term rentals.

For more information, you can see our Ultimate Guide to Renting Out Your Property in Portugal. 

For tenants: The flexibility of movement is a big plus when renting for tenants. When you purchase a property, you are committing to one specific area or neighborhood on a more permanent basis. Long-term rentals, however, are less permanent, allowing you to live in different areas of Portugal and really immerse yourself in what they have to offer.

You also have security knowing that your accommodation is guaranteed for a fixed period and at a fixed price. This can also work out more affordable in the long run, as landlords cannot increase the rent during the lease period unless otherwise stated in the lease agreement. This also means that you can easily budget for this period, an aspect particularly helpful for families and digital nomads.

Another advantage is the option to rent long term furnished rentals in Lisbon, Portugal. While this may increase the monthly rent slightly, many find it appealing to move in and immediately live comfortably rather than having to furnish the apartment themselves.

Rentals Lisbon Portugal: Disadvantages

For landlords: There are some limitations to Lisbon long term rentals if you are a landlord. As mentioned, the rent for this period is fixed, so you won’t be able to increase your prices during peak tourist seasons. There is also less flexibility for you as the landlord, as you cannot make use of the property yourself while the tenant is living there.

For tenants: For tenants, if you are planning to rent a property long-term, make sure you visit the property and inspect it properly before signing any rental agreement. The popularity of Lisbon at the moment can also make things tricky, as it can be tricky to find your ideal rental home, but finding the right place for you will allow you to live comfortably in the city and have a solid base. Working with experienced professionals who know the ins and outs of the market will be able to step in to assist you, helping you uncover your ideal home. Make sure you thoroughly review the rental contract before signing to avoid issues further down the line.

Check out our article: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Neighborhoods in Lisbon.

Long Term Rental Lisbon: Types of Apartments and Properties Available

Renting in Portugal, you’ll find a wide array of property types available. With a growing number of expats and digital nomads seeking a better quality of life, Lisbon has a wide range of apartments, houses, and serviced apartments available for long-term rent. On average, the monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the center of Lisbon is €1,388, according to Numbeo. Outside of the center, a one-bedroom apartment costs an average of €1,075 per month. On the more expensive end of the spectrum, if you’re looking for something more glamorous, it’s possible to find luxurious seven-bedroom villas for around €35,000 per month.

As you can see, a great variety of properties are available at various prices. The right one for you will depend greatly on what your needs are. It’s important to remember that the price will be determined by the location of the property, its size, and the amenities included.

A two-bedroom apartment with wifi on the outskirts of the city will be more affordable than a three-bedroom house in the city center with a swimming pool. Still, the right option for you will depend on your budget, the purpose of your stay, and whether you’re living alone or with your family. This is why it’s essential to know what you’re looking for before you start your search. Also, if you are considering a long term rental, make sure to determine if the property has central heating, air conditioning, etc. It can get deceptively cold in the winter months, so ensuring you have good insulation is essential.

You can read more in our article: Lisbon Apartments for Rent.

How to find long term rentals in Lisbon?

So, now that you know what’s available, you’re likely wondering how to find long term rentals in Lisbon, Portugal. Luckily, you have several options to find a long term rental in Lisbon. You can go online and search for properties using real estate portals. Many of these websites have handy filters that you can use to refine your search and narrow down exactly what is available that meets your requirements. However, as there is no Zillow Portugal or website to see all the properties available to you, it can be very difficult to ensure you have access to all the listings.

Alternatively, you can make use of a real estate agent or buyer’s agent, like Goldcrest. Buyers’ agents have expert knowledge of the Lisbon property market and can offer professional advice tailored to your unique circumstances. For example, working with Goldcrest can give you access to exclusive properties that you won’t find elsewhere on the market.

If you are considering buying property in Portugal’s capital, this can also be a smart move. Lisbon real estate continues to increase in value, making an investment here extremely appealing for many buyers. In the long run, buying property can even be the more cost-effective move.

Why choose Lisbon?

As Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon is a popular location for long-term rentals. Known as the ‘City of Light,’ thanks to its fabulous weather, Lisbon has a vibrant culture and a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major European cities. The tech and startup sectors are also thriving, with many world class co-working spaces now spread out across the city.

Additionally, the city is known for its excellent food, historic architecture, and proximity to stunning beaches, making it an attractive destination for those seeking the perfect balance between work and play. The city’s public transportation system is also efficient and affordable, making it easy to navigate and explore all that Lisbon -and the rest of Portugal – has to offer.

Goldcrest: Who We Are and How We Can Help You

Contact us at Goldcrest if you’re looking for long-term rentals in Lisbon, Portugal. We are a buyer’s agent based in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. We provide expert, impartial advice on real estate investments in Lisbon and the rest of Portugal.

From scouting out the perfect rental property to getting you set up to live comfortably in Lisbon, ensuring the rental contract is correct, and so on, we have you covered. Our team of skilled experts is available to solve all your real estate doubts, offering insightful expertise and strategic advice. Ultimately, we are focused on securing the best deal for you.