What Are the Main Types of Luxury Properties in Portugal?

What are the main types of luxury properties Portugal offers?

The Portugal real estate market is as diverse as it is dynamic, with a wide variety of luxury homes on offer. From beach houses and luxury resorts to historic townhouses, there are many options. You can even find vineyards, farms, palaces, and castles in the mix when it comes to investment opportunities and luxury property on offer. 

In this article, we’ll provide you with an overview of the luxury property market in Portugal. After this, we’ll provide a brief guide to the main types of luxury properties in Portugal that are available to buyers and real estate investors.

The Luxury Property Market and Types of Luxury Properties in Portugal 

Portugal has often been regarded as a relatively cheap market for second-home buyers looking for a place to bask in the Mediterranean sun. Now, however, Portugal has evolved to become a serious player in the Portugal luxury real estate market, with expats from all walks of life attracted by its unique atmosphere that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Even with this growth, the market remains relatively more affordable than many of its European neighbors.

The country’s luxury market has grown significantly in recent years, with the high-end market in Portugal not only competing with but also outperforming many of its fellow European countries. In Avenida da Liberdade, for example, prices can reach dizzying heights of €11,200 per square meter. 

Elsewhere, real estate in the Algarve, Porto, and Comporta are amongst the other popular investment options. Indeed, luxury property in Portugal has grown, with celebrities amongst those snapping up properties here. With a vibrant array of locations and fantastic weather year-round, it is easy to see why. 

What’s more, there are many different types of luxury Portugal property for sale, and with this broad spectrum of options, the country has a lot to offer investors.

 

The Main Types of Luxury Properties Portugal Offers

Luxury property in Portugal comes in all shapes and sizes. The choice of which type of property will depend on your personal preferences and what you are looking for. From apartments to villas and luxurious mansions to the ample space of a country home, there are many options available. 

Here, we’ll provide you with an overview of some types of luxury properties in Portugal.

 

Types of luxury properties in Portugal: Historic townhouses

Portugal has a very rich history, with Roman influences, Moorish designs, and touches from the “Age of Discovery” in the late Middle Ages. The rich history can be seen across the country in its many restored or renovated luxury historic townhouses. You will be able to revel in the architectural features and embrace the old history of the country when purchasing a historic townhouse. This glamorous corner of the luxury Portugal real estate market truly reflects the vibrant culture of the nation.

 

Where to find luxury townhouses for sale in Portugal

The north of Portugal is a good place to start when looking for historic townhouses. Ponte de Lima is the oldest city in Portugal and one of the most charismatic. The town sits on the rolling banks of the Lima River. A bridge built by the Romans remains the main crossing point, constructed in 1AD. Guimarães is also a very attractive location, with its historic town center now classified as a UNESCO Heritage site. Here, the 10th-Century Guimarães Castle provides city views to savor.

Then there is Braga, with its quiet charm, cobbled streets, and splendid cathedral centerpiece. Indeed, Braga was voted the best European destination back in 2021. If you are interested in Braga real estate, our article: Braga Portugal Real Estate, provides you with everything you will need to know about buying here. 

Other areas in the country that offer very good options include Coimbra, Évora, and Porto. Tavira, in the Algarve, could also prove to be the perfect location to find your dream home.

 

Luxury villas

A luxury villa is an attractive option to unwind, relax, and soak up the atmosphere, particularly when the property comes with facilities like a pool, private gym, and added security. There are several locations where you can find modern luxury villas in Portugal. Villas are not only one of the best investment opportunities, but they also allow you to realize your lifelong ambition of creating your dream home exactly to your tastes.

 

Where to find luxury villas for sale in Portugal

The first port of call is definitely the “Golden Triangle” in the Algarve. Near the resorts of Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo and in Vilamoura, you’ll find an array of luxury homes and exclusive properties, famous golf courses, a yacht marina, and plenty of time to bask in the wonderful climate of the south. 

Comporta, affectionately referred to as the ‘Hamptons of Europe,’ also has a thriving real estate market where you will be able to find stunning villas with sea views. Close to Lisbon, the seaside town of Cascais also has beautiful villas for you to call home, and its proximity to the buzzing capital – a short 30-minute drive – means you could not be better located.

 

Modern apartments

Whether you are looking for a modern city apartment in Portugal or a sleek apartment with sea views, you’ll be well catered for. With all the space you could need, additional facilities should you wish, verandas to sit back and relax with a cold glass of vinho verde (green wine), and impressive views, there are many apartments in Portugal that are very special indeed.

 

Where to find modern apartments for sale in Portugal

Lisbon and Porto both have a variety of modern apartments where you can have spectacular river views. The River Tejo in Lisbon, with the Ponte de Abril 25 bridge, is reminiscent of the San Francisco bridge in America. If you’re looking for killer sunsets, Porto real estate is your port of call, with the stunning Douro River and views of the wine houses on the opposite side of the river providing just that. 

Lisbon has long been known as one of the best investment opportunities, with high yields and increasing demand. However, Porto is also a perfect investment opportunity that has really come into its own in the last five years or so. With its offer of cheaper properties than Lisbon, the real estate market in Porto is a hot place to buy at the moment. 

Other areas to look for luxury apartments include the Algarve, the Silver Coast, Comporta, and the Tróia Peninsula. Setúbal real estate also offers beautiful modern apartments, where you have the incredible Natural Park of Arrábida on your doorstep.

Check out our article: Top Ten Natural and National Parks in Portugal.

Beach houses

Now, beach houses and Portugal go hand in hand. Indeed, with a coastline stretching 1974 km, it is no surprise that some of the most beautiful luxury property types in Portugal are beach houses.

 

Where to find beach houses in Portugal

In the very south of the country, the Algarve has an array of luxury beach houses for sale. For a more authentic Portuguese experience, look to Tavira in the east. In the west, you’ll find Lagos and Sagres, which you should definitely consider if you are a fan of water sports and unique rock formations. The center, close to Vilamoura, also has many sleek beach houses where you can have an early morning swim and then cool off in the shade of your home. 

Further up the country, you have potential locations stretching up from Costa Vicentina to the exclusive postcodes in Comporta, right up to the dramatic Silver Coast. These areas are each beautiful in their own right. 

In the north, Porto real estate and property in the increasingly popular Vila Nova de Gaia each have some stunning offerings. With some of the best schools here, this is a great option for families.

Visit our article: International Schools in Portugal.

 

Mansions

For many, owning a mansion is the ultimate type of luxury property. Whether it is a stately home in the city or in the depth of the countryside, there are many locations to live out your dream of walking through your large grounds. Whether you are a nature lover or enjoy the faster pace of city life, you should be able to find something magnificent that is just right for you.

 

Where to find mansions for sale in Portugal

For a mansion in a bustling city, consider Lisbon and Porto. For something quieter, Coimbra or Guimarães could be perfect for you. A mansion in Foz do Douro provides a blend of city and beach life and is also ideal for families. 

For mansions with views of the ocean, consider the Algarve or Cascais. For detailed information on the best areas to find mansions for sale in Portugal, you can see our article: Where to Find a Mansion for Sale in Portugal.

 

Castles and palaces

The rich history of Portugal has already been touched upon – and, yes, there are many beautiful historic luxury townhouses for sale in Portugal. However, if you are looking to find something even grander, then Portuguese luxury homes in the form of castles and palaces are also an option. Indeed, your childhood dream of being the king or queen of the castle may just become a reality.

Palaces are a symbol of the power, status, and wealth of families of the past and provide a window into the lives of the noble families in Portugal. In general, both palaces and castles are kept in very good condition as a result of detailed restoration works and flawless care.

 

Where to find a castle or palace for sale in Portugal

There are castles dotted from the north to the south of Portugal. However, castles for sale are definitely less common than other luxury homes and property types. You can check various property websites to see where to find a castle in Portugal. Alternatively, speaking with a real estate agent or a buyer’s agent on the ground should help you in your search. 

For palaces, there are many viable locations to search. Lisbon and Porto each have exquisite palaces in the heart of the city, while Sintra, in the midst of nature, has beautiful palaces that could provide you with a unique buy. If you need any more convincing, look at pop sensation Madonna who owned a property in the Sintra area. Elsewhere, the interior of the country is also a very good option if you are looking for a quieter way of life that is more in touch with the real roots of Portugal.

For castles and palaces, check with your lawyer to ensure that you are eligible to buy the property you may be eyeing. You can also visit our articles: Best Places to Find Palaces in Portugal and Castles for Sale in Portugal: The Ultimate Guide for more detailed information.

 

Goldcrest: Who we are and how we can help you

If you are interested in Portugal luxury homes, seek help from a specialized property investment firm such as Goldcrest. Our experienced professionals guarantee purchase advantages and work through the requirements, hidden costs, and fine print smoothly and efficiently.

Contact the Goldcrest team to access exclusive information on the property market in Portugal and find out how much you can save on your international investment.

 

Luxury farms

Portugal has an incredible cuisine that is somewhat underrated when compared to the likes of Italy and Spain. However, with its delectable produce – try the oranges from the Algarve, queijo (cheese) from the Azores, or the porco preto (pork) from the Alentejo – you will be easily convinced of its quality. 

Owning a farm in Portugal is something a little different – you can relax in the very heart of the country and embrace the stunning natural landscapes. Here you will find local produce and tranquility that you do not find in the cities. With the remote way of working firmly in our psyche, why not opt for some luxurious splendor in the midst of nature?

 

Where to find luxury farms for sale in Portugal

The breadbasket of Portugal, the Alentejo, is less populated than other parts of the country. However, the Alentejo is sought after by many Portuguese holidaymakers. They favor this area, looking to dodge the tourist-heavy Algarve and relax with some peace and quiet. The old ways of life percolate through daily life here, and if you are looking for the ultimate island of calm with ample produce on your doorstep, then look no further.

In the north and the center of the country, you will also be able to find renovated farms for sale where you can live in luxurious splendor in the countryside.

If you are interested in finding the perfect farm, you can check out our article: Best Places to Find Farms for Sale in Portugal.

 

Penthouses

Perhaps the complete opposite of a luxury farm is a luxury penthouse. Indeed, the type of luxury property in Portugal that you opt for will entirely depend on your tastes – one of the great advantages of Portuguese real estate is that it is so varied. While many think of New York, Paris, Singapore, and London when it comes to spectacular city penthouses, few would put Lisbon or Porto real estate into that bracket. Nonetheless, whether it’s sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean or the sheer wonder of the city spread out before you, Portugal can certainly rival any of these locations.

 

 

Where to find a penthouse for sale in Portugal

You should be able to find a luxury penthouse in Lisbon with stunning views of the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge and the River Tejo. At night, the Cristo Rei on the opposite side of the river is a welcome sight. Owning a penthouse in Lisbon provides you with dreamy views from morning until night, with colorful houses visible from most high points in the city. 

Porto is also a very secure option. When winding down the day with a glass of Port wine and the gleaming wine houses on the opposite side of the river, the views are simply stunning. Or if you are looking for that city/beach mix, Foz do Douro should be able to cater to your desires.

The Algarve and the Tróia Peninsula are other extremely desirable locations for the best of Portuguese luxury. The islands of Madeira and the Azores are also very viable options. For a full guide to penthouses in Portugal, you can see our article here.

 

Vineyards

Dreaming of owning a vineyard in the sunny Mediterranean has probably played on your mind at some point in time. Celebrities such as Cliff Richard have opted to own a vineyard in Portugal’s Algarve region. With a beautiful climate, some of the very best grape varieties, and a rich history of winemaking that dates back to the Romans, it may be possible to have a beautiful vineyard that you can call your own.

 

Where to find a vineyard for sale in Portugal

In the north of Portugal, the Douro Valley is the perfect location to own a vineyard. Indeed, this is where some of the most well-known, full-bodied reds originate from. Further north, by the Spanish border, you have another perfect choice in the Minho province, where the crisp Vinho Verde is cultivated. 

The Alentejo boasts some of the fruity wines that are gradually becoming internationally recognized. Further south still, the Algarve also has a very good climate for winemaking. Our article, Vineyards for Sale in Portugal: Top Areas, provides more information on the long history of winemaking, including descriptions of the best regions to find vineyards.