Where can I buy a house for 50k in Europe?

Where can I find cheap property in Portugal under 50k?

Property is more affordable in the interior, rural, or low density areas in Portugal, and many of these cheap houses for sale in Portugal are big and spacious. This would be your best bet for finding cheap property in Portugal under 50k.

This is not to say that you will not find some bargain property for sale in Portugal in more in-demand areas, but the most affordable areas are in the lesser-known parts of the country.

Below, we highlight some of the key locations to find affordable real estate in rural areas:

Northern Portugal

The north of Portugal is relatively unexplored, and you’ll stumble upon some absolute gems. You also have the Peneda-Gerês National Park and the Douro River on your doorstep, perfect for nature lovers.

Bragança: Remote and tranquil, this district offers affordable properties amidst lush greenery and historic towns. Bragança also fully embraces local traditions and festivals, so you will be able to enjoy an authentic Portuguese experience.

Vila Real: Surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills, this district presents affordable housing options in charming rural communities. You are located in the very center of the north of Portugal, making it easy to get around the region.

Viana do Castelo: Viana do Castelo is a laid-back spot in northern Portugal where you have access to stunning natural features. You can soak up amazing sea and river views from the Santa Luzia hill, hit the beaches for surfing, or wander the old town full of historical buildings and lively traditions like the popular Festa da Senhora da Agonia (Festival of Our Lady in Sorrow). It’s also easy to get to from Porto or Spain.

The Alentejo

The Alentejo, lovingly referred to as the breadbasket of Portugal, given that the region provides the backbone to the country’s food produce and one of the key locations where Portuguese locals head to on vacation, the Alentejo is a top location to find affordable real estate.

Évora District: Rich in history and culture, this district offers affordable properties in traditional villages surrounded by olive groves and cork forests. The city of Évora itself is one of the most charming in Portugal, with the famous Roman Temple of Diana, which is a must-visit if you are passing through.

Beja District: With vast hilly plains and a slower pace of life, Beja offers up a relaxed pace of life, incredible produce, and some peace and quiet. You will find several property types here at surprisingly affordable prices.

Central Portugal

As with the North of Portugal, Central Portugal is often overlooked in favor of Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. However, you will find several hidden gems here.

Coimbra District: Known for its university town and historical architecture, around Coimbra, you’ll find several properties at affordable rates, nested in the countryside, with the Modego River close by. Currently, the cheapest municipality in Portugal is Pampilhosa da Serra in the Coimbra District, where buying a house has an average price of €220 per square meter.

Guarda: With the Serra da Estrela natural park close by, Guarda offers picturesque villages and countryside landscapes where the local way of life permeates through and locals can be seen enjoying a game of cards with their morning coffee. A little further south, you’ll also find reasonably priced properties at Castelo Branco, another city with affordable properties.

Santarém: A relaxed part of central Portugal known for its sweeping views over the Tagus River, Santarém has deep roots in Portuguese history. Here, you can stroll through charming streets lined with Gothic churches, grab a bite in a sunny square. It is also conveniently close to Lisbon (about an hour’s drive) so living here does not feel too far away from the country’s capital city.

Other locations to find cheap rural property for sale in Portugal

While we have delved into some of the most affordable regions in the country, if you are interested in the Algarve, Alcoutim, and Aljezur are also top locations to find cheap houses in the sundrenched south of the country.

And, if you are interested in island living, the autonomous islands of Madeira and the Azores should provide properties matching your budget, with a range of property types and price ranges available. 

Nestled in the Atlantic, these islands, although each very unique in their own way, are well-known for their high quality of life, relaxed pace of life, stunning land formations, and incredible cuisines.

If you are considering buying property in Azores or Madeira, it’s best to visit the islands and determine which area is best suited to you. Bear in mind that engaging with a buyer’s agent or real estate agent in Azores or Madeira who is well acquainted with the market can make the process of finding your ideal property much more straightforward.

Legal and Financial Considerations

When buying property in any country, you will need to have clarity on the financing options, taxes and fees, and the legal regulations in the country. In this section, we’ll provide a brief overview of the legal aspects of the buy and provide you with insights on financing options for foreigners, in addition to the taxes that you should be aware of.

Financing your property

Many banks offer mortgages to foreigners in Portugal, with many different types to choose from. Terms can vary, so it’s essential to explore different options to find the most suitable financing arrangement for your circumstances. You can find out more about how to finance your property in our guide to getting a mortgage in Portugal.

You will also need to look into getting your own Portuguese tax number first, called a NIF number in Portugal, to allow you to open a bank account and perform financial transactions like buying property.

Legal requirements

The process of buying a property in Portugal involves signing a Promissory Contract and conducting due diligence on the property’s legal status, including verifying ownership and determining if there are any existing debts or encumbrances attached to the property. The final step is signing the Escritura (deed) before a Notary.

We highly recommend working with an experienced Portugal real estate lawyer who will ensure that the due diligence checks are carried out correctly, the contracts are drawn up properly, and that there are no legal issues with you buying the property.

Taxes and fees

When buying property in Portugal, it is essential that you understand the taxes that you will need to pay at the time of purchase and those that you will need to pay on an annual basis.

Property taxes that you will need to pay at the time of purchase include Property Purchase Tax (IMT) and Stamp Duty. On an annual basis, the IMI (Imposto Municipal sobre Imóveis), which is an annual tax based on the value of the property, will need to be paid.

Other fees to take into consideration include Land Registry fees, Notary fees, and legal expenses.

See our guide to property taxes in Portugal for a detailed look at each type of tax, the tax rates and fees in 2025, and how to qualify for tax exemptions.