Updated: April 2, 2024

 

More expats than ever before are setting their sights on Portugal, and with good reason. From the sublime climate, high quality of life, and diverse locations to settle down, the country has lots to offer. Plus, because of Portugal’s booming real estate market, many foreign investors are investing in this Western European gem.

However, it can be difficult to find the perfect property, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the buying process in Portugal and do not speak Portuguese. Having a professional with real estate and Portuguese market experience to advise and guide you through the process will be of great benefit.

Whether you’re a digital nomad looking for an apartment to rent, a retiree in search of a holiday home on the coast, or a foreign investor in search of the best possible investment opportunity, it is best to work with Portuguese real estate specialists who will help you secure your ideal property and guide you through the process. Here at Goldcrest, we work with you to discover the perfect property for you in the perfect location and with the best possible terms.

In this article, we will provide you with a guide to finding a property in Portugal, share advice on the best Portuguese towns to find apartments and houses and explore the benefits of working with a buyer’s agent.

How to Find Property in Portugal

Property Finder in Portugal

The first step to buying property in any country is research. You will need to have an idea of the property type you are looking for (apartment, house, villa, etc.) and pinpoint the location best suited to your life or investment. Consider whether you want to purchase a house in an old town near Portugal’s historical monuments or invest in an apartment for rental income in a vibrant city like Lisbon.

Portugal has a fragmented property market, which means there is no single place or site to find all the available land, houses, apartments, villas, and Portugal luxury real estate. You can begin your search by doing some basic research into property prices, types of properties available, and most desirable areas.

However, for more in-depth knowledge and assistance in understanding and navigating the purchase process, you should contact an English-speaking realtor in Portugal. An even better place to begin your search is acquiring the services of a property finder like a buyer’s agent. Equipped with the knowledge to offer great impartial advice and with a focus solely on the needs of the buyer, Goldcrest has helped countless investors and expats successfully manage their property investment journey, securing their ideal property at the best price possible.

Discover more in our article, Buying a Property in Portugal: Your Definitive Guide, discussing key considerations for buying in Portugal.

Main Real Estate Areas in Portugal

Working with an experienced property finder in Portugal, such as a buyer’s agent, can be a godsend to ensure the property buying process in Portugal runs as smoothly as possible and that you secure your ideal property at the best price possible. Make sure that they have an excellent understanding of the Portuguese real estate market and the different areas that you should consider buying in.

Each buyer will be after something slightly different, so discussing which part of Portugal is right for you with an experienced professional in the Portuguese market is certainly a good idea – the local knowledge of a property finder in Portugal can be invaluable.

Some of the main real estate hubs in Portugal are the following:

  • Lisbon
  • Porto and the North
  • The Algarve
  • The Silver Coast
  • The South West of Portugal
  • The Islands: Madeira and the Azores

Why Work With a Buyer’s Agent

Key Considerations to Find Property in PortugalWorking with a buyer’s agent is a smart choice if you are looking to buy a home in Portugal. A buyer’s agent will act as a personal property finder and provide a tailored service for the buyer and will assist the buyer throughout the process, from sourcing the perfect property through to the acquisition phase when you need to deal with Portuguese banks and prepare to sign contracts.

They will also have exclusive access to properties and new listings not found elsewhere. They will have an extensive selection of potential homes for sale.

While real estate agents work on behalf of the seller and will receive a higher commission for a higher sale, a buyer’s agent works solely on behalf of the buyer, ensuring that your interests are met and that you can secure the best property at the best price.

Key Considerations to Find a Property in Portugal

There are some essentials that you should be aware of when buying property in Portugal, including:

  • Don’t go in blind: Make sure you take time to study the real estate market in Portugal so that you know what to expect
  • Consider a mortgage: Look at your capital and income and determine how you will finance the buy as soon as possible.
  • Get professional assistance: Working with a personal property finder or buyer’s agent can save you time and money and ensure a hassle-free buying experience.

Why work with Goldcrest?

Goldcrest is one of Portugal’s leading buyer’s agents and property finders based in Lisbon that provides insightful real estate expertise and strategic advice. From sourcing to property acquisition, we offer a tailor-made service for our clients, assisting them in identifying outstanding investment opportunities in some of Portugal’s finest locations, from relocation to investment projects.

  • 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 right Portugal 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 real estate investment choices and negotiated prices.
  • Network of partners: 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.

Discover more in our article, Why Work With Goldcrest to Buy Property in Portugal?, and you can learn about the different types of property ownership in the article, Types of Property Ownership in Portugal, to get you started on this exciting journey.

With our customer-centric approach, we pride ourselves in working with a wide range of individuals, from couples looking for a modern apartment by the coast to families looking for spacious properties close to high-quality international schools. Working with retirees, digital nomads, investors, and lifestyle buyers, we have you covered, securing the property types that perfectly match your needs. We know that no two clients are the same, and we go above and beyond to ensure your exact requirements are met.

Get in Touch With One of Our Consultants

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Frequently Asked Questions about a Property Finder in Portugal:

What is a property finder in Portugal?

A property finder in Portugal can assist you in finding the perfect property. Goldcrest, a buyer’s agent in Portugal, has access to properties that you will not find elsewhere on the market and new listings so that you will have a complete overview of available properties. Property prices will vary depending on where you want to buy and your budget. A buyer’s agent can assist with providing accurate information and help you plan accordingly.

The finder’s fee refers to the commission paid to an intermediary or finder who facilitates a business transaction or introduces parties who eventually engage in a transaction. The finder’s fee is typically a percentage of the total transaction value and is negotiated between the parties involved.

Portugal has a fragmented property market, and there is no single place to find all the available channels. It is, therefore, a good idea to work with a buyer’s agent who can ensure that you have a complete overview of the market, help you understand property values in Portugal, and provide recommendations on properties matching your requirements.

Yes, foreigners will face no restrictions when buying property in Portugal. If you want to remain in Portugal, you will, however, need to ensure that you have a valid residency permit. There are many visa options on the table, such as the Portugal Golden Visa programme and D7 Visa. Note that it is no longer possible to invest in real estate and be eligible for the Portugal Golden Visa.

Portugal has a rich history with many desirable areas to find your dream home. Some of the most popular areas to buy property in Portugal are Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, and, increasingly, the South West of Portugal.

Yes, a simple search on your search engine for keywords, such as “property finder Portugal rentals”, “property finders rentals Portugal,” or “Portugal property database rentals,” will provide you with an overview of prospective rental properties.

An online search for “luxury property finder Portugal” will provide you with an overview of the luxury market in Portugal. Following this, we recommend that you speak with local real estate professionals, such as Goldcrest, who will be able to narrow down properties for you to help you secure your dream home. If you are looking for something in particular, you can rephrase the search, such as with the keywords “luxury rural property finder Portugal” or “historic property Portugal.” You will also find a limited number of palaces and castles for sale in Portugal, perfect for luxury buyers looking for something spectacular.

If you are looking for properties that have strong investment potential, the starting point should be with research. Keywords such as “investment property finder” and “property search services Portugal” will provide you with market data so you can gain knowledge on the property market and the process of searching for properties in the country. Following this, it’s recommended to speak with a buyer’s agent, such as Goldcrest, who will be able to provide you with a range of investment options tailored towards your specific needs.

While working with real estate professionals is recommended when searching for properties in the Algarve, a good starting point to get an overview of the market is to do a basic Google search for keywords such as “Personal property finder Portugal Algarve,” “Algarve beachfront property Portugal,” “Algarve Portugal holiday home finder,” “Algarve retirement property Portugal” or “property finder Portugal Algarve.” This will provide you with information on the types of properties available and property prices that match your requirements. Following this, it is advisable to engage with a buyer’s agent, like Goldcrest, who can offer you a variety of investment choices customized to meet your particular requirements.

It is advisable to collaborate with real estate experts when exploring properties in Lisbon. However, to gain an initial understanding of the market, conducting a simple Lisbon real estate search on Google using terms like “Lisbon property search,” “Lisbon coast real estate for sale,” or “Lisbon Villa finder Portugal” can offer insights into available property types and their respective prices. Useful websites include Idealista and Imovirtual.

There is no single Portugal property database, but rather many different websites to look through; another reason why working with a buyer’s agent can be a plus is that they have access to listings that you will not find elsewhere, including new listings.