Updated: July 25, 2025
Lisbon’s property market offers appealing opportunities for investors seeking a high return on their investment, with a range of property types available and entry price points. However, to effectively manage your property, particularly if you are overseas, working with experienced property managers is key to safeguarding your asset and maximizing your investment returns.
This article, Property Management Lisbon Portugal, will act as your essential guide, including the benefits of having a property manager by your side, typical costs, and practical tips and guidance.
What are the benefits of hiring a property manager in Lisbon?
A property manager in Lisbon will provide you with peace of mind that your asset is being well taken care of, maximize your investment potential, and take responsibility of the maintenance and management of your property.
Maximize your rental income in Lisbon
- Rental strategy: Expert knowledge of Lisbon’s property market, factoring in seasonal fluctuations and neighborhood values, and leveraging the latest tech and data to set optimal rental rates and secure a strong ROI year-round.
- Tailored expert advice: A good property management will be able to provide targeted insights specific to your property to boost your revenue.
Navigate Lisbon’s regulations
- Alojamento Local (AL): Short-term rentals in Portugal need an Alojamento Local (AL) license. Property managers will be able to help you understand Lisbon’s specific current legislation regarding AL restrictions, navigate renewals, and reporting, and assist with managing your short-term rental.
- Contract reviews: Property managers can review the rental contracts and make sure they adhere to Portuguese tenancy laws.
- Fiscal representation and taxes: Property managers can help you understand your tax obligations and can assist with issuing your rental invoices to the Portuguese tax authorities on the Portal das Finanças.
Peace of mind and hands-off maintenance
- Your local contact in the city: Your property management company will be your ears and eyes on the ground, letting you know if anything is amiss, providing 24/7 communication with tenants, and handling any complaints and feedback from tenants.
- Property maintenance: They will work with local contractors, plumbers, electricians, etc., for efficient repairs and upkeep of your property.
- Financial assistance: Accounting for expense tracking and financial reporting can be exhausting. Your trusted property management company will be able to provide you with all the details regarding taxes, fees, and costs so you are kept in the loop without having to do the hard manual labor yourself.
At Goldcrest, we can assist you with managing your property, with property management services including property set-up and the maintenance and management of long term rental properties. If you are seeking out a rental property, we can also guide you through the process of buying property in Lisbon.
What services do Lisbon property management companies offer?
Many landlords find it challenging to keep up with financial obligations, tenant management, and the general maintenance of their property.
Below are some of the key services a trusted property management team can help you with to save you time, and maybe even money in the long-term.
Particularly if you are based overseas or do not speak Portuguese, it makes sense to work with hospitality experts and real estate experts to maximize your profits from your property.
Smooth property operations and maintenance
- Routine inspections
- Repairs and renovations
- Cleaning and housekeeping after each tenant’s rental period
- Maintenance of your swimming pool and garden
- Utility set-up and management
- Keep an account of bill payments
Managing and reporting finances
- Provide detailed financial statements and regular reports on income, expenses, and net revenue
- Track property-related expenses and rent receipts, such as taxes and condominium fees (if applicable)
- Manage the efficient transfer of rental payments to you, the owner
Additional services
- Handover of keys
- Concierge services (if applicable, such as welcome packs and local guides for guests)
- Create a detailed property inventory
- Professional photography and marketing
- Airbnb management and help with direct bookings for your property
- Ensure a high occupancy rate throughout the year
- 24/7 support and communication services for tenants
- Identify equipment or furniture that may need to be replaced
You can find out more in our article: Property Management Portugal.
Costs of Property Management in Lisbon
Costs of property management companies will vary depending on your location, with property managers in Lisbon typically charging more than property managers in other parts of Portugal.
Typically, property management fees are percentage-based:
- Long-term rentals: Generally, 8 to 20 percent of your rental income, depending on the services you require.
- Short-term rentals: Usually around 30 to 40 percent of your rental income
While property management service packages will vary from company to company, rent collection, tenant guest communication, and regular property inspections are usually included in the base fee, alongside financial reporting.
Extra costs for major repairs, more extensive legal assistance (for example, in the unfortunate case of evictions), marketing, and professional photography, and out-of-office hours emergency assistance.
When selecting the property management company you wish to work with, make sure to ask them about the additional costs for each service, so you can budget accordingly.
Aside from the scope of services, there are other factors that can influence the cost, including:
- Property size, condition, and type
- Location of the property
- Company experience and reputation
Choosing a Property Manager in Lisbon
To find a property manager in Lisbon, consider:
- Level of experience: Work with companies that have a proven track record of helping foreign property owners and managing properties similar to yours.
- Knowledge of rental yield and property appreciation: Lisbon has high rental yields, with yields for the Greater Lisbon Area rental standing at 6.8 percent. Work with experts who understand how to maximize the return of your asset in the long-term.
- Local expertise and understanding of regulations: Make sure the company is up to speed with Portuguese regulations, Lisbon real estate market conditions, and potential future changes to regulations.
- References: The best way to assess a company is through referrals and references. Check what previous clients have said about the company to gauge their service quality and whether they are good value for money.
- Transparent fees and clear pricing: Make sure fees are clear and you understand the costs up front, and that they are aligned with your budget and expectations.
- Comprehensive services: Make sure the company offers the services you need and that their service packages include what you need. Ask questions. For example, if they say they carry out regular inspections, what does this mean in practice? How often will they visit your property? Do you need full-service rental management or simply a property management company to check on your property while you are overseas? Make sure you are crystal clear on what they offer and what exactly you get in practice.
- Communication and responsiveness: Find out about the company’s communication channels and how often they will update you on the status of your property. Also, measure their level of responsiveness when you need to get in touch with them.
Goldcrest: Your Property is in Safe Hands
Goldcrest is the first buyers’ agent in Portugal. Based in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, we’ve helped hundreds of individuals uncover their dream home in Portugal.
We also know that owning property in Portugal can be a challenge, especially if you are based overseas. That’s why we offer comprehensive property management services for long-term rentals, providing tailored solutions to your individual needs.
With experience in managing properties and in-depth local knowledge of the local market, get in touch with us to see how we can help you achieve your property goals.
Frequently Asked Questions about Property Management in Lisbon Portugal
What is the average property price in Lisbon?
The average asking property price for Greater Lisbon is €4,935, rising to €6,934 for Lisbon City. Property prices will vary significantly depending on the neighborhood and property type.
Can Americans own property in Lisbon?
Yes, Americans can own property in Portugal and will face no restrictions, enjoying the same rights as Portuguese citizens when it comes to buying property in Portugal.
Why is rent so high in Lisbon?
Rent is currently high in Lisbon due to demand outpacing supply and increased tourism.
What are the current restrictions for Alojamento Local (AL) in Lisbon?
New AL licenses are currently banned in 19 Lisbon neighborhoods and eight parishes. It is highly recommended to speak with experienced real estate professionals or real estate lawyers in Portugal to ensure you are buying an investment property that you can rent out short-term, if that is your intention.
Is property management more expensive in Lisbon than in other parts of Portugal?
Yes, due to Lisbon being the capital, property management costs tend to be higher here than in other parts of the country. This is due to higher property prices, greater demand, and higher living costs.
How do property managers handle tenant screening in a competitive market like Lisbon?
To identify reliable tenants, property managers will conduct thorough screening of potential tenants. This includes background checks, credit checks, rental history reviews, and making sure they are employed with sufficient income to pay rent.
Can a property manager help me with my NIF and tax obligations in Portugal?
Yes, property managers can assist with record-keeping to ensure the owner’s tax obligations are met. If you own property in Portugal, you should already have a Portuguese NIF number, which is required to buy property in the country.
What should I look for in a property management contract in Lisbon?
When reviewing property management contracts, take into consideration their payment terms, tenant screening process, maintenance and management responsibilities, financial management procedures, and the contract duration and termination procedure. Make sure to ask if something is not clear, and we recommend also seeking legal advice to ensure that everything is in order.
Do property managers handle property insurance for property owners in Lisbon?
While property managers may be able to provide advice with property insurance, a dedicated insurance broker will be the better option to handle this aspect of your property.