Updated: November 27, 2025

 

Property management in Lisbon, Portugal, takes care of every aspect of your rental apartment, home, or villa. Working with a property management company comes with many benefits, such as marketing the vacant space, collecting rent, and calling for repairs. You earn passive income, while a third-party screens your tenants, lists the property, and provides ongoing support.

At Goldcrest, our team can manage long-term rentals that are rented out for periods longer than a year. If you are looking for a property management service for short-term rentals, we can introduce you to a management service anywhere in Portugal. These services are practical for non-residents and residents who want to manage their revenue, set up contracts, organize property inspections, and research the real estate market.

In this guide, you can learn how to choose a property manager in Lisbon, the potential costs, and the services they provide.

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Quick Summary

  • Property managers provide extensive services for investment owners and residents in Portugal.
  • They can serve both single-asset and multi-property owners with industrial, retail, and residential properties, whether you live in Portugal or abroad.
  • You can choose different types of property management based on short-term or long-term rentals.

What is property management in Lisbon?

lisbon city nightA property manager offers tailored solutions for rental management on behalf of the property owner. Their job is to ensure the property is appropriately maintained, profitable for the owner, and abides by local laws.

They organize everything about the apartment, house, or villa, such as property maintenance, financial management, direct booking, and taking professional photos.

Their services significantly reduce the time-consuming process of managing your property by collecting rent receipts, coordinating house repairs, and marketing your property.

Types of Property Management You'll Find in Lisbon

Lisbon has different types of property management services based on your property and your goals as a landlord.

GC-ICON-04Rental management by duration

In Lisbon, you can earn a steady income from short-term or long-term rentals. Property managers tailor their services based on your duration model. They can maximize revenue by handling all the bookings, coordinating cleaning and maintenance, and minimizing vacancies. They ensure your property stays on top of the rental market with positive reviews.

GC-ICON-16Rental management by scope of service

Every property owner requires a different service. Property managers usually offer full-service or partial management. With a full-service approach, the third party takes over every aspect of running the rental property, allowing the owner to enjoy a completely hands-off investment.

Partial management means that the property owner stays involved in specific tasks. For example, they handle the marketing, while the manager collects rent and manages maintenance.

What are the benefits of hiring a property manager in Lisbon?

A property manager in Lisbon can provide many advantages that can maximize your investment potential by managing and maintaining your property.

GC-ICON-17Maximize your rental income in Lisbon

  • Rental strategy: They know the ins and outs of the Portuguese real estate market. That means 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: Good property management can provide targeted insights specific to your property to boost your revenue. For example, you can ask for advice when buying a house in Lisbon.

GC-ICON-105Navigate Lisbon’s regulations

  • Alojamento Local (AL): Short-term rentals in Portugal need an Alojamento Local (AL) license. Property managers can help you understand Lisbon’s specific 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 ensure they adhere to Portuguese tenancy laws. You can also consult with a real estate lawyer in Lisbon to craft legal agreements.
  • Fiscal representation and taxes: Property managers can help you understand your tax obligations and assist with issuing your rental invoices to the Portuguese tax authorities on the Portal das Finanças.

Enjoy 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., to efficiently repair and maintain your property.
  • Financial assistance: Accounting for expense tracking and financial reporting can be exhausting. Your trusted property management company can provide you with all the details regarding taxes, fees, and costs, so you are kept in the loop without doing the hard manual labor yourself.

At Goldcrest, we can assist you with rental property management in Portugal, including property set-up and maintenance of long-term rentals.

Read our ultimate guide on buying property in Lisbon

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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. Here is a list of services you can expect from a property management team.

mansion iconSmooth 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

GC-ICON-107Additional 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 about it in our article: Property Management Portugal.

How to choose the right property management in Lisbon?

People talking with a property manager in LisbonTo find a property manager in Lisbon, consider:

  • Level of experience: Work with companies with a proven track record of helping foreign property owners and managing similar properties.
  • Knowledge of rental yield and property appreciation: Lisbon has high rental yields, with yields for the Greater Lisbon Area 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 investment conditions, and potential future regulation changes.
  • 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, you understand the costs up front, and they are aligned with your budget and expectations.
  • Comprehensive services: Ensure the company offers the services you need, and 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?
  • 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 contact them.

Costs of Property Management in Lisbon

A man signing a document for property management in Lisbon, PortugalThe costs of property management companies will vary depending on your location. Property managers in Lisbon typically charge 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.

There will be extra costs for major repairs, more extensive legal assistance (for example, in the unfortunate case of evictions), marketing, professional photography, and emergency assistance outside of office hours.

When selecting the property management company you wish to work with, ask about the additional costs for each service so you can budget accordingly.

Aside from the scope of services, other factors can influence the cost, including:

  • Property size, condition, and type
  • Location of the property
  • Company experience and reputation

A property finder in Portugal can offer various listings and off-market investment opportunities.

Goldcrest: How We Can Help You 

Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent that is based in Lisbon. We provide expert, impartial advice on real estate investments and how to buy property in Portugal. From scouting out the perfect property through to property acquisition, we have you covered throughout the process.

If you are looking to purchase property in Portugal, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team of skilled experts is available to solve all your real estate doubts, helping you with the property search and offering insightful expertise and strategic advice.

Why choose Goldcrest?

  • 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 perfect 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 investment choices and negotiated prices.
  • Network of partners: We have a close network of partners, including 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.

Frequently Asked Questions about Property Management in Lisbon Portugal

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.

Yes, Americans can own property in Portugal and will face no restrictions, enjoying the same rights as Portuguese citizens when buying property in Portugal as a foreigner.

Rent is currently high in Lisbon due to demand outpacing supply and increased tourism.

New AL licenses are currently banned in 19 Lisbon neighborhoods and eight parishes. It’s best to speak with a lawyer or a real estate agent in Lisbon to ensure that the property you buy can be rented out short-term.

Yes, because Lisbon is 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.

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.

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 required to buy property in the country.

When reviewing property management contracts, consider their payment terms, tenant screening process, maintenance and management responsibilities, financial management procedures, and contract duration and termination procedures. If you need advice, consult with a real estate lawyer in Portugal.

While property managers may be able to provide advice on property insurance, a dedicated insurance broker will be the better option for handling this aspect of your property.