Finding an Expert Real Estate Agent in Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is one of the world’s safest and most beautiful cities in which to live and invest in property. Crowned the Best City Break Destination by the World Travel Awards in 2024, Lisbon is the perfect place to enjoy a high quality of life.

With its stable infrastructure, affordable living costs, world-renowned cuisine, endless attractions and beaches, and an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, it’s difficult to find another city quite like Lisbon. 

If investing in Portugal’s capital city is on your radar, this article will guide you in selecting a proficient real estate agent in Lisbon with knowledge of the local real estate market to navigate language barriers and help you avoid costly risks and scams.

An Introduction to Lisbon's Real Estate Market

In 2025, Lisbon expects to ride a wave of increased international interest and demand for property. Drawing interest from all corners of the globe, Lisbon is one of the top cities for expats who are in search of a high quality of life and want to invest in apartments and houses to relocate to Portugal or earn investment returns.

Remaining resilient in a challenging economic climate, Lisbon ranks above European cities such as Monaco, Geneva, Paris, and Milan regarding anticipated growth in its luxury market for 2025. The city’s projected capital appreciation for luxury properties is expected to climb as high as 4.5 percent this year.

In 2024, rental yields in the Lisbon municipality stood at 6.8 percent, a slight increase from the previous year.

In the sections below, we will take a deeper look into the Lisbon property market, including the types of property to invest in and property prices in Lisbon.

Residential properties in Lisbon

Most residential neighborhoods in Lisbon feature historical centers, glamorous districts, and waterfront properties. There are many different homes available for sale in Lisbon, including modern apartments with natural light, luxury villas, townhouses, waterfront properties, and condominiums.

Each neighborhood in Lisbon has its distinctive energy. For example, Alfama is famous for its old-town medieval charm and Fado music, Graça retains a historic charm but has a more lived-in feel, while Estrela, with its spacious properties and host of amenities, is perfect for families.

Commercial properties in Lisbon

Commercial properties are properties that you can buy for business purposes, such as small projects, restaurants, cafés, co-working places, and shops.  

These types of properties offer the potential for lucrative returns, especially in light of the booming tourism sector in the city. 

Luxury properties in Lisbon

High-end real estate in prime luxury areas like Avenida da Liberdade, Santo António, Parque das Nações, Santa Maria Maior, Chiado, and Príncipe Real includes spacious penthouses and townhouses with exquisite Portuguese architecture and modern apartments with rooftop terraces, natural light, private pools, and smart home technology.

Real estate costs in Lisbon

The average asking price for residential real estate in Lisbon is €6,934 per square meter, but if you’re buying property in Lisbon in the sought-after neighborhoods of Santo António and Parque das Nações, for example, the asking price goes as high as €9,051 and €8,517 per square meter, respectively.  

Note that these are asking prices, and the sales price can often be significantly lower than this figure. This figure will also decrease if you take the greater Lisbon area into consideration, with prices then falling to €4,935 per square meter. 

Cost of rent in Lisbon

The downside of a booming property market in Lisbon is that rental costs will increase over time. Because of this, buying property in Lisbon sooner rather than later makes more financial sense compared to renting.

That said, if you prefer to get a feel for the neighborhood before buying, then renting can be a good short-term solution. Here are the average rent prices per month in Lisbon:

• One-bedroom apartment in city center: €1,404
• One-bedroom apartment outside of the city center: €1,082
• Three-bedroom apartment in city center: €2,631
• Three-bedroom apartment outside of the city center: €1,778

Why do you need a real estate agent in Lisbon?

The real estate market in Portugal is fragmented, which means there is no one website, such as a Zillow Portugal, where you can find all the properties available for purchase or rentals listed. This can make it tricky to navigate the Portuguese market, particularly if you do not speak Portuguese or are unfamiliar with the buying process.

When looking to purchase property, it’s good to know that there are plenty of estate agents in Lisbon, Portugal, with international experience and in-depth knowledge of the local market. A realtor in Portugal can be priceless in scouting out your dream property, saving you time and hassle.  

Using the services of knowledgeable professionals can simplify the buying or selling process. Below are a few benefits of working with a real estate agent.

Market expertise

In Lisbon, an experienced real estate advisor or buyer’s agent such as Goldcrest will have access to an extensive local real estate market database and will be able to provide a shortlist of potential properties based on your requirements to help you find the perfect property.

If you plan to invest in a property and rent it out, a good agent will save you a lot of hassle by finding the perfect property and location for investment, along with assisting with finding tenants to lease the property.

In the long run, working with a real estate agent or buyer’s agent will likely save you money as they can help you avoid pitfalls that could significantly cost you, such as buying from unverified owners.

Personalized property matching

The role of Lisbon estate agents is crucial in the property-buying process, but it’s essential to select services tailored to your needs.

You’ll need to work with someone who has extensive local knowledge in the area where you’re looking to buy your home so that you can be suitably matched with properties that genuinely cater to your needs and requirements.

Navigating legal and financial processes

Real estate agencies will ensure you are aware of any legal implications with the purchase and direct you to a trustworthy real estate lawyer should you need one. To discover why you should consider working with a real estate lawyer, check out our article, Real Estate Lawyer Lisbon.

They will also be able to recommend banks to provide a smooth process for securing a mortgage to finance the property.

How to Find a Real Estate Agent in Lisbon

Now that we know a bit more about the value of professional services in relation to real estate purchases in Lisbon, Portugal, here are a few tips to help you find a top real estate agent in the Portuguese capital.

Identifying your real estate needs

Whether you’re seeking a Lisbon real estate agent with property management services or a luxury property real estate agent in Cascais to help you purchase property on the Portuguese Riviera, there is a great selection of quality professionals available to you.

However, defining your requirements is essential to finding Lisbon property agents that suit you best. You will need to decide on your dream property specifics—size, strategic location, budget, and style—to aid the search. You will also need to have a clear idea of how you plan to finance the purchase.

Once you know exactly what you want and need, it will be easier to choose which property professional suits you best.

Searching for agents

Today, most, if not all, companies have an online presence, and a quick search for “estate agents Lisbon” will provide you with an overview of your options.

Furthermore, you should be able to find online comments and reviews from past clients detailing their experience with a company and agent. It’s important to request recommendations, check reviews, and contact agents aligning with your criteria to start the process towards securing your dream home.

You can also ask family members, friends, or colleagues for referrals to a reputable realtor in Lisbon that they have used before.

Evaluating potential agents

When deciding to move forward with the right Lisbon real estate agents, make sure to communicate with them directly. Talk to real estate agencies about the kind of real estate services they provide, the kind of services you need, and their expertise in Portugal’s property market.  

You should also ensure that the real estate advisor has an AMI license number, which is needed for any real estate agent to conduct business in Portugal.

Consider using this checklist for a systematic evaluation of key criteria to help you make an informed decision when hiring a realtor in Lisbon, Portugal, or a company focusing on residential purchases.

Real Estate Agent versus a Buyer's Agent

Dealing with a real estate agent can be a great help when purchasing property, but you should be aware of the fact that real estate agents work mainly on behalf of the seller, not the buyer, and they will get a higher commission for a higher sale.

Working with a buyer’s agent is a completely different story. The buyer’s agent works solely on your behalf (as a buyer), and this is an excellent advantage for you. A buyer’s agent, such as Goldcrest, will search for the best options that suit you, not just complete the sale to get a higher commission.

To help you understand the key differences between working with a buyer’s agent and a real estate agent, we have created a comprehensive guideline showcasing each option’s advantages and potential drawbacks.

Step-by-Step Guide for Your Property Journey

Now that we have discovered more about Lisbon’s property market and equipped you with the essential knowledge you need to find a real estate professional in Lisbon, it’s time to put words into action. 

While a good real estate professional, like a buyer’s agent, will be able to guide you through every step of your property investment journey, it’s always good to know what to expect. To set you up for success, use these basic steps of the purchase process as a roadmap to plan your next steps. 

Step 1: Request an appointment to discuss your specific needs. 

Step 2: Your agent will conduct a property search and arrange viewings. 

Step 3: Once your agent has arranged shortlisted viewings based on your needs and you have reviewed the properties, you and your agent can formulate an offer for the property. 

Step 4: Shortly after the offer is accepted, your agent will assist with completing legal paperwork and other necessary formalities. 

Step 5: It’s time to close the deal. Your buyer’s agent can help you with finalizing the legalities of the purchase, help you sign contracts and legal documents, and ensure you understand and agree with other aspects of the purchase. 

Goldcrest: How We Can Help

At Goldcrest, our team will be delighted to help you find the perfect property for your investment needs. We offer expert and impartial advice, working with you to find the perfect home or Lisbon real estate investment, or other opportunities in Portugal’s most desirable locations.   

With advanced tools, in-depth knowledge of the local property market, and an extensive network, including access to an exclusive list of off-market opportunities, we help you find the best properties at the best price. From market analysis and property valuation to acquisition and post-purchase support like setup, leasing for rental properties, and property management, we ensure your experience is seamless.

As an independent buyer’s agent, we work exclusively for you, putting your interests first. Our approach includes assistance with legal requirements, taxes, and fees, making the entire process straightforward and stress-free.  

Book a free call with us to see how we can help you find your dream property!