Updated: March 28, 2024

Portugal’s unique combination of its cost-effective living, superior quality of life, and year-round sublime climate make it a major draw for expats looking for the home of their dreams and foreign buyers who want to invest in apartments and houses for rental income.

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 to ensure a seamless transition into the city.

An Introduction to Lisbon's Real Estate Market

portugal real estate

Drawing expatriates from all corners of the globe, Lisbon is one of the top 50 cities for expatriates who are in search of a high quality of life and want to invest in property and relocate to Portugal through the selection of visa opportunities ,such as the Portugal Golden Visa, the D7 Visa (Retirement Visa or Passive Income Visa), and the D8 Visa also known as the Digital Nomad Visa.

Although purchasing a house in Portugal is no longer an eligible investment route for the Golden Visa program, investing in property in Lisbon is still a lucrative opportunity. In the sections below, we will take a deeper look into Lisbon’s property market.

Property prices in Lisbon

The average asking price for residential real estate in Lisbon is €6,009 per square meter, but if you’re buying property in Lisbon, particularly in the sought-after neighborhoods of Santo António and Parque das Nações, the asking price goes as high as €8,117 and €7,728 per square meter, respectively. Note that these are asking prices, and the sales price can often be significantly lower than this figure.

A professional real estate team with local knowledge can help their customers find the best cities and neighborhoods with developments that meet their requirements. The team will also take the essential needs of their clients into consideration, for example, proximity to international schools and healthcare facilities or finding houses or an apartment near the beach.

Types of investment property in Lisbon

The real estate market in Portugal is fragmented, which means there is no one location, such as a Zillow Portugal, where you can find all the properties available for purchase or rental listed. This, along with the language barrier and limited local knowledge, can make it tricky to navigate the market.

The CML (Câmara Municipal de Lisboa) is the Lisbon City Council responsible for the municipality of Lisbon. In the following section, we will provide some crucial information regarding the residential and commercial properties in the capital.

GC-ICON-100Residential properties

real-estate-agent-in-Lisbon.jpgResidential real estate includes investment properties that you buy with the intention of living.  Most residential neighborhoods in Lisbon feature historical centers, glamorous districts, and waterfront properties. There are always homes available for sale in Lisbon, and you can choose between many property types to rent or purchase, including a modern apartment, luxury villas, and waterfront properties.

Each neighborhood in Lisbon has its distinctive energy. For example, Alfama is famous for its old-town medieval charm and Fado music. Graça has excellent co-working spaces that attract digital nomads and entrepreneurs. Estrela provides a warm and relaxed atmosphere with its trendy coffee shops and hipster cafés. Santa Maria Maior is excellent for luxury real estate, and Anjos exudes calm with its vintage stores and record shops. Alternatively, you may also want to consider some affordable neighborhoods in Lisbon, such as Lisbon South Bay.

GC-ICON-26Commercial properties

Commercial properties are properties that you can buy for business purposes, such as small projects, restaurants, cafés, co-working places, shops, flipping and selling, or apartments for rental income These types of properties offer the potential for lucrative returns, especially in light of the booming tourism sector in the region.

Why Do You Need a Real Estate Agent in Lisbon?

Property Finder in Portugal

When looking to purchase property, it’s good to know that there are plenty of estate agents in Lisbon, Portugal, with international project experience and local market knowledge. An English-speaking realtor Portugal can be priceless in scouting out the perfect property, saving you time and hassle. Using the services of these knowledgeable professionals can simplify the buying or selling process. Here are a few benefits of working with a real estate agent to consider:

Expertise of the property market

In Lisbon, an experienced agency or buyer’s agent such as Goldcrest will have access to an updated real estate market database and will be able to provide a shortlist of potential properties based on your requirements. 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. They can also assist with finding tenants to lease the property. The service of a real estate professional costs you a little bit more than handling it yourself, but it will grant you a seamless purchasing process and ensure that all aspects of the purchase are in line with Portuguese real estate law. Making contact with a dedicated buyer’s agent for Lisbon real estate insight and service can also save you money in the long run, as you may be able to get a better deal on your property purchase.

Personalized property matching

The role of real estate agents is crucial in the property-buying process, but it’s essential to select services tailored to your needs. Unlike traditional real estate agents in Lisbon representing buyers and sellers, Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent dedicated exclusively to serving the buyer’s interest. This ensures that you gain access to truly exclusive listings and in-person viewings and secure the best possible deals.

Navigating legalities and financing

Real estate services should also include and assist with the legal paperwork related to your property. They will be your trusted go-to throughout the process until you finally decide on the best option for you. Real estate services in Lisbon can include the following, depending on the company you work with:

  • The finalizing of legal paperwork related to your property
  • Liaising with real estate lawyers, the seller, etc.
  • Completing checks on the property to ensure it has no debt attached to it
  • Checking that the property was built legally
  • Checking who the owner/s of the property is/are and whether they have the right to sell it
  • Facilitating the drawing up and signing of contracts

How to Find the Best 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 Lisbon.

Identify your real estate needs

Whether you’re seeking a Lisbon real estate agent with property management services or a luxury property real estate agent, Lisbon has a great selection of quality professionals available at your request. However, defining your requirements is essential. You will need to decide on your dream house specifics—size, location, and style—to aid the search. Gather data on neighborhoods and marketing trends and draft a project outline for your ideal property purchase.

Do your research

Today, most, if not all, companies have an online presence. Whether it’s a website or social media platform, you should be able to find information about a company and its services. 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 journey toward your dream home.

You can also ask family members, friends, or colleagues for referrals to reputable companies that they have used before. If you have a Portugal contact, asking them to recommend a company in the country would be ideal. It is important that this company is recommended by a person who has experience working with them and who can give proper advice regarding their performance.

Evaluate potential agents

When deciding to move forward with the right realtor, endeavor to communicate with them directly, either over email or the phone. Talk to them about the kind of real estate services they provide, the kind of services you need, and their expertise in Portugal’s property market. Consider using this checklist for a systematic evaluation of key criteria to help you make an informed decision when hiring a real estate agent or company focusing on residential purchases in Lisbon, Portugal.

Criteria

Evaluation

Language Proficiency

Do they speak English?

Experience with International Buyers

Can they provide project data proving experience?

Property Market Insight

Do they have an exceptional understanding of the Portuguese real estate market to provide expert investment advice and services?

Focus on Real Estate in Portugal

Is their service focused on real estate in Portugal?

Track Record of Excellence and Communication

Do they maintain contact and have a track record of excellence?

Business Credentials

Do they have business credentials to share with clients?

AMI License Number

Do they have an AMI license number?

Alignment of Company Values

Do their company values align with your interests?

The Difference Between Real Estate Agents and Buyer's Agents

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. A real estate agent is an industry professional who facilitates real estate transactions under a  real estate brokerage firm.

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 will search for the best options that suit you, not just complete the sale to get a higher commission.

Real estate agent versus buyer agent

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.

Factors

Real Estate Agent

Buyer's Agent

Work Scope

Facilitates transactions for various parties

Exclusively works for the buyer throughout the process

Search & Selection Assistance

May present options, but not solely focused on buyer's needs

Focuses on finding options that suit the buyer best

Representation

Represents the seller's interests primarily

Solely represents the buyer's interests

Conducting Legal Checks

May overlook some legal checks for buyer's benefit

Ensures thorough legal checks for buyer's protection

Language Assistance

Language proficiency may vary

Proficient in the buyer's language

Negotiation

Represents seller's interests in negotiation

Negotiates exclusively for buyer's benefit

Documentation Handling

May not prioritize all necessary documentation

Ensures all required documentation is in order

Time and Cost Savings

May not optimize for time and cost efficiency

Saves time and money by focusing on buyer's needs

Commission

Earns higher commission for higher sale prices

Does not earn based on sale price, focused on buyer

Goldcrest: Who We Are and How We Can Help You 

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 substantial real estate investment in Portugal’s most desirable locations and at the best possible terms. 

For the past decade, we’ve been building our inside knowledge of the local property real estate market and establishing extensive connections nationwide, enabling access to an exclusive list of properties and investment routes. 

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for an informal conversation, our Lisbon team are ready to assist and help you start your journey of relocating to Portugal.

 

Get in Touch

Frequently Asked Questions about Finding Real Estate Agents in Lisbon, Portugal

What does a real estate agent do?

A real estate agent for expats in Lisbon can provide market insights, leverage local knowledge and current prices to secure the best deals, bridge language barriers, negotiate prices, and handle high-quality promotions, easing the sales process with expertise.

House hunting can be tricky, which is why having an experienced real estate agent in Portugal by your side is an excellent idea to provide you with advice and property listings and help you navigate the local market so that you can find the perfect selection of homes for sale that fit your requirements.

In Portugal, real estate agents work on behalf of the seller and get a higher commission for a higher sale, while a buyer’s agent works on behalf of the buyer. While real estate agents should have your best interests at heart, working with a buyer’s agent can be a good idea due to this conflict of interest. They will help you locate the best properties at the best price.

The most credible real estate license is the AMI license issued by IMPIC, allowing real estate agents with a license to conduct business in Portugal.

Verifying a real estate agent’s credentials involves visiting the IMPIC website and accessing the checking out an AMI number link. Input the number and review the results—confirmation of registration and displayed license numbers ensures credibility.

A real estate agent’s commission rates vary and depend on the property’s purchase price. However, it usually lies between 3 and 5 percent of the property price.

When comparing property prices in Lisbon with other Western European capitals, then Lisbon is relatively inexpensive. However, if you are looking to buy property in Lisbon, prices are on the rise, and the Portuguese capital has its own price range when compared with the rest of the country. The average asking price for residential real estate in 2023 in Lisbon City was €6,009 per square meter. For the municipality, the price stood at €4,061 per square meter. Note that this is the asking price, and the sales price can be significantly lower than this.

The average asking price for residential real estate in 2023 was €6,009 per square meter. Of course, the cost of a home will vary based on a number of factors, such as its location in Lisbon and its size.   However, the value and return potential greatly depend on what you’re seeking and the location. For instance, purchasing just outside major city centers can prove more affordable than prime city spots. Furthermore, some neighborhoods are more budget-friendly than others, making location research paramount to finding the best investment opportunity.