If you are an expat who’s considering buying real estate in Portugal, in this article we will explain to you how to find a real estate agent in Portugal, and why you need a good one. You should be aware that once you find trustworthy real estate agents, you’ll find the process of obtaining a house much easier.
Real estate agents in Portugal
Searching for real estate can be a long and complicated process, especially for expats who are considering buying in a foreign country. Finding a suitable property for sale in Portugal is easier than before thanks to real estate websites and apps. However, there are still some difficulties you will face while dealing with the Portuguese market.
Portugal’s real estate market has moved from strength to strength, and many expats have settled and invested in Portugal because the country has much to offer for foreign investors and homebuyers. Purchasing a property is a huge step that requires careful consideration.
In the next section, we will provide you with more details on why you will need to find a good real estate agent to guide you through the process of purchasing your property in Portugal.
Interest in Portugal real estate investment has been steadily increasing over recent years, and having a good real estate agency will help you speed up your process of finding the right investment option. Good real estate agencies will be your expert advisors who have a robust understanding of the Portuguese market and will have access to important contact lists and a database of market data to discuss with you all the options that suit your budget.
With the huge number of expats buying properties and investing in Portugal, the Portuguese real estate market has grown significantly and almost all real estate agencies now provide employees who speak English. As an expat who doesn’t speak Portuguese, this will also help you with any language barrier if you are communicating with the Portuguese property owner directly.
It’s also worth mentioning again that working with real estate agents in Portugal will be much easier and hassle-free, compared with dealing with everything on your own. As buying a property is not just about finding a good option and paying the money, the process involves many other aspects, such as due diligence.
There are some criteria you should consider while searching for good real estate agencies. We will dive into more details in the coming section to tell you how to specify your search.
How to find a good estate agent in Portugal?
When choosing between real estate agencies, it’s best to consider the following points. Read them as some sort of checklist for finding the perfect real estate agent.
They’ll be there for you
Yes, a real estate agent should be there for you when you need them. Because of the long process of finding a proper house, you will need to have a real estate agency that you can trust. Good real estate agents will be there for you, update you on key information regarding the property, advise you honestly, and always be present for you.
It’s not just about answering your phone calls and emails, but also giving good attention to what you really need to get from selling your property. An honest real estate agency will know how to advertise your property well and get you the highest price.
They’re on the internet
Everything now should have an online marketing version, and people tend to search more and read more on websites and social media, including searching for properties. Excellent real estate agencies should have a presence on the internet and make it easier for the investor to find high-quality images and detailed information about the properties.
Not only is the advertising part very important, but good real estate agents in Portugal will also provide punctual responses and answer your inquiries in a professional manner. Clear and correct contact is particularly important so that you have all the information you need.
Keep in mind that a fancy colorful website doesn’t necessarily mean that it is a good real estate agency service because anyone can have a glamorous website. You should judge by the service they provide, and the clients’ comments and feedback.
Real estate agencies are fully licensed
A real estate investment in Portugal is a great step that can qualify you for Portuguese residency, through the Portugal Golden Visa, although only when you follow the rules set out in the program, such as investing in a designated interior area.
The most important factor you should consider while searching for a Portuguese real estate agency is its seriousness and legality. Be sure that you’re dealing with professional agencies with accreditation, registered in the INCI (Instituto dos Mercados Públicos, do Imobiliário e da Construção), the Official School of Public, Real Estate and Construction Markets. Ideally, the INCI logo will be visible on their Portuguese-language website so you can easily check whether they’re accredited or not. They may also be part of an association of Portuguese estate agencies, like AMI or AMEDI.
When you feel that you trust the real estate agency you’re dealing with, this will save you a lot of hassle and put your mind at ease.
They have experience with expats
Because of the growing number of expats interested in Portuguese real estate, real estate agencies generally have gained a good level of experience in what expats need and how to efficiently help them. A Portuguese real estate agency should be aware of all the legal steps related to properties in Portugal.
There’s nothing wrong with asking for some proof of their previous experience in helping expats to buy and sell in the Portuguese real estate market, and whether they are clear on all the paperwork that is required.
Big decisions, such as purchasing property, need to be made correctly, so make sure that the real estate agency you hire is aware of everything you need.
You get more bang for your buck
Keep in mind that hiring a real estate professional in Portugal may cost you a little, but you will get the quality real estate services you pay for. When choosing the real estate agency you will deal with, make sure that you will get all the services that you require without having to pay extra fees. Just agree on the fees at the beginning, and this should include all the related costs of the service that they will provide you with.
Also, if you’re planning to get a mortgage in Portugal, mention this to the real estate agency and be sure they have the ability to take care of this on your behalf.
What property types are available?
Portugal’s real estate market has been thriving recently, and you will be amazed by the available variety of properties on the market. That’s why you should have a clear idea of the type of property you’re searching for. You should also decide if you’re going to invest in this property or if you’re getting a second house for yourself and your family. Options may vary from one purpose to another.
An advantage of placing your money in Portuguese real estate is that you’ll almost always find what you’re searching for. Whether you’re trying to find a beach property or a luxurious villa, Portugal has a lot of different options on the table.
Beach properties
Portugal offers a wide variety of waterfront homes, given its long coastline with a view of the Atlantic Ocean and picturesque beaches. Whether you are looking for some peace and quiet or would like to relocate to a historic city, with vibrant colors and sounds, Portugal will surely step up to the mark.
We’ve gathered for you a collection of the best locations for waterfront homes in Portugal that will help you decide which city to choose.
In case you’ve already made up your mind and you have your heart set on the Algarve, then you should check out this overview on the Algarve real estate and why this region is a good part for you to invest in.
For those who are already enchanted by the historic city of Porto, we also have a guide for you about the best beach properties in Porto.
