Updated: December 10, 2024
It is a privilege to own a villa in Portugal, a politically and economically stable country that has a diverse range of landscapes and environments. The incredible climate, relatively affordable properties, and high quality of life are also major pull factors. If you have your heart set on living the ultimate lifestyle in Portugal, you’ll find many luxury villas within walking distance of beautiful sandy beaches, are nestled in the heart of the unspoilt countryside, or have their own swimming pool to enjoy the sublime weather Portugal has to offer.
In this article, we’ll arm you with some key information you should bear in mind if you are considering investing in villas in Portugal. From an overview of the prices to key locations to consider, we have you covered.
What are villa prices like in Portugal?
Compared with other European countries, luxury villa prices in Portugal are well below the average, and you should be able to secure a lovely property at a reasonable price, particularly if you buy outside hotspot locations.
To provide you with some insights into property prices in Portugal, the average asking price for property in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area is €4,061 per square meter, while in the Algarve, the average asking price is €3,897. In the North and Center of the country, you’ll find prices to be very affordable, standing at €1,740 and €1,864, respectively. Luxury villas in Portugal will no doubt cost you more, but this provides you with some insights into the different price ranges across the country. Obviously, if you buy a property with a private pool, gym, or spacious dining room to entertain guests, prices will increase.
Which are the most expensive areas to buy a villa in Portugal?
Lisbon is the most expensive area in which to buy luxury private villas in Portugal, followed by the Algarve. The Algarve is the most popular region for buying a luxury villa in Portugal, not least because you’ll find an array of stunning properties within walking distance of a beach – there are more than 130 in the Algarve region – and many of the properties also have a private pool.
As a paradise for golfers, the Algarve is surrounded by luxury villas on the green coast. The further you are from the coast, the cheaper the offer will be. The Silver Coast (Costa de Prata) on the Atlantic coast north of the Lisbon Coast is not quite as popular but has also been developing beautifully and you will come across some splendid properties on the market here.
Villas in Lisbon
In central Lisbon, you will find luxury flats and opportunities to invest in buildings mostly. However, it is still possible to find some luxury villas in the surrounding areas. In Rua da Junqueira, which is marked by buildings with extraordinary heritage value, there are still options open, as there are in Chiado.
Linha de Cascais — the most western part of Lisbon’s district — is guided by Avenida Marginal and distributes the areas of Caxias, Oeiras, Estoril, and Cascais, where some of the most expensive properties in Portugal can be found. An investment into Cascais Portugal real estate can yield significant returns, and is a firm favorite with lifestyle buyers.
Villas in Porto and Northern Portugal
Porto, Portugal’s captivating second-largest city, is the gateway to the beautiful Douro Valley. In Porto, you will find prices to be more reasonable than in Lisbon. Good options include the central area around Avenida Marechal Gomes da Costa, next to the Serralves Museum. In this urban area, you are close to shops and amenities, as well as Rosario College and the French Lyceum School. For those seeking a large villa perfectly located in the depths of the Portuguese countryside, then Northern Portugal should be on your radar.
Villas in the Algarve
You will find some of the most incredible villas in Portugal in the Algarve. The central Algarve region around Vilamoura is especially popular with buyers. Vilamoura itself, a purpose-built resort with a 1,000-berth marina and golf course at its heart, is home to luxury hotels, a casino, sports facilities, and beach clubs.
The Vilamoura has been named the best marina in the world many times over the years by The Yacht Marine Association (TYHA) and the British Marine Federation. Vilamoura is also close to the Faro airport. Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo are some of the most popular areas in the region where you can find stunning Algarve villas for sale.
Algarve villas range from spacious modern properties close to the beach to more traditional properties. Vale do Lobo is recognized as one of the most prestigious resorts in Europe, providing fabulous facilities from superb restaurants and beach bars to world-class sporting facilities, golden sandy beaches, and championship golf courses.
Quinta do Lago is an exclusive resort with a wide variety of fantastic amenities, including world-class golf, professional sporting facilities, unique entertainment, and fabulous restaurants, and a short distance from the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, which is located between Faro and Tavira.
Algarve Portugal real estate has long been a favorite with foreign buuyers from all walks of life. From investors to families, the region looks set to continue to be a hotspot location, with property values set to continue to incerease in the coming years.
Villas in the Alentejo
For a premium price, you can be the owner of a dream property in Comporta. Unbelievably beautiful villas, designed by prestigious architects and close to emerald green ocean waters, are the poster child for a new concept of living that combines countryside and beach with all the comfort and security of modern life.
Looking to buy property in Portugal? Check out our complete guide.
How to Pick the Perfect Villa
After committing to reach and doing a quick online search for “villa Portugal,” “luxury villa Portugal” or “luxury villas Algarve” to get an overview of the market in the region you are interested in, the best way to proceed is to get in touch with real estate professionals who will be able to refine your search and provide you with a list of properties that meet your requirements.
The Portuguese real estate market is fragmented, and there is no one location to find all the properties on the market. To ensure full market access, and to give you peace of mind that you are not missing out on stunning properties, working with professionals is highly recommended. Below, we share some tips to keep in mind when defining your requirements when it comes to finding private villas in Portugal.
Villa size
Consider the size of the villa you are looking to buy. Should you be looking for something larger, buying in the Alentejo or Center of the country can be more affordable than, say, the Algarve, for example.
Outdoor space
When it comes to buying a new luxury villa, be realistic, take your time, don’t act on impulse, and, ultimately, make a decision that’s good for your family, social life, and your finances. You should decide whether outdoor space is needed and, if so, what type of space you are looking for.
Location, location, location
- Location is key when looking for valuable Portuguese real estate.
- Consider the accessibility, appearance, and amenities of a neighborhood as well as plans for development.
- A lot’s proximity to things like busy roadways and community centers may make it less desirable for resale.
- Acreage often trumps the quality of a house since land tends to increase in value.
Creature comforts
Since it’s so natural for emotions to come into play, you need to ensure you are making rational choices rather than getting wrapped up in the notion of a dream comfort home—or, conversely, of yourself as a master builder/renovator. If you’re aware of the issues ahead of time, you can protect yourself from costly mistakes and shop with confidence.
Are you looking for a gorgeous villa in Portugal with a swimming pool, games room, air conditioning, a spacious dining room to entertain guests, or proximity to beautiful beaches or unspoiled countryside? For those looking for the creme de la creme of luxury villas, you will also be able to find properties that come with a private heated pool or even an infinity pool, the ultimate way to enjoy stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
You can check out our article, Villa with Pool Portugal, for a rundown of the best locations to find a stunning villa with a private pool.
Am I paying a fair value for my villa?
Guidelines for checking the value-for-money of properties:
- The price per square meter of a larger apartment is equal to or higher than the price per square meter of a smaller apartment in the same building or immediate neighborhood (unless the larger apartment has a feature, such as a water view, which the smaller one does not have).
- The expectation of both local and foreign clients is that properties, on average, are larger than in neighboring Spain. Avoid anything less than 25-35 m2 as it’s considered too small to be generally commercially viable for all but the most niche markets
- Beware of areas or buildings where a single nationality represents a significant (typically > 50 percent) of buyers.
- Work with experienced local real estate professionals who will guide you through the negotiation stage. Bear in mind that real estate agents work on behalf of the seller, while buyer’s agents work on behalf of the buyer, meaning that your interests are protected.
Tips for Internationals
Foreign nationals can buy real estate in Portugal without restrictions, except in protected agricultural and environmental areas. However, since the purchase is subject to the payment of taxes, it must be registered with the tax administration — that is, the buyer needs a corresponding taxpayer number in Portugal. We highly recommend working with a real estate lawyer in Portugal who will be able to assist you with complying with the legal requirements of the purchase.
How to find villas in Portugal
If you are looking for high-luxury villas in Portugal and are considering Lisbon, Chiado, or Lapa districts should be considered. Outside the capital, the best-known and most exclusive area in Portugal is certainly the Algarve. There are plenty of renowned destinations to be found here, known for their Portugal luxury real estate offerings. Areas like Vale do Lobo, Albufeira, or Vilamoura are places for stunning Portuguese villas with all possible comforts and sea views. But other seaside resorts are also very much appreciated.
The luxury property market is also booming, with Porto and the Algarve recently being identified as being amongst the top ten fastest-growing luxury markets in the world, according to Knight Frank’s The Wealth Report 2023.
Investing in Portuguese villas can be a smart move, particularly given that demand for luxury properties to rent is projected to continue to grow in the future, with the Prime Residential World Cities Index by Savills highlighting Lisbon to be registering the third highest rent increases in luxury properties, after Dubai and Bangkok, with rent increases of 7.5 percent in the first part of 2024. Should you invest in luxury villas in Portugal, the increased demand for a luxury villa holiday amongst tourists should see you secure a strong return on your investment.
Goldcrest: How We Can Help
If you have found your dream villa in Portugal, seek help from a specialized property investment firm such as Goldcrest. As an independent local buyers agent, Goldcrest helps international families acquire sound property investments in their desired locations in Portugal.
Contact the team to access exclusive information on how to buy a property in Portugal and find out just how much you can save on your international investment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Villas in Portugal
Where to buy a villa in Portugal to relocate?
Portugal is a small country, which means that travel is often quick and less than one hour from the center of the main cities of Lisbon and Porto. There are paradisiacal places that allow you to enjoy the best of nature, with the amenities of a metropolis a short trip away. Between Setúbal and Sintra, passing through Almada, Seixal, Cascais or Oeiras or, in the north, from Gaia to Espinho or in cities like Braga, Guimarães or Póvoa do Varzim, there is plenty to choose from to buy a house and, above all, at better prices than in the center of Lisbon or Porto.
And if the proximity of large cities is not a very important factor, then there is still much more to explore, whether in the north, center, or south of the country, whether on the coast or inland.
Where to buy a villa in Portugal to invest?
If you are looking for a high standard apartment or a luxury villa, the Chiado or Lapa districts should be considered. The best known and most exclusive area in Portugal is certainly the Algarve. There are plenty of renowned destinations to be found here, known for their luxury real estate offerings. Areas like Vale do Lobo, Albufeira or Vilamoura are places to buy modern high-quality villas with all possible comforts and sea views.
Where to search for the best villa deals?
The best way to find a property in Portugal is through a Buyer’s Agent. This is a useful way to find properties for sale because buyer’s agent usually have access to properties that are not advertised and sometimes also at more affordable prices.
