Explore Stunning Villas in Portugal

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 €4,935 per square meter, while in the Algarve, the average asking price is €4,385. In the North and Center of the country, you’ll find prices to be very affordable, standing at €1,903 and €2,098, 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.

Porto is not the only place in the north of Portugal to find beautiful properties. Buying property in Guarda, the Douro Valley, and Braga can also be a smart move. These are a few of the other exceptional parts of the north that are well worth considering.

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.

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.

Take a look at our insightful Property Finder Portugal guide, to find the best way to move forward when seeking Portuguese property or land.

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.