The Edition 2024: Q&A with Anthony Feraboli
Reviewed by Anthony Feraboli, Founder and CEO at Feraboli Real Estate 
We are pleased to introduce The Edition 2024: the latest JamesEdition magazine issue that guides you to the top destinations for luxury real estate.
For this issue, JamesEdition interviewed Anthony Feraboli, Founder and CEO of Feraboli Real Estate, delving into how the high-end property market is being driven by strong interest in turnkey and well-renovated properties. Buyers are also navigating rising rental yields and adjusting to price expectations, while seeking unique, high-quality homes that offer both investment potential and lifestyle appeal. Discover expert insights on market trends and how to strategically select properties in this competitive landscape.
Q&A Highlights
In your experience, what are some common challenges that buyers face in today’s market, and how do you advise them to navigate them?
Working with local agencies: Real estate is not very regulated in Portugal, and the profession is easy to access. Hence, many agents are unqualified and lack knowledge and experience. The client experience is often disappointing, so it is essential to find a good agent with international experience who takes the time to understand the client and provide a qualitative service.
Price expectations: It takes time for clients to accept Lisbon prices. In fact, prices in the Lisbon area are relatively high and certainly higher than foreigners’ expectations when they arrive. Buyers tend to rent for a couple of years before finally purchasing and end up buying at a higher price per square meter than what they would have if they had bought initially.
The pursuit of perfection: Buyers often seek the ‘perfect’ property, which can lead to hesitation and missed opportunities. It’s essential to recognize that no property will fulfill every desire, and waiting for perfection can result in regrets. I advise buyers to prioritize their must-have features and be open to compromise on less critical aspects.
Dealing with inflated prices: In the Lisbon real estate market, prices can be inflated, making it difficult for buyers to find properties within their budget. Some sellers may set asking prices above market value, causing hesitation among potential buyers.
By addressing these challenges with a realistic mindset and the help of a good broker, buyers can increase their chances of finding the right property in today’s competitive market.
The property was designed to grant full privacy from its surrounding all while integrating the breathtaking views that its privileged location offers.
What percentage of transactions in our market are cash purchases versus those involving financing, and how has this ratio changed over the past year?
In our specific market of exceptional and high-end properties, most transactions we handle are cash purchases, with a very minimal portion involving financing. This trend has been consistent over the past year. It’s important to note that most of our clientele consists of international buyers relocating to Lisbon.
These individuals choose the city for its security, favorable climate, exceptional educational opportunities, stunning natural surroundings, and high-quality lifestyle. Typically, our clients finance their property purchases in Portugal using funds from selling their previous properties in their home countries or companies. When necessary, we facilitate this process by leveraging our international network of elite buyers who purchase properties worldwide, ensuring a seamless transition and providing comprehensive support throughout the buying journey.
What is the average number of days a property stays on the market before being sold in the current climate, and how does this compare to historical averages?
The Lisbon market is relatively slow-moving. The high-end market is mainly reserved for foreigners moving to Portugal, so scheduling showings takes time as people have to travel to see a property.
Today, only well-priced properties are sold relatively fast.
Our Private Office is aware of the difference between the asking price and the price at which the transaction occurs, and only well-priced properties sell at normal times. Owners who decide the price according to their personal opinion or by looking at online market prices can see their property stay on the market for one, two, or more years.
We see a big difference between owners who follow our price recommendations and those who invent a price or align it with some prices they see online for properties that have been on the market for years or will stay for a couple more.
Also, exceptional properties sell very fast.
What are some examples of truly unique properties on the market right now?
We sold a couple of truly incredible homes this year, and unfortunately, I can not show you. However, two absolutely fantastic ones stand out from all the others we list in this JamesEdition issue.
Those are the top two listings in Portugal today, without doubt.
How does your agency approach client communication and support throughout the buying or selling journey, and what feedback have you received from clients about this?
Feraboli Real Estate’s professionalism and agility are its main differentiators in the Portuguese market. Our negotiators are exceptionally fast, reactive, and proactive. Secondly, we prioritize building long-term relationships with our clients. Unlike others who might push for the highest sale price to boost commissions, we focus on finding a balanced solution that benefits both the seller and the buyer. This long-term vision ensures that our clients receive value that aligns with their current needs and future goals. Lastly, our negotiators deeply understand business, economy, and finance. This expertise allows them to provide tailored advice to our UHNWI clients, ensuring their real estate decisions support their broader financial objectives in the short and long term.
Premier Property Selections
Quinta Da Marinha
Price: €13,900,000
Location: Cascais, Lisbon
Feraboli Real Estate presents this state-ofthe-art property peacefully located in Quinta da Marinha.
The property, situated on a 2,400m² land plot, with 1000 m2 of indoor surface, was meticulously designed with two core principles: privacy and volume. Through thoughtful layout optimization, it ensures complete privacy while seamlessly integrating views of the lush greenery, golf course, and characteristic pine trees from the Sintra and Cascais natural reserve, which becomes an integral part of the living experience, allowing to be fully immersed in the natural beauty that surrounds the residence.
On the ground floor, the double-height entrance is spacious and welcoming. The East wing of the property consists of an openplan living, dining, and kitchen area with 5,7-meter high ceilings surrounded by floorto- ceiling windows, which allow for seamless indoor-outdoor living and connect to the beautifully landscaped garden and a heated swimming pool.
The lower floor includes a fully independent staff quarter, a dedicated gym, a spa, an indoor swimming pool, a cinema room /wine cellar, a laundry room, and a large 5-car garage. To complete the offering, the property is designed with only top-quality materials and finishes as well as high energy efficiency capabilities.
