One of the oldest countries of Europe and with an enviable location on the western edge of Europe, Portugal is a safe haven for real estate investment, and one of the top places in the continent to live or invest.
It’s also a leading EU nation in terms of house price growth in the last five to 10 years – 67% and 58.5% respectively. But in 2021, that slowed to 5.46% year on year. The reason? Most likely because of the newest iteration of the Golden Visa policy.
Regardless, prices in Portugal still grow more than in Spain or Greece, and the country offers additional benefits, too: safety, lifestyle, weather, easy access to the rest of Europe, as well one of the biggest capitals.
Indeed, Portugal was named the best country to work remotely by travel research websites as well as Condé Nast. Factors such as internet speed come into play, and also the relatively low cost of living and range of activities, from watersports and golf to hiking and horse riding.
Even with the changes to the Golden Visa policy that came into effect in 2022, savvy buyers can still find an eligible property close to the ocean in charming places like Comporta. For those who don’t need a Golden Visa, fantastic villas are available in Estoril and Cascais – aka the Portuguese Riviera, the European Hamptons, and the California of Europe.
The Douro, Porto, and the Algarve also generate international attention, and Melides, the “best secret in Europe” is somewhere to watch out for too – a corner of paradise between the ocean and rice paddies. And let’s not forget Lisbon: The Mayor is aiming to make the city “the innovation capital of the world”.
Exceptional homes on the market in Portugal
With our partner Fine & Country Portugal, we’ve picked five outstanding properties to look out for in 2022.
1. Charming country estate in the Douro, Porto
Price: approx. $1,320,000
This seven-bedroom property on a six-acre lot is located in Marco, 50 minutes south of Porto and just 15 minutes from Aveiro Lagoon. Spanning 425 square meters, the sizeable house boasts a large living room with a fireplace and a balcony running the length of it and feature walls made of stone. Out in the well-kept private garden there’s a pool and plenty of entertaining space, and with mountains in the distance and the river as a backdrop, the views are superb. Out and about, Marco is the ideal spot to enjoy Portuguese cuisine and the first-rate wines of the region.
2. Large plot of land in Brejos De Baixo, Comporta
Price: approx. $775,000
Here you have this chunk of land ripe for development in an area eligible for the Golden Visa. Exclusive Comporta is located along the Sado estuary at the base of a 13-mile spit, and is an excellent sunset spot as well as a low-key celebrity haunt. Just ninety minutes from Lisbon and a stone’s throw from the beach, you’re ideally positioned. Architect firm GSS Arquitectos is heading up the project; the plan is to build a traditional home of 203 square meters on a plot of 508 square meters. Décor wise, it will be contemporary all the way, with a pool outside in the garden.
3. Detached villa in Guincho, Cascais
Price: approx. $9,900,000
Situated on the coast in Sintra Natural Park just five minutes from the center of Cascais and half an hour from Lisbon, this exclusive nine-bedroom house sits on a four-acre lot and looks out to Guincho beach. In top condition, the architecture fuses traditional with modern, while the interior spans a whopping 1,000 square meters. The area is known as the Portuguese “Riviera” and features high-end restaurants, a marina, horse riding clubs, and no less than 10 golf courses. Back at the house, enjoy lovely grounds with a pool, a games room in the basement, and beautiful sunsets.
4. Apartment with views in Monte Estoril, Cascais
Price: approx. $2,875,000
Looking out to the Atlantic is Grande Hotel, formerly a space for the European aristocracy. These days, it houses deluxe condos. And this three-bedroom water-facing apartment has hit the market, with unparalleled vistas from the living room, substantial terrace, and master suite. Covering 180 square meters, there’s a domotic system and a concierge service, as well as impressive shared facilities like a sauna and Turkish bath, an outdoor swimming pool, and parking. You‘re close to the center of Cascais and Estoril, and the capital is just 30 minutes away.
5. Contemporary condo in Lapa, Lisbon
Price: approx. $2,190,000
Primely positioned in one of the most distinguished neighborhoods, this new build four-bedroom flat overlooks the River Tagus and sits atop of one of the capital’s seven hills. Peaceful and residential, there’s little traffic and plenty of top restaurants. In terms of the property, you’ll be wowed by tons of natural light, a fireplace in the living and dining area, and a balcony to admire the wonderful views from. What else? There are four bathrooms, plus two parking spaces in the garage. Synonymous with class and history, Lapa is known for luxurious residences, palaces, embassies, and a high quality of life.
For more information about homes for sale in Portugal including properties and regions eligible for the Golden Visa, contact Fine & Country.
