Are you thinking about moving to Portugal or investing in real estate here? Whether you’re looking for a rental or planning to buy a home, understanding the Portuguese property market is key to making the right choice. While finding a property in Portugal isn’t necessarily hard, it does come with challenges—especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process.
At Savvy Cat Realty, we specialize in helping expats and investors navigate the Portuguese real estate market with ease. We take a lifestyle approach to relocation and investment, ensuring you find a property that meets your specific needs.
👉 Book a free clarification call today. and let us guide you through your property search in Portugal! You can also reach out to us at contact@savvycatrealty.com.
Where to Search for Property for sale in Portugal
The first step in finding a property is knowing where to look. Portugal has several popular real estate websites where you can browse listings:
- Idealista – One of the most widely used platforms.
- SuperCasa
- Casa Sapo
- OLX Imóveis
- Real estate agency websites like Remax, Century 21, and others.
However, listings can sometimes be duplicated across multiple platforms, and some properties may not be available despite being advertised. This can make the search process frustrating.💡 Save time and avoid common pitfalls! Let our team handle the search for you. Book a free consultation today.
Rental vs. Buying: Which Market Moves Faster?
- The rental market is 10 times more competitive than the buying market. Rental properties, especially in major cities, often disappear within hours or days.
- The buying market is much slower—most properties remain available for three months to a year.
Common Challenges When Searching for Property
1. Poor Communication with Agents
Many real estate agents in Portugal work part-time and only earn a commission if they sell. Because of this, they may be hard to reach or unresponsive.
2. Multiple Listings for the Same Property
Since exclusivity is rare, the same property may be listed by multiple agencies with different details, making it hard to determine the actual availability.
3. Outdated Listings
Many properties listed online are already sold but remain on websites to generate leads for real estate agencies.
4. Incorrect Property Details
It’s common for property listings to have wrong information regarding size, features, or even the address.
How Long Does It Take to Buy a Property?
Even in a high-demand area like Lisbon, the majority of properties remain on the market for months:
- 14% of properties sell within 4 weeks
- 35% sell between 3 months and 1 year
- 8% sell in under a week
- 11% remain on the market for over a year
This means you typically have time to evaluate your options carefully before making a decision.
Should You Buy a Property Online?
While visiting a property in person is ideal, the entire purchasing process can now be done online in Portugal. This includes signing contracts digitally, making it easier for international buyers.
👉 Need help buying a property remotely? We handle everything from virtual tours to contract negotiations. Get in touch today at contact@savvycatrealty.com
How Much Cash Do You Need?
Buying a Property
- Portuguese banks typically finance up to 80% of a property’s value.
- You should have at least 30% of the total cost saved for taxes and fees.
Renting a Property
- The standard requirement is three months of rent upfront (first month, last month, and security deposit).
- Expats may be asked for up to six months of rent in advance since landlords view them as a higher risk.
Tip: We do not recommend paying more than six months upfront, as this limits flexibility if something goes wrong.
Why Work with a Buyer’s Agent?
Unlike regular real estate agents who work for the seller, a buyer’s agent represents your best interests. Here’s why hiring a buyer’s agent is a smart decision:
- Insider market knowledge – We know which neighborhoods are safe and where to get the best deals.
- Protection from bad deals – Selling agents focus on making sales, not protecting buyers.
- Legal support – We ensure contracts and property details are correct before you sign.
💡 Ready to start your property search with expert support? Book a free call or email us at contact@savvycatrealty.com.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right property in Portugal can be challenging, but with the right strategy and expert guidance, the process becomes much easier. Whether you’re looking for a rental or a long-term investment, we can help you find the perfect property while avoiding common mistakes.
At Savvy Cat Realty, we offer full support, from property searches to legal assistance and relocation services.👉 Take the stress out of house hunting! Book a free consultation with us today or email us at contact@savvycatrealty.com. We’d love to help you find your dream home in Portugal!
