Portugal continues to be one of the most sought-after destinations for international property buyers, thanks to its warm climate, relaxed pace of life and relatively affordable property prices. Whether you’re looking for a seaside apartment in the Algarve, a historic townhouse in Porto or a countryside retreat in the Alentejo, understanding how to find the right property is essential to making a successful investment.
In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to search for property in Portugal, from browsing online listings to booking a viewing trip. We’ll also look at how to use a property consultant, navigate the local market and make sure your budget goes further.
Contents
- Start your property search online
- Planning a viewing trip to Portugal
- Different types of viewing trips
- Essential considerations when buying
- Why use a property consultant?
The best places to begin your property search is online
Start your property search online
Before you step on a plane, it’s smart to get to know the Portuguese property market from home. Thousands of property listings are available online, allowing you to filter by location, price, property type and features. This helps you narrow down the regions and styles of property that suit both your needs and your budget.
A good place to start is our property portal.
You can easily filter by region, number of bedrooms and property features – whether that’s sea views, gardens or a swimming pool. Some listings also include virtual tours, helping you get a realistic feel for the space.
It’s also worth exploring locations using Google Maps, reading local business reviews and joining expat forums or Facebook groups. These tools offer insight into the lifestyle, noise levels and amenities in a particular town or suburb.
Tip: Portuguese listing terms such as ‘T1’, ‘T2’ refer to the number of bedrooms. A T0 is a studio with no separate bedroom. A T2+1 usually means two main bedrooms plus a smaller additional room – potentially a study, dressing room or box room.
For a step-by-step guide to the purchasing process, claim your free copy of our Portugal buying guide:
Planning a viewing trip to Portugal
While technology can go a long way, nothing beats seeing a property in person. A viewing trip to Portugal gives you the chance to explore homes, get a feel for different neighbourhoods and meet local estate agents face-to-face. It’s especially important if you want to get clarity on proximity, noise, traffic or light levels – which are often harder to judge online.
The off-season months such as autumn or spring are popular with overseas buyers, as the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists. But if your goal is to rent the property in peak summer, visiting during high season will help you assess its earning potential and the surrounding activity in busier months.
A well-planned viewing trip typically lasts three to five days. Try to keep your itinerary realistic – you don’t want to cram in too many appointments and rush decisions. Speak to your estate agent beforehand to line up visits that match your criteria. Don’t forget to allow time to explore the area on your own and test amenities such as local shops, transport or cafés.
Consider downloading our free Portugal viewing trip guide for planning support and a printable itinerary template.
Different types of viewing trips
When organising property viewings in Portugal, you can either plan the trip independently or coordinate with agents and developers. Each approach has its advantages depending on how far along you are in your buying journey.
Viewing with a local estate agent
Most buyers begin by working with a Portuguese estate agent who has experience with overseas clients. Before you visit, you’ll usually exchange several emails or video calls to discuss your requirements. Once in Portugal, the agent may collect you from your accommodation and arrange daily tours of matched properties – often including ones you hadn’t spotted online.
Many Portuguese estate agents, particularly in popular areas like the Algarve and Silver Coast, speak English and can guide you on the local environment, such as schools, transport or medical services. Once you’ve identified a favourite, they can also help you move forward with reservation contracts and negotiations. It’s important to research how to find an estate agent in Portugal because this one expert can make the whole process smoother.
Inspection trips with developers
If you’re interested in a new-build property, certain developers offer “inspection trips” – short, often subsidised visits designed to showcase their developments. They may assist with accommodation, airport transfers and meals to create a smooth experience.
However, these trips are generally focused on a single site or development. You won’t have much scope to view other properties or explore unrelated regions. This option may suit buyers who are already confident in their location and are keen on modern, maintenance-free properties with warranties.
Organising your own trip
You can always opt to arrange your own travel, accommodation and visits. This offers total flexibility and suits organised buyers who know which areas or agents they want to prioritise.
That said, self-organised visits still benefit from early planning. Contact agents in advance to maximise viewings and give them your travel dates. Allow at least a week’s notice to ensure they are available. If you’re viewing multiple homes with several agents, ensure time is built in to reach each location promptly.
Essential considerations when buying
Even the most beautiful home will disappoint if it doesn’t fit your lifestyle. So it’s crucial to be clear about your goals and non-negotiables from the beginning. Create a shortlist of essentials (number of bedrooms, outdoor space, parking) and a separate list of “nice to haves” (sea views, guest annex, pool). Look into the types of properties in Portugal because there may be something on offer that fits you perfectly.
Don’t forget the importance of the area as a whole. Proximity to healthcare, transport, restaurants or schools may play a major role in your decision – especially if you intend to live in the property full-time. Check municipal taxes (IMI), local regulations for extensions or rentals, and the long-term upkeep costs for features like large gardens or swimming pools.
Buyers from outside the eurozone should also factor in foreign exchange. A minor currency fluctuation between offer and completion can cost thousands. To remove this risk, speak to a currency specialist about forward contracts. These allow you to lock in a fixed exchange rate months in advance – giving you peace of mind on your budget.
As an example, a £200,000 property budget in sterling can change significantly if the EUR/GBP rate shifts from 1.15 to 1.10 – costing over €10,000 more. Currency providers also offer better rates than most banks and can send funds more quickly.
We recommend you talk to Smart Currency Exchange today to find out how you can protect yourself from exchange rate risk.
Why use a property consultant?
Finding the right home in Portugal can be time-consuming – especially when trying to understand regional price trends, compare fees or source trusted legal help. That’s where working with a property consultant comes in.
Your Overseas Home offers free access to property consultants with in-depth knowledge of the Portuguese market. Available Monday to Friday, our team helps you navigate the process from start to finish. We connect you with English-speaking estate agents, experienced solicitors, currency experts and tax advisers – all vetted for quality and service.
With thousands of buyers assisted every year, we help bring clarity to key steps such as offer negotiations, reservation agreements, tax planning and relocation logistics. If you’re just starting your journey, our consultants can help you decide between competing areas like the Algarve and Lisbon coast – or suggest where to begin based on your lifestyle goals.
This service is especially useful if you’re travelling for a short time and want to make the most of your time on the ground. Whether you’re ready to buy now or only beginning to explore options, it’s worth having the right support in place early on.
Speak with one of our Portugal experts today by booking a free consultation. It only takes a few minutes to get tailored advice.
