Three Portuguese Real Estate Trends to Watch Out for in 2022
By: Patrícia Casaburi
Tags: Portugal, Real Estate Investments, Real Estate, Nomad, Relocation

Three Portuguese Real Estate Trends to Watch Out for in 2022 Patrícia Casaburi Sep 1·2 min read

With stunning locations off the beaten track, there is much more to Portugal than the well-known hotspots. From quaint towns in the north to undiscovered corners in the heart of the country, these areas are just waiting to be discovered.

Portugal is a relatively small country — just 92,212 km². You are never really far away from key services and facilities. This makes low-density areas perfect for retirees and families alike, given the proximity to healthcare facilities and schools.

These advantages aside, the most simple benefit of buying a property in low-density areas l is to live in a peaceful location, filled with beauty.. The interior of Portugal has much to offer including undiscovered landscapes, local delicacies, and picturesque villages.

The islands — an upcoming trend for 2022

The autonomous islands of Madeira and the Azores both have very established real estate markets, particularly Madeira. Both islands will remain eligible for the Golden Visa program and, as such, investment focus will branch out more from mainland Portugal to the islands.

Madeira provides you with a safe investment, with one of the lowest crime rates in Europe and very good education and healthcare. Most real estate investments are located close to Funchal, the capital city, where you can enjoy fine dining, luxury restaurants, and stunning properties.

Although not as well established as Madeira, the brilliant green hills of the Azores are something to behold. With stunning views of miradouros (viewpoints) and a quiet way of life, you will be tucked away in one of the most beautiful places possible.

High-density opportunities

While residential high-density areas will no longer qualify for the Golden Visa scheme, they will remain firm investment favorites. With continually increasing demand in Lisbon and Porto, both are very attractive for investors, offering many different types of investment opportunities. With its luxury villas, beach houses, and waterfront apartments, the Algarve remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, and this is unlikely to change anytime soon.

Portugal real estate in 2022

The Portuguese real estate market proved to be relatively resilient to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, it is still going to be a great relief when the real estate market will be running at its full capacity once again in 2022.

High-density areas will remain popular with expats and investors alike. The cosmopolitan capital of Lisbon, the sundrenched Algarve, and the historic city of Porto each offer unique lifestyles and strong investment pulls, as do many other high-density areas that will also no longer qualify for the scheme. Properties that offer more space and, most importantly, have gardens or terraces are in huge demand, in alignment with a global trend.

Nonetheless, the changes to the Golden Visa will inevitably impact investment patterns. It is likely that this will diversify investments across the country and to the islands, opening the doors to some of the most beautiful landscapes in Portugal and instigating further developments. This will in turn increase the attractiveness of Portugal as a leading expat haven and investment hub.