Buying in Portugal: what overseas buyers should know
Each year buyers choose Portugal for its climate, its coastline and a relaxed way of life, with the Algarve in the south long favoured by British buyers. Portugal welcomes overseas buyers on the same terms as its own residents, and the buying process is well-trodden for international purchasers.
Visas and spending time in Portugal
Owning a home in Portugal is open to UK buyers with no restriction. What changed after Brexit is the time you can spend there, not your right to own. Without a visa, UK passport holders can spend up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area. For longer stays, Portugal offers residence routes such as the D7 visa for those with a regular income and a digital nomad visa for remote workers. Buying a property no longer qualifies for the Golden Visa, and the former non-habitual resident tax regime has closed to new applicants, though a successor regime for certain qualifying professions has since been introduced. Take current advice if tax residency matters to you.
How a purchase works in Portugal
Buyers in Portugal first obtain a tax number, known as an NIF, then work with a lawyer who runs the legal checks. An accepted offer usually leads to a promissory contract with a deposit, before completion is signed in front of a notary. Costs on top of the price include the property transfer tax and stamp duty, so it is worth asking your agent to set out the full budget for your chosen area.
Everyday costs in Portugal
For many buyers the appeal is a mild climate and a lower everyday cost than much of the UK, particularly outside Lisbon and the busiest parts of the Algarve. Local property taxes are modest, and daily life is built around good food, markets and time outdoors. Owners plan for the annual property tax, known as IMI, with a further annual charge on higher-value homes.
Prices, financing and demand in Portugal
The Portuguese market has stayed strong, with lasting demand from international buyers along the Algarve and around Lisbon, and a well-established British community in the south. Supply of quality homes is tighter in the most popular coastal areas, while inland and the western Algarve offer more for the budget. Financing is available to non-residents through Portuguese banks. Start your search to see property for sale across Portugal, or contact our team to be connected with a local partner agent.
Where to find property for sale in Portugal
Portugal offers a range of property, and the right area depends on how you want to use your home.
The Algarve in the south is the best-known region for international buyers, with a coastline of resort towns, golf and beaches. In the western Algarve, Lagos, Praia da Luz, Burgau and Budens offer coastal homes and villages with a quieter pace, while the central Algarve around Albufeira and Faro combines beaches with the region's main airport and amenities. Inland villages such as Bensafrim offer more space and value a short drive from the coast.
Beyond the Algarve, Lisbon and the Silver Coast draw buyers to the west, with city apartments and Atlantic beaches. As a general rule, the prime central Algarve sits at the upper end of the market, while the western and inland areas offer more accessible values. Our Property Collections make it simpler to search by lifestyle, from beachfront and golf to pool and view. Explore our collections to shortlist by the way you want to live.
