Buying a property in Lisbon
The capital of Portugal, and its largest city, Lisbon has a long-established reputation as a vibrant cosmopolitan hub. It is increasingly seen as one of the most important global cities, especially in the tech sector, linked by history and geography with Europe, Africa, South American and the Far East.
Lisbon is visually beautiful, sunny more often than not, historic and liveable.
A home in Lisbon would well work for a young professional, families and even retirees that want to enjoy the city’s rich culture. With a strong tourism industry, its also a great place to look for an investment property.
Lisbon is on the western Iberian peninsula on the Atlantic Ocean and the River Tagus. Lisbon is located in the district of Lisbon.
Why buy a property in Lisbon
For holiday homebuyers, a weekend or longer in Lisbon need never get boring for you or the many friends and family who will want to visit your home there.
Boasting 280 days of sunshine a year, a pretty, hilly landscape and cobbled streets, Lisbon is picture perfect. From historical monuments to galleries to hedonistic nightlife, Lisbon overflows with things to see and do.
Lisbon has an excellent culinary scene with 52 restaurants in the Michelin Guide, plus the super-popular Time Out Market on the seafront. There is a plethora of shopping options too: Avenida da Liberdade is a tree-lined boulevard with the most exclusive stores. While LX Factory is an industrial complex turned hipster haven, home to the trendiest restaurants, bars and shops, with street art to cement the vibe. There are world class galleries and museums including the sensational Museu Coleção Berardo.
Lisbon is expat heaven, having established itself as an internationally renowned business hub. Digital nomads, investors, start-ups and major brands like Google and Microsoft have all set up offices there. English is widely spoken.
Lisbon is also on the seafront, but with the option of a visit to seaside towns like Cascais and Sintra, both less than an hour away.
What can you get for your budget in Lisbon
For a studio-to-two-bedroom apartment in Lisbon, the starting price is €200,000. For this price, you can expect a home that is in the action; some will be in beautiful historic buildings with lots of character. Apartments are really popular in Lisbon, as it the most populous area in Portugal, and everyone wants a slice.
Family houses in Lisbon tend to go for upwards of a million. Additionally, there are an increasing number of high-quality off-plan homes to buy. Property prices in Lisbon are similar to other highly sought-after areas, such as the Algarve. But you can get more for your money than in Paris or London.
Where to buy in Lisbon city
- Baixa, Lisbon’s downtown district boasts grand squares, neoclassical architecture, and a lively atmosphere. After being rebuilt following the 1755 earthquake, it now features wide boulevards like Rua Augusta. Praça do Comércio, with its iconic yellow buildings and Arco da Rua Augusta, stands as a central landmark. Elevador de Santa Justa offers panoramic views, and Rossio Square is a hub of historic cafés and fountains.
- Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood, exudes authenticity. Its narrow winding streets, colourful houses, and Fado music create a charming atmosphere. São Jorge Castle provides stunning views, while Miradouro das Portas do Sol offers breathtaking vistas over Alfama and the river.
- Bairro Alto is synonymous with vibrant nightlife and artistic flair. You’ll find colourful buildings adorned with street art. Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara treats visitors to panoramic Lisbon views. Stroll along Rua da Rosa, where boutiques, cafés, and art galleries thrive. At night, Bairro Alto comes alive with energy, making it a youthful and artistic neighbourhood.
- Belém, west of the city centre, is steeped in history. Its monumental architecture includes the Belém Tower (Torre de Belém), a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the awe-inspiring Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos).
- Parque das Nações is a modern district along the Tagus River. Contemporary architecture, green spaces, and entertainment venues define this area. The Vasco da Gama Bridge connects it to the south bank.
Areas to buy near Lisbon city
If property prices in Lisbon are too high and you want a slightly more relaxed day-to-day, here are some areas to buy in the Lisbon district.
- Cascais boasts golden beaches, inviting Atlantic surf, and a long beachfront promenade connecting it to neighbouring Estoril. It’s an expat hub. It is just 20 minutes from the capital. Property prices are only slightly less expensive than Lisbon.
- Alcochete is so close to Lisbon that you can see the city across the River Tagus. A quick car or bus ride via the scenic Vasco da Gama Bridge takes around 20 minutes. It offers a quiet, laidback vibe more akin to rural Portugal than urban living. It’s home to a beautiful river beach and a large designer outlet mall. Property in Alcochete is surprisingly cheap given its easy reach to Lisbon, providing a rare blend of city convenience and tranquil surroundings.
- Santarém around 80km north of Lisbon, offers regular trains (40 minutes) and a 70-minute car journey to the capital. Historical monuments, churches, and a picturesque location on a plateau over the Tagus River define its character. It is a good place to search for budget-friendly homes.
How to get around Lisbon
Lisbon has an excellent public transport. You can travel via its iconic yellow tram or hop on a bus or the metro. Plus, the Santa Justa Lift (at 45m tall) helps you get from the Baxia to the Bairro Alto neighbourhood.
How to get to Lisbon
Lisbon is the best-connected airport in Portugal. As well as direct flights to all major European capitals and some to North America, there are also direct flights to Asia and south America.
Lisbon city to the airport is just a 10-minute drive or easily reachable by bus or the subway.
The weather in Lisbon
Lisbon boasts warm summers with a relief provided by the Atlantic Ocean. In summer, you will enjoy 12 hours of sunshine. July and August are the hottest with temperatures frequently in the 30s Celsius.
Come November, the average daily high has dropped to 17°C and a considerable amount of rainfall is to be expected. January is the coldest month with an average daily maximum of 15°C.
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