The pulse of real estate, market insights & living in Portugal
How Much Have Properties in Portugal Increased By?
According to the idealista price index, house-prices for sale in Portugal rose by 8.7% in October 2025 compared to October 2024, reaching a median of €2,970 per m². The report also highlights standout yearly increases in certain districts: Beja (+30.6%), Santarém (+27.8%) and Portalegre (+24.1%).
American buyers flock to Portugal: US expat numbers surge 36% in a year
The number of American citizens living in Portugal jumped from 14,129 in 2023 to 19,258 in 2024 — a 36 % increase in one year. Growing US interest is attributed to Portugal’s attractive lifestyle, strong real-estate market and easier travel routes to the US.
Housing valuations rise 17.7%
In September 2025, the median value of housing valuations in Portugal reached €1,995 per square metre, marking a 17.7% increase compared to the same month in 2024. This growth reflects continued strength in the real estate market, with a 4.2% rise in the number of bank valuations compared to August 2025. The Setúbal Peninsula experienced the most significant year-on-year increase at 25.9%.
World Travel Awards: Portugal voted 'Best Destination in Europe' for 2025
Portugal has been named "Best Destination in Europe" at the 2025 World Travel Awards, reclaiming the title it lost to Greece the previous year. This recognition highlights the country's sustained excellence in tourism, with Lisbon, Porto, and Madeira also receiving accolades in their respective categories.
Portuguese Golden Visa is one of the most popular in Europe
Portugal's Golden Visa program continues to attract record levels of demand in 2025, offering a straightforward path to permanent residency or citizenship in just five years. Since its launch in 2012, it has granted residency to over 12,000 international investors and their families, raising over €7.5 billion. The program provides a range of relatively affordable investment options, including company creation, donation, and fund investment, with a minimum investment ranging from €200,000 to €500,000. Processing times are approximately 8 to 12 months.
Where Are House Prices Rising Fastest in Portugal?
In the second quarter of 2025, house prices in Portugal surged, with the national median reaching €2,065 /m². Major municipalities such as Lisbon (€4,865/m²), Cascais (€4,346/m²), Oeiras (€4,161/m²), and Porto (€3,309/m²) recorded strong price levels. A large majority (19 out of 24) of municipalities with over 100,000 inhabitants saw accelerated growth, showing broad-based strength in the housing market.