Top 5 Reasons to Buy a Property in Portugal

Thinking about buying a home in Portugal? You’re not alone. Portugal has become one of the world’s favourite destinations for international buyers seeking sunshine, security and a better quality of life.

Whether you’re dreaming of long lunches by the sea, a second home for family holidays or a full relocation, here are five up-to-date reasons why Portugal continues to top the list for smart property buyers in 2025

1. The Lifestyle Everyone Dreams About

Portugal’s charm lies in its easy rhythm of life. Locals are warm, food is fresh and community still matters. You’ll find family-run cafés on every corner, vibrant farmers’ markets and some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches.

The climate is another huge win, long sunny summers, mild winters and around 300 days of sunshine per year. Whether you’re walking along the Algarve cliffs, sipping coffee in Lisbon or exploring wine country in the Douro Valley, the lifestyle is refreshingly laid back.

Did you know? Portugal consistently ranks in the Top 10 Quality of Life and Safety indexes worldwide.

2. Location, location, location

With direct flights from the UK, the US and Canada, Portugal feels surprisingly close. You can reach Lisbon from London in under three hours and from New York in around six.

Popular regions like the Algarve, Lisbon and Silver Coast have strong infrastructure, international schools and excellent healthcare. Property prices remain competitive compared to Spain, France and Italy, with modern apartments near the coast still offering real value.

Tip: If you plan to rent out your property, look at year-round destinations like Lagos, Tavira or Cascais, which attract both summer tourists and digital-nomad residents.

3. A Lifestyle Investment

Buying in Portugal isn’t just a lifestyle decision, it can be a smart investment.

The market remains stable and demand from international buyers keeps values resilient. There are still tax incentives for certain residents (the Non-Habitual Residency programme ended, but replacement options and digital-nomad visas now attract global talent).

From renovated city apartments to new builds in the Algarve, Portugal offers a wide range of property types, many still at prices far below other Western European countries.

4. A Straightforward Buying Process (with the right help)

The process can feel unfamiliar at first, but with trusted professionals, buying in Portugal is refreshingly transparent.

Work with an English-speaking lawyer who specialises in Portuguese property law and understands key steps such as the CPCV (the Promissory Contract).

And remember: exchange-rate movements between offer and completion can make a big difference.

Setting up your Moving Currency account early allows you to:

Lock in an exchange rate.
Schedule staged payments (reservation → CPCV → completion).
Avoid costly bank fees and international delays.

Quick example: On a €400,000 property, even a 1% rate change can mean ± $4,000 difference in your budget.

Read our step-by-step guide to transferring funds to Portugal.

5. Low cost of living and High Quality of Life

From coffee to healthcare, Portugal’s cost of living remains one of Western Europe’s lowest.

Groceries, local transport and dining out are all wallet-friendly, freeing up more budget for what really matters, sunshine, community and travel.

Add reliable public services, clean air and a relaxed pace of life and it’s easy to see why so many people move here “for a year” and never leave.

Expect to pay around €1 for an espresso, €10 for lunch with wine, and a fraction of UK or US utility costs.

READY TO MAKE THE MOVE?

Portugal offers that rare mix of sunshine, safety, and financial sense. Whether you’re buying a villa in the Algarve, a Lisbon pied-à-terre, or an investment apartment on the Silver Coast, you’ll want your funds to arrive securely and at the best possible rate.

That’s where Moving Currency comes in.

We help clients around the world move money for property purchases quickly, securely, and personally without the stress (or the bank-rate surprises).

Get started today

Book a quick chat or request our free guide: www.movingcurrency.com

Or download our Free Moving Currency Guide for overseas property buyers and see how much you could save.

If you’re an American buyer, don’t miss my book How Americans Can Buy Property in Portugal, your essential step-by-step guide.

Claire Wheatley11 November 2025Moving Currency Ltd

Top 5 Reasons to Buy a Property in Portugal