Are you looking to buy a home in a cool, cosmopolitan, charming city? Then Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon, might fit you like a glove.

Lisbon is a gorgeous, sun-soaked city. It effortlessly blends its traditional heritage with its status as a modern, exciting European city. The city is the perfect place for amateur historians, digital nomads and investors alike.

Lisbon is jam-packed with things to do

For many overseas buyers, Lisbon’s first major tick is that it enjoys an abundance of sunshine. From May to September, temperatures are in the early 20s, with highs of 29°C and up to twelve hours of sun a day in August. The city is truly as pretty as a postcard. It is made up of hills, and cobbled streets and its iconic, white-washed buildings look startlingly bright, thanks to the sun.  But Lisbon is not just eye-catching, it is packed with things to see and do. Every year, thousands are drawn to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Torre de Belém, a 16th-century fortification.

Other notable sites include Castelo de S. Jorge, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and Sé de Lisboa. Even the iconic yellow trams count as a tourist attraction.  It also has a superb shopping and fabulous culinary scene. Plus, from traditional music in the older quarters to famous DJs frequenting the Barrio Alto district, Lisbon has a thriving nightlife. If you are planning to purchase a property to rent out as a holiday home, then you are sure to find interest. In areas like the Algarve, holiday homes only really excel in the summer months but in Lisbon, holidaymakers are more likely to visit outside of the peak season. Weather matters less for sightseeing and boogieing.

 

Lisbon’s entrepreneurial spirit

In 2016, Web Summit, a major, international tech conference established itself in Lisbon, and then, the city was named semi-finalist for the title of European Capital of Innovation in 2023. These are both indicative of Lisbon’s status as a major tech and entrepreneurial hub. Big names like Microsoft, Google and Amazon all have offices there. But Lisbon is also a fantastic place for start-ups, with a range of co-working spaces. Plus, Portugal’s digital nomad visa (D8) is designed for non-EU citizens who want to work remotely for a foreign-based company from Portugal, for 12 to 24 months.

Lisbon: the best-connected spot in Portugal

Another reason to consider buying in Lisbon is how brilliant the public transport is, both within the city, to the rest of Portugal and beyond. You can travel around the city by tram, bus, metro and even by historic lift, the Santa Justa Lift. Plus, for getaways, you hop on the train for 45 minutes to be at the beautiful beach town of Cascais. Lisbon Airport has regular, low-cost international flights throughout the year. If you want to be able to fly directly to the USA from Portugal, Lisbon is the place to be.

 

Property for sale in Lisbon

Property prices in Lisbon are reflective of a fashionable, major European city. Still, overseas buyers will find prices favourable to the likes of London, Paris and Madrid. You can find a studio in Lisbon for around €150,000, a two-bedroom will cost closer to €200,000. At this price point, you can anticipate a home located within the city’s vibrant centre, often within charming historical buildings full of character.

Apartments in Lisbon are particularly in demand due to the city’s high population density and desirability. If you are looking for a family property, you will need a budget of around a million. Furthermore, there’s a growing availability of high-quality off-plan properties for purchase. Lisbon’s property prices are on par with other desirable Portuguese locations, such as the Algarve.