In the first five months of the year, Portugal Sotheby’s International Realty recorded a 34% increase in the number of transactions carried out, compared to the same period in 2024.
Portuguese accounted for 50% of these transactions, followed by buyers and investors from the United Kingdom (11%), the United States (9%) and Brazil (6%), according to information released by the real estate agency.
Portugal Sotheby’s International Realty, which saw its turnover grow 40% year-on-year through May due to this investment, believes that these figures demonstrate “Portugal’s consolidated position as an attractive destination for both residents and international investors in the luxury real estate segment”. This positive performance was seen across the country’s main regions, with emphasis on Lisbon, Cascais, Estoril, Oeiras, Porto, Algarve and Madeira, areas that continue to attract interest due to their privileged location, combined with the quality of life and proximity to the sea. According to real estate experts, these cosmopolitan and coastal areas have seen a “consistent increase in the value of their assets”. In Porto, demand is driven by French, North American and Brazilians, many of whom begin their journey with luxury 1 and 2-bedroom properties in the historic center, later graduating to larger and more expensive houses or apartments. In the capital and Greater Lisbon, domestic and foreign demand is more balanced and is characterized by a preference for properties with outdoor spaces and a central location (or in areas considered emerging, such as Marvila).
To the south, in the Algarve, the opening of a new direct air route with the United States is fuelling growing interest from the North American market, while the Autonomous Region of Madeira stands out for the growth in demand from families and citizens from the United States and northern Europe, who value security, a mild climate and high construction standards.
“The data from the first half of the year reinforces the attractiveness and resilience of the luxury real estate market in Portugal. The confidence of international investors, combined with consistent demand from domestic clients, has allowed not only an increase in the number of transactions but also an increase in the average value of the properties transacted. These results prove the maturity of our market and consolidate Portugal’s position as a destination of excellence in the global real estate panorama”, says the CEO of Portugal Sotheby’s International Realty, Miguel Poisson.
The Mid-Year Luxury Outlook report for 2025, which only analyzes transactions priced at over $10 million (€8.5 million), concludes that luxury real estate acts as a kind of safe haven for buyers and sellers who have high net worth but, like everyone else, are facing a market transformation.
