Internally, all regions have experienced significant house price falls since late 2007, and despite some recovery in 2009 house price declines started again in the last quarter of 2010. The most expensive housing in Portugal is in Grande Lisboa, with an average price of € 1,251 per sq. m., and the Algarve with €1,222 per sq. m. In contrast, Alentejo and Centro have the cheapest houses with average prices €873 and €838, respectively.

 

Tourism Destination on the rise

 

Today Portugal occupies the top of the charts, as one of the most attractive and potential tourism destination in Europe. Prestige organization World Travel Awards 2013 considered Algarve beaches the best in Europe, Lisbon as the best city break destination. Also, Porto proudly won in February 2014 the Best European Destination Award.

 

Also, Portugal is highest rated in Europe as a perfect destination for golf lovers. Portugal´s high popularity among turists is also very positive for the investors, who can quickly get return on investment from continuous and seasonal renting of their property. 

 

Free movement within the Schengen Zone

 

Residence in Portugal provides the right for free movement within all countries of the European Schengen zone, as well as facilitated visa access for other non-schengen countries.

 

Safety and stability

 

Portugal occupies the 17th out of a list of 153 countries as the safest country for living. Here, the risks of political turnovers and destabilizing social factors are minimal. European economic analytics give positive perspectives of a slow but stable recovery from the recent crisis and already in the second half of 2013 Portugal shows evidence of economic growth. So far, Portugal has been the most successful out of all European countries in lowering elevated unemployment rates. Portugal is a member of European Community for over 26 years, within the Euro zone and has support from the European Central Bank.

 

Change in real estate trends

 

Few years ago, Portuguese citizens prefered to buy their own housing, but in the recent years, due to the crisis and consequent limitations on bank credits, the Portuguese prefer to rent out appartments and houses. This led to a rise in rental demand, therefore offering good opportunties for homeowners to receive return on their investment through renting.

 

Geography

 

Portugal has fantastic geographical location and is considered a hub between three continents: European, American and African. Portugal is linked through sea and air routes with the largest ports and airports of major European cities, United States and African and South American countries, as well as with direct flights to Moscow.