Buying property in Lisbon as a UK foreigner

If you’ve visited Lisbon and enjoyed your visit, you might be considering buying a property there. You could be thinking of moving to Portugal from the UK, or just buying a holiday home or investment property there.

It’s easy to see why you’d be tempted, as Lisbon is famous for its sunny weather, fantastic food (including those world-famous Pastéis de Nata), rich culture and unique architecture.

Read on for a practical guide to buying property in Lisbon as a foreigner. This includes info on Portuguese mortgages, fees and taxes, the latest Lisbon property prices, where to start your search and the pitfalls to avoid.

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Can you get a mortgage from a Portuguese bank as a non-resident?

The first thing to consider is how you’ll finance your property purchase in Lisbon. Unless you have the cash upfront, you’re likely to need a mortgage.

Some banks in Portugal do offer mortgages to foreign nationals and non-residents.

However, bear in mind that foreign buyers tend to face stricter lending criteria, and you may only be able to borrow around 70% of the total property value.¹ This means you’ll need a larger deposit.

It’s a good idea to start shopping around for Portuguese mortgages before starting your property search. You might want to use a specialist broker, who can help you find the right mortgage for your circumstances.

Read more: How to buy and finance a house abroad (UK guide)

Taxes and fees for owning property in Lisbon

Here are the main fees and taxes for buying property in Lisbon, which you’ll need to factor into your budget:²

You’ll also have ongoing fees to pay, including:²

• IMI (Imposto Municipal sobre Imóveis) - annual property tax of 0.3% to 0.45% a year, based on the taxable value of the property
• Condominium fees (if applicable) - from €20 to €300+ a month
• Income tax if you rent out the property - rates can be higher for non-residents than for locals.

Read more: Cost of living in Lisbon

What’s the property market like in Lisbon?

The Lisbon property market is experiencing a period of growth, although price rises have slightly slowed down recently.

Between 2015 and 2024, property prices more than doubled in the city.³ But in 2025, they grew by just 5% - and experts are predicting a similar rise in 2026.⁴

Across the city and wider region, supply remains limited while demand is consistent - especially from foreign buyers.

Can foreigners buy property in Lisbon?

Yes, foreigners including UK citizens can freely buy property in Portugal - including in Lisbon.

All you’ll need is a local tax number (Número de Identificação Fiscal or NIF), a Portuguese bank account and enough funds or financing to support the purchase.

Can you buy property in Lisbon and get residency?

No, there is no longer a direct route to residency through buying a property in Portugal.

Portugal has a Golden Visa scheme, which is a residency by investment program, but unfortunately it doesn’t apply to property investments anymore.

So if you’d like to move abroad and live in Lisbon permanently, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate residency visa.

Read more: Moving to Portugal from the UK: a complete how to guide

How much are the property prices in Lisbon?

Now we come to the all-important question - how much money do you need to afford your dream home in Lisbon?

On average, you can expect to pay anywhere between €3,800 and €7,500+ EUR per square metre for an apartment in Lisbon, depending on the area and property size.⁵

Here’s a look at average property prices in different parts of the city:⁵

Another thing to note when figuring out the price for property in Lisbon is that international transfers could get expensive, especially if the bank or provider adds a margin to the exchange rate to convert your pounds to euros (EUR).

Consider checking out Wise to securely handle your large transfers with mid-market exchange rates and low, transparent fees*.

Where is the cheapest place to buy property in Lisbon?

The most affordable neighbourhoods in Lisbon for property prices are:

• Santa Clara
• Carnide
• Olivais
• Ajuda

Buying property in Lisbon as a foreigner - a step-by-step guide

So you know what to expect, here are the main steps involved in buying property in Lisbon as a foreigner:

1. Get your finances in order

Before you do anything, it’s crucial to get your finances in order. Set your budget, get a mortgage offer in place and define exactly what you’re looking for.

You’ll need to apply for your NIF (Portuguese tax number). You may also want to open a Portuguese bank account, as this may be required for transactions related to property and mortgages.

2. Find a property and arrange viewings

Now it’s time to start searching for your dream home. You can use online property portals and/or local estate agents to find properties.

If you’ve found somewhere you like, arrange a viewing as soon as you can, and start researching the area in the meantime.

3. Appoint a solicitor

While it’s not mandatory, it’s a good idea to find and appoint a property lawyer. They will check over and translate all documents and contracts, as well as carrying out due diligence on the transaction.

A personal recommendation is a good way to find a solicitor, but you can also find a list of English-speaking property solicitors on the UK Government website.

4. Carry out due diligence checks

As part of due diligence checks, your solicitor will need to scrutinise the following documents relating to the property:

• Certificate of occupancy from the municipality - Licença de utilização.
• Title deed - Certidão de Teor.
• Tax authority document - Caderneta predial.
• Technical data sheet - Ficha técnica de habitação.
• Energy efficiency certificate - Certificado energético.

5. Get a survey

Unlike how it works in the UK, in Portugal it's common practice to hire a surveyor to check the property for structural or other issues before submitting an offer. If the survey flags anything up, you may be able to negotiate on price when putting in your offer.

6. Make an offer

If the survey and due diligence checks come out clean, you can make a competitive offer to the real estate agent. Negotiation is common, so there may be some negotiation before a final purchase price is agreed on.

7. Sign the purchase proposal contract

If your offer is accepted, the next step is for both parties to sign the purchase proposal contract.

In Portugal, this is known as the Contrato de Promessa de Compra e Venda (CPCV). It’s provided by the estate agent, and once signed you’ll have to pay a compensation fee if you back out of the deal.

At this stage, you should contact your mortgage provider to finalise the financing for your purchase.

8. Pay the deposit

After signing the agreement, you will also need to arrange a transfer to pay your deposit. This is usually around 10% but can be as high as 30%.⁶

9. Sign the property deed

This is the final crucial piece of paperwork, and it must be formally signed in the presence of a notary or solicitor. You’ll need a translator on hand if you’re not a fluent Portuguese speaker.

Once you’ve signed the property deed, the property will be officially registered in your name.

10. Transfer the remaining balance

The final stage before the purchase is complete is the transfer of funds. You’ll need to pay the remaining balance, plus any fees and taxes.

Consider using the Wise account here to convert your pounds to euros, avoiding hidden fees and getting the mid-market exchange rate.

How can you find a property in Lisbon?

The two main routes to find property to buy in Lisbon are local real estate agencies and online property websites.

Property agencies and agents in Lisbon

It isn’t necessary to use a real estate agent to find a property to buy in Lisbon, but it could be extremely helpful.

For a commission fee, a specialist buying agent or broker can offer helpful insight into the local market and help you navigate the sales process.

Before engaging an agent, check that they have a AMI license (Associação de Mediadores Imobiliários) issued by the Instituto da Construção e do Imobiliário (IMPIC).

Property websites in Lisbon

The best way to get a head start on finding a place to buy in Lisbon is to look online. Here are some popular property websites to try:

• Idealista
• Imovirtual
• RE/MAX
• Century 21
• ERA Portugal
• Casa Sapo
• Rightmove Overseas.

What are some of the pitfalls of buying property in Lisbon?

One of the main things to watch out for when buying property abroad are scams.

The best way to avoid these and protect yourself is to work with verified, independent and qualified professionals such as real estate agents, brokers and property solicitors.

An independent real estate solicitor is perhaps the most important to have. This is an expert who works just for you and has your interests at heart, rather than working for the seller or real estate agent at the same time.

Other important things to remember include:

• If you’re planning to let out the property, check the local rules on short-term lets and tourist licences. Lisbon (along with Porto) has stopped issuing new permits in tourist-heavy areas.
• Always view a property in person - it’s not uncommon for online property listings in Lisbon to be outdated, inaccurate or misleading
• Ensure that the seller has the legal right to sell the property - along with carrying out other due diligence checks
• Get an inspection/survey carried out if you have any concerns about the property.

Read more: Risks and pitfalls of buying property in Portugal

How do you choose the right property in Lisbon?

Your dream home in Lisbon will be the one that best fits your search criteria. The most important factors will be location, the type of home and how much you can afford to spend.

If you’re not already living there, it’s worth making a trip to the specific part of Lisbon you’re interested in.

You can stroll along the streets, get a feel for the local area and view properties, making sure to pay attention to local transport links and amenities.

Read more: Pros and cons of living in Portugal

Condition of the property

It’s a good idea to do as much research as possible before committing to purchase a property.

If you have any concerns or just want to cover all bases before purchasing, you can commission a building survey or inspection. This will flag up any major issues and give you a better idea of what you’re buying.

Type of property

Lisbon offers a range of property types, with apartments (apartamentos) being the most common. You can choose from T0 studios through to T4+ multi-bedroom apartments, historic renovated apartments and high-end penthouse developments.

It’s also possible to find townhouses, villas (vivendas) and new developments with amenities like gyms and swimming pools.

Moving into your Lisbon property

Before you can get the keys to your new home, you’ll have a few key tasks to run through.

Insurance

It’s strongly recommended to take out a buildings insurance policy starting from your completion date. In fact, you might find it's a mandatory condition of your mortgage offer.

Setting up utilities and bills in Lisbon

If you know when your completion date will be, it makes sense to get some essentials set up in advance of moving in.

A prime example is utilities, such as heating, power and water. Get these sorted as early as you can, and the moving process should be a little smoother.

Renovating property in Lisbon

For some properties, some building work or improvements may be needed before you can move in.

Our guide to renovating property abroad covers everything you need to know, from planning permission to finding a local builder - and some of the main costs you can expect.

Save on currency conversion fees with Wise when buying property in Lisbon

After reading this guide, you should have all the essential info you need to start your property search in Lisbon. This includes those crucial first steps such as finding a broker and searching online property portals, and getting your finances in order.

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Additional FAQs about buying property in Lisbon

Where do most Brits live in Portugal?

You’ll find British expats living across Portugal, but the largest expat communities are found in the Algarve region. Many Brits live in the Cascais and Lisbon region, as well as along the Silver Coast.

How long does it take to buy a property in Lisbon?

While it can vary, the average time it takes to buy property in Portugal is 1 to 2 months.⁶

How long can I stay in Portugal if I own a house?

How long you can stay in Portugal depends on your visa or residency permit - it’s unrelated to whether or not you own property there.

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Sources used:

1. Athena Advisers - Guide to buying property in Lisbon
2. Idealista - The real cost of buying property in Portugal in 2026: a guide for foreigners
3. Benoit Properties - 10 Things to Know About the Portugal Property Market in 2025
4. Investropa - What are the price trends and forecasts in Lisbon right now? (2026)
5. Investropa - How much will you pay for an apartment in Lisbon? (2026)
6. Immigrant Invest - How to buy property in Portugal in 2026: Complete guide for foreigners

Sources last checked on date: 13-Mar-2026