Do you dream of living a simpler life in a little Portuguese village by the sea? Would you like to purchase or rent a property in Portugal where the cost of living is cheaper and family values are important?
We can help you turn your dream into reality. Portugal has a vast selection of beachside properties, whether you want to live on the verdant north coast or prefer the beaches of the Algarve.
The Portuguese property market
Reports suggest that the Portuguese property market will grow over the next few years at 3.73% between 2024 and 2028. This demand is expected to come not only from expats wishing to move to Portugal but also from investors intending to make a passive income from property rentals.
This means now is the time to buy before prices increase, so where should you consider if you want to buy property by the sea in Portugal?
Property prices in Portuguese coastal regions
The table below shows the current (2024) prices to purchase a property in some of the main Portuguese seaside areas:
| Location | Average price per £ m2 3-bed property near the sea |
|---|---|
| Albufeira | 1,691 |
| Lisbon | 2,690 |
| Porto | 1,481 |
| Azores | 1,099 |
| Madeira | 2,291 |
Source: https://www.combien-coute.net/
Compared to the UK, where for example a coastal property in the town of Bournemouth currently costs the equivalent of €2,385 (around £2,020.45) per square metre you can see the advantages of living by the sea in Portugal. Madeira is a little more expensive because it’s an island, and Lisbon is the capital city, so bound to command a premium.
Before you decide on your dream property by the sea in Portugal it’s a good idea to get to know the area by renting first. iad Overseas can help you find a home to rent while you’re looking for a house to buy in Portugal.
The cost of living day-to-day is also much cheaper in Portugal than in the UK, as you can see from the table below:
| Items | UK price (£) | Portugal price (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic restaurant meal | 15 | 8.45 |
| 3-course meal for 2 | 60 | 33.78 |
| Glass of beer | 4.50 | 2.11 |
| Cappuccino | 3.20 | 1.50 |
| Bottle of wine | 8 | 4.21 |
| One month’s nursery childcare | 1,247.71 | 351.62 |
The best places to live by the sea in Portugal
When thinking about buying property by the sea in Portugal you should consider your needs. Do you want to live in a bustling seaside town, a traditional Portuguese coastal village or even on an island?
Algarve
The Algarve is one of Portugal’s most popular regions for seaside property. Known for its golden beaches and year-round sunshine, the Algarve attracts both tourists and expatriates. The benefits of buying property in the Algarve include excellent golf courses, lots of water sports, picturesque fishing villages, and a relaxed lifestyle.
The Algarve coast is bordered by both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, making it perfect whether you enjoy calm waters or the thrill of the waves.
Silver Coast
Stretching from Porto to Lisbon, the Silver Coast offers a rugged coastline on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. This region offers an authentic Portuguese experience, with fewer tourists and a slower pace of life. Property prices by the sea on the Silver Coast are more affordable than in the Algarve and the region offers plenty of outdoor activities such as surfing, hiking, and birdwatching.
Alentejo
The Alentejo region is known for its vast plains, cork oak forests and superb coastline. Buying property in Alentejo offers a peaceful lifestyle, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the natural surroundings. Living by the sea in this area will allow you to live the authentic Portuguese life, away from the crowds of the south.
Azores
A Portuguese island in the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores offer a remote and unspoiled paradise if you’re seeking a quieter way of life. Buying property in the Azores provides access to dramatic scenery, from volcanic landscapes to deserted beaches.
Madeira
Another island in the Atlantic Ocean, off the northwest coast of Africa, Madeira is known for its lush landscapes, mild climate and wild coastline. If you buy property in Madeira you’ll be living in a subtropical climate and be surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Portugal enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate along its coastline, with warm summers and mild winters. It can get cooler as you head north, but there will still be plenty of sunny days to enjoy.
Enjoy your leisure time
Living by the sea in Portugal offers plenty to do for all ages. You can spend your days on the beach in the warm sun, dine at coastal restaurants offering fresh seafood and take part in the many water sports on offer.
The Atlantic Coast of Portugal is well-known for its surfing, where some of the biggest competitions are held. Whether you want to become a professional surfer, windsurf or snorkel in the Mediterranean, seaside living in Portugal is perfect for lovers of the great outdoors.
Portugal has some fantastic views and dramatic cliff-top walks. Imagine having access to nature and the beach every day – you’ll wonder why you didn´t move to Portugal sooner.
Become part of the community in your new home
The smaller towns in Portugal often have a strong sense of community and you’ll find the locals will welcome you with open arms if you try to integrate. Whether you’re taking part in local festivals or simply chatting with neighbours while strolling along the promenade, living by the sea creates a sense of peace.
When considering where to buy property by the sea in Portugal, it’s essential to research each region thoroughly to determine which best suits your lifestyle budget, and investment goals. This is the perfect opportunity to visit Portugal and decide where you’d like to make your home.
Not sure where to live by the sea in Portugal? iad Overseas can help you find your dream home.
