2022 was marked by inflation which further pushed up house prices in Portugal. In addition, building a house became more expensive and access to mortgages more difficult, since interest rates have also jumped. In this context, it is therefore important to know where to find the cheapest property in Portugal, whether you are planning to move house or move to Portugal for the first time. So, which area is cheapest for property in Portugal? These are the 25 cheapest towns to buy a house in Portugal in 2023.
According to an idealista study, Nisa, in the district of Portalegre, is in first place and therefore home to the cheapest houses in Portugal. When selling property, advertisers, on average, asked for 420 euros/m2. This makes this municipality the cheapest to buy a house in the whole country.
Based on idealista's December 2022 selling price report, the ranking of the 10 cheapest municipalities to buy a house in Portugal is completed with:
- Penamacor, in Castelo Branco (431 euros/m2)
- Góis, in Coimbra (457 euros/m2)
- Fronteira, in Portalegre (471 euros/m2)
- Penacova, in Coimbra (472 euros/m2)
- Sabugal, in Guarda (492 euros/m2)
- Crato, in Portalegre (501 euros/m2)
- Nelas, in Viseu (505 euros/m2)
- Arganil, in Coimbra (509 euros/m2)
- Penela, in Coimbra (510 euros/m2)
For less than 600 euros per square metre it is possible to buy a house in the municipalities of Gavião, in Portalegre (515 euros/m2), Pampilhosa da Serra, in Coimbra (524 euros/m2), Idanha-a-Nova, in Castelo Branco (528 euros/m2), Proença-a-Nova, in Castelo Branco (530 euros/m2), Monforte, in Portalegre (533 euros/m2), Mação, in Santarém (535 euros/m2) and Avis, in Portalegre (544 euros/m2).
The list of the 25 cheapest towns to buy a house in Portugal continues with Melgaço, in Viana do Castelo (545 euros/m2), Gouveia, in Guarda (546 euros/m2), Celorico da Beira, in Guarda (548 euros/m2), Cinfães, in Viseu (549 euros/m2), Santa Comba Dão, in Viseu (556 euros/m2), Castanheira de Pera, in Leiria (560 euros/m2) and Chamusca, in Santarém (566 euros/m2).
In last place in the ranking is the municipality of Alter do Chão, in Portalegre, where buying a house cost 569 euros/m2 at the end of December 2022, according to the data.
What are the cheapest towns to buy property in each province and island?
An alternative for those who want to move to Portugal to analyse the cheapest towns in certain provinces, also known in Portugal as districts. The same study by idealista has identified the cheapest towns to buy a house in each Portuguese district and on Portugal's islands.
In the district of Beja, the town of Vidigueira is where it's cheapest to buy a house (583 euros / m2). In Vila Real the cheapest town is Valpaços, (629 euros/m2); in Aveiro, Sever do Vouga (657 euros/m2); in Bragança, Macedo de Cavaleiros (704 euros/m2); and in Évora, the cheapest place to buy a house is Portel (705 euros/m2).
In the district of Porto, the cheapest place to buy a house is Baião (718 euros/m2) and in the district of Braga it is the municipality of Cabeceiras de Basto (758 euros/m2).
Completing the list of the cheapest places to buy property in the 18 districts of mainland Portugal is also Alcoutim, in Faro (833 euros/m2), Cadaval, in Lisbon (1,059 euros/m2), and Santiago do Cacém, in Setúbal (1,561 euros/m2).
These are the cheapest municipalities to buy a house on the Portuguese islands with available data:
- Nordeste, on the island of São Miguel (767 euros/m2)
- Praia da Vitória, on the island of Terceira (916 euros/m2)
- Horta, on the island of Faial (1,135 euros/m2)
- São Vicente, on the island of Madeira (1,279 euros/m2).
Affordable new homes for sale in Portugal
Looking for affordable new homes in Portugal? The country offers an excellent range of modern properties at competitive prices, especially in highly desirable regions such as the Algarve, Silver Coast, Lisbon outskirts, and the Alentejo. From energy-efficient townhouses to stylish new apartments, these newly built homes combine contemporary design, comfort, and great value compared to other European property markets.
“150,000 homes are needed to solve the housing crisis in Portugal”
Avelino Oliveira, president of the Order of Architects, stresses the urgent need to boost public housing supply across Portugal.
Portugal property deals: the best discounts right now
If you’re thinking about making Portugal your new home, now could be the ideal moment. While housing prices in popular areas have remained competitive in 2025, many sellers are lowering their asking prices to secure quicker sales—opening up excellent opportunities for buyers from abroad.
How sustainability is reshaping real estate in Portugal
If you're thinking about investing in property or already living in Portugal, you’ve likely noticed a growing focus on sustainable living and green development. Sustainability is no longer a buzzword — it’s quickly becoming the standard for residential and commercial real estate across the country.
Portugal’s housing crisis “becoming unsustainable”, warn banks
Portugal’s housing market is showing no signs of cooling. Prices continue to climb month after month, and now some of the country’s top banking executives are warning that the situation is becoming increasingly “unsustainable”.
10 cheapest places to buy property in Portugal in 2025
Looking to buy a house in Portugal without breaking the bank? If you’re thinking of relocating, investing, or simply finding a budget-friendly home in the Portuguese countryside, you’ll be glad to know that affordable property still exists – and not just in theory. According to recent data from the National Statistics Institute (INE), there are several municipalities where you can purchase a 100-square-metre home for €32,000 or less.
Cheap coastal property for sale Portugal
Looking for cheap houses for sale in Portugal near the beach? Discover the latest bargains and find your dream home by the sea this summer. Whether you’re buying a holiday home, planning to relocate, or simply dreaming of sunny days on the coast, our updated selection of cheap coastal property in Portugal is just what you need for 2025.