A house in the countryside, to live a quieter, more discreet life away from the large city centres: this is a trend that marked Portuguese real estate in 2020 and that will certainly have a say in the future. The rise in people wanting to live in the countryside in Portugal is one of the conclusions of the Audience Review 2020, the latest study from Porta da Frente Christie’s. This annual report from this Portuguese real estate agency highlights the most sought-after features in a property, the most desired locations, the most outstanding marketed developments and most searched terms on the website last year, from the data generated by the company's audience on its various marketing platforms. Let's have a look at the details.
The interactive report begins by pointing out that the year that passed transformed everyone's daily lives on a global scale, "bringing new interests, behaviour and ways of being inside our homes". The lifestyle with the highest increase in demand in 2020 on the company's website was "countryside", a reflection of the desire for a calmer life and "fruit of the moment we are experiencing", with an increasing number of potential buyers searching for property for sale in the Portuguese countryside.
In addition, the social media posts that generated the most interaction are linked to this post-pandemic trend, "with video escapism of large properties away from city centres, desire for villas with a pool and garden and developments by the sea". Porta da Frente Christie’s also stresses that "outdoor space is nowadays the most requested requirement by those looking to buy a home in Portugal, coupled with comfort and security".
And despite the pandemic having unexpectedly closed borders and limited movement, the interest of international buyers in Portugal has remained, according to the real estate company. They did business with 29 nationalities in 2020, a list headed by the Portuguese (with 41% of the deals done), followed by Brazilians, French and British buyers.
Rafael Ascenso, general director of Porta da Frente Christie’s, points out that the "conclusions obtained illustrate a national real estate market with a lot of internal vivacity and that continues to be desired by the most diverse nationalities, perhaps even with greater intensity than before".
7 unmissable destinations to enjoy October in Portugal
As summer comes to an end, it’s the perfect time to start planning your next holiday. October offers mild, pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists, making it one of the best months to explore Portugal.
National Castle Day in Portugal: key events and unmissable castles
With National Castle Day on the horizon, picture Portugal’s hilltop fortresses and coastal bastions opening up with special goings‑on behind the gates. A neat excuse to wander ramparts and explore a stretch of the Romanesque Route.
Republic Day in Portugal 2025: history, meaning and what to expect
Commemorating the 1910 revolution that ended the monarchy, Portugal’s Republic Day sits at the heart of the national calendar. The date is remembered as a reset of Portugal’s political life in the 20th century, with official ceremonies across Lisboa, Porto and beyond.
The best medieval towns in Portugal to visit this autumn
As summer draws to a close, the lure of a weekend getaway is still strong, but instead of heading to the coast, why not explore Portugal’s medieval towns? These historical villages offer breathtaking landscapes, centuries of history, delicious regional cuisine, and charming streets perfect for wandering. From ancient castles to narrow cobbled alleys, Portugal’s medieval towns transport you back in time.
Golf season kicks off at Vale do Lobo: a must-visit destination for golfers in the Algarve
As the Algarve welcomes cooler September weather, golf enthusiasts are heading to one of Portugal’s most prestigious resorts: Vale do Lobo. Known for its world-class facilities and stunning surroundings, Vale do Lobo offers the perfect combination of sport, luxury, and lifestyle for both visiting golfers and those considering property investment in the region.
Portugal airport strikes cancelled: travel disruption avoided for winter
Portugal’s planned airport strikes from September to January 2026 have been cancelled following negotiations between unions and employers. Operations are expected to proceed as normal, with only limited residual pressures possible at peak times.
One of Portugal's best international schools invests €75 million in new campus
The new school year in Cascais is marked by the official opening of the full campus of King’s College School, a premium international school in Portugal, following a €75 million investment – the largest ever for a school in the country. This ambitious project positions Portugal on the map of world-class educational infrastructure, offering a school that rivals the best international institutions globally.