Are you considering buying or renting a house in Portugal? Whether you're drawn to the vibrant city life of Lisbon, the historic charm of Porto, or the serene beaches of the Algarve, navigating the real estate market in Portugal can be an exciting yet daunting experience, especially if you're not fluent in Portuguese. To help you communicate effectively and confidently, we've compiled a list of essential phrases that will prove invaluable during your property search in Portugal, covering both buying and renting property in Portugal.
Greetings and introductions
Before delving into the specifics of a property, it's important to establish rapport with real estate agents and property owners. Use these phrases to initiate conversations politely:
- Bom dia! Estou interessado/a em comprar/arrendar uma casa. - Good morning! I'm interested in buying/renting a house.
- O meu nome é [Your Name]. - My name is [Your Name].
- Prazer em conhecê-lo/a. - Nice to meet you.
Enquiring about property details
When viewing a property or discussing its features, these phrases will help you gather essential information:
- Quantos quartos tem esta casa/apartamento? - How many bedrooms does this house/apartment have?
- Tem garagem/estacionamento incluídos? - Is there a garage/parking included?
- Qual é o preço de venda/arrendamento? - What is the selling/rental price?
- A casa é arrendada com ou sem móveis? - Are the furnishings included in the rent?
Clarifying terms and conditions
Understanding the terms and conditions is crucial before making any commitments. Use these phrases to seek clarification:
- De quanto tempo é o contrato de arrendamento? - How long is the lease agreement?
- Quais são os custos adicionais, como taxas de condomínio e serviços públicos? - What are the additional costs, such as condominium fees and utilities?
- Existem cláusulas de rescisão no contrato? - Are there termination clauses in the contract?
Negotiating and making offers
When negotiating terms or making an offer, assert yourself respectfully with these phrases:
- Gostava de fazer uma oferta de [amount] euros. - I would like to make an offer of [amount] euros.
- Podemos negociar o preço? - Can we negotiate the price?
- Preciso de algum tempo para pensar antes de tomar uma decisão. - I need some time to think before making a decision.
Expressing interest or disinterest
Be clear and direct about your level of interest in a property with these phrases:
- Estou muito interessado/a neste imóvel. - I'm very interested in this property.
- Acho que o imóvel não é o que estou à procura. - I don't think this property is what I'm looking for.
Mastering these essential phrases will empower you to navigate the process of buying or renting a house in Portugal with confidence and ease. Remember, effective communication is key to ensuring a smooth and successful real estate transaction. Whether you're conversing with real estate agents, landlords, or property owners, being able to articulate your needs and preferences in Portuguese will greatly enhance your experience and help you find your dream home in Portugal. Boa sorte! (Good luck!)
For more detailed advice and property listings, idealista is here to help. You'll find a large selection of property for sale and for rent in Portugal, while you can also check out our guides to living in Portugal to take you through the process step by step. Happy house hunting!
Urgent property sales in Portugal
Purchasing real estate in Portugal doesn’t have to be a lengthy process—even as the year draws to a close. If you’re planning to move into your new home soon, urgent property sales offer a fast and cost-effective way to find excellent deals.
American buyers flock to Portugal: US expat numbers surge 36% in a year
Portugal is rapidly becoming a hotspot for US citizens seeking a new home, a holiday property, or a smart investment. Recent data from Portugal’s Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) shows that the number of Americans living in the country jumped from 14,129 in 2023 to 19,258 in 2024 – a remarkable 36% increase in just one year.
The Portuguese towns where you can buy a house for under €35,000
Access to housing in Portugal is becoming increasingly difficult as house prices reach record growth levels while wages fail to keep pace. However, this reality does not affect the entire country. Inland areas hide municipalities where buying a house can cost less than €35,000.
Buying property in Portugal as a foreigner: complete guide 2025
Portugal has become one of the most popular destinations for international property buyers. With its stunning coastline, vibrant cities, and attractive lifestyle, investing in Portuguese real estate offers both a high quality of life and promising financial returns. If you’re considering buying property in Portugal as a foreigner, this guide will take you through the legal requirements, costs, and step-by-step process to make your purchase smooth and secure.
Portugal’s best properties for sale for year-round sunshine
As October comes to an end, it’s the perfect moment to leave chilly, grey days behind and embrace Portugal’s mild winter sunshine. The coastline is still bright and inviting, making it an ideal destination for a beachfront home this season. At idealista, we’ve handpicked properties that let you enjoy the sun—and the sea—even as winter approaches.
House prices in Portugal have doubled in 15 years
House prices increased by 5.1% in the eurozone and 5.4% across the European Union in the second quarter compared with the same period last year, Eurostat reported at the start of October 2025. Portugal saw the sharpest rise at 17.2%. On a quarterly basis, prices grew by 1.6% in the eurozone and 1.7% in the EU. Between 2010 and 2025, house prices in Portugal more than doubled, rising by 141%.
Distrikt by Kronos: the new major development in Lisbon's Parque das Nações
Kronos Homes has completed its largest residential project to date. Located in Lisbon, specifically in Parque das Nações, Distrikt by Kronos represents an investment of over €125 million, with total sales already exceeding €180 million.