There is good news for investors in short-term rentals in Portugal (known in Portugal as AL or Alojamento Local). Despite challenges such as rising operating costs and growing regulatory uncertainty, this sector of the country’s tourism industry grew over the summer and remains stable this autumn. According to LovelyStay, during the summer months from June to September, the company specialising in the management of tourist properties recorded a Gross Booking Value of over €23.1 million, representing an 8% increase compared with the same period last year.
In a statement, Miguel Marinho Soares, Head of Portugal at LovelyStay, explains that “although this growth does not eliminate the profitability challenges that many property owners face, it confirms the importance of professional, data-driven management to maximise results in increasingly volatile scenarios.”
In September, occupancy rates remained above 85%, while in October the average occupancy across properties managed by LovelyStay in Lisbon, Porto and Madeira was 81%. The company is positive about expectations for November, anticipating occupancy rates of around 75% or higher.
Miguel Marinho Soares points out that “these results are not just a reflection of a good moment, but reinforce an increasingly evident trend of seasonality reduction,” adding that “the real challenge is no longer simply filling properties in August, but maintaining profitability in months such as November,” which “is possible, provided there is technology, market insight, and efficient operations.”
“The real challenge is no longer simply filling properties in August, but maintaining profitability in months such as November.”
Miguel Marinho Soares, Head of Portugal, LovelyStay
For the final quarter of the year, the company expects to surpass €11 million in gross bookings across Lisbon, Porto and Madeira. Together, these three regions account for over 96% of the projected volume for this period, with Lisbon leading at more than 54% of the total.
According to LovelyStay’s Head of Portugal, “these destinations have shown an exceptional ability to attract guests outside the peak season,” also highlighting the “professionalisation of the sector” as “essential to ensuring this stability, even in a particularly demanding year for our partners.”
LovelyStay provides consistent management solutions for hundreds of properties across Portugal, through proprietary technology, profitability analysis and personalised support.
“Our role is not only to react to demand, but to anticipate it intelligently and to stand by our partners, especially when the context is more challenging. In a sector in constant transformation, anticipating trends and adapting strategies is not just an advantage, it is a necessity. It is in this commitment to the future of AL in Portugal that LovelyStay continues to position itself: alongside those who invest, manage, and believe in smarter, more sustainable and long-lasting tourism,” concludes Miguel Marinho Soares.
Ando Living launches first Comporta development: 16 luxury villas in one of Portugal’s most coveted destinations
Comporta, a name that conjures images of golden sands, pine forests, and barefoot elegance, is about to welcome a remarkable new addition to its luxury property scene. Ando Living, the Portuguese premium hospitality brand known for its stylish serviced residences in Lisbon and Porto, has chosen this exclusive stretch of coastline for its first tourism project outside the city — Ando Living Comporta House.