Buying a property in Portugal: 5 things to (really) pay attention to

Buying a house is the decision of a lifetime. And there are many things you need to pay attention to in deciding whether or not it is the right time to buy a house. In general terms, the price, location, orientation and size of the house are still the most valued factors when buying a house. But with the pandemic, other aspects have gained importance. Here are the most valued factors when you want to buy a house and what is to come.

Location of the house and dimensions

According to Ernesto Ferrer-Bonsoms, real estate director of Intrum Spain and commercial director of Solvia, when buying a house what matters most, apart from price, is location, orientation, size and distribution of spaces. Once this decision has been made, when choosing one property or another, other aspects come to the fore.

Luminosity and outdoor spaces

With Covid-19, other qualities are increasingly appreciated when buying a house, such as the view, whether or not there is a lift, the brightness of the property, the presence of outdoor areas such as terraces or balconies, and energy efficiency. Precisely because of the pandemic, many people realised that their house was too small, too dark and didn't provide the necessary well-being.

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Spacious homes suitable for teleworking

Spacious homes with specially designed rooms for teleworking are now a key requirement, as is a good internet connection. Home lighting, while once important, has become an essential aspect, as a naturally lit home helps to reduce energy costs.

A trend for buyers is also to look for homes on the outskirts of cities, where they can find more space for the same price, with the possibility of having gardens, gyms or swimming pools, now much more in demand.

The price of the house

For Ernesto Ferrer-Bonsoms, from Solvia, the final decision to buy a house depends a lot on the needs of each buyer and, of course, on their purchasing power and the conditions of any financing.

There are customers who do not mind paying a little more to enjoy certain factors, such as good location, outdoor spaces, more light, better qualities and others who, on the contrary, limit the decision to the properties they can afford. Therefore, price will always be a decisive factor when buying a home.

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Energy efficiency increasingly important

There are factors, such as energy efficiency, that will become increasingly important. Ferrer-Bonsoms points out, for example, that in the next two years, outdoor areas, property quality and energy efficiency will become increasingly important when choosing a dwelling; something that can already be guessed by the characteristics of new buildings.

In addition, over time, we will see a growth in interest in sustainability and improved energy efficiency in the home, a trend aligned with the more sustainable future we must create as a society.

• Properties for sale in Portugal