Houses, villas or flats? What types of houses are most sought after in Portugal? And what are the differences between regions? According to Juan-Galo Macià, President of Engel & Völkers for Spain, Portugal and Andorra, in Portugal there is a greater demand for houses and villas with a surface area of around 300 square metres (m2), to the detriment of flats, which are mainly sought after in metropolitan areas. In the Market Report Portugal, a report that analyses real estate transactions managed by the German multinational for the period 2020-2021, presents the most sought-after property types in Portugal per region.
The Algarve
In the Algarve region, the demand falls mainly on second homes, namely from foreign investors. The demand is predominantly for one-storey villas, with about three bedrooms, terraces and swimming pools.
In Albufeira, the demand is mainly for four bedroom villas with swimming pool, garden and sea view, with dimensions around 250m2. There is also a demand for 2-bedroom flats, between 90 and 140m2, with terraces. In Faro, the demand is for three-bedroom homes.
In Portimão, the data shows that there is a predominance of demand for four and five bedroom houses with an average size of 284m2, which indicates that these are intended for families. However, in Portimão there is also a strong demand for two, three and four bedroom flats.
In Vilamoura, there is a predominance of demand for villas, preferably with dimensions of around 300m2, three and four bedroom houses, with gardens, large terraces and swimming pools. In Vilamoura there is also strong demand for flats, "but investors are not giving up generous terraces", according to the German multinational.
Western Portugal
In the Portugal's western region, more specifically in Óbidos and Caldas da Rainha, there is a strong demand for houses, which are around 250m2, with three rooms and a swimming pool. In all other urban areas the choice is for flats, with areas between 100 and 200 m2.
Porto
Porto is distinguished for having a high demand for villa type properties, including in the historic centre. In the case of Nevogilde and Foz do Douro, the demand is predominantly for 300m2 properties. In Cedofeita, the demand is centred on areas between 130 and 150 m2.
Lisbon
Contrary to what happens in the other regions of the country, in Lisbon there is a predominance of demand for small flats with relatively small areas, between 39 and 150m2.
