You decided. He is leaving Brazil (or another country) and moving to Portugal. The emotion is great, but there is also anxiety: how to find the right property? How to adapt it to your lifestyle? How do you ensure that your new home in Lisbon, Porto, Cascais or any other city is exactly what you imagined?
This guide was created specifically for you. For expats who want to make Portugal their home, not just an address.
Step 1: Choose the Right Property (Before You Arrive)
Online Search: Beyond the Photos
When you’re on the other side of the world, choosing a property is challenging. The photos on the real estate website show only what the seller wants you to see. Here are the tips we’ve learned from working since 2019 with expats:
- Ask for 360º videos: Not just still photos. A video allows you to understand the flow of space.
- Check the solar orientation: In Portugal, the orientation of the property is crucial. North, south, east or west? This determines how the light enters and how much heat the apartment receives. In Lisbon, a north orientation can mean a cold and dark apartment.
- Analyze the neighborhood: It’s not just about the property. It’s about the neighborhood. Use Google Maps Street View to virtually walk through the streets. Are there restaurants, supermarkets, public transport nearby?
- Understand the local market: Prices in Lisbon are different from Cascais, which are different from Porto. Research what’s realistic for your budget in each region.
- New construction in the region: It is usually a good sign — it indicates that the region is developing and appreciating. But beware: neighboring parishes may have very different lifestyles from each other, so it is worth knowing the surroundings before deciding.
In-person visit: what to watch out for
When you finally visit the property in person (it’s best to do this before buying), note:
- Humidity: Portugal has a temperate climate, but some old apartments suffer from humidity. Look for stains on the walls, inside the cabinets, musty odor.
- Noise: Visit at different times of the day. Is there traffic noise? From neighbors?
- Functionality: Portuguese kitchens are often small. Do the bathrooms have enough space? Is there storage space?
- Potential: Are you buying the property as is, or do you see remodeling potential?
CW Arquitetura can visit the property for you and assess whether it meets the real needs of your family: can a table for 8 people comfortably fit? Is it a safe space for children? Does it fit a king bed? And what is the real dimension of a possible work? These are questions that, from a distance, only a professional visiting the property can answer safely.
Step 2: Understand the Portuguese Real Estate Market
Prices and Trends in 2026
The Portuguese real estate market has changed significantly. Lisbon and Cascais have premium prices, comparable to top-tier European cities. Porto is not far behind, it has also appreciated a lot. Algarve is more accessible, but with less infrastructure and a lot of seasonality of visitors. This varies greatly according to the type of property.
For expats, it’s important to understand: are you investing or just living? Is it a holiday rental? If it is an investment, the potential for appreciation is different in each region.
Having a good real estate agent who accompanies and assists you is very important. We know some very good ones that can help you in this choice.
Step 3: Adapt the Design to the Portuguese Lifestyle
The Cultural Difference in Design
If you come from Brazil, there are important differences:
- Smaller spaces: Portuguese apartments are generally more compact than Brazilian ones. This requires intelligent design.
- Less hot weather: Portugal does not have the tropical heat of Brazil. This means less need for cross-ventilation, but more need for heating.
- More European Style: The Portuguese taste tends to be more minimalist, less colorful than the Brazilian one.
- Different coexistence: Portuguese receive at home, but in a different way. Living spaces are important, but not as large as in Brazil.
Practical Adaptation
- Natural Light: Maximize light entry. In Portugal, especially in winter, light is valuable. Use light colors, mirrors, and don’t block windows with heavy furniture.
- Air conditioning: Consider efficient HVAC systems year-round. Radiators, underfloor heating, heat pumps or air conditioning. The Portuguese winter is mild, but humid — and the summer can also be very hot, so it is worth thinking about the air conditioning of the house for both seasons, not just for the cold.
- Storage: Portuguese apartments have less storage space than Brazilian ones. Invest in smart solutions: built-in cabinets, shelves, vertical organization, beds with storage.
- Outdoor Areas: If you have a terrace or balcony, maximize it. It is a valuable extension of interior space.
- Storage: If the property has a storage room (very common in Portuguese buildings), value this space — it fits suitcases, bicycles, seasonal equipment and everything that does not need to be in the daily life of the apartment. A good storage room frees up the living space and makes the apartment look bigger.
Practical Tips for Expats
- Hire a project manager: If you are not in Portugal, having someone manage the work is essential.
- Communicate clearly: Leave everything in writing. Specifications, deadlines, budgets. Avoid misunderstandings.
- Visit the work regularly: If possible, visit weekly. This keeps quality in focus.
- Invest in quality: Especially on elements that are difficult to change afterwards (floor, windows, air conditioning).
5. Take care of the exchange deadline for your purchases: When buying furniture and appliances at a distance, store everything in a secure warehouse until the work is ready — and pay attention to the exchange deadline of each store, which runs even with the items already stored. CW Arquitetura can take on all this logistics for you: we receive, check and store your furniture, appliances and other purchases in our own safe space, and then we take care of the transport, assembly and final organization of the space, ready for everyday use. See more about this service on our website.
Conclusion: Making Portugal Your Home
Moving to Portugal doesn’t have to be an adventure full of unforeseen events. With careful planning and smart design, your new home can be exactly what you envisioned it to be — a refuge, an investment, and the beginning of a new life.
And since an international move already requires you to take care of so many variables at the same time, CW Arquitetura can prepare your new home for you. Get to know our Turnkey Project and come with peace of mind: your property arrives ready, with everything you have chosen and approved.
Need help with your move? CW Arquitetura has experience helping expats relocate to Portugal. Contact us for a consultation