- Portugal | 9 July 2022
How has the market evolved since your initial entry into Portugal five years ago?
Over these years, I’ve observed substantial transformations signaling the market’s maturation and increased stability. Notably, there’s a significant surge in domestic demand, not solely centered in Lisbon but expanding to cities like Porto, further up North, and Algarve, a bustling hub for tourism.
In the residential sector, have you noticed any specific shifts or trends gaining momentum?
Absolutely, there’s a growing inclination towards sustainable features in residential projects. Interestingly, this push often stems from client preferences, indicating a burgeoning interest in eco-friendly living spaces.
Affordability is a common concern in Portugal. What demographic segments are your projects targeting?
While public authorities offer limited support, primarily in the form of affordable land for housing, our focus currently lies in addressing the middle to upper class in Portugal. Contrary to some official reports, this segment exhibits robust purchasing power. Many Portuguese citizens, such as entrepreneurs, reinvest profits in real estate or leverage alternative revenue sources, enabling them to afford properties worth up to EUR 500,000. Often, individuals selling their old homes finance the difference when transitioning to high-end apartments, making bank loans readily attainable.
What’s on the horizon for your endeavors in Portugal over the next 2-3 years?
Our immediate plans revolve around continuing our ventures in student housing while expanding into senior housing across Portugal and Spain. Emphasizing built-to-rent residences, we’re meticulously seeking suitable operators for these developments. While we’re also eyeing the office sector, the high speculation and soaring prices necessitate waiting for the opportune project to emerge.