Thinking about packing everything up and switching grey overcast for the stunning Mediterranean? We wouldn’t blame you. Especially if you’re moving to Lagos, which sits on the western edge of the Algarve – one of the most beautiful parts of the country.
The Algarve is a pretty broad area of Portugal with tons of little towns, but Lagos is one of those places that feels like the Algarve’s best bits all folded into one town. You’re getting everything from golden cliffs and wide beaches to a lively old centre with a marina and bars that stay open late in summer.
It’s busier than quieter eastern towns, so you’re getting that balance between city life and the peace you associate with this part of the world.
Use Upscore’s Finance Passport to compare multiple lenders remotely so you get the best possible deal – no charge.
So why is Lagos winning so many Brits over?
Stunning Local Areas: Gorgeous beaches like Praia Dona Ana and the long sweep of Meia Praia are literally just a short drive or even a walk away, so seaside days are easy to fit into your routine.
Classic Portuguese Culture: The town centre has real character – cafés, cobbled streets, markets, friendly neighbours, and more!.
Perfect for Rental Opportunities: Neighbourhoods feel residential rather than tourist-run, which makes Lagos a good pick whether you want a second home to use and rent seasonally or somewhere with a year-round community to settle into.
Did you know that you don’t even need Portuguese residency to buy here? The purchase process just follows the usual steps of buying a house abroad:
But you’ll need local planning permission if you’re planning renovations or an extension. And while many agents and solicitors speak English, keeping a bilingual lawyer in the loop avoids surprises when contracts get technical.
Start by comparing local lenders with Upscore. These local estate agents often hold off-market listings and can point out blocks or villas before they hit the big sites.
Visiting in person helps more than sitting in your house and scrolling their websites – walk the streets and sit in a café; get a real sense of the vibe there before committing.
Upscore’s guides simply break down all the buying steps, from initial searches to the final signature. If you want help comparing lenders remotely, the Finance Passport is built for that!
Use our new AI Property Finder tool to get matched with your new property in Portugal