Madeira feels like a place that shows up when you need a soft reset. Home. You don’t even have to try to slow down when you’re surrounded by green terraces and narrow streets in Funchal.
But there’s plenty of variety too: for every quiet, dramatic coastal viewpoint, there are sheltered valleys and those world-famous levada walks.
Moving from a big city in the UK and worried you might miss a bit of that city life? Madeira definitely gives you a different pace to all that, but you’re not entirely cut off from what matters – good cafés and restaurants are all over the place, and you can get back to the mainland quickly with a short flight.
Upscore’s Finance Passport helps you compare local lenders so you can find competitive mortgage options for Madeira without the legwork – and it’s free!
What makes Madeira so special for foreigners?
Year-Round Sun: Easy outdoor living for remote workers or retirees. Average temps are often in the high teens to low twenties here, so you spend more time outside than you do in colder seasons back home.
Country Vibes: Nature’s right on your doorstep – the levada network and hikes like Levada das 25 Fontes give properties terraces and ocean views that feel very different to a city flat.
Accessibility: The direct flights to the UK and Europe make visits and property management here super simple.
Yes! Buying in Madeira follows the same broad framework as the rest of Portugal since foreign buyers can purchase property here freely, and the formalities are straightforward if you line up a tax number (NIF) and a local bank account.
Working with an English-speaking lawyer or a reliable agent makes the process far simpler because they handle the notary and tax paperwork and help you understand local costs and timelines.
That’s why the dedicated account manager you’ll receive when you work with Upscore can be so helpful.
Start online to get a feel for prices and neighbourhoods, then plan to view in person. Upscore’s platform can help you spot island properties, and you’ll also dig up smaller, off-market opportunities.
When you actually visit, try to spend time in the neighbourhood at different hours so you can sense how life actually feels there – photos rarely show evening light or access to shops, etc.
If you’re ready to move abroad from the UK, factor in:
Funchal is definitely the main hub here, but you can get a slower lifestyle if you go to the coastline.
Upscore’s Finance Passport is a simple way to organise all your financial pieces before you commit! Start with a clearer picture of what you can borrow and how it fits your plans.
Our Portuguese Property Finder gives you the closest matches based on your personal requirements.
