Porto sits by the Douro River, which makes it a solid choice if you want somewhere beautiful to settle down or a chance to grow your money through property.
You’re getting as close to a guarantee of year-round sun as you can really get here in Porto, and you’ll quickly see why so many Brits are moving here instead of the stereotypical Southern Spain or even Lisbon.
Buying in Portugal is usually easier than in lots of places, but there’s still paperwork everywhere – and Porto is no different. You’ll need to gather documents and tick off a few local rules. It takes some time, but each step is pretty clear.
Upscore’s Finance Passport lets you use your credit score from back home to show local lenders and secure a mortgage more easily.
See what makes Porto so special for Brits:
Great Resale Value: Property values have climbed steadily over the last decade, thanks to tourism and new businesses.
Stunning Lifestyle: You’re getting year-round culture and food – markets, festivals, concerts, quick trips to the Douro Valley, and more!
Opportunities for Rental Income: Demand for rentals is strong from tourists and remote workers, so well-located properties here tend to give you reliable returns if you follow the short-term rental rules.
Affordable Living: Your overall living costs are way more reasonable than many other Western European cities, which helps keep everyday expenses and running costs manageable for residents and investors alike.
As a foreigner, you can buy almost like a local. Here’s the basic to-do list:
Get a NIF (Tax Number): You can do it in person or through someone here.
Sign a Promissory Contract: You agree on price, deposit, and conditions.
Notary Visit: You make it official in front of a notary.
Final Deed Signing: Ownership transfers to you.
If you need a loan, Portuguese banks have mortgages and some foreign banks will help too. Remember to budget for property transfer tax (IMT) and annual council tax (IMI), which change based on price and type of home.
You’ll find everything from renovated old homes to brand-new apartments overlooking the river. A good starting point is checking online and comparing local lenders on Upscore’s platform.
Local estate agents who know Porto well can also tip you off about places before they hit the big sites. Whenever you can, we’d recommend that you go see a property in person and walk around the neighbourhood – some parts of Porto are buzzing with tourists, while others are quiet and more residential.
Thinking about buying a property abroad? Want a modest little apartment where you can join in with all the local culture? Use Upscore’s Finance Passport to make it happen.
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