Portugal is one of the most popular countries for real estate investment in Europe. Thanks to its climate, affordability, and safe environment, it’s highly sought after.
Nowadays, low-density areas in Portugal are getting a lot of attention from both locals and expats. As major cities like Lisbon and Porto are getting more crowded every day, people are looking for quieter spots. In this article, you’ll learn more about low-density areas and how you can make an investment.
What Is a Low-Density Area
First, let us explain what “low-density area” means. “Low-density areas” are the regions that have less than 100 inhabitants per square kilometer or a per capita GDP of less than 75 percent of the national average. For example, Lisbon and Porto aren’t listed as low-density areas. The islands of Azores and Madeira are excluded, too.
However, Douro Valley, Setubal, Evora, and some districts in the Algarve are included in the low-density areas. Also, buying a property that needs renovation in these areas can make you eligible for a Portugal Golden Visa.
Where To Invest: Popular Low-Density Areas in Portugal
Here are some of the most popular low-density areas in Portugal. We’ve also added the full list of low-density areas at the bottom.
The Alentejo
The Alentejo region is a rural tourist spot in Portugal. It’s home to many wineries and the region is famous for its tranquil atmosphere. It’s a 2-hour drive from Lisbon. It’s not a touristy area but it’s still open to new developments, which makes it an ideal place to make a real estate investment.
Comporta
If you’re looking for a place where you can be away from the crowds but still close to the center, Comporta real estate can be your ideal investment. It’s a 1.5-hour drive from Lisbon. While the region offers many buildings that need renovation, there are new luxurious villas, too.
Aljezur
Aljezur is located in the Algarve however it has a more relaxed vibe than other big resort towns in the region. If you’re looking for a quiet life near the beach, Aljezur real estate can be an ideal choice for you. The property options vary from apartments to luxury villas.
Douro Valley
Located in the North of Portugal, Douro Valley is both popular with tourists and expats. Properties in this region have a local vibe and they offer great views. If you’re looking for a home where you can appreciate nature, you can start your search for a property in Douro Valley.
Below is the detailed list of low-density areas.
| City/ Municipality | Neighborhoods | |
|---|---|---|
| Águeda | União das freguesias de Belazaima do Chão, Castanheira do Vouga e Agadão | União das freguesias do Préstimo e Macieira de Alcoba |
| Amarante | Ansiães | Candemil |
| Gouveia (São Simão) | Jazente | |
| Rebordelo | Salvador do Monte | |
| União das freguesias de Aboadela, Sanche e Várzea | União das freguesias de Olo e Canadelo | |
| União das freguesias de Bustelo, Carneiro e Carvalho de Rei | Vila Chã do Marão | |
| Amares | Bouro (Santa Marta) | Goães |
| União das freguesias de Caldelas, Sequeiros e Paranhos | União das freguesias de Vilela, Seramil e Paredes Secas | |
| Caminha | Dem | União das freguesias de Arga (Baixo, Cima e São João) |
| Castelo de Paiva | União das freguesias de Gondar e Orbacém | Real |
| União das Freguesias da Raiva, Pedorido e Paraíso | – | |
| Condeixa-a-Nova | Furadouro | – |
| Guimarães | União das freguesias de Arosa e Castelões | – |
| Loulé | Alte | Ameixial |
| Salir | União de freguesias de Querença, Tôr e Benafim | |
| Marco de Canaveses | Várzea, Aliviada e Folhada | – |
| Ourém | Espite | União das freguesias de Matas e Cercal |
| União das freguesias de Freixianda, Ribeira do Fárrio e Formigais | União das freguesias de Rio de Couros e Casal dos Bernardos | |
| Pombal | Abiul | Anais |
| Ponte de Lima | Ardegão, Freixo e Mato | Associação de freguesias do Vale do Neiva |
| Bárrio e Cepões | Beiral do Lima | |
| Boalhosa | Cabaços e Fojo Lobal | |
| Cabração e Moreira do Lima | Calheiros | |
| Estorãos | Friastelas | |
| Gemieira | Gondufe | |
| Labruja | Labrujó, Rendufe e Vilar do Monte | |
| Navió e Vitorino dos Piães | Poiares | |
| Serdedelo | – | |
| Porto de Mós | São Bento | – |
| Santarém | União das freguesias de Casével e Vaqueiros | – |
| Silves | São Marcos da Serra | – |
| Tavira | Cachopo | Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo |
| Tomar | Olalhas | Sabacheira |
| União das freguesias de Além da Ribeira e Pedreira | União das freguesias de Casais e Alviobeira | |
| União das freguesias de Serra e Junceira | – | |
| Vale de Cambra | Arões | Junqueira |
| Valença | Boivão | Fontoura |
| União das freguesias de Gondomil e Safins | União das freguesias de São Julião e Silva | |
Why Invest in a Low-Density Area
Considering the rising popularity of Portugal both as a hub for technology and financial centers, making an investment in the country becomes more important. Let’s quickly go through some major benefits.
Invest Less To Get European Residency
€280,000 real estate acquisition is one of the lowest investment thresholds among Golden Visa programs in Europe. When you invest €280,000 for the property acquisition plus renovation, you’re going to get Portugal residency. Plus, by staying in Portugal only for seven days on average per year, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship after five years.
Make a Profitable Investment
Real estate in low-density areas is still more affordable when compared to Lisbon, Porto, and other major cities. If you opt to buy a property in a low-density area, you can rent it out and get good rental returns. Short-term tourist renting is getting popular which makes this investment a good business model, too.
In Portugal, there are many areas that are close to major cities, such as Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. When you invest in a property, you will have paid less but still, be close to big cities for an easy commute.
Speak to a Real Estate Professional in Portugal
Get Golden Visa is a bespoke investment advisory firm. Since 2014, we’ve provided more than 20,000 prospective real estate investors with advice. Contact us today and schedule a call with our independent real estate advisors to help you with your property search in Portugal.
