Luxury homes, trends for 2023

In Portugal, there is common confusion between the term "luxury houses" and houses belonging to the high end of the real estate market. An expensive house is not necessarily a luxury house , but a luxury house is inevitably expensive due to the requirements associated with it.

Luxury homes are distinguished by a series of characteristics that give them unique charm, quality and exclusivity. Some of these characteristics are common to many luxury homes, while others may vary depending on the owners' preferences or the location of the property. Let’s explore some of the most notable features that often distinguish luxury homes:

Privileged Location

Portugal has been gaining a reputation as a luxury destination, especially along its stunning coastline, where sea breezes and magnificent views create the perfect setting for luxury living. Let's explore the places and condominiums where luxury chooses to reside in this enchanting country.

Nothing compares to returning to a home in a peaceful and safe environment. Luxury homes are often located in exclusive or high-demand locations, such as historic areas, central areas of a city, upscale neighborhoods, gated communities or places with stunning views.

Luxury Hotspots

In Portugal, there are not many places where "luxury people choose to live", especially because this segment of the real estate market is relatively new. The coastline hosts most of the 'Luxury Hotspots' or 'Prime Locations':

• Porto: In the vibrant city of Porto, Foz do Douro and Miramar in Vila Nova de Gaia are 'Luxury Hotspots' that attract those looking for exclusivity and proximity to the ocean. Aldoar, Nevogilde, Lordelo do Ouro and Massarelos are other prestigious parishes that welcome luxury condominiums and exclusive residences.
• Lisbon: The Portuguese capital, is a mosaic of luxury neighborhoods. From Avenida da Liberdade, Chiado, Bairro da Lapa, Janelas Verdes in the parish of Estrela, to Parque das Nações and Marvila, each area has its own distinctive charm. Luxurious condominiums like Prata Riverside Village exemplify the elegance and exclusivity that Lisbon has to offer. Belém and Restelo, Alfama and Príncipe Real, are examples of neighborhoods where new luxury condominiums, or those restored from old palaces and mansions, house luxury apartments and penthouses .
• Estoril and Vila de Cascais: The Quinta Patino and Quinta da Marinha condominiums in Cascais, in one of the most expensive areas to live in Portugal, are emblematic examples of 'Prime Locations' that offer luxury living with all modern amenities, whilst maintaining a connection intimate with nature and the sea. Oeiras has also been showing growth in the luxury offering (Oeiras Golf & Residence).
• Grândola: The Troia Peninsula, Comporta and Melides have seen an explosion of interest in luxury real estate, with projects such as "Costa Terra Golf & Ocean Club" by Discovery Land Company (George Clooney) and "Muda Reserve" by Vanguard attracting attention from millionaires and global investors.
• Algarve: The Algarve's Golden Triangle, made up of Vale do Lobo, Vale do Garrão and Quinta do Lago, as well as Albufeira and Vilamoura, are top destinations for those looking for a luxurious escape under the Portuguese sun, with world-class golf courses , sophisticated marinas and luxury properties.

When looking at the various facets of a luxury home, the location is the one that gains most prominence when we talk about investment appreciation.

The view is a luxury in itself

Stunning views of natural landscapes, vibrant urban centers or watery horizons add invaluable value to luxury homes. Enjoying the sunrise or sunset from the comfort of home, with open views that allow a direct connection with nature, is a luxury that many aspire to. Luxury homes seek to offer these exclusive views, whether through large windows, terraces or large balconies, creating a perfect setting for relaxing or entertaining.

They say that a stunning view is priceless, but in reality it is and it is quite high!

To admire the horizon, breathe fresh air and calm your mind, or enjoy the sea view, simply choose the type of view:

• Views of the river, sea or beach are among the preferences when it comes to luxury homes. Prices for homes with water views are at the top of demand in the luxury segment. Whether in Porto, in the Foz area or in Matosinhos; whether in Coimbra overlooking the Mondego River; whether in Lisbon, on the north bank of the Tagus (Parque das Nações, Marvila, Alfama, Príncipe Real, Alcântara or Restelo); whether in Cascais; either south of Lisbon (from Troia, passing through Comporta to Melides); or in the Algarve along the entire coastline (with Quinta do Lago and Vilamoura at the head), this is where the majority of luxury homes in Portugal are located.
• The view of a golf course also attracts the luxury real estate clientele. Many golf courses in Portugal are designed with an area designated for residents, and many of these homes are considered luxury. For example, in Lisbon, , Belas Club de Campo, Quinta da Aroeira, Quinta da Marinha, Penha Longa Resort, and Troia Resort are examples of resorts where luxury houses punctuate the green of the golf courses. golf.
• The views over the cities' historic areas also constitute a privileged setting for luxury developments and condominiums.

In addition to the view, exclusivity and the neighborhood or local experience are elements that attract luxury developments. Contact me for more information about luxury properties in Portugal and discover the perfect place to call home.

Unique Architecture and Design

The open-concept design, with high ceilings, large windows, and excellent ventilation, promotes a feeling of space and an abundance of natural light. Architectural details such as art niches, rounded corners, plaster moldings and arches are common, providing additional architectural charm. We present some architectural trends in vogue for 2023:

Original architectural project

Luxury lies in exclusivity. A luxury home must boast a distinctive character, unparalleled by any other. It is the originality and distinction, both in the general panorama and in the minute details, that make the difference, impressing and causing an emotional impact. Choosing a renowned architect, with a solid track record in the luxury segment, is crucial to achieving this level of exclusivity.

Here are some architectural trends for Portugal in 2023:

• Curved elements are back in fashion. After more than a decade in which right angles and "cube-type" houses were the general trend, now rounded faces bring a different and original "look". But not only that, curved surfaces and fluid shapes, inspired by the shapes of nature, have the power to make human beings feel good. Recently, neuroscience discovered that the human brain feels greater empathy for curvilinear spaces than rectilinear ones. In other words, humans love curves ;) From the exterior facade to the decorative details on ceilings and walls, including the decoration, with sofas, furniture and rugs adopting curves.

Judicious landscape design

It is imperative that there is harmony between the interior and exterior of the house. Every detail is distinctive and nothing can be left to chance. The landscape design must establish this connection, making the most of the various outdoor spaces.

Here are some landscaping trends for Portugal in 2023:

• Native plants: The preference has been to incorporate native plants into gardens and green spaces, as they are better adapted to the local climate and contribute to the preservation of biodiversity.
• Sustainable gardens: Sustainability is an increasingly relevant topic, also reflected in the art of gardening. We seek to transform gardens into more ecological spaces, for example, by collecting rainwater and creating habitats suitable for wildlife.
• Vertical gardens: They appear as an attractive option as a complement to outdoor leisure areas, namely terraces. They are easy to maintain and can be composed of a variety of plants, from aromatic herbs to more exotic species.
• Personalized gardens: Many seek to express their individuality through their gardens, whether by creating a Zen garden, a tropical garden or a green space filled with exotic species.

Luxury lies in the details

When designing a luxury home, the architectural design is very important, but it is in the details that luxury lies.

Here are some suggestions:

• Double height ceilings in the social areas and even in the master suite create environments of exclusivity so suited to the luxury segment owner. The airiness of the spaces improves and the decoration is grateful: use and abuse large chandelier lamps and modern design, which give an imposing air to the living room and entrance hall. On the other hand, high ceilings make it possible to distribute light in the room more efficiently, a detail much appreciated by decorators, facilitating the play of shadows and indirect lights. The implementation of this feature in the entrance hall and on access stairs between floors favors the creation of sophisticated and imposing environments.
• Glass plays a predominant role in a luxury home, blurring the visual boundaries between the interior and exterior of the home. Large doors and glazed windows, supported by minimalist design frames, incorporate double glazing with thermal and acoustic properties, benefiting from filling with argon gas, among other specific features.
• Pivoting doors are a fashionable luxury trend.They are large wooden doors, normally used at the main entrance of the house, suitable for large openings (with double height), with a very light and smooth opening maneuver. ( market )
• Spacious Main Suites (more than 40 m ² ), closed closets with exotic woods, glass doors and sober lighting, as well as dream bathrooms, where the use of noble materials such as exotic woods, natural stone and metal, creates environments luxurious and welcoming.
• Designer Kitchens: Choosing exclusive, designer lines for equipment and furniture is a sign of luxury and exclusivity. Trends for 2023 continue to favor the concept of Open-Concept Living , designing kitchens open to the remaining social areas.
• Open-Concept Living: This popular trend in luxury homes creates spacious, airy living spaces that encourage social interaction and seamless flow between spaces.By removing walls and barriers between rooms, or between various indoor and outdoor social spaces, it provides a sense of unity and connection, allowing families to spend more time together in a shared environment. In recent luxury villas and apartments, this trend has been gaining strength, creating a truly modern and inviting atmosphere.
• Indoor and outdoor patios: They complement the social areas, indoors and outdoors, with a strong visual connection, and are spaces where gardening elements stand out. From bonsai trees (the Japanese Acer is a good example), olive trees with ornamental pruning, or themed gardens, such as tropical gardens and Zen gardens, everything contributes to creating environments of visual enjoyment and connection to nature.
• Closed garages are an almost obligatory attribute in a luxury home. High-end owners, often possessing valuable and exclusive vehicles, see safety as an imperative need.A recent innovation for this segment are the " Tri Rail " sliding gates, made up of three or more metal leaves, which, by taking up less interior space, facilitate more unimpeded access to the garage.

Luxury Amenities

Equipment such as swimming pools, bars, gourmet kitchens, elevators and, in some cases, views of the water, are currently desired features in luxury homes.

These are some of the amenities at the top of luxury home owners' lists:

• Theme rooms : In a luxury house, the concept of a living and dining room expands according to the needs of its residents:
  • ' Home cinema ' room with 12 or more seats, fully equipped to enjoy cinephile art
  • Games room , designed for traditional billiard boards or table games, to rooms entirely dedicated to console games.
  • Children's games room , very useful for families with children.
• Indoor kitchens full of amenities such as: kitchen islands with smoke extractors incorporated into the ceiling or countertop, double ovens - convection and pyrolytic (with plate and cup heating features), built-in coffee machines, smart refrigerators with energy management products accessible via smartphone, climate-controlled wine coolers, interactive tablet systems (integrated on the counter or island) with access to recipes, among others. All of these amenities are not features of a typical kitchen. In Portugal, brands such as Ernesto Meda, Molteni&C Kitchen and FENDI CUCINE from SCIC stand out as good examples of solutions for luxury kitchens. ( market 1 , 2 , 3 )
• Outdoor kitchens fully equipped for barbecue and social gatherings.( market 1 , 2 )
• High-end household appliances : when talking about luxury, price doesn't count, only quality matters. High consumption electrometric lines, no matter how reliable they are, do not meet the exclusivity requirement, unlike brands such as Gagennau or Bertazzoni. ( market 1 , 2 )
• The bathrooms represent a true Midas touch in a luxury home, aspiring to maximum comfort for their owners. Generous spaces, flooded with natural light, a bathtub with hydromassage for moments of sublime relaxation, a double shower for added functionality, and a Zen decor that summons tranquility, are trends that are asserting themselves in contemporary times.
• Swimming pools of different types: Indoor and outdoor pools, pools with wave systems, single lane pools (narrow but 15 to 25m long), etc. Features such as an infinity pool with waterfall, motorized covers and heated water are now almost requirements banal.
• Indoor and outdoor fireplaces: The outdoor fireplace or Fire Pit, usually gas or bio ethanol, with the respective seats around it.
• Residential SPA with sauna and jacuzzi have also become commonplace in recent years in the luxury segment.
• Fully equipped gyms , preferably with views of the outdoor space.
• Beauty Salon fully equipped with massage equipment, a luxury that is sometimes requested but still not very common in Portugal.
• Meditation or Yoga Rooms: Meditation rooms are becoming increasingly popular in luxury home design as homeowners recognize the importance of mindfulness, relaxation and stress relief. These dedicated spaces, often decorated in soft, calming colors with soft lighting and comfortable seating, provide an ideal setting for meditation, yoga or quiet contemplation.
• Library : they are no longer in vogue, with the digital revolution underway, but they are still a part of many luxury homes.
• Cellar: these are also highly sought after spaces and are usually installed in the basements of homes.
• Home elevators or platform lifts are also a desired amenity. New state-of-the-art elevators, without cables and with low energy consumption, are on the rise today.Underground garages with lifting platforms are also a sought-after "luxury". They are already produced in Portugal and allow you to make almost complete use of the lawned leisure space, without being disturbed by access roads or garage entrances.
• " Premium " air conditioning is at the top of luxury requirements. Underfloor heating with heat/cold inversion and air conditioning equipment built into the ceiling throughout the house are at the top of the list.
• Modern curtains have replaced the blinds of the past and more effectively complement the use of large glass doors and windows. In the bedrooms, in addition to Roller Screen blinds, it is essential to use Roller Blackouts. In rooms, rolls of screen or translucent screen are sufficient. All blinds must have remote control and be accessible via home automation.
• Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility: These are currently a luxury requirement.From the use of solar, thermal and photovoltaic energy, to the use of batteries to store the energy produced, the objective is to move towards energy self-sustainability. On the other hand, in Portugal, some of the most recent and luxurious resorts use wood exclusively instead of masonry. Troia Resort, Terras da Comporta and Muda Reserve (Comporta), Verdelago Resort (Sotavento Algarvio) are an excellent example of this.

Smart Technology

Today, luxury homes integrate the latest technology to create smart, comfortable environments, including:

• Home automation systems - Home automation systems have become a mandatory requirement for a decade, but there are systems and systems. With the proliferation of devices that adhere to the Internet of Things (IoT) (household appliances, security systems and electronic locks, solar panels, lighting, curtains, air conditioning systems, etc.), the ability to control these devices is increasingly complex and requires good home automation systems, with centralized management and easy to use via a simple smartphone.
• State-of-the-art private elevators , silent and low consumption, without cables, using suspension straps ( market ).
• Climate control systems with smart thermostats that learn temperature preferences and adjust automatically, controlling air conditioning units (built into the ceiling through ducts) and heated and cooled underfloor heating, both powered by highly efficient heat pumps.
• LED lighting with motion sensor and timer lights controlled by the home automation system, with brightness regulators (dimmable LEDs).
• Curtains for rooms that work with sunlight or timed by software and exterior curtains for balconies with wind and rain sensors.
• Interactive bathroom mirrors that can be installed on TV screens or computer monitors, making it a touchscreen mirror with advanced features. With this tool, you can check your schedule for the day, check the weather forecast, or check your email as you get ready in the morning.This makes your life easier and quickly gets you ready for the next day.
• Technology in the Garden: The integration of technology into outdoor spaces, such as LED lighting systems, automated irrigation systems and even outdoor speakers for music.

All these concepts coexist in a network that interconnects them through the so-called "home automation", accessible to all residents through a simple smartphone. These features vary from one luxury home to another, making it unique in the true sense.

Luxury without good areas is not luxury

They say that with luxury comes vast space. Consequently, luxury apartments feature duplex homes with spacious rooms, open viewing areas, balconies with gardens and lawns and much more. All these home plans are carefully designed and crafted, giving the entire home interior a modern look.
In a house, the land area and gross construction area are a good indicator of the essential requirements for building a luxury house. There are minimum values for this segment:

• Plot of land exceeding 1000m2.
• Gross construction area greater than 500m2.
• Typology equal to or greater than 6 bedrooms, the majority of which will have to be in suite format.
• Large living room , measuring more than 60m2, with multiple functional spaces connected to each other: living room, dining room, games room, TV room , etc.
• 'Master Suite' with more than 40 m2 in the living area. The closet (open or closed) must be large. often the size of a small bedroom, the bathroom with a minimum of 12 m2, natural light, shower and bathtub with jacuzzi, etc.
• The number of bathrooms should tend to be equal to the number of bedrooms, or slightly lower.
• Outdoor leisure space: Owners of luxury homes often invest as much energy and money in outdoor spaces as they do indoors. When the weather is nice, owners and their guests can relax outdoors. When the weather gets cold there are solutions such as "glass curtains" that allow you to continue enjoying these spaces. These spaces include luxury equipment, such as: infinity pools with waterfall, large solarium areas, external gas fireplace, external jacuzzi, fully equipped outdoor kitchen, sports equipment (tennis or football court), etc.
• Closed garages for 4 cars or more. In addition, it is common to have outdoor parking in areas covered by pergolas.
• Multiple service divisions: from technical areas for equipment (such as heat pumps, HVAC, pool filters, water and energy storage, etc.), laundry, multiple and large storage areas, etc.

High Quality Finishes

The use of natural and noble materials is at the top of luxury preferences.

In bathrooms, it is common to find high-quality finishes and accessories, such as marble countertops, natural stone walls, showers with rain heads and large soaking tubs, as well as unique design elements such as indirect lighting, heated floors, etc. ,.

These features and amenities not only provide a comfortable and elegant living environment, they also reflect a sophisticated lifestyle and a refined taste for fine details and exceptional quality.

Luxury begins and ends with the decoration of a luxury home

Nothing happens by chance here. The role of a decorator is indispensable. A luxury home has an integral reading and a coherent image between the various spaces. Of course, the role of the owners in healthy coexistence with the decorator's work is what gives value to the final result.

Luxurious interiors inspired by international architecture, art and author statues, as well as modern decor styles make luxury homes distinctive. Artistic nooks, rounded corners, moldings and arches installed in the right places can add a new touch to your luxury home.

In 2023, the use of natural stones and marble, solid wood, golden and copper metals is a clear choice to create environments that convey a unique feeling of luxury and comfort. Chromatic minimalism gave way to environments in which pastels and even strong colors (yellows, blues, etc.) mix with sober colors in a difficult but highly original harmony.

Nature-inspired color palettes are gaining popularity in luxury home design as they evoke a sense of serenity and connection with the natural world. Earthy, pastel and vibrant tones inspired by nature create a calm atmosphere that appeals to the senses and promotes relaxation and inspiration.

By choosing colors that reflect the beauty around you, you can create spaces that are not only visually appealing, but also nourish our well-being and sense of harmony.

The importance of Lighting

Lighting in luxury homes plays a crucial role, transcending the mere functionality of lighting spaces. It is a magical element that transmits luxury and elegance to every corner, creating captivating environments and enhancing architectural beauty. Light is the final touch that transforms a luxury home into a true livable work of art.

Aesthetic Enhancement: Carefully designed lighting has the power to enhance the unique architectural features, textures and sophisticated finishes that define a luxury home. By drawing soft shadows and highlighting focal points, lighting accentuates the intrinsic beauty of spaces, creating stunning visual scenes.

Emotional Well-being: Luxury homes often incorporate biophilic design principles, promoting harmony between interior spaces and the surrounding natural environment. The optimization of natural light, together with open views, contributes to the well-being of occupants, offering a feeling of tranquility and serenity that minimizes stress and enhances productivity.

Functional Lighting: In the social areas of a luxury home, such as kitchens, offices and bathrooms, specific lighting aimed at performing tasks is a priority. It provides the visibility necessary to carry out tasks with precision, whilst ensuring a stimulating and productive work environment.

Integration with Smart Technology: The era of home automation brought with it the possibility of programming lighting for security purposes, simulating human presence when the house is unoccupied. Furthermore, intelligent lighting allows you to create lighting scenes adapted to different times of the day or activities, promoting an intuitive and personalized interaction with spaces.

Personalized Comfort: Personalized lighting design is an invitation to create environments that mirror homeowners' preferences and needs. The ability to adjust the light intensity, color or even the direction of the light provides a level of comfort and pleasure that enriches the experience of living in a luxury space.

The harmonious combination between lighting and architecture in a luxury home is an art that, when well executed, translates into a refined and welcoming atmosphere, which celebrates good taste and sophistication in every detail.

Security and Privacy

This is a common requirement for the high end of luxury home buyers. Many luxury apartments have built-in security features that are mandatory. These security features are what separate luxury homes from regular ones. To protect your home from unwanted attention and theft, homes come with smart locks, CCTV camera, security alarms against fire, floods or break-ins.

In addition to residential security systems, these luxury apartments also have strong security at the entrance to the property. When dealing with a building, there is often a concierge. If it is a gated community, the existence of a security and surveillance company is often a requirement.

Conclusion

The last decade has seen a notable leap in the quality and quantity of luxury homes in Portugal, driven by the tourist boom and interest from international buyers and investors.

This growth, supported by the mild climate, natural beauty, good schools and universities, a private healthcare system with quality, security, a diverse and quality gastronomy, as well as excellent regional products such as wines and fish, a rich and varied cultural program , in addition to the friendliness and multilingualism of the Portuguese, seems to be here to stay.

The luxury homes, highlighted by their unique architecture, top locations and state-of-the-art amenities, provide an experience marked by comfort, security and exclusivity. Designed to please the most demanding, this group of buyers tolerates nothing less than excellence. For more information, see my article on ' Luxury Homes in Portugal - where, who buys and what? '.

If you are looking for a property that reflects sophistication and provides a comfortable and elegant environment, the luxury segment of the Portuguese real estate market may surprise you, offering unique opportunities with exceptional returns compared to other types of investment.