The numbers and statistics that have been published, as well as the awards that Portugal recently won, place our country on the radar of international real estate investment. Especially in the high segment of the market. Portugal has been able to attract investors from several countries that visit us to buy real estate, in which many of these belong to the luxury market.
There are many reasons for this gradual and consistent growth over the past 5, 6 years:
Top real estate investment: Portugal in the spotlight
One of the reasons why Portugal is such a sought-after country to invest in the purchase of real estate is related to the fact that our country appears highlighted in several rankings such as the most recent 2015 Global Residence and Citizenship Programs (GRCP) .
In this list, Portugal, Belgium and Austria are elected as the best countries in the world to invest in housing. This report considered that Portugal has advantages such as: tax benefits, legal framework favorable to immigration, quality of life, etc.
TheMoveChannel , the main international real estate website, in July this year placed Portugal in 6th place in the Top 10 of the most attractive world destinations to invest in real estate.
Tax advantages
The recent legislation on Golden Visa Portugal and Residence Permit for Investment Activity (ARI) are also very strong assets when compared to other countries. Gold Visas alone have raised 2.2 billion euros since 2012 in direct investment. This year, investment more than doubled in the first half, compared to the same period last year.
This year the Portuguese Residence Authorization Program for Investment Activity was considered by the prestigious company Henley and Partners as the best residential program in the world. This is one of the most consulted Visa and Residence Authorization program consulting offices worldwide.
Portugal is still a country where house prices are cheaper
The price of houses in Portugal is also a very attractive factor. According to a study by APEMIP - Association of Real Estate Professionals and Companies, Monaco (44,522 € / m2), United Kingdom (25,575 € / m2), France (13,639 € / m2), Russia (11,866 € / m2) and Spain ( 3.442 € / m2) are much more expensive countries than Portugal to invest in the purchase of houses.
According to this study that compares figures for 2015, Portugal appears in the 30th position with a value of 1,963 € / m2. In other words, despite the growth we have seen in recent times, we are still a country that is strongly competitive internationally, with regard to the price per square meter.
Quality of life
This is a factor that continues to attract foreigners who want to buy a house in Portugal, either for permanent housing or as a second holiday home.
- Portugal is a country with an enviable climate that provides favorable conditions to enjoy the countryside, beach, snow, golf courses, nautical and sports infrastructure and many other "outdoor" tourist attractions;
- Portugal's historical heritage is an international reference, both due to the various applications for Unesco heritage, and because we are one of the oldest countries in the world.Our history, rich in civilizational crossings, was inspired by Roman, Arab, Manueline, Gothic, Baroque, Pombaline and Neoclassical architecture to produce an impressive architectural diversity in a small country;
- Our beaches are among the most sought after in the world, with clean and warm waters, safe beaches, extensive sand, with many hours of sun exposure and constitute an irresistible sign;
- In terms of transport, road infrastructure, communications and the internet, we also occupy the top places within Europe;
- The cost of living is a positive factor when we are compared to other European countries, which is an asset for those who plan to live here;
- Above all: the Portuguese are a hospitable, helpful, friendly people who speak more than one language;
Safety
In terms of security, the world is increasingly insecure.On the contrary, Portugal gives letters and assumes itself as the 5th safest country in the world among 163 countries.
According to the study GLOBAL PEACE INDEX - 2016 under the responsibility of the Institute for Economics & Peace, Portugal is the 6th safest country in the world, on a list led by Iceland.
Anyway, Portugal is not a paradise but it has strong assets to continue to shine and show the world that we are an excellent country to invest in the real estate sector, that is.