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Satisfy your dream of owning property in Europe by investing in one of the region’s most dynamic and affordable cities – the wealthiest city in Portugal and its capital, Lisbon.
With mild weather year-round, a growing economy and attractive tax rates, Lisbon is quickly emerging as a hub for trade, transport and accommodation and an attractive base for company headquarters, of which there are over 323,000, including 29 international companies.
Investing in Lisbon is more than a sure bet, say international property investment experts, IP Global. While housing prices have increased for five consecutive years, the Portuguese capital retains its status as a value-for-money investment destination, offering property prices per square metre as much as 70% lower than London, and less than half of what investors would pay for property in Paris.
IP Global, whose clients have invested over US$3.2 billion across 32 markets worldwide, indicates that there has been a robust housing market in Portugal’s capital since 2015, with 29% growth in prices up to 2018 and a further 6% growth per annum expected up to 2022.
Meanwhile, the PWC Emerging Trends in Real Estate Europe 2019 study ranks Lisbon as the top real estate market in Europe, citing the city’s quality of life and growing attractiveness as an international destination for companies, investors and tourists as solid reasons behind its elevation to first place.
Portugal is enjoying an economic revival, with over 23,000 foreign nationals choosing to settle in the country to benefit from its preferential tax treatment. As such, some 70,000 new homes need to be built in Portugal every year to meet demand, over half of these in Lisbon and Porto.
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With a population of almost 2.83 million people, Metropolitan Lisbon offers investors and residents convenient links to the rest of Europe. At least 57 airlines fly to 132 destinations from Lisbon airport, which is also currently undergoing a €1.15 billion expansion.
The City of Lisbon is investing millions in renewing its public spaces, expanding school facilities and introducing smart city innovations. Its public transport system has received a major boost with the expansion of its Metro to four lines with stops at 56 stations.
These investments have attracted the interest of international companies, such as Google, Mercedes and Zalando, which have chosen Lisbon as the location of new centres and installations, raising the profile of Lisbon as a growing tech hub in Europe. The city is also the host for one of the world’s largest technology conferences, Web Summit.
Investing in Lisbon
With competitive lending rates and payment plans, it’s a good time, now more than ever, to invest in Lisbon’s lucrative housing market. But investing in any overseas property market can be daunting.
How do you know the property you’re investing in is the right one? What about the tax implications? What international laws and local conditions are important to consider? Is the economy you’re investing in stable, and what are the prospects for an excellent return on investment?
It’s easy to be misinformed or to simply misunderstand the idiosyncrasies of the international market in which you’re looking to invest. This is why it’s important to partner with a property investment company that can help you navigate the waters.
Providing end-to-end consultation throughout the entire investment process, from initial research and acquisition through to a full lettings and management service, your property investment partner will help you structure your investment optimally, including the complicated tax implications.
Unlike an estate agent who highlights potential investment opportunities, IP Global takes it a step further, investing along with its clients in the developments they identify.
One such development in Lisbon is located in one of the city’s oldest suburbs, a few blocks from the Castelo de São Jorge and just up the hill from the São Vincente de Fora Monastery.
Promising yields of between 3.9% and 4.8%, Bela Vista comprises 35 studio, one- and two-bedroom units, of which 14 are exclusive to IP Global. Scheduled for completion in October 2020, Bela Vista’s studios will be 42 square metres in size, while one-bedroom units range from 57 to 66 square metres, and two-bedroom units from 90 to 107 square metres.
Average rates per square metre in Graça, says IP Global, are substantially lower than the average square meterage rates in the popular neighbourhoods of Chiado and Alfama. While Graça exudes an air of history and tradition, low rents and good bus, tram and underground networks have attracted younger residents to this up-and-coming neighbourhood.
Centred around Lago da Graça, next to the historic neighbourhood of Alfama, this trendy neighbourhood is one where narrow streets brim with shops, restaurants and Portuguese heritage and culture. Spend a few days here and you’ll understand why Lisbon justifiably earns its title as the ‘coolest’ city in Europe, according to CNN.
To secure your Bela Vista investment, a 20% up-front deposit is required on signing a Client Promissory Agreement (CPCV), with a further 20% five months later, 15% 10 months after signing the CPCV and 45% on completion and signing of the deed. Mortgage finance of up to 70% Loan-To-Value (LTV) Ratio through Banco Montepio is available, subject to conditions.
IP Global’s preferred partner, Complete, can also offer investors an end-to-end property management service that will look after all post-completion activities including handover, furnishings, lettings and management.
With IP Global as your investment partner, all you’ll have to do is develop a taste for good food, good wine and laid-back living – it’s the Portuguese way.
