Every day, we receive many inquiries from people interested in a property in Portugal or even in emigrating to Portugal. The personal ideas of those interested vary greatly. Often, people are looking for “a small house by the sea in Portugal”. With a little imagination, one can guess what is meant by such requests. In this post, I would like to try to look at the desire for “a small house by the sea” a little from the market perspective and, unfortunately, also to “ground” expectations. If you still have questions (or even have some), please feel free to contact us.
What is a “small house by the sea”?
This description can mean many things. With almost 800 kilometers of coastline in Portugal, there are basically plenty of opportunities to buy a house quite close to the sea. A house by the sea or with a sea view is not a problem at all and is very easy to find.
However, many prospective buyers have the idea that a “small house” is located in a beautiful natural landscape, was built in the traditional way, has no nearby neighbors, a lot of land belongs to the house and the price is around 150,000 euros. If you have a similar wish to the one described above, you won’t find it in Portugal. You should first go on a fact-finding tour to Portugal to get to know the Portuguese coastal regions.
Is the desire for a small house by the sea in Portugal completely outlandish? No. With a little flexibility, the dream of a house can also be practically implemented.
Let’s look at the different requirements.
Cheap real estate by the sea
The price differences in Portugal are very significant when you consider the dimensions “inland-sea”, “north-south” and “city-country”. In the rural areas in the north of Portugal, you can definitely find houses for around 175,000 euros and cheaper, which are usually also very nicely located in nature. By the sea, you will have to spend at least 400,000 euros for a small house by the sea in Portugal. If you move a little inland (15-20 minutes), you can also buy decent houses for around 300,000 euros, for example in Barcelos. In the Algarve, houses by the sea are often around 700,000 and more expensive.
Detached house by the sea
In this context, a detached house would be defined as a house that has no or almost no discernible neighbors. Such properties can still be found on the Atlantic coast. In the Algarve, these offers no longer exist on the coast. Perhaps very isolated and then it quickly becomes very expensive.
In my opinion, the best region for a detached house is the Silver Coast Region between Mafra and Nazaré. The second-best region is the coast between Aljezur and Sines (Costa Vicentina). You can also find some beautiful houses between Sesimbra and Setúbal.
Of course, there are other regions in Portugal where you can find small houses by the sea. Fortunately, the Portuguese government has been very strict about new buildings in coastal regions in recent years. In the past, it was not taken quite so seriously and the cities allowed some “exceptions” in nature reserves. If you are interested in such a house, you should always analyze the local development plan PDM (Zoning Laws) and possibly arrange a meeting with City Hall to check the restrictions of the property.
Does a house right by the sea actually make sense?
If you want to buy a house on the Atlantic coast in Portugal, you should be aware of the local peculiarities. There are many advantages, such as proximity to nature, sea views or investment opportunities, that make a small house by the sea in Portugal attractive. But not every construction method from your home country makes sense locally.
A few factors to consider:
• There are sometimes very strong winds on the coast. The socket and sockets should be designed for this;
• The humidity is very high. Accordingly, the ventilation of the house and, in particular, the storage of items such as clothing should be adapted;
• The air is very salty. The salt likes to attack surfaces such as paint and wood;
• Even in summer it can be foggy;
• The Atlantic Ocean is not a sea for swimming and splashing. Ideal activities are fishing, surfing or walking.
Can you buy a piece of land and build a tiny house there?
In principle, there is nothing to be said against a tiny house instead of a conventional house. Everyone has to weigh up the pros and cons for themselves. However, it is often mistakenly believed that tiny houses can be built with very little bureaucracy and that fewer building regulations apply. This is no longer the case, as the relevant laws in Portugal have been adapted. Simply put, a tiny house is considered a normal building if it has connections such as gas, water, sewage and electricity and cannot be moved within a day. Anyone who wants to build a tiny house on a property on the coast should therefore definitely hire an architect to check the structural requirements before buying.
Alternatives to a house by the sea
There are definitely many alternatives to a detached house by the sea. The first alternative is to buy a house in a coastal town or development. There are many nice communities where you don’t even need a car to go to the bakery, café or restaurant. In addition, the connection to a neighborhood is also more sociable and safer than living completely isolated in nature (Portugal is a very safe country).
Those looking for a view of the water will also find it in inland Portugal. In the Peneda-Gerês National Park, in Alentejo or along the rivers Douro, Minho and Tagus, there are also many affordable properties. These offer water, nature and traditional architecture. Furthermore, in the interior you can also combine a house with a lot of land.
If you want a lot of seaview, the Portuguese islands are of course the perfect alternative. Madeira and the Azores have become increasingly popular in recent years. If the island life doesn’t put you off, you will find plenty of nature, sea, serenity and, of course, lots of fish and fruit. The houses by the sea are not only suitable for your own use but also for renting out to tourists. I would recommend that every investor look for a suitable property that also needs renovation. Often the best and most accessible places have been built on earlier. And the location on the island is the most important criterion for the value of a house. Even if renovation projects on the islands are not always easy, it is usually much cheaper to take this route than to buy a finished house.
How InfiniteSolutions can help you?
We at InfiniteSolutions are happy to help you find a suitable house by the sea in Portugal with our buyers agent service. We are happy to answer any questions you may have and are also happy to refer you to our trusted referral partners and relevant service providers. Feel free to contact us!
I’ll be more than happy to share my experience with you, after almost 23 years living in Portugal.
I’ll also walk you through Portugal using Google Maps, show you the best Cities or communities and neighborhoods that match your ideal lifestyle and budget, and go over the moving and buying process as well as the best Visa process to establish residency and ultimately Citizenship.
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As a seasoned realtor with 23 years of firsthand experience living in Portugal, I am here to guide you through every step. From virtual tours using Google Maps to identifying the ideal cities, communities, and neighborhoods that match your lifestyle and budget, I’ll make your transition smooth and informed
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