Lisbon
Lisbon is currently experiencing some of Europe’s highest growth in the luxury residential property market, with a wave of investors attracted by its excellent lifestyle credentials, large international community, good schools, overall safety, and accessibility. Portugal is easily explored as a relatively small country, and Lisbon is near some of its most beautiful beaches and countryside. It now ranks as one of the most expensive cities to purchase real estate, outperforming Madrid, Geneva, and Monaco. Quiet, tree-lined, and close to the Jardim da Estrela, Lapa is one of Lisbon’s most prestigious neighbourhoods for the highest-reaching budgets. The Alfama neighbourhood features some superb real estate overlooking the Tagus River, amongst other desirable areas such as Chiado and Santa Maria Maior.
Comporta
Comporta is to Lisbon what the Hamptons is to NYC—an exclusive, “clubby” area on Portugal’s wild Atlantic coast where sophisticated residents occupy stylish second-home villas on large private estates. Merely an hour and a half from Lisbon, this Alentejano enclave captivates visitors with its charming fishing village, rugged dunes, and a pristine landscape full of umbrella pines and cork trees. Yet, behind the seemingly sleepy appearance, a much quieter jetset crowd frequents during the summer months, filling up its beach shack-style villas and oceanfront restaurants. Despite recent legislative changes, demand remains high amongst foreign investors, particularly Americans, Brazilians and Europeans.
Melides
When one destination attracts significant exposure, investors start eyeing other areas with growth potential. Melides is Comporta’s unassuming southerly neighbour, a sleepy village surrounded by Alentejano countryside, vineyards and wild beaches. Beautiful rural quintas are tucked away from sight, ideal for those seeking quietude and discretion. Indeed, for his first boutique hotel venture, Christian Louboutin chose Melides after many years of visiting the Alentejo and drawing inspiration from its charms. Merely an hour and a half’s drive from Lisbon, the region feels like stepping back in time, only a stone’s throw from the excitement of Portugal’s buzzing capital.