Joanna Czapska, Partners International CEO, in an interview with WPROST, points out that Poles are increasingly interested in purchasing real estate abroad. As society’s affluence grows, the idea of a luxury second home, located outside Poland, is becoming increasingly realistic. This has practical implications – the CEO of Partners International has successfully combined life in Portugal and Poland for years.
This trend is being recognized by the national media. In the interview with Joanna Czapska published in WPROST (conducted in Polish), we discuss not only premium and luxury properties on the Iberian Peninsula, but also take a broader look at the entire foreign real estate market, highlighting the trends and opportunities facing those who want to invest in their own home far from home.
WHAT PREMIUM PROPERTIES ARE POLES LOOKING FOR ABROAD?
Foreign real estate is changing its purpose. Just a few years ago, purchasing a premium or luxury apartment was considered an additional source of income and an investment purchase. Today, buyers’ needs are evolving. We’re increasingly looking for properties we’d like to live in ourselves, whether for vacation or as a second home (a popular term in the real estate industry).
The Polish boom in foreign real estate continues. Spain is number one. In 2025, Poles purchased over 4,000 apartments and houses there, moving up to 8th place among foreign buyers. However, this interest is changing, and Portugal is increasingly becoming the dark horse in the race for the top spot.
IS PORTUGAL AN ATTRACTIVE LOCATION FOR A SECOND HOME?
Portugal has several strong points that make it more attractive than other foreign destinations. Primarily, these are its still attractive property prices – the median hovers around €2,700 per square meter. Luxury residences or villas on the coastline are more expensive, costing €1 million and more.
Portugal is a safe country with a high quality of life, as confirmed by the Global Peace Index in the “Global Peace Index 2026” report. The country, with its capital in Lisbon, ranks high at 7th place, moving up one spot in the latest edition of the study.
Weather conditions also play a significant role. Sun-seekers will be captivated by the 300 days of sunshine a year and the mild oceanic climate. Portugal is also a European surfing mecca, with locations like Ericeira, Peniche, and the Algarve region often mentioned by surfing enthusiasts.
Portugal is currently at a turning point in its market development. While sharing the characteristics of mature Western European markets, it still offers higher potential for property value growth than the most saturated regions of Spain (such as the Costa del Sol or Madrid).
This is also confirmed by data collected by Partners International. Portugal is currently the most popular country in our international real estate portfolio.
WHICH LOCATIONS IN PORTUGAL ARE WORTH CONSIDERING FOR INVESTING IN PREMIUM AND LUXURY PROPERTY?
The Portuguese market is highly diverse. Depending on the investor’s profile – whether they seek a luxurious retreat, the bustle of the city, or proximity to nature – individual regions offer different advantages. Among the most interesting investment locations are:
- The Algarve region, located in the south of the country, is most frequently visited by tourists. It offers stable demand and a limited supply of premium and luxury properties, concentrated in prime locations. Here, you’ll find golf courses located within the Golden Triangle: Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, and Vilamoura.
- Lisbon and Cascais, the capital region and the Portuguese Riviera, should choose this location for those interested in an international expat community and prestige, and who also appreciate a wide range of cultural and educational opportunities. It’s here that we’ll find the best international schools: St. Julian’s School, Carlucci American International School of Lisbon, and United Lisbon International School.
- Those who love surfing, wildlife, and modern homes with ocean views will find their second home on the Costa de Prata (Silver Coast). It’s an ideal place for digital nomads and water sports enthusiasts. This region, located north of Lisbon, is characterized by lower entry prices to the real estate market compared to the other destinations discussed.
- Finally, the Porto and Douro Valley regions. This is a strong business and cultural center, with a rich wine tradition and great historical value. Those seeking luxury properties should look out for restored apartments in Porto’s historic center and extensive estates in the Douro Valley.
WHAT SUPPORT CAN PARTNERS INTERNATIONAL CLIENTS expect WANTING TO BUY PROPERTY ABROAD?
Before making a decision to invest in premium or luxury property in Portugal, it’s worth considering several key factors, such as the regulations regarding zones limiting short-term rental properties, known as Alojamento Local. It’s also important to be aware of the legal procedures and transaction costs associated with using a tax number (NIF), the amount of civil law transaction tax and stamp duties, and ensuring compliance with the formal requirements for a property due diligence.
Partners International specializes in international real estate. Through our “Polish agents around the world” initiative, our clients gain access to real estate agents, experts in their respective foreign markets, who will safely guide them through the process of selecting and purchasing their foreign property.
Thanks to Partners International’s network of international contacts, we handle transactions in such lucrative markets as Portugal, Spain, Cyprus, Dubai, Tenerife, the French Riviera, and Croatia. We successfully connect Polish investors with premium and luxury properties in locations with the greatest potential.
HOW TO START SEARCHING FOR PREMIUM PROPERTY IN PORTUGAL?
Portugal today represents a unique balance – on the one hand, it offers European legal stability and geographical proximity, and on the other, market dynamics that offer prospects for long-term capital appreciation. The country, with its capital in Lisbon, is also characterized by low communication barriers – English proficiency in business and everyday life is on a good level.
As Joanna Czapska summarizes in an interview with WPROST, for many investors – including herself – Portugal has ceased to be just a point on the map and has become a conscious choice for a new lifestyle. A direct flight from Warsaw, Krakow, or Poznań takes about four hours, allowing for spontaneous long weekend getaways or combining remote work with running a business in Poland. Given the growing interest in the second home concept, everything indicates that this trend will only intensify in the coming years.