Rita Alves, CEO of OQ Managing Properties helps owners maximise rental incomes all year around.

Why is Portugal still a top real estate investment market in 2026?

Portugal has the top sought-after qualities investors tend to look for: sun, sea, safety, friendly people, culture, history, and gastronomy. This has not changed, and instability around the world tend to bring investors back to safe and friendly destinations. We have consistently seen investors turning to Portugal since discovering it about 12 years ago, and prices have been going up accordingly, even with Golden Visa and NHR programs getting reduced. People started coming in for residency or tax benefits, but nowadays they invest in the country for the country itself.

Which areas or property types offer the best returns right now—and why?

Apartments in historic centres or with water view are some of the most profitable investments. Cities like Cascais, Setúbal or Lagos, or smaller towns like Comporta or Tróia have an upside in our view, as they can also fill in off peak season with mid-term stays. Villas or townhouses in prime locations, next to the beach, with garden and pool, are seeing a real upside. These can capture extremely high values in high and mid-season and that compensates for the less busy months.

Should you choose long-term rentals or short-term/vacation rentals in Portugal?

If clients plan to use the property during certain periods throughout the year, then short-term is the right option, as it allows them to enjoy both their home and the extra income guests bring. If clients are pure investors and do not plan to use the property themselves, then it is a location and size driven answer. Nowadays, with the recent tax changes and the high rents, long term rentals may make more sense in cities like Lisbon and Porto, but in coastal areas, for properties with sea view or in short distance to beaches, marinas and city centres, then short-term is probably more profitable. Of course, the clients’ tax regime, if they buy as private individuals or as a company, and the property’s standard have a lot to say here. We always help our clients make the best decision and can set up properties for the long term or short term. We help select the right finishings, the ideal furniture and the appropriate decorative items, making it stand out in the market and appeal to the right tenant or guest. Then income will come.

How can OQ make investing easier?

Our 12 years’ experience in the property management and rentals market ensures we are here to support our clients every step of the way. Clients can hire us from day one, when taking their first look at a property, or later on when making the first decisions regarding renovations or decoration, and we help make everything happen, with as much or as little help from their side. We then take care of the necessary legal and safety requirements, and prepare all the marketing for their properties. Most of our team members are seasoned professionals, with experience living abroad and/ or working for multinational companies, fluent in various languages and with a real joy for working with homes and holidays. We believe that makes ours a very unique company and the right choice for clients investing in coastal southern Portugal, going from the Lisbon Coast, to Comporta and on to the Algarve.

For more information:
IG: @oq_managingproperties
FB: @oq.propertymanagement
T: +351 211 351 326
WA: +351 938 711 058
E: info@something-perfect.pt
W: oq-managingproperties.com
ADD: Lisbon Coast Office, Rua Alexandre Herculano, no 88, 1o Esq, 2750-282-Cascais
Algarve Office Buganvilla, Plaza no1, Quinta do Lago, 8135-024 Almancil