In the major cities such as Lisbon and Oporto and in tourist regions such as the Algarve, it may be difficult to find accommodation to rent or buy, so it is more expensive.
Because it is rare for an employer
to provide accommodation, you should start to look for somewhere to live before you go to Portugal.
You can begin by looking on the Internet: there are many sites (some in English) that provide reasonable coverage of what is available in the main cities (see Related Links).
Once you are in Portugal you can also look at the classified advertisements:
- in the most widely-read national newspapers: Diário de Notícias, Jornal de Notícias, Correio da Manhã or Público for the main cities;
- in some advertising papers, such as Jornal Ocasião;
- in the local press if you intend to live in a smaller city.
You should always check that advertisements are genuine. Ask whether you have to pay to see the accommodation: if the answer is yes, it is better not to go.
You can also use Empresas/Sociedades de Mediação Imobiliária [Estate Agents] or contact certain associations, such as the Associação Portuguesa de Empresas de Mediação Imobiliária [Portuguese Estate Agents Association] or the Associação Lisbonense de Proprietários [Lisbon Property Owners Association], or some banks, which also have databases of houses or flats for sale or rent.
Rental contracts usually have a minimum duration of six months. At the beginning of the contract it is usual to pay an additional month’s rent in advance as a deposit. This corresponds to the month’s notice the tenant must give the landlord of his or her intention to leave.
Rents vary according to the type and location of the accommodation. The following is an indication of the minimum and maximum reference cost of renting somewhere to live in Lisbon:
- Studio (minimum EUR 250 / maximum EUR 900)
- T2 flat (minimum EUR 350 / maximum EUR 1 100)
- T3 flat (minimum EUR 750 / maximum EUR 2 000)
The rent generally does not cover water, electricity, telephone or gas. Most houses or flats are unfurnished, though some may have wardrobes or fitted kitchens. It is still rare to find accommodation with central heating or air conditioning.
In the main university cities people also rent rooms (generally furnished) to students.
For short-term accommodation you can also see Onde dormir [Where to stay] on the Turismo de Portugal Official Portal or information on Youth Hostels in Portugal on the Juventude Portal.
Text last edited on: 08/2009
Source: European Union © European Communities, 1995-2009 Reproduction is authorised.
