Portugal consolidates its position as one of Europe’s top real estate investment markets

The European Investor Intentions Survey 2026 shows a clear improvement in market sentiment, with investors highlighting lower debt costs and more attractive price entry points as key drivers behind stronger investment activity. Nearly nine out of ten investors (89%) expect their purchasing activity to increase or remain stable in 2026, while 83% anticipate similar trends in selling activity.

Living remains the leading sector for investors

For the second consecutive year, the living sector stands out as the most attractive segment for real estate investment in Europe. Strong structural demand combined with limited supply continues to place living ahead of logistics and offices across both domestic and international investment strategies.

In Portugal, this trend is most visible in the development of residential units for sale and the rapid expansion of the student housing market. More than half of European investors plan to deploy capital in living strategies — including build to sell, build to rent, student living and senior living — throughout 2026. This momentum reflects the urgency of addressing housing shortages and responding to growing academic mobility, positioning the living segment as a central pillar of Portugal’s real estate investment landscape.

2026 opens a new window of opportunity — and Portugal stands out

Europe enters 2026 with clear signs of recovery: greater price alignment, gradually declining debt costs and a broad increase in investment activity. Within this context, Portugal emerges as one of the key beneficiaries, ranking 6th in expected returns across European markets.

Among Europe’s most attractive cities for real estate investment, Lisbon ranks 8th, joining Madrid and Barcelona — in 2nd and 4th place respectively — in the top 10. Together, these results reinforce the Iberian Peninsula’s position as a strategic hub for investors in 2026.

The combination of solid economic fundamentals, consistent demand and a growing commitment to sustainability continues to strengthen Portugal’s appeal for new investment in the coming months.