So, you’ve decided to move your family to Portugal, congratulations! Whether it’s the sunshine, the lifestyle, or the pastel de nata calling your name, relocating here is a dream for many. But before you’re fully living la vida portuguesa, you’ll need to find a place to live.

Perhaps your visa requires you to find a rental home before you can even move (although we did get around that, read more).  How do you find a good home for your family in a foreign country?  It can be tough!

Having been through the process ourselves, we know it’s not always straightforward. Between navigating websites in Portuguese, figuring out the deposit expectations, and viewing homes ranging from “palace” to “practically uninhabitable,” we’ve learned a lot and are here to help.

We’ve created a handy  Portuguese Rental Home Checklist you can print out or save on your phone when you’re house hunting. It includes questions to ask landlords, a checklist for home viewings, and red flags to watch for.

Where to Start Your Rental Search

The first question you might ask is if you are OK with moving into an apartment.  The majority of the population, especially in the city, lives in apartments.  These are still “homes”, but maybe not in the sense you think.  

Since we moved, still in the throes of the pandemic, we decided to rent a home.  I wanted some outdoor space for the kids to roam if we were shut in at home.  Homes are much harder to find, so this will immediately narrow your search.

Online Platforms

We primarily used Idealista during our house hunt, which remains one of the most popular portals in Portugal. Just be warned—getting a reply isn’t guaranteed. We messaged hundreds of listings and maybe got ten responses. It’s a common complaint and one that’s frustrating if you’re starting from abroad. Often, property managers won’t take you seriously until you’re physically in the country and ready to visit in person.

We found this to be the case; we didn’t get really any real responses until we could say we were nearby and could meet tomorrow, for example. 

From our move, we learned that it’s incredibly common for landlords to ignore foreign inquiries, especially if you’re not yet in Portugal. That’s why we didn’t seriously house hunt until we were on the ground. It made a huge difference to be present and show we were ready to move quickly.

Other sites worth checking:

• Imovirtual
  
• Casa Sapo
  
• Facebook groups (search “Expats in Portugal” or local groups by city)
  

Real Estate Agents

Working with agents can be helpful, especially if you’re looking in a competitive area like Lisbon or Porto. We even used one agency that had been featured on House Hunters International! Just be sure to ask upfront about commissions—sometimes the tenant is responsible for paying the agent, not the landlord.

Some agents asked us for extensive documentation—including proof of income and even a Portuguese guarantor. Be prepared with your NIF, residency documentation (or application), and a local bank account, if possible. This can really help speed up the process.

Expect agents are going to do a background check on you, might ask for your social media handles, and may ask for several months’ rent upfront.  We had to pay 3 months upfront plus a deposit, which was a hefty payment.

Our Personal House-Hunting Experience (Porto Edition)

Before we ultimately settled in Lisbon, we did some serious house-hunting in Porto. We were enchanted by the city, its history, its beauty, its charm, and we seriously considered making it our home base.

We had a clear wishlist: at least 5 bedrooms, 3–4 bathrooms, an office space, outdoor space for the kids, and good access to city amenities. As a large family, space was essential.

Here are a few of the homes we considered:

• A Restored Historic Home in Porto: One of the homes we viewed was undergoing restoration. You could feel how old and historical it was—truly stunning. But it lacked the space we needed for our big family, and we knew it just wouldn’t be practical.
  
• A Mansion in Foz: This property was enormous and included a massive garage—something you don’t see every day in Portuguese cities. But because it was being divided into multiple units, it essentially functioned like a condo. We worried about the noise our kids might make and how that might affect the shared space.
  
• A Vineyard Estate in Pêgo (near Paços de Ferreira): Located about 20 minutes outside of Porto, this one stole our hearts. It was a gorgeous, sprawling estate complete with a wine vineyard! We came very close to choosing this one, but in the end, it didn’t quite align with our needs for convenience and proximity to city life.
  

Ultimately, as much as we loved Porto, we made the decision to settle in Lisbon, where we found a home that checked more of our boxes and fit better with our lifestyle and travel needs.

If you’re curious, we even documented part of this journey in a video titled: Come with us as we go house hunting for our dream home in Porto! You can check it out here for a peek inside those first two homes.

Lisbon vs. Porto: Which City Is Right for You?

What to Look For in a Rental Property

Whether you’re searching in Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve, here are some key features to consider:

Heating and Cooling

Portuguese homes aren’t typically built for climate control. Winters inside can be damp and cold, and many homes don’t have central heat. Look for properties with heating options and air conditioning, especially if you’re in the south.

Natural Light

Older buildings can be surprisingly dark inside. South-facing windows and good lighting make a big difference, especially if you work from home or have little ones indoors during the hottest or coldest parts of the year.

Storage

Closets aren’t a given here. In fact, they’re rare. If you’re coming with more than two suitcases, confirm that wardrobes, cabinets, or attic space are available.

We were surprised at how little built-in storage exists in most Portuguese homes. If you’re coming from the U.S., be prepared for no closets and potentially having to buy standalone wardrobes—even in new builds.

Proximity to Essentials

Think through your daily life: school runs, grocery trips, and commuting. Is there public transportation nearby? Can you walk to a café or market? Convenience goes a long way, especially if you don’t have a car.

What to Avoid

Scams

This is especially a concern when searching online. If the listing looks too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of landlords asking for money before a viewing or who avoid video calls. Trust your gut.  Never rent something you haven’t seen in person if you can avoid it.

Mold and Moisture

Older Portuguese homes are prone to dampness and mold. Always check bathrooms and corners for signs of past water issues. A home that smells musty probably is musty—and it’ll only get worse in the rainy season.

We didn’t realize how common mold issues could be. When we first moved in, we had to buy multiple dehumidifiers to keep the house comfortable. Don’t underestimate this—it’s not just about comfort but health too!

We also regularly have to clean mold off the ceilings, just like everyone else near the coast.  This is a price you pay to live near the ocean.

Unclear Lease Terms

Always get a written lease (Contrato de Arrendamento), and ensure it’s registered with the tax authority. You’ll need it for setting up utilities, getting residency, and more. Verbal agreements offer you zero protection.

Some landlords want to avoid this as they pay about 33% in taxes on your lease!  However, a registered lease is CRITICAL for you to get registered and validated in Portugal.  This can range from kids playing sports to registering for school to receiving foreign wires in Portugal.  Don’t compromise on this.

Hidden Costs

Some landlords may ask for more than the standard one or two months of deposit. Make sure you understand what’s being asked, and negotiate when appropriate. Furnished homes might also carry higher rent or additional furniture clauses.

Leases are also very individual.  Our lease, for example, states we are responsible for all maintenance outside of core, foundational issues.  We have to repair A/C units, gate openers, garage doors, etc., as part of our lease.  Read your lease VERY carefully.  Our landlord’s agent had the lease in both English and Portuguese, which was helpful.  We had to sign several copies with witnesses.

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Whether you end up in Lisbon, Porto, or a little village in the Alentejo, finding a rental home in Portugal takes patience—and maybe a bit of luck. But with the right expectations and a clear list of must-haves, you will find your perfect spot.

For us, the search took us across cities and through mansions, vineyards, and compact apartments. Each one taught us more about what we wanted (and didn’t want), and ultimately helped us land in a home that works beautifully for our family.

If you’re relocating with kids, like we did, choosing a neighborhood with walkable access to parks, schools, and friendly locals makes a huge difference in the settling process. You’ll find that most Portuguese are incredibly welcoming, especially toward families with children.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need a NIF to rent a home in Portugal? Yes, most landlords will require your Portuguese tax number (NIF) for the contract.

Can I rent a home without being in Portugal? It’s possible, but many landlords prefer in-person applicants. Having a local contact or using an agent can help.

Are pets allowed in rental properties? This varies by landlord. Always ask, and be ready to pay a pet deposit or provide references.

Do I need to speak Portuguese to rent a home? Not necessarily, but it helps. Some agents and landlords speak English, especially in Lisbon or Porto, but documents will likely be in Portuguese.

How much should I budget for rent? This depends heavily on location. In Lisbon, a family-sized home may run €2,000–€4,000/month. Smaller cities or rural areas are much more affordable. A small apartment outside of Lisbon can be 400-800 €.

Have questions about neighborhoods, schools, or what to ask a landlord? Feel free to reach out—we’re always happy to help other families chasing this dream.

Rental Checklist For Finding a Home in Portugal

Additional Reading

Adopting Pets in Portugal: A Guide for Expats

Driving in Portugal: An American Expat’s Guide

Eating Your Way Through Portugal – Traditional Food You Can’t Miss!