Lisbon Calling: Where ROI Wears Sunglasses Indoors
If you’ve been investing only where the A-listers are partying or where the skyline looks like it was built by a Marvel villain, it might be time to zig where others zag.
Because while the world was obsessing over Dubai and Morocco, Lisbon quietly strutted in with strong rental yields, approachable price points, and rooftop views worthy of a drone shot or two.
What’s Hot in Portugal (Besides the Piri Piri)
Lisbon isn’t just charming cobblestones and custard tarts, it’s one of the hottest international real estate markets of 2025, especially for short-term rental investors. With Airbnb occupancy rates peaking at 90% in August and rental yields dancing above 6% in high-season, this sunny capital is serving serious ROI with a side of sangria.
From alfresco-friendly layouts to digital nomad demand, Portugal’s blend of lifestyle and leverage is making waves, and not just the kind at Nazaré.
|
Metric |
Lisbon (Local) |
Lisbon (USD Equivalent) |
|
Average Price/Sqm (City) |
€5,200 |
$5,520 |
|
Avg. 2-Bed Apt. Price |
€312,000 |
$331,200 |
|
Central Rental Yields |
5.5% – 6.5% |
— |
|
Suburban Rental Yields |
Up to 7.5% |
— |
|
Price Growth (Q1 2025) |
16.9% YoY |
— |
|
Airbnb Occupancy (Peak) |
80% – 90% |
— |
Why Lisbon’s the EU’s Best-Kept (Soon-to-be-Not) Secret
-
Investor Magnet: Still attractive for Golden Visa seekers and digital nomads (yes, that still matters).
-
Tourism Goldmine: From Fado bars to tiled facades, Lisbon’s short-term rental market is booming.
-
EU Entry Point: Stable politics, dreamy climate, and a legal system that doesn’t require a decoder ring.
-
Tax Wins: Portugal knows how to charm its expats with friendly tax regimes and incentives.
Putting it Into Perspective: Lisbon vs New York Cost Comparison
Below are key figures showing how much more (or less) you pay per square meter / square foot in NYC vs Lisbon.
|
Metric |
Lisbon (Local) |
Lisbon (USD) |
New York City Avg (USD) |
|
Avg Price per square meter (city center residential) |
~ €5,200 * |
~$5,500 |
**~ $27,500** * |
|
Avg Price per sq ft (NYC) |
— |
— |
**~ $2,556 / sq ft** * (equivalent of the above m²) |
* Estimates based on “prime” neighborhoods / high‐value districts
A Deeper Dive:
Lisbon’s value per square foot makes it one of the best ROI opportunities on the map for second homes, investment properties, or even relocation plays.
Lisbon properties of similar size and location can cost nearly 60% less than comparable homes in Manhattan and the architecture doesn’t scream “developer special.”
From the Desk of One Global Advisory at Compass
Lisbon’s not just pretty to look at, it’s smart money, too. And because we believe in relationships over pressure, facts over flash, and ROI over TikTok tours, we’re ready to help you buy smarter no matter where you are on the globe. No shady tactics, no 4 a.m. WhatsApps.
Want to talk numbers? Reply to this newsletter and we’ll run the math together.
