Lisbon was recently ranked the best city for investment and development prospects by PwC for 2019, shooting up the list from 11th place last year.

This is thanks in part to its rich and plentiful housing stock, relatively low cost of living and improving infrastructure, which is attracting attention from the international tech world and young entrepreneurs. Whether you’re looking to sink your teeth into an epic commercial venture or seeking a sleek base in the city, we’ve picked out 5 of our favourite Lisbon properties on the market right now.

Contemporary Belas farmhouse

5 bedrooms; €5m via Portugal Sotheby’s International Realty
Styles converge at this modern Belas villa, which sits on a two-and-a-half acre plot outside of Sintra. Natural stone references the surrounding landscape and pays homage to the polished finishes found in Lisbon’s turn-of-the-century mansions. A barn-like structure has been turned into an indoor tennis court, and there are also several living rooms with mountain views, and a home cinema.

Santa Clara mansion

€3.6m via Portugal Sotheby’s International Realty

Houses don’t come much grander than this historic 17th-century palace, which was refurbished at the beginning of last century in a baroque style. Original features include Portuguese tiles, oil paintings and fireplaces. An opulent hallway is set with a spiralling stone staircase, mirrored panels and ornate moulded ceilings. Frescoes can be found in other rooms, along with hand-carved doors and parquet floors. According to the realtor, the Lisbon property is in reasonably good nick, though it’ll need some conversion work if it were to be turned into a hotel or private home.

Alfama loft

€3.85m via Christie’s International Real Estate
Raw and rustic features are on offer across this duplex apartment inside a 16th-century building next to the Tower of Sao Pedro in Alfama. Wooden beams and azulejos have been retained alongside 17th-century frescoes, while a twisting, contemporary staircase leads up to four bedrooms.

Ficalho apartment in Bairro Alto


2 bedrooms; €1.985m via Portugal Sotheby’s International

Lisbon is stocked with historic buildings dating from the 17th and 18th century such as the Ficalho building, which has been converted into 11 contemporary apartments. This two-bedroom bolthole has high ceilings, as well as views of the River Targus and has been given a minimalist makeover.

Xabregas Palace

30 bedrooms; POA via Portugal Sotheby’s International Realty
We were excited when the opulent 16th century Xabregas Palace hit the market last year for the first time ever – but it’s yet to find a buyer with ambitions to match its scale. It was built initially by navigator Tristão da Cunh, it boasts the most extensive private collection of tiles in the country and unravels across almost an acre of grounds. It’s being sold with planning permission for conversion into a boutique hotel – an intriguing though not inexpensive commercial venture.

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