The largest and capital city of Portugal, Lisbon is an active and exciting tourist destination, and is becoming a more and more popular choice for those looking to buy property in Portugal. Because of its standard of living, among other factors, Lisbon is considered to be the second most important economic and financial centre in the Iberian Peninsula.
Like many locations in Portugal, Lisbon’s city centre is being considered for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. This central area is known as Baixa or Baixa Pombalina, which translates to Pombaline Lower Town and covers 256,320 square metres of Lisbon. The Pombaline Baixa was mostly constructed in 1750, and is one of the first examples of earthquake resistant construction; a reassuring thing to know. As well as being practical, the area is both elegant and beautiful, and a must see sight for visitors.
Lisbon is one of the mildest European capitals, with spring temperatures of between 10C to 27C, with mild rain and a relatively large amount of sun. Summers are long, hot and dry, with average temperatures anywhere between 16C and 38C, and very little rain. Autumn is slightly cooler, with temperatures dropping to anything between 8C and 23C. Winters in Lisbon are rainy, windy and cool, with temperatures between 2C and 18C, although it usually stays at an average of 10C. Snow is a very rare occurrence in Lisbon.
With the Aeroporto da Portela de Sacavé, or Portela airport within the city, Lisbon is one of the easiest cities in Portugal to reach. Portela airport is one of the largest airports in southern Europe, and a major European hub. A number of airlines, including British Airways, Monarch, Flybe and MyTravelLite, among others, schedule daily flights to the airport, from locations such as London, Liverpool, Dublin and Paris.
Property near to the city of Lisbon is fairly expensive compared to other parts of Portugal, but as it is such a popular tourist area, those who buy to rent will see a swift return on their investment. Although it can be difficult to find properties available for less than £140,000, it is worth shopping around. In the outskirts of the city and the surrounding areas, it is sometimes possible to find smaller properties for a little less. That said, you should still be prepared to spend over £100,000 if you wish to buy a property in or near Lisbon.