Where are the famous people buying houses in Portugal?
Since always, Portugal has been a destination for celebrities in terms of the real estate market. Due to its tranquility, along with the landscapes and paradisiacal beaches, several celebrities come to seek refuge in the country. But in which areas are they investing?
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban - Parque das Nações
Australian actress Nicole Kidman and her husband, New Zealand singer Keith Urban, recently bought a property in Lisbon, in the waterfront area of Parque das Nações, Expo.
According to Flash magazine, the couple intends to move to Portugal with their two daughters, 14-year-old Sunday Rose and 13-year-old Faith Margaret, in order to explore the market and bring a studio for their productions to the country, like the ones they have in London and Prague (as it is cheaper here).
Madonna - Lisbon Center
The singer Madonna also had a house in Portugal from 2017 to 2020. She bought a property in the center of Lisbon, at Palácio do Ramalhete, built in the 17th century and used as inspiration for the play "Os Maias" by Eça de Queiroz. This palace has 16 rooms, a heated pool, and its own gym.
Madonna expressed her love for living in Portuguese lands through photos shared on social media, in the streets of Lisbon and also in fado houses.
Scarlett Johansson - Príncipe Real
Scarlett Johansson is another celebrity who fell in love with Lisbon, having bought an apartment in Príncipe Real.
This actress is one of the highest-paid in the history of cinema, and chose Portugal to take refuge in a luxury apartment with 3 bedrooms worth approximately 1.5 million euros.
Bonnie Tyler - Algarve
Another famous personality in Portugal, this time an artist, is singer Bonnie Tyler who has a mansion in Algarve.
The singer, with her single highlight "Total Eclipse Of The Heart", was one of the first celebrities to buy a house in the country, before the pandemic, which later made the family spend confinement in Portuguese lands.
The large property is located in Albufeira and they also have a yacht, where they usually spend their time, up to Vilamoura.
The artist has been declaring how much she loves to be here, for the beaches, people, food, and wine. "Those born in Portugal are blessed," said Bonnie Tyler to Vidas.
Eric Cantona - Rato/Príncipe Real
Eric Cantona, former player from Manchester United, is another famous personality who has invested in Portugal to settle down. He bought a property in the capital, whose location has remained a secret, but he is frequently seen between Rato and Príncipe Real.
In addition to living in this area, the former footballer had also invested in the Portuguese real estate market in 2017 in a luxurious building, on the Sant'Ana Hill, currently a hotel.
Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander - Alfama
Also, the actor couple Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander make history as celebrities who invested in the Portuguese real estate market in 2017.
The two bought a luxury house in the traditional neighborhood of Alfama, in the center of Lisbon, with 5 rooms. Located in Palácio de Santa Helena, the property also has a private garden and a pool.
The apartment was renovated at Michael's request by architect Samuel Torres de Carvalho, transforming it with a more modern and sophisticated style.
Monica Bellucci - Lisbon Center
Italian actress Monica Bellucci, with homes in Rome, London, Rio de Janeiro, and Paris, also chose Portugal to invest in a property.
It was in the center of Lisbon, more precisely near the Castelo de São Jorge, in Largo Contador-Mor, that this famous person bought an old three-story mansion, once owned by the Vimeiro Counts. The restoration of this property was entrusted to the Portuguese architects Aires Mateus.
Used as a vacation home, Monica purchased this property as a secondary residence in 2016 and claims to enjoy Portugal, particularly, for its gastronomy.
Christian Louboutin - Comporta/Melides/Lisbon
And it's no secret that the famous designer Christian Louboutin has more than one property in Portugal. Having already lived in Comporta, this celebrity chose to exchange the property for another in Melides, in addition to the house he also has in Lisbon.
The Lisbon residence is located in Largo dos Lóios, referring to an old mansion formerly owned by the Formosinho Sanches family.
Philippe Starck - Cascais
Still the greatest designer in the world, Philippe Starck, at 69 years old also has a residence in Portugal. The property belongs to the Countess of Monte Real, on Avenida D. Carlos I, in Cascais, and is rented by the French designer.
This celebrity has been living in Portuguese lands since the first time he came to visit Portugal, challenged by friends. He fell in love with Cascais bay about 10 years ago and hasn't left since.
The property features a small pool, and a bamboo fence that allows for a direct view of the bay, where the renowned designer works at his desk by the window. It is from this place that the creativity pieces produced by Philippe Starck originate.
Why do celebrities invest in Portuguese properties?
It is more than clear that Portugal is a prominent place in the real estate market for celebrities. But why do famous people like to seek refuge and settle in Portugal?
In addition to being a small country, yet with great natural beauty, Portugal is also a country marked by security, climate, low cost of living, good reception of the Portuguese people, and, essentially, gastronomy. In Portuguese lands, there are several restaurants by Portuguese chefs that earn Michelin stars, with typical dishes often highlighted by seafood and Port wine.
It is in Portugal that many celebrities invest because they feel it is a country in which they can get away from the spotlight, for its peaceful places surrounded by fresh air. With highlights in areas like Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, and Setúbal, it is in these lands that celebrities have felt they can have a good quality of life.
If you want to buy a property in Portugal, count on the help of real estate consultants Casa no Minuto. Like good Portuguese, they won't leave you alone from the first minute until the deed. Through a free, fast and assertive service, ensure a house in any part of the country.
And if the objective is to invest in a property through housing credit, also credit intermediaries Poupança no Minuto are on your side! So that you can have your property in Portugal without worries.