Looking for local flavor in Portugal? Discover the world of “rurales”!

Looking for a unique local experience in Portugal?

Consider buying or renting so-called “rurales”. Statistically, about one out of three people in this country prefer to live away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This has a significant impact on the real estate market, where traditional country houses are referred to by the term “rurales”. Initially, these houses represented the simplest housing - he one that is familiar to villagers. With the growing interest in ecotourism and country vacations, the concept of “rurales” has undergone changes, turning into modern comfortable houses, lost away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

These houses create a unique atmosphere and carry the heritage of many generations of Portuguese people. These houses create a unique atmosphere and carry the heritage of generations of Portuguese people. The Rurales category includes not only detached villas (casa rurales) but also apartments (apartamentos rurales). The range of styles and decorations can be a real eye-opener; some offer traditional local cuisine, while others offer visitors unique agritourism programs.

Advantages of buying real estate in Portugal

It is worth noting that Portugal has a “golden visa” plan that allows foreign buyers to obtain a residence permit and, in the future, citizenship.Foreigners who choose to live in rural areas can expect a number of benefits and advantages. On our website you will find more information about it.

Necessary offerings in the real estate market

So what can you find in the Portuguese real estate market right now? Let's take a look at a few tempting offers:

• 1,085,000 €- apartment in Porto. They are 212 m² in size and have 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. This apartment complex is located in a historical building that is considered one of the best in the city. The building is divided into three parts (A/B/C) and is a masterpiece of Modéon style architecture with elements of early 20th century palace style. Its convenient location next to the World Heritage-listed historic center makes it particularly attractive.
• 530,000 €- Another apartment in Porto. The total area of 116 m² includes 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The property is located in the heart of the historic district. The main entrance has been completely renovated and includes magnificent mosaic floors as well as luxurious moldings on the walls and ceiling. The building's staircase is also to be restored. The apartment includes two bedrooms combined with a spacious living room and kitchen, along with one private bathroom.
• 588,000 €- house in Vila Nova de Gaia of 77 m² with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. This property is placed in the heart of the historic part of Vila Nova de Gaia. There are T0 (lofts) and T2 (two-bedroom) apartments available, of which some have balconies with picturesque views of the Douro River. One of the two-bedroom houses measures 74.45 m² and is complemented by a 35.58 m² balcony. It has two bathrooms, a living room and a kitchen.

Conclusion

Thus, Portugal offers many options for those looking for a permanent residence or an ideal vacation destination, providing every opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique culture and traditions of this amazing country.

Amber Star Real Estate

Amber Star Real Estate provides you with an exceptional opportunity to invest in stunning properties located in picturesque Madeira and metropolitan Lisbon, Portugal.

Luxury villa in Madeira

The first offer is an exquisite villa with a price of750,000 €. This gorgeous home has square footage170 m2and includesthree bedroomsandfour bathrooms. The villa is located on the coast of Madeira, just a short walk from Chalheta beach. This prestigious area, known as Arco da Calheta, is renowned for its ideal climate and warm weather throughout the year. It offers breathtaking seascapes and provides a cozy space for comfortable living with the possibility of future expansion.

Apartments in Lisbon

The next object worth your attention is the Lisbon apartments. The first of them is for sale for745,000 €and has an area86 m²includingtwo comfortable bedroomsandsmall balconyarea3 square meters. This apartment is located in a modern residential complex located in the center of Alengar Nova. The project features stylish architecture, organized toyoung professionalsandfamiliesof both local and international origin.

Other offers in Lisbon

• Object value1,435,000 €with a total living area of169 m2located in the Kampolide neighborhood and havingtwo bedrooms. The interior design emphasizes modernity and functionality, ensuring the highest quality finishes and comfortable spaces to live in.
• An apartment worth1,152,900 €, with an area of144 m²in the Baixa Pombalina neighborhood. It has a stylish living room and modern kitchen equipment,two comfortable bedroomsandtwo bathrooms. There is also a built-in air conditioning system and the doors are made of quality materials from reputable brands.
• The apartment is priced€299,000located in Vila Franca di Shira, with a total area of130 m2. This facility includestwo bedroomsand became part of a new residential project with high quality finishes. The complex provides residents with green spaces, a children's playground and celebration areas, creating the ideal conditions for comfortable living.
• An apartment in Portimão worth285,000 €, with an area of88 m2offering state-of-the-art equipment and comfortable living areas.
• An apartment in Barreiro, the value of which is83,000 €. With the total area52 square metersIt is ideal for renting out. This object includesone roomand is in an attractive location, making it desirable to tenants.

Conclusion

Amber Star therefore offers a wide range of properties to suit a variety of needs and budgets. Don't miss the chance to own an attractive property on the sunny coast of Portugal.

In matters concerning renovation, it is worth noting that this hallway stands out for its vast space, which can be adapted for both a cozy living room and a comfortable dining room. There are also separate areas specifically designated for the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. It should be highlighted that this property is accompanied by a small courtyard of approximately 25 square meters.

The location of this property is the central part of the city, which cannot fail to please. The order with supermarkets, various services and educational institutions makes it particularly attractive to live in.

Example of real estate in Lisbon

An example would be an apartment in Lisbon, Portugal, for the cost of a2,400,000 euros. This apartment occupies an impressive 306 square meters and includes 5 rooms and 4 bathrooms. By purchasing this property, you also get the opportunity to obtain a residence permit. This project is unique, it is located in a new area of the capital and has won many awards.

The apartments are renowned for their unique architectural style, high quality construction and impressive finishes. The rooms are filled with light and provide maximum comfort in terms of acoustics and thermoregulation throughout the year. The proximity to the Tagus River gives this project a special aesthetic appeal.

Second apartment

Alternatively, you can consider an apartment that is offered at a price of1,060,000 euros. This apartment measures 167 square meters, has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and also has the possibility of obtaining a residence permit. Like the previous property, this dwelling is located in an award-winning coastal area of the capital, where it is possible to enjoy unique architecture and high quality finishes that create aesthetics and comfort.

Third apartment

We offer one more apartment in Lisbon, priced at950,000 euros. It is 160 square meters in size and includes 4 rooms and 3 bathrooms.

Real estate from the Mercury group in Portugal

The Mercury Group offers its clients a wide range of real estate in Portugal, among which stands out an impressive house in the Algarve for3,200,000 €This spacious property has an area of300 square metersincludes4 bedroomsand3 bathroomsand also provides the opportunity to obtain a residence permit upon purchase.

The complex is surrounded by majestic pines and offers not only magnificent villas but also well-maintained gardens that represent a harmonious blend of traditional Portuguese style with Moorish accents and modern solutions. The Pine Cliffs Deluxe villas provide a high level of comfort and everything needed for a full life.

Apartments in Madeira

To showcase the variety of its offerings, Mercury also offers apartments on the picturesque island of Madeira. One interesting option is an apartment priced at510,000 €located along a picturesque road, surrounded by green groves and walking paths. This project is focused on creating a comfortable space for both recreation and year-round living, making it exceptional compared to other residential complexes.

Luxury residential complex

Another object with a cost of950,000 €located in one of the most prestigious areas of the city. Here, away from the noisy urban rhythm, there is a luxurious residential complex that offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The design of this project is based on modern requirements and includes:

• open spaces
• well-maintained gardens
• playgrounds
• various amenities for a complete relaxation

Modern apartments in Funchal

Among the offers, there is an apartment priced at1,700,000 €It is also located in an upscale area of Funchal and offers4 bedroomsand3 bathroomsThis residential complex, featuring a modern and stylish design, offers its residents all the conditions for a comfortable life. It includes not only living spaces but also spacious areas for relaxation and leisure, including extensive green landscapes.

Unique offer

If you're looking for something special, it's worth checking out the apartment for2,400,000 €It is located in the historic district of the capital of Madeira, where the influence of antiquity meets modernity. With a beautiful panoramic view of the Atlantic, the architecture of this place combines elements rooted in a six-hundred-year history. This project offers a variety of options, including old houses and modern apartments, making it truly unique.

Diversity of real estate properties

Don't forget to check out more.737 similar objects...available in our portfolio. For example, in the Portuguese village of Monsanto, you can see unusual houses that are built right into massive rocks. This area amazes with its unique architectural concept and has become one of the most unforgettable places in the country.

The unique architecture of Monsanto

Instead of leaving undeveloped areas, people fill them with buildings, sometimes even integrating homes into natural rock formations. For example, in the village of Monsanto, you can see not only unique architecture but also the use of stone in various forms: it becomes not only the main building material but is also used for finishing, paving roads, and serves as walls and roofs.

The locals joke:“You never know where the stone ends and the house begins.”This unusual landscape attracts many tourists, but there are no traditional hotels to be found here. In response, the locals are taking the initiative and turning their unique homes into cozy rooms for visitors.

Ceramic tile azulejo

Ceramic tile, known asI will be back.It holds an important place in Portuguese culture. From a simple decorative element, it has evolved into a true form of art, and its unique patterns and colors have gained recognition beyond the country's borders.

Azulejo can represent as:

• biblical stories
• important events from history
• abstract works

In Portugal, finding this tile is not difficult: it adorns the facades of both residential and public buildings, as well as the interiors of private homes, small temples, and the majestic palaces of Lisbon. Azulejos also decorate metro stations, where impressive panels showcase the beauty of Portuguese culture.

Advantages of ceramic tiles

The Portuguese quickly recognized not only the aesthetic value of ceramic tiles but also their functional advantages, including protective properties against adverse weather conditions. For example, tiles help reduce humidity levels in winter and maintain coolness during hot weather.

Since the 15th century, this art has become an integral part of the local residents' lives, and the decoration of houses with ceramic tiles has become commonplace.

Humidity issues

Local residents often express dissatisfaction with the dampness in their apartments. This common issue is caused by the lack of central heating, which is also typical for Bulgaria. For most of the year, this problem is not relevant, as the climate is warm and southern, but during the winter months, life becomes more complicated due to sharp gusts of wind, especially in coastal areas.

Sometimes entire neighborhoods are left without electricity, so every resident has a supply of candles in case of outages, which can last from a few minutes to a whole day.

Heating systems in housing

In houses built more than 15-20 years ago, electric heaters are rarely found. Their residents resort to using electric heaters or air conditioners during the cold season, which leads to high bills at the end of the heating season.

Residents of country houses find a different solution: fireplaces and underfloor heating systems are popular here, which significantly increases the level of comfort even in the cold months.

Conclusion

Thus, the unique Portuguese culture, reflected in architectural solutions and everyday habits, creates an unparalleled atmosphere that attracts both tourists and researchers.

Introduction to Building Insulation

During the construction of new buildings, owners often focus on high-quality thermal insulation. This applies not only to external walls but also to the interior space, which also requires proper insulation.

Methods of insulating apartments

Apartments in modern residential complexes are usually insulated from the outside using foam, while interior insulation is done with drywall constructions filled with mineral wool materials. As for Portugal, glazed balconies are quite rare, as the country's climate is predominantly warm.

Central heating and drying issues

The Portuguese recognized the importance of central heating as early as the 2000s, which has influenced modern building design with connections to heating systems. Unlike traditional heating methods, which are absent in most homes, this creates some difficulties, such as making it hard to dry clothes after washing.

Solutions for drying laundry

A humid climate can cause even fresh laundry and bedding to remain damp. To solve this problem, many people hang wet items out of the windows, relying on the wind to dry them.

However, other methods have also become popular in Portugal:

• Sending washed items to laundries ("lavanderias") for use in automatic dryers.
• Focusing exclusively on drying, as washing machines are present in almost every home.

However, the space for installing a dryer is often limited. The prices for the equipment itself and the electricity costs are also high, and in this context, using public laundries becomes more practical.

Care for the environment and resource usage

In Portugal, there is also a noticeable awareness among the population regarding natural resources and ecology. Almost all citizens have adopted energy-saving bulbs, and solar energy is actively utilized—solar panels are often installed on the roofs of private homes.

Moreover, the government is ready to partially subsidize the costs of purchasing and installing such systems. In Cascais, you can see solar panels, while Madeira is home to wind turbines.

Electricity production in the country

It is also worth noting that more than 50% of the electricity generated in the country comes from renewable sources, which is also indicated on the utility bills.

Rent and penalties

In addition, tenants may face financial penalties for prematurely terminating lease agreements. Most contracts include a clause about“loyalty period”The (loyalty period) defines the mandatory term during which the tenant must not change the terms of the contract and may not terminate it.

This means that signing such a contract may result in the need to pay penalties if you leave the apartment before the specified term ends.

Tenant rights in Portugal

Your will cannot be pressured when signing terms that do not suit you. In Portugal, there are no strict regulations regarding minimum and maximum rental periods, so it is important to discuss the details with the landlord to reach an agreement that works for both parties.

Conditions for terminating the lease

It should be noted that agreements to terminate the lease with prior notice are possible, and such conditions can be added to the contract. Additionally, the Portuguese Civil Code allows for the early termination of a lease without penalties if there are "unforeseen circumstances."

For example, such circumstances may include:

• Job loss.
• The need to move to another city or abroad.

Landlord's notice

Nevertheless, even in situations where early termination is required, the tenant is obliged to notify the landlord of their intention in writing. It is recommended to attach all necessary documents to this notification that confirm such circumstances. For example, a certificate from the IEFP employment service can confirm the fact of unemployment of the tenant or their family members.

Housing options in Portugal

The experience of Muscovites who have purchased a villa in Portugal, obtained residency, and are now earning income from rentals can be quite interesting. It is also worth noting that some small apartments may lack windows in certain bedrooms. The number of bedrooms in property descriptions is usually indicated by a number.

Something like this:

• T0 — studio.
• T1 — one bedroom and a living room.
• T2 - two bedrooms and a living room.

In T0 apartments, there is often a mini-kitchen, while more spacious options like T1 and T2 usually have separate kitchens. There are also small rooms that can be used as mini-bedrooms, which only accommodate a bed and often lack windows. In listings, this specification is indicated by the symbol "+", for example, T1 + 1 means there is one standard bedroom and one mini-bedroom.

Important:The use of such a room is not limited to a bedroom; it can be adapted for a wardrobe or another space.

Classification of private houses

As for private houses, they are classified similarly, using the prefix "V" instead of "T". For example, a house with two bedrooms and a living room will be designated as V2. In tourist areas, apartments are most often offered fully furnished, while in large cities, they are usually rented out unfurnished.

Housing search

You can search for an apartment not only on specialized websites. If you're interested in a specific area, you can reach out to local establishments or take a walk around the neighborhood, asking residents about available properties. This makes the process of finding housing more engaging and lively, as you can get to know the atmosphere of the area and its residents.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to note that if you are looking for a way to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Portugal, renting or buying a "rural house" can be an excellent choice. These country homes, which were once considered affordable housing, have now become a symbol of comfort and authenticity. Living in such a house, surrounded by picturesque nature, you will not only enjoy the peace and tranquility but also experience the heritage of the local culture.

The diversity of "rural areas"

A distinctive feature of "rural houses" is their diversity — from traditional villas to modern apartments, each offering its own unique amenities and atmosphere. Closer to nature, with fresh local produce and authentic dishes, you are sure to discover something new — whether it's agritourism or simply an evening by candlelight under the starry sky.

Advantages of the "Golden Visa" program

Moreover, it is worth remembering the benefits that the program offers.“golden visa”Making investments in Portuguese real estate even more attractive. The programs and benefits available for foreigners, which not only allow them to purchase property but also to discover a new home in this beautiful corner of the world, make this offer truly unique.

Final thoughts

Imagining the sound of ocean waves or how the vines grow in the rays of the southern sun, all these images only fuel the desire to embark on a journey and explore the rural life of Portugal. I hope my thoughts inspire you to seek out your perfect "rural escape" — a place where you can enjoy not only the beauty of nature but also the deep, rich cultural heritage of this amazing country.