Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why use lora&melo rather than a regular real estate agent?

Contrary to a real estate agent, a property buyer’s agent represents you and only you. By remaining independent, we are able to scout through all listings on the market, as well as use our deep local connections to unearth off-market deals for you.

Our services also go much further than those of a real estate agent. If maximizing returns is your goal, we look for the most profitable investment opportunities for you. Through our network of trusted experts, we also take care of all your visa, residency, relocation, and tax optimization needs.

Finally, it can sometimes be difficult to communicate with local service providers due to language or cultural differences. We speak native English, French, Portuguese and Spanish and understand intimately the specific needs of different client profiles, whether you are an American investor, an African HNWI, or a French retiree.

2. Can I purchase property remotely?

Absolutely. In fact, that’s how Marie got started herself (the hard way). We are here to do the groundwork for you. The entire process can be conducted remotely, and we keep you informed on the progress every step of the way.

We are your single point of contact to facilitate your investment and visa or relocation process from wherever you are in the world.

3. How long does it take to search for and purchase property in Portugal?

It entirely depends on your requirements and objectives. For example, it may take longer to find the home of your dreams than to purchase a rental property.

Due to the high demand for housing in Portugal, the current inventory is quite low, so it can take some time to unearth the perfect gem. However, it also guarantees that Portugal will remain a good investment for years to come.

We would advise you to plan for a 3-months search on average.

4. Can a foreigner purchase property in Portugal and apply for a local mortgage?

Yes, both EU and non-EU citizens can purchase property in Portugal without residing in the country.

You can also apply for a loan from a local bank to finance your acquisition. You would have to gather the same type of supporting documents as you would in your current country of residence, some of which may need to get notarized.

Once you have identified the property you wish to purchase, we recommend that you plan for an extra 3 months to secure financing in Portugal.

5. Are your services available only in the Lisbon area or throughout Portugal?

We cover the entire country. In fact, if you are looking for a Golden Visa-qualifying investment, as of January 2022 you can no longer purchase property in Lisbon, Porto, or most of the coastal areas, so you have to look further.

The good news is that the entire countryside of Portugal is georgous, full of charming towns and quiet villages with easy access to the ocean and all services.

6. Does Portugal’s Golden Visa minimum threshold of 280k-350k euros include renovation?

Yes, the minimum eligibility threshold combines the property purchase and renovation costs.

7. Should I be looking for a new build, an already-renovated property, or for a full renovation project?

If you have a comfortable budget and time constraints, a new build or already-renovated property can be the easiest choice.

However, those are generally more expensive options. Also, many properties in Portugal were renovated quickly and cheaply during the Airbnb boom era (which has since passed), and in consequence they often do not make the best use of space or materials.

Because of this, in some cases it may make more sense to embark on a renovation project. We understand that this can be scary at first, but we are here to help. Talk to us to learn more about our project management services.