An IMGW News Report
Portugal Forecast to Lead Europe in Real Estate Transactions Portugal is forecast to record Europe’s fastest growth in property transactions in 2025, according to the ERA Europe Market Survey.
ERA, one of the world’s largest real estate brokerage networks, draws on both its own data and official statistics. Yet, as with all industry-led reports, the findings reflect commercial perspectives and are best read alongside independent sources such as Eurostat and national statistical offices for a balanced view.
The survey projects transaction growth of more than 10% this year, supported by stronger market dynamics and improved financing conditions.
“Lisbon property is now more expensive than in Rome, Madrid, or Brussels”
Data from Portugal’s National Statistics Institute (INE) already showed a 24.9% increase in sales during the first quarter of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024.In 2024, Portugal posted the fourth-highest transaction growth in Europe at 14.5%, behind Turkey (20%), the Czech Republic (43%), and Luxembourg (48%).
By contrast, France, Austria, and Ireland registered sharp declines, largely due to supply shortages – a trend expected to continue this year. The study also compared property prices across 19 European markets.
Portugal’s average of €1,777 per square metre in 2024 was well below the European average of €3,558. Switzerland (€11,400/m2), Luxembourg (€8,488/m2), and the Netherlands (€4,445/m2) ranked among the most expensive markets, while Austria (€3,560/m2) and France (€3,217/m2) also exceeded the average.
Despite Portugal’s relatively low national average, Lisbon illustrates the pressure urban centres face. Prices in the capital reached €4,340/m2, comparable to Prague (€4,555/m2) and Vienna (€4,184/m2).
Lisbon property is now more expensive than in Rome (€3,200/m2), Madrid (€3,805/m2), or Brussels (€3,337/m2).At the top end of the scale remain Bern (€15,000/m2), Luxembourg City (€12,462/m2), and Paris (€9,557/m2) – among the most expensive cities in Europe.
With most EU citizens now living in urban areas, the report underlines the sustained pressure on housing costs, even in countries where national averages are below the continental benchmark.
Portugal, in particular, reflects this dual reality: relatively affordable at a national level, yet increasingly costly in Lisbon and other urban hubs.
“France, Austria, and Ireland registered sharp declines, largely due to supply shortages”
While ERA’s projections highlight Portugal’s momentum as one of Europe’s most dynamic property markets, independent data will be essential to confirm whether this optimism is borne out in practice.
