Spain vs Portugal 2025: Best Choice for Property Investment, Retirement & Lifestyle
- International Property Alerts
- August 11, 2025
If you’ve been following my daily country spotlights, you’ve probably noticed that Spain and Portugal both scored high for lifestyle, stability, and long-term property value.
I’ve lived in Spain for five years (Marbella life really is as good as it sounds) and have spent plenty of time scouting Portugal’s coastal towns and cities. They’re neighbours — but the feel, the markets, and the opportunities are surprisingly different.
If you’re deciding between the two, here’s my no-fluff, from-the-ground perspective.
☀️ Lifestyle Vibe: Where Do You See Yourself?
Spain is energetic, colourful, and diverse. You’ve got bustling cities like Barcelona and Madrid, beach towns along the Costa del Sol, and quiet inland villages. Life runs on late lunches, evening walks, and year-round events.
Portugal is calmer. Smaller cities, slower pace, softer landscapes. Lisbon has energy, Porto has charm, and the Algarve has sunshine — but overall, Portugal feels more laid-back and intimate.
💬 Elly’s Take: Spain feels like a festival, Portugal feels like a deep breath.
🏠 Property Prices & Value for Money
Spain:
- Inland bargains from €120,000
- Coastal apartments from €250,000+
- Luxury villas in Marbella/Mallorca from €700,000+
Strong resale market, plenty of new-builds
Portugal:
- Inland homes from €100,000
- Silver Coast apartments from €160,000+
- Algarve villas from €300,000+
New builds often pricier per m² than Spain, but lower running costs
💬 Elly’s Tip: If budget is tight, Portugal’s inland and Silver Coast areas offer more value. Spain’s inland bargains are good too, but coastal demand pushes prices higher.
📈 Investment Potential & Rental Yields
Spain:
- Holiday lets: 6–8% in peak season
- Long-term: 4–6% in cities/coastal towns
- Year-round tourism boosts occupancy
Portugal:
- Holiday lets: 5–7% in Lisbon, Porto, Algarve
- Long-term: 3–5% in residential areas
Digital nomads keep demand high
💬 Elly’s Note: Spain edges ahead for pure rental yield if you buy in tourist-heavy areas, but Portugal offers steadier year-round tenants in certain markets.
👵 Retirement Friendliness
Spain:
- Excellent healthcare (ranked among the best in the world)
- Huge English-speaking expat communities
- Non-Lucrative Visa for retirees with income proof
Portugal:
- Highly affordable healthcare and insurance
- D7 Visa for retirees and passive income earners
- Known for being one of the safest countries in Europe
💬 Elly’s Insight: Portugal is quieter and feels more “small-town safe” — perfect if you want slower days. Spain has more big-city variety and large expat hubs.
🛍 Everyday Living & Infrastructure
Both countries tick the essentials: good transport, fresh markets, affordable dining, modern supermarkets, and excellent weather—making them appealing for international property seekers.
Spain has a broader rail network and more major cities
Portugal has smaller towns, easier bureaucracy for some visas, and lower living costs.
📜 Residency & Visas in 2025
Spain: Golden Visa scrapped in 2024 — main options are Non-Lucrative Visa or Digital Nomad Visa
Portugal: Golden Visa still available for commercial/low-density property, plus D7 Visa and Digital Nomad Visa
📍 Where I’d Buy Now
Spain: Estepona (Costa del Sol), Alicante (Costa Blanca), Valencia, Mallorca
Portugal: Silver Coast (Nazaré, Caldas da Rainha), Lagos, Tavira, Cascais
💬 Final Thoughts from Elly
Spain gives you variety, vibrancy, and larger cities. Portugal gives you calm, safety, and an intimate coastal lifestyle.
If you want more action and broader choice, go Spain. If you want peace, a gentler pace, and smaller communities, go Portugal.
Honestly? Many of my clients end up owning in both — living part-time in one and renting out the other.
✉️ Ready to Explore Properties in Spain or Portugal?
Whether you’re leaning Spain, Portugal, or still on the fence, I can help you compare real listings, rental numbers, and visa options side-by-side.
📩 Email: elly@internationalpropertyalerts.com
📱 WhatsApp: +447796174253
📸 Instagram: @elly_international_property
About International Property Alerts
International Property Alerts is a premier global platform connecting real estate investors with handpicked opportunities in emerging and lifestyle-driven markets. Through curated listings, expert guidance, and market insights, we help buyers make confident property decisions worldwide.
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