Investing in brick-and-mortar is a solid investment. And if you are looking to invest in the property market in Portugal, then Chiado, a popular neighborhood in Lisbon, is a very safe bet. What’s more, if you are looking to live there yourself, you could not be more centrally placed to enjoy the perks of the bewitching city. Nightlife, restaurants, and cafes, you name it, Chiado will no doubt be able to provide. Indeed, Chiado is a cultural and luxurious hub in the city. In this Chiado real estate guide, we’ll provide you with key insights into the neighborhood. 

 

Buying a House in Chiado

Chiado is one of the oldest and most charming neighborhoods in Lisbon. It was nearly destroyed in a fire 20 years ago, but the city recovered very well, with its old historic buildings reconstructed to absolute perfection after the incident. Chiado has long been one of the city’s most popular neighborhoods for tourists and locals alike, which is one of the key reasons why it has such strong investment potential. 

 

Why buy a house in Chiado?

The fantastic neighborhood of Chiado is one of the finest locations in Lisbon to purchase a property. In this section of our Chiado real estate guide, we’ll provide you with just a few of our favorites. 

In and around Chiado

Chiado has its own unique charm, with its grand architecture a constant reminder of the centuries gone by. After the 1994 fire, some of the elegant buildings were reconstructed, and the architect chose to make space for green spaces, which you’ll be sure to stumble upon if you’re out and about in the area. 

Although Chiado covers a relatively small part of Lisbon, the apartments here can be spacious and luxurious, fitting perfectly with the sleek personality of the neighborhood. 

As Chiado is situated in the very heart of the city, close to fashionable restaurants, quirky boutique shops, and elegant bars, the neighborhood thrives in the daytime and comes alive when the sun goes down, with neighboring Bairro Alto the perfect stop-off place to grab a drink and soak in the nighttime buzz. Also, with many viewpoints, from Santa Catarina to São Pedro de Alcântara, you can soak up the sunshine and the spectacular views. If you own a property in Chiado, you will be able to enjoy the very best of living in the Portuguese capital. Bear in mind, however, that this part of the city is notoriously hilly, as is much of the city of Lisbon. 

One more factor to take into account is that buying property in Chiado is probably most interesting for lovers of culture and traditions. This part of the city is home to Lisbon’s theatre district, with the São Carlos National Theatre hosting the excellent Portuguese Symphony Orchestra. For lovers of art, the National Museum of Contemporary Art is where you will be able to discover modern exhibitions of artistic expressions from Portuguese artists. One thing that you may not know is that Chiado is also where the Livaria Bertrand bookshop can be found, famous for being the oldest bookshop in the world. With its ancient charm, it is the perfect place to meander down the bookshelves and stumble upon a hidden gem.

Chiado is also a short train journey away from Cascais and Estoril, strategically placed for the perfect beach getaway. 

Living the Chiado lifestyle

Just a 30-minute drive from Lisbon International Airport, where frequent travelers can jet-set around the world, Chiado has excellent transportation links. That’s if you feel the need to leave the neighborhood, however, which has much to offer and from which you can get easier around the Lisbon area and further afield in the country. 

If you are moving to Portugal with family and are concerned about schooling in the area, you have international options close at hand. For example, PaRK International School is just a short drive away. The São Jorge Hospital is also nearby, and the neighborhood should have everything that you need a comfortable distance away. 

For foodies, you will be able to find several incredible restaurants covering all budgets. Lisbon has many Michelin-acclaimed restaurants, and some of the very best can be found in Chiado. There is a nice mix of traditional Portuguese cuisine mixed with innovative and modern takes on dishes. 

Architecture and facilities 

Chiado is a charming neighborhood, famous for its architecture and its array of facilities. Whatever you are looking for, you will no doubt be able to find what you are after here. As we’ve mentioned, you have theatres, boutique shops, bookshops, lovely cafés, and some of the best restaurants in the city. Look upwards, and you will marvel at the intricate architecture on display. Yes, if you are considering buying property in Lisbon, it is definitely worth considering Chiado.

 

What To Pay Attention to When Buying a House in Chiado

There are many different types of properties to choose from if you are looking to make a purchase in Chiado, such as apartments and villas. Whichever property type you opt for, there are certain things that you will need to bear in mind. In this part of our Chiado real estate guide, we’ll provide you with some things to look out for.

Check the prices in the neighborhood

Before you make a property purchase in Chiado, research the prices of property to make comparisons. Also, check for nearby parks, grocery shops, schools, and the like, and then make a list of what you need your property to have and what would be nice to have. 

Inspect the property

Make sure to do a very thorough inspection of the home, from understanding when the property was built to its heating system (yes, it can get very cold in the winter months). Making technical due diligence is useful as it can help you to understand current costs and potential future expenses. Note what work will need to be done, both on the inside and outside of the property, including furniture. Check the age of the property, as older properties will require extra work. 

Paperwork

Make sure that the house that you are buying has all the paperwork. It is essential when purchasing a new property. One missing document can lead to significant issues and very long delays, so make sure that everything is in order. 

Check for any red flags or indications that it may not be all it seems, such as legal disputes. To make sure everything is in order and perhaps to avoid potential difficulties further down the line, it is a good idea to seek professional help in this regard. 

Speak to a real estate professional

When considering making a real estate investment in Chiado, Lisbon, it is best to consult an expert in the area who is able to guide you on the buying practices, and who is able to save you both time and money. When choosing a consultant to help you, select one that is licensed to practice real estate brokerage with an AMI license. An experienced consultant will be able to help you understand the real estate market in Chiado and accompany you throughout the property acquisition process. 

 

Chiado’s Attractions

If you have decided to live in the lovely neighborhood of Chiado, you will always have a little list of things to do and places to see. In this part of our real estate guide, we’ll provide you with some of our favorite things to do in the neighborhood.

  • Head to Garret Street, where you’ll find an array of unique shops and cafés.
  • For history lovers, you have the Largo do Carmo to find historic church ruins.
  • São Carlos National Theatre is one of the cultural treasures of Lisbon.
  • The Luís de Camões Square is the perfect place to admire baroque and rococo architecture. 
  • Stop by Bairro Alto for a drink in the buzzing streets, you’ll be sure to find something unexpected on your night out. 

 

Conclusion

This is just a brief introduction to the Chiado real estate scene in Lisbon. It could very well be the perfect place for a property investment or to move to the city. 

 

How Can We Help You Find Your Dream Property?

Our mission goes beyond standard real estate services. Here's how we stand out in making your property dreams come true:
 
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE: We have offices throughout Portugal, ensuring a strong presence from the mainland to the Azores and Madeira. Additionally, we're recognized members of the AIPP (Association of International Property Professionals).
 
INDEPENDENT SERVICE: We don’t represent any specific development or project, ensuring our advice remains impartial. By objectively analyzing every opportunity, we focus on maximizing your investment prospects. We partner with various agents, sellers, promoters, and developers, ensuring a broad spectrum of property options. Our goal is straightforward: to help you find the best property at the most favorable price, whether you're buying or renting.
 
STREAMLINED PROCESS: We provide a dedicated real estate consultant paired with a top-notch client management system for smooth information exchange. With the aid of advanced technology, like metasearch tools, we guarantee expansive market coverage. Our viewing itineraries are tailored to your needs, and we're always ready to assist, be it in-person or on your behalf. When it comes to pricing, we use data-driven analysis to ensure you get the best deal. And, to make your journey smoother, we assign a dedicated onboarding account manager for every client.
 
ALL-ENCOMPASSING SOLUTION: Navigating financial aspects? We're here to guide you through finance options and manage the required documentation. If you need property management solutions or connections to builders, architects, designers, and gardeners, we have you covered. Relocating? Our concierge services are designed to assist in everything, from securing accommodations to handling utility connections.
 
TRANSPARENCY AND PRIVACY: We operate with a commitment to GDPR compliance, ensuring your data is protected. Expect a clear and detailed pricing model from us, without any hidden surprises. Plus, we provide independent due diligence services to ensure every decision you make is informed.

Useful resources

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Exploring Visa and Immigration Options for Portugal

If you're considering making the move to Portugal, it's essential to be informed about the various visa and residency options available. The Golden Visa Portugal program is an attractive option for many, offering residency to investors and their families. For those eyeing retirement in this beautiful country, the Retirement Visa (D7) is tailored for you. Digital nomads can take advantage of both short and long stay options with the Nomad Visa (D8). Meanwhile, the NHR - Non Habitual Tax regime provides significant tax benefits for new residents. 

For the entrepreneurial spirit, Portugal offers the Entrepreneurship/startup Visa (D2) - Start-up Visa (open company) tailored for those looking to establish their businesses in the country. Those with specialized skills can explore the Work visa for highly qualified employees (D3). Additionally, if you have Portuguese ancestry, you might be eligible for Citizenship by descent. 

However, moving to a new country isn't just about visas. If you're thinking of buying property, our guide on Buying Property in Portugal can offer invaluable insights. Dive deeper into the immigration process with our comprehensive Portugal immigration guide. For Americans specifically looking to relocate, we have curated information on Americans moving to Portugal. Lastly, one can't forget the importance of the NIF (Tax Registration Number), a crucial step in any relocation process.