2. Defining Your Property Buying Strategy in Portugal

Before You Start Viewings

Once your financial preparation is in place, the next step isn’t scheduling property visits — it’s defining a clear buying strategy.

Without objective criteria, every property viewed resets the decision-making process, creating uncertainty, inconsistent comparisons, and missed opportunities.

This stage transforms a general intention — “I want to buy a home” — into a practical and actionable plan.

A successful purchase starts with knowing exactly what you are looking for.

What Happens at This Stage

At this point, buyers establish the parameters that will guide their entire property search.

This typically includes:

• defining the desired property profile;

• selecting priority locations;

• deciding between primary residence or investment;

• identifying essential versus desirable features;

• determining acceptable property condition (new, resale, or renovation);

• aligning expectations with market pricing realities;

• understanding current property values within chosen areas.

The goal is to maintain focus and consistency throughout the search process.

Why This Matters

Without a clearly defined strategy, buyers often:

• visit properties that don’t match their real needs;

• constantly change priorities;

• make emotionally driven decisions;

• hesitate and lose suitable opportunities;

• unnecessarily extend the buying timeline.

In an active market, the best opportunities require fast decisions — and fast decisions are only possible when criteria are already established.

Strategy reduces uncertainty.

Ana and Pedro’s Story

After securing mortgage pre-approval, Ana and Pedro immediately began visiting properties.

They quickly realised that every viewing raised new questions: location or size? balcony or parking? renovated or more affordable?

It felt as though each visit restarted the process.

With guidance from TeamQASA, they defined a clear buyer profile, separating essential requirements from optional preferences.

By aligning expectations with both budget and market reality, they began evaluating properties more objectively.

Shortly afterwards, they identified a property that matched most of their criteria and moved forward with confidence.

Documents & Definitions

Property Profile
A defined set of characteristics describing the type of property being sought, including location, size, condition, and key requirements.

Comparative Market Analysis (CMA / ACM)
A study comparing recently sold properties in a specific area to determine realistic market values.

Priority Location
Pre-selected geographic areas based on lifestyle needs, accessibility, and available budget.

Essential vs. Desirable Criteria
The distinction between non-negotiable requirements and features that remain flexible depending on price or opportunity.

Common Mistakes

• starting property viewings without defined criteria;

• searching simultaneously in areas outside the realistic budget;

• trying to find the “perfect” property;

• ignoring real market data;

• changing priorities after each viewing.

Did You Know?

Most buyers don’t purchase the first property they visit — but they often buy one of the first homes that genuinely matches their predefined criteria.

Clarity speeds up decision-making.