Decrease in Available Hotels for Sale by 28 Percent
In Portugal's provinces of Porto, Setúbal, and Lisbon, a noticeable decrease in the number of tourist accommodations available for purchase was observed, according to data from idealista.
In the span of recent months, the high appeal of tourist properties as investment opportunities has depleted the existing stock on the market, as suggested by recent data from idealista/data. By the end of March 2025, 131 tourist establishments were up for sale, marking a 28% reduction compared to the same period last year, equating to 51 fewer hotel units.
Half of the tourist properties currently on the market in Portugal in March 2025 are concentrated in the districts of Faro (34), Porto (16), and Lisbon (15). Despite this, the same data indicates that the hotel industry offers business opportunities across nearly all districts and islands, as each has at least one tourist accommodation available for a new owner. The exception to this is Bragança, which registered no hotel advertisements for sale during this period.
This decline in advertised tourist properties for sale was felt in 13 out of the 20 districts and islands analyzed. The largest annual drops were recorded in Porto (-12 units), followed by Setúbal (-7) and Lisbon (-6), the figures show. Madeira Island saw a reduction of 5 fewer hotel developments for sale, mirroring the drop observed in the district of Portalegre.
numero de estabelecimentos turísticos em vendas não mudou entre março de 2024 e março de 2025 nos distritos de Évora, Coimbra e Vila Real.
The current rental yields and market conditions in Portugal, including those focused on tourism, have seen a slight decrease lately. The average gross rental yield in Q2 2025 was 4.57%, versus 4.96% in Q4 2024, which could influence the availability of properties for sale as investors reassess potential returns on investment.
Demand for tourist accommodations remains robust, particularly in popular cities such as Lisbon and Porto, driven by Portugal's consistent tourism growth and ever-increasing visitor numbers each year. Continuous development and investment in the hotel industry further underscore the belief in tourism's future in Portugal, potentially explaining the reduced availability of existing establishments for sale as owners elect to renovate or expand their properties.
Local regulations and policies, such as those governing short-term rentals, may impact the availability of tourist accommodations for sale. Stricter regulations can discourage some property owners from selling their properties for tourism use. Economic factors, such as rising interest rates and property prices, can also influence the market.
Tourism remains a major attraction in Lisbon, while Porto follows closely due to its popularity among tourists and expats. Setúbal, despite not being as prominent, offers a unique tourism experience, focusing on local culture and natural beauty.
The decrease in tourist accommodations available for purchase in Portugal's provinces such as Porto, Setúbal, and Lisbon, as noted by idealista, has led to an increased interest in investing in the real-estate sector of these regions for future business opportunities and financial growth. However, despite reduced availability, demand for tourist accommodations remains robust, particularly in popular cities like Lisbon and Porto, suggesting potential for future investing in this industry.
