Scottish Interest in Portuguese Property Prompts New Edinburgh Relocation Event
The Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK has announced it will host its “Moving to Portugal” show in Edinburgh for the first time this November, a decision driven by a significant increase in interest from Scottish residents and businesses. This expansion reflects a clear geographical shift in the UK market’s focus on Portugal, with emerging regions gaining prominence alongside traditional hotspots. In a recent interview, Christina, the general manager of the Chamber, explained the rationale behind the new event. “The decision to take the event to Edinburgh reflects a clear shift in the origin of interest in Portugal,” she stated. “Over the last 18 months, we have seen a notable increase in the number of Scottish attendees at our London events, as well as more direct inquiries.” This anecdotal evidence is supported by tourism data, which shows a steady growth in visitors from Scotland, particularly to areas like Northern Portugal and Madeira. The improved accessibility from Scotland to Portugal has been a key driver of this trend. New direct flight routes from Edinburgh and Glasgow to cities such as Porto and Funchal have made these regions more accessible and affordable. Consequently, there has been a surge in interest for second homes, long-term relocations, and investment properties in these areas. The Chamber views the Edinburgh event as a timely and necessary response to this growing demand. While Lisbon and the Algarve remain popular, Scottish buyers are increasingly looking towards Northern Portugal, especially the areas surrounding Porto and the Douro Valley. These locations offer a blend of heritage, value, and new infrastructure that appeals to both lifestyle purchasers and investors. Madeira has also become a focal point, aided by better air links and proactive regional government policies promoting business and digital nomad lifestyles. “As the regional diversity of Portugal becomes better understood, new areas are joining the traditional hotspots — and Scottish travellers are helping to drive this discovery,” Christina added. The Edinburgh show is being curated as a smaller, more intimate event than its London counterpart, with a strong emphasis on personal interaction. Confirmed participants include tax experts Forvis Mazars, business setup consultants TPMC, currency specialists Currencies 4 You, real estate agency Garvetur, and law firm SBPS Legal. These experts will be available for one-on-one consultations, providing an opportunity for attendees to receive advice tailored to their specific circumstances. The event will also feature case studies from Scottish individuals who have already invested or relocated to Portugal, offering valuable peer-to-peer insights. The ultimate goal of the event is to demystify the process of moving to or investing in Portugal. “Portugal offers an excellent quality of life, a favorable climate, and a welcoming environment for UK citizens post-Brexit,” Christina concluded. “We want to ensure that Scots have easy access to the right information, advice, and networks to make this move as smooth and successful as possible.” The event is scheduled for Thursday, 21st November 2025, at The Scotsman Hotel in Edinburgh. Get expert guidance for international property buyers at realestate-lisbon.com.
