Pool-Equipped Apartments in Portugal Command 61% Price Premium on Average
A new statistical analysis of the Portuguese property market has revealed that apartments featuring a swimming pool are, on average, 61% more expensive than those without. The comprehensive study, which analyzed thousands of listings across the country, underscores the significant value this amenity adds to residential properties, particularly in markets favored by investors and expatriates.
The data was compiled by analyzing the absolute prices of apartments for sale across Portugal's district capitals, with a focus on locations with a representative sample size. The methodology involved comparing the asking prices of properties with and without access to a private or condominium swimming pool to determine the percentage-based price premium in each city.
The findings show stark contrasts across different urban centers. Coimbra registered the largest price disparity, where apartments with a pool are 124% more expensive than their counterparts. The district of Setúbal followed, with an 87% premium. In the capital city of Lisbon, a key hub for international investment, the presence of a pool increases an apartment's price by an average of 59%. Other notable premiums were recorded in Viseu (+52%), Leiria (+48%), and Porto (+42%).
A detailed geographic breakdown reveals that the highest premiums do not always align with the highest availability. For instance, while Coimbra has the highest premium, only 1% of its apartment stock for sale includes a pool. In contrast, Funchal (Madeira) has the highest concentration of apartments with pools at 44% of its total listings, yet the price premium is a more moderate 26%. Similarly, Faro, the capital of the Algarve region, has a 38% availability rate and a 25% premium.
The analysis covers price data collected over the last quarter, compared year-over-year to identify trends. The 61% national average premium represents a slight increase from the 58% recorded in the same period last year, indicating sustained and growing demand for this feature. The total stock of apartments with pools remains low, constituting only 15% of all apartment listings nationwide.
The market segment analysis shows the trend is most pronounced in the mid-range to luxury property tiers. In the affordable housing segment, the inclusion of a pool is rare and the price impact is less significant. "The data points to a clear market preference among buyers who prioritize lifestyle and potential rental returns," stated a spokesperson from the national real estate institute. "This is a key indicator for developers planning new projects in urban areas."
Government officials have not issued a direct response to the data, but these statistics will likely inform municipal planning regarding residential developments and urban amenities. The numbers reflect a market shaped by both local and international demand, where quality of life features are increasingly influencing property valuations.
Historically, the demand for pools was concentrated in the Algarve's tourism-driven market. However, over the past decade, this preference has expanded significantly to cities like Lisbon and Porto, driven by a growing expatriate community and the rise of the short-term rental market. This report provides the most current snapshot of this evolving trend.
Further data on property amenities and their market impact is expected to be released in the next biannual market report. This will provide a continuing basis for tracking the evolution of buyer preferences in Portugal.
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