idealista data (quarter to Nov 2025) shows nearly 70% of buyers want 3+ bedrooms in Portugal; apartments lean toward T2 while villas favor larger typologies.
A clear appetite for space is shaping Portugal’s housing market, according to data from property portal idealista for the quarter ended November 2025. Buyers and investors are increasingly prioritizing homes with multiple bedrooms, with three-bedroom (T3) and larger properties accounting for the bulk of demand.
Key findings
• Almost 70% of interest in houses for sale is concentrated in properties with three or more bedrooms.
• In houses (villas), T3 leads demand at 38%, followed by T4+ at 32%.
• Apartments show a different pattern: 61% of buyers prefer smaller typologies, with T2 units capturing 42% of interest and T3 taking 30%.
• Country houses present a more even split: T4+ (30%), T3 (26%) and T2 (23%).
• In current stock, T3 and T4+ villas make up 83% of available listings; T2 accounts for 13% and T1 just 4%.
• Studios (T0) remain the least sought typology across all categories.Why buyers want more rooms
Buyers cite practical reasons for choosing larger homes: more living space for growing families, a guest room for visitors, a dedicated home office, or room for a small private gym. These motivations are mirrored among buyers targeting rental income — larger units can command higher rents or attract longer-term tenants who want more space.
Advantages and trade-offs
While larger homes deliver comfort and flexibility, they also bring higher costs. Purchase prices are generally higher, and ongoing expenses — municipal property tax (IMI), condominium fees, maintenance, cleaning and increased energy consumption (lighting, heating, cooling) — add to the long-term budget. Prospective buyers are advised to weigh immediate lifestyle benefits against these recurring costs.
What this means for the market
• For sellers and developers: There’s solid demand for family-sized villas and multi-bedroom country homes. Listings that highlight usable extra rooms (home office, second living area, flexible bedroom layouts) will likely attract more attention.
• For apartment developers and investors: T2 apartments remain the sweet spot for urban buyers and renters; building or refurbishing units in the T2 range can meet strong market demand.
• For buyers: Consider total cost of ownership, not just purchase price. If mobility or downsizing is a consideration, smaller typologies may offer greater flexibility and lower running costs.
• For investors: Understand local rental markets — larger homes can yield higher rents but may face longer vacancy periods compared with smaller, high-demand apartment types.Takeaway
Portugal’s post-pandemic housing preferences continue to favor space and flexibility. idealista’s November 2025 data shows a split market: larger homes dominate among house buyers and rural properties, while two-bedroom apartments remain the most sought-after urban typology. Buyers, sellers and developers should align their strategies with these clear typology trends and with the financial realities that come with bigger homes.
