For an authentic lifestyle in Portugal, Santarem is a perfect choice. This charming city and municipality, situated in the center of the country, are ideal for those that are looking for their own special corner of tranquility, with winding streets and ancient buildings. What’s more, you will be able to find very spacious properties, with large outdoor spaces, for you to best enjoy the peace and quiet of the country. In this Santarem real estate guide, we’ll provide you with all the key information that you should know about if you are considering buying in this lovely part of Portugal. 

 

Buying a House in Santarem

The city of Santarem can be found about 65 kilometers northeast of Lisbon on the banks of the Tagus River. The city is known for many historical points of interest, and the local people of the city know how to live a good life – full of good food, hospitality, and festivals. Whether you are looking for a townhouse, a country home, or a spacious villa with a large garden, you should be able to find whichever type of property you are looking for. 

 

Why Buy a House in Santarem

In addition to being a captivating city where you can enjoy a high quality of life, there are plenty of other reasons why Santarem is a very good investment. In this part of our Santrarem real estate guide, we’ll delve into some of the key reasons why Santarem is a good place to buy a house. 

Culinary delights

This part of Portugal is well known for its spectacular cuisine. Often rustic, you will be able to enjoy dishes that are made from the very best of local produce. From eels and river fish to local cheeses and meat dishes, you will be able to find a wide array of foods. And, for those that are looking for a little bit of luxury, you’ll find that there are Michelin star restaurants in the region also. 

Proximity to major cities

As Santarem is situated, more or less, in the center of Portugal, it is very easy to get around. Both Lisbon, Porto, and the Silver Coast are not too far away, so you are very well placed to enjoy the buzz of the major Portuguese cities or escape to the beaches by the Atlantic Ocean for some respite. If you are seeking a home in a peaceful part of Portugal but that allows you to quickly get around and enjoy the very best of the country, then Santarem could be the perfect spot for you.

 

What to Consider when Buying a House in Santarem

Whenever you are buying a property, there are certain things that you will need to watch out for. In this part of our Santarem real estate guide, we’ll run over some of the things to consider when buying a house in Santarem. 

Neighborhood

When you are considering buying a house, make sure to check the house thoroughly. However, equally important is to get to know the neighborhood. Does the neighborhood have all the amenities that you want? What about local shops? Restaurants? Bars? If you are moving with a family, consider the local schools, and make sure you are aware of how far the closest healthcare facilities are. Also, make sure to speak with the locals and investigate whether there are any new infrastructure projects in the pipeline, as this could change the property’s value in the future. 

Paperwork

To ensure that the property you are purchasing is legitimate, it is important to make sure that it has all the paperwork in place. If there are missing papers or legal troubles, you should be wary. In order to properly make sure that everything is in order, we recommend speaking with an experienced lawyer. 

Property analysis

Before you buy any property, you will need to conduct an in-depth analysis of the property. Review the documents, inspect every nook and cranny, and make a note of maintenance issues that you may need to fix in the near future so that you can budget for these extra expenses. 

 

Things To do in Santarem

There are many things to do in Santarem. In this part of our Santarem real estate guide, we’ll provide you with some information on some of our favorite activities. 

  • Pay a visit to the old town of Santarem, which hosts many picturesque churches, where you can marvel at these gems of a past age. 
  • Enjoy the festival Nacional de Gastronomia, which takes place every year. This is a foodie’s heaven, as there are cooking demonstrations galore and lunches in traditional restaurants. Artisan producers also head to the city to sell their wares, such as species, herbs, and cheeses.
  • Marvel in the views from Miradouro de São Bento, where you can see panoramic views from south to east.
  • Spend a day at Jardim das Portas do Sol, which is perfect for families and where you can admire the lovely views of the Tagus River. 

 

Conclusion

If you purchase a house in Santarem, you’ll be well-connected to many of the best parts of the country. A weekend away in Porto? A day trip to Lisbon? A week by the coast? Yes, in Santarem, you can quickly and easily get around Portugal. Before buying anything, make sure you speak with experienced specialists and consider all aspects of the property market to determine if it is a good real estate investment for you. However, Santarem offers many opportunities, from lovely villas to townhouses, and could prove to be the perfect place for you to spend your days.

Property specialists

Looking to Secure Your Dream Property in Portugal? Get in touch with our real estate division, Goldcrest Real Estate - Portugal´s buyer's agent, to kickstart your property search in Portugal.

As the first buyer’s agent in Portugal, Goldcrest has a clear understanding of the local market and has helped hundreds of people find their ideal property.

Working solely on behalf of the buyer, they secure the best price for you, saving you time and hassle.

Useful resources

The following articles may be useful to you: 

Exploring Visa and Immigration Options for Portugal

If you're considering making the move to Portugal, it's essential to be informed about the various visa and residency options available. The Golden Visa Portugal program is an attractive option for many, offering residency to investors and their families. For those eyeing retirement in this beautiful country, the Retirement Visa (D7) is tailored for you. Digital nomads can take advantage of both short and long stay options with the Nomad Visa (D8). Meanwhile, the NHR - Non Habitual Tax regime provides significant tax benefits for new residents. 

For the entrepreneurial spirit, Portugal offers the Entrepreneurship/startup Visa (D2) - Start-up Visa (open company) tailored for those looking to establish their businesses in the country. Those with specialized skills can explore the Work visa for highly qualified employees (D3). Additionally, if you have Portuguese ancestry, you might be eligible for Citizenship by descent. 

However, moving to a new country isn't just about visas. If you're thinking of buying property, our guide on Buying Property in Portugal can offer invaluable insights. Dive deeper into the immigration process with our comprehensive Portugal immigration guide. For Americans specifically looking to relocate, we have curated information on Americans moving to Portugal. Lastly, one can't forget the importance of the NIF (Tax Registration Number), a crucial step in any relocation process.