Understanding real estate terminology in Portugal

If you’re looking for accommodation for rent in Portugal, it’s crucial to understand the local real estate terminology. In this guide, you’ll find the essential concepts and terms you’ll come across when searching for rentals in Lisbon and other cities in Portugal.

Types of housing

Apartamento: This is the most common type of housing that you'll find in cities. It means a flat or apartment.
Moradia: This refers to a house. A moradia can be semi-detached (moradia geminada), detached (moradia isolada), or a terraced house (moradia em banda)
Vivenda: This word is often used interchangeably with moradia. It also means house or villa, usually with a garden and typically detached.

Number of rooms

Homes in Portugal are categorized by the number of bedrooms. Here are some details you may find helpful:

T0: Studio apartment (no separate bedroom)
T1: One-bedroom apartment
T2: Two-bedroom apartment
T3: Three-bedroom apartment
And so on...

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The letter “T” stands for tipologia (typology), which indicates the number of bedrooms.

Important terms

Sala: Living room.
Cozinha: Kitchen.
Casa de banho (WC): Bathroom. Bathrooms are often described by the presence of a shower (duche) or a bathtub (banheira).
Varanda: Balcony.
Terraço: Terrace. Typically, a terraço is bigger than a varanda and can be on the roof.
Garagem: Garage. Some houses or apartments come with a private garage or parking spaces (estacionamento).
Mobilado: Mobilado refers to a property that is equipped with furniture.
Não Mobilado: Não mobilado means it’s not furnished.

Utilities and extras

Despesas Incluídas: Utilities included. If you see this phrase in a rental listing, it means the rent price includes utilities like electricity, water, gas, and (sometimes) internet.
Condomínio: This means the condominium fee. It’s a monthly payment for the maintenance of common areas in a complex or building. This fee is sometimes included in the rent (incluído), but it’s often an additional cost.
Água, luz, gás: Water, electricity, and gas.

Rental process terms

Contrato de arrendamento: Rental contract. This is the lease agreement that you will sign as a tenant.
Fiador: Guarantor. An individual who agrees to pay if the tenant cannot pay. Many landlords in Portugal require a guarantor.
Caução: Security deposit. Landlords usually require the equivalent of one or two months’ rent as a deposit.
Depósito: Another term for deposit. It’s sometimes used interchangeably with caução.
Senhorio/Proprietário: Landlord/Owner.

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Renting tips for Portugal

Visit the property: Always view a property in person before you rent it, or use the virtual tour option if available.
Check the contract: Make sure the rental contract (lease agreement) includes all agreed terms, including the rental price, the deposit, the duration, and date and the conditions for the return of the deposit.
Understand the utilities: Clarify which utilities are included in the rent and which are extra. In Portugal, the internet is generally not included in utility services and is charged separately.
Know your rights: Familiarize yourself as well as possible with tenants' rights in Portugal. For example, rent increases are regulated and must follow certain guidelines by law.