Since moving here two years ago, I’ve started to see these experiences in a new light. Day-to-day life shows me one Lisbon, my work as an agent shows me another, and together they give me a fuller view of the city.
Starting over
Like many people reaching their 40s, I felt it was time for a change. Renting my first apartment in central Lisbon showed how miscommunication and delays complicate even the simplest process. For someone used to being direct and efficient, it was a tough adjustment. But it also made me see how much smoother things become when those issues are handled properly.
Learning through experience
Not every start is smooth. I remember arriving to meet my first client at a gated condominium, unable to get through the gate or find the right apartment on the intercom. By the time the owner came to my rescue, I had already lost the listing – a reminder that mistakes happen, but the only option is to move forward and keep learning.
Stories behind the work
Pricing is where emotions run high. I’ve seen owners hold on to a figure that felt right to them, even as the market made it clear otherwise. Working with local and international investors on property renovations often leads to surprises of its own. In one project, we came across a full-sized animal horn fixed above the entrance. Odd at first, but really a charm for protection and luck. For me, it showed how in Portugal, value goes hand in hand with history and tradition.
Looking ahead
The rhythm of a sale is often unpredictable. With one listing, buyers arrived quickly, but bureaucracy slowed everything down for months. That mix of energy and delay feels like Lisbon itself – always moving forward, but rarely in a straight line. Beyond the delays, there’s also the question of clarity. In other countries, final sale prices are public, giving both buyers and sellers more certainty. Portugal isn’t there yet, though steps are being taken toward transparency.
For me, the path ahead is about bigger projects, constant learning, and staying close to people. If you have questions about Portugal’s property market, feel free to get in touch with me, Nati Dore, through my contact options here.
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