Foreign families drives demand for private schools in Portugal

The profile of foreign individuals purchasing homes in Portugal has undergone a significant shift in recent years. Previously, the primary motivation for Chinese investors was to obtain the Golden Visa and utilize their property for the tourist market, while senior French buyers were attracted to the tax benefits offered by the Non-Habitual Residents program. However, a new influx of buyers from Brazil and the United States is now seeking to settle permanently in Portugal with their families. As a result, there has been an increase in demand for international private schools in the Lisbon region, with families prioritising education options in their search for a new home.

The relationship between real estate and education is more complex than commonly perceived, and involves an interdependence between neighbourhood development or renovation, real estate investment, and the emergence of new schools. The existence of schools and good transportation networks are essential to boosting a specific area's appeal and consolidating it as a residential destination.

The attractiveness of Portugal to foreign families has been steadily increasing for several years, and this trend has been accentuated by the post-Covid phase. The number of international schools in Europe has grown by 32% in the past decade, with Lisbon experiencing a 93% increase in the past five years alone. Alongside traditional British, American, French, and German schools, there has been a rise in progressive and alternative schools to support the cosmopolitan communities in the region.

This shift in the market has also resulted in changes in the real estate landscape, with new developments attracting families and generating potential investment in schools. The emergence of schools and good transport links play a key role in the consolidation of certain areas as desirable residential destinations. However, the demand for international schools has outpaced the supply in many areas, limiting settlement opportunities for more residents and stalling property development.

Despite this, there are still areas outside of Lisbon that remain attractive to foreign buyers, particularly those looking for lower-priced homes. The shortage of international schools in these areas presents a challenge to settlement and development, with developers and property consultants exploring solutions to meet the needs of buyers seeking education options for their families.

Source: Visão