Thank you so much for sharing! My friend and I are making plans to leave the US as soon as we're able and Portugal is 1st on our list. Please keep making more videos about your life there! A black woman thriving! We love to see it!❤️
Hey what’s up....you guys should consider the Algarve area. I live in Faro and it’s part of the Algarve region. It’s awesome down here and probably a little cheaper than Lisbon or Porto. I’m American Portuguese and I moved about 7 years ago. I love it.
You've done the right thing not accepting to pay 7.000€. They were definitelly trying to take advantage of you. A local would never pay more than 2 months upfront.
I moved to Portugal by myself as well, 3 years ago first to Lisbon, then lived 1 year in Leiria ended up coming back to Lisbon again. Love this city! Wish you the best.
I used to live in Lisbon for almost 7 years until last year, when I moved to Germany. Rental prices in Lisbon are ridiculously high which sadly don't correspond to local salaries and to the quality of the apartment. You have to remember that only new apartments have a central heating and most houses are really cold and moist from November to March (honestly it is really freezing, I had to change my first flat as quick as possible, because I could't stand it). Public transport is also far from being efficient, many times trains or metro don't work because of strikes or other reasons and living outside Lisbon without a car can be really problematic. Be careful about this "security deposits", I never paid them so high, maximally they were like two-month rent high, and unfortunately it happened twice that I never received them back although I hadn't caused any damage in the apartment. But still I think it was a nice experience living there and Portuguese people are really nice and friendly.
you should have a look at Tavira in the Algarve, you’ll probably prefer living there instead of the big city, plus we have an island 😎.. prices way below 1000€ also.. keep in mind that speaking English instead of Portuguese will automatically raise the price of the properties, searching for the locals with properties instead of agencies will save you a ton of money.
I’ve watched all of your videos and all caught up. Thanks for sharing all of your travels, experiences & tips. Keep them coming. So informative & great voice.
you should really think about going for other cities the price range in these apartments is ridiculous. You will see the 1200-1500 in Porto is like the high end. broaden your search a little because you are being robbed. Porto we have really good public transportation. Great restaurants. Shopping centers and night life. Close to the beach airport is few minutes away . Is close to everything and you pay way less for apartments then Lisbon. Also if you think in moving this way send message and maybe i can help you not getting robbed generally if they can feel people have money they will ask for ludicrous amount of months up front. Common practice is first and last month of rent. Anything over that they are trying to scam you.
Thank you Pedro. That is kind of you. I agree the prices were way too high. The good news is that they are falling and I’d imagine they will continue to fall.
@@DrivenSpice Do they normally ask for 6 months deposit upfront or do you think they're trying to take advantage of you because you're a foreigner? I'm also thinking because you are a foreigner they may not trust you so they want a lot of money upfront. I would love to hear your thoughts on this because the prices and deposit amount seem outrageous.
Prices were much better when I moved here in 2012 while recession was upon us. I have a great waterfront appartment in Expo with 2 bedrooms for a great value. Maybe the upcoming recession will reset the prices... Wait and see... The pandemic will calm a few of these greedy owners
the Portuguese Government and the Lisbon Mayor,are going to put,in the upcoming months, some 7000 AirBnb appartments on the rental market,in The Lisbon Metropolitan aerea,and at affordable rents!!AirBnB are 1 of the main reasons rents went through the roof,greedy owners have learned there lesson with this pandemic.
actually prices were mcuh better in 2012 because people like you didnt start buying houses in lisbon like hungry house buyers, before people could live affordably in lisbon but not now because of u
Hi there! I enjoyed your video. My husband and I lived in Portugal for 18 months. He is from Greece but we have a home in The Netherlands. We loved living there, we lived at a beach town called Santa Cruz. I could relate to everything you mentioned in the video so true. Even with the ups and downs you will experience it is worth it. Anyway life is what happens in all of South Europe enjoy every moment of it!
Be very aware of the ventilation in Portuguese apartments and homes. During the winter, heaters can cause dampness and moisture to accumulate everywhere in the home causing mold. It is a rampant problem in most places of the country, and made me very sick. Good luck 🙏
I’m currently looking to leave the US and Portugal is on my list, I asked a group of expats about it and they referred me to you... Thank you for all of this content!!!!
Best tip and advice,never rent an apartment in center of town,those are the most expensive,smal and old! You know Linha de Cascais?In half way Lisbon and Cascais,theres Carcavelos,good beach,great place to chill and the rents,well for the price you rent one room in Lisbon ,you can get an entire house with backyard ;) Center of lisbon is for tourists and students,prices are pathetically higher than anywhere else! Check Lisbon surroundings,like Oeiras,Carcavelos,Parede,S. Pedro do Estoril...
Thanks for a great video! Question: did you have to find a guarantor for renting an apartment? Some people claim that it's impossible to rent anything in Portugal (long term) unless you have a guarantor who is a local resident
You have been so informative in your videos. I appreciate you taking time to upload these as I contemplate getting a place in Portugal. Thank you so much!😊 You have been helpful👍
Wishing you peace & happiness on this new chapter of your life! Seeing your videos reminded me how close we were to living abroad, but settled for a gig that lead to another gig. Anyhow-- Thank you for your channel!! So inspiring!
I really appreciate all of the information and tips provided in this video!!! I was considering relocating to Ecuador, but I've seen several videos about living in Lisbon that has me rethinking some things!! Thank you!!!
Hi thanks for making these videos. I am from NYC but live in Cali now and thinking about living in another country half of the year and then maybe shift to completely leaving the US. I wanted to know how the day to day living there is and if Portugal is a place worth moving to. I have a few countries I am considering like Uruguay but Portugal has caught my interest. Also it would be great if you could do a Pros and Cons video. Hope you are well amid the pandemic its crazy over here and I hope its less crazy there. Keep doing what you are doing.
Driven Spice how easy is it to assimilate there coming from the states? Also how are things there since the pandemic? I know they aren’t back to normal but it seems like your in a better place that the states.
Those prices seem expensive to me - especially just for an apartment. We pay $1050 in mortgage for our 3 bed/2bath in Oregon....hmmmm.....and we really want to move out of the US....thanks for the great videos.
We just discovered you and watched several of your videos. Thank you. You do a great job, very informative and helpful. We plan on coming to Portugal (if the ban on American travelers is lifted) in January for 3 weeks to look at places to live. Our goal is to move there next October-ish, hopefully. We will be looking at Cascais and now the Carcavelos area.
one day if you want to get to know the alentejo, Montemor o Novo you will love it. countryside area, calm and clean air and the best food ...all the best !
Randomly popped up on my feed! Videos were great Cinn. Love that you are thriving and doing well. So Beautiful AS ALWAYS! I'm so over DC, but I've opened my dog biz and it's going well, cause otherwise I would leave. Sub'd and alerts on! Xoxo,
Though not always the case, in Europe landlords sometimes do ask for a 6-12 month deposit. They usually require this from foreigners especially if you’re self employed. Today this practice is not so common. In the France the law changed a few years ago whereby a renter only needs to pay one month rent, one month or two security and one month to the rental agent if you used that service. In Germany the renter must pay a 3 month security deposit plus first month rent. Prior to 2016 in Germany the renter had to pay the rental agent’s (Makler) fee, which was two times the monthly rent in addition to the security deposit & first month’s rent. In 2016 the law was passed that the landlord now pays to Makler fee. However if you’re gainfully employed and you have a good relationship with your bank the bank will put up the security deposit. I’ve lived in both France and Germany and now I’m in Lisbon.
I visited appartements in Lumiar too it’s more spacious. Alfama is cute but too busy (outside of COVID crisis) I found the price they asked you was a lot. At the moment because of the Air BnB crisis there are lots to rent. I personally got out of Lisbon as I found it too pricey. We used Idealista a lot to see what they have. Energy Performance !! So true. Thanks for sharing your experience.
As someone that was born in Portugal, its bugging me out the fact that someone is comfortable paying 1,200 rent for an apartment😬🤔, so idk how important it is for you to live in Lisbon but if you go like to Seixal/Almada (15km~ from lisbon) you can find apartments and houses wayy under 1000€...(Because once they hear that accent or English it means 🤑💸) theres so many places way cheaper pls dont rush your decision 🤝🏿❤
It’s bugging me out too, which is why I haven’t committed to paying it yet. Seeing rentals for the price I paid for a 3 bedroom house in Washington, DC is insane. Especially, with the monthly salaries being what they. It’s like no once consider the housing for actual citizen. I still commute to the states, I don’t have a car and I am still pretty horrible with the language. I think when I get more comfortable with the language I will definitely move further out. Thanks for the tips!
@@tiffanys.4250 Ladies African has great countries that are very peaceful too such as Botswana, Rwanda, Ghana, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Sao Tome. I grew up in Portugal, its ok but its not the paradise you think when you learn to understand Portuguese. I am in UK preparing to move to Africa and the countries I mentioned are stable. you can do your own research.
Loved the detailed information, but seeing the size and price comparison of the apartments, furnished vs. unfurnished, I agree that the up-front costs for the unfurnished place was crazy, but have you been furniture shopping there? Are the prices equally crazy? If I move there I would be selling up everything in the US as well.
Hi, welcome to Portugal ! Lisbon as become a more expensive city to live in, but not as much as other major capital cities in Europe. If your intention is just to stay here for a couple of years, renting is the way to go. If you rent trought a third party, they will show you the more expensive apartments, because they assume you being foreing, can aford them. There are private listings on websites like OLX or Imovirtual, and you can find apartments with similar quality for about 1000 euro more or less, comparing to some of the 2000 euro that i saw in your video. Depends if you prefer big areas or multiple rooms, newer construction or remodeled 60s, 70s and 80s construction, and obviously the location is also important, even within the city, you can have 500 euro difference, between similar apartments. Hope we are treating you well as a newcomer. Paulo.
I was supposed to be in Lisbon, like as I type this comment, but covid-19 forced me to return to the states. So, right now, I'm gobbling up your video. I write and travel and I can't wait until I get to pack my bags and hop on a plane. Thanks for sharing this video.
Loved this video! My hubby & I are planning a move to Portugal at retirement in 4 years. I appreciate the real estate side of the video. Most videos on moving to Portugal don't show this! We're looking to move to the South... And want to check out Caldas de Rainhas... Love your vibe and the quality of your video. Looking forward to watching more videos!!! ❤️
Hi! Maybe you'd like to check Eight Miles from Home? They're a young couple with a baby, who moved to the center of Portugal, I think they live in Caldas da Rainha :)
I know some people are claiming you’re getting ripped off and obviously you have to be on the look out for that but truth be told prices there have increased considerably in the last 5 years because of all the foreign investment flooding into Portugal (Lisbon & Porto especially) from creating the Golden Visa program in response to nearly going bankrupt after the financial crisis in ‘08. It was so bad you had Portuguese moving to Brazil and Angola to find work. The crisis and the austerity measures led to a real upheaval; and the rapid foreign investment has only compounded matters, particularly for locals. The underlying problem is that all the foreign investment was basically going into buying and renovating buildings in order the rent out on Airbnb or to “nomads / expats” who’d jump at paying prices much higher than locals ever would, but cheaper than Europe’s better known capital cities like Paris, Amsterdam or Rome. Might I suggest something; with this crisis, prices will go down and you’ll be able to get stuff at a decent discount and take advantage. But maybe you do a 6 month lease that takes you through the summer. That way you get to see if you like it there and if not, you make your way to Costa Rica just in time for the winter! Good luck!
I agree totally. I thought the prices were too high which is why I didn’t commit. But the prices have slowly started to come down so I didn’t want to commit to something long term just yet. Still waiting.
@@DrivenSpice yep smart move,do you have an email or instagram,twitter??i can send you a phonenr of a Portuguese woman,she works for a Lisbon realtor,and she speaks reasonably English,tell her what your looking for,how much you wanna pay, and so on and she has to make sure she doesn't reveal that it's for an American woman and wait and see what she finds for you!!You might be surprised!!
After having lived in El Salvador, C.A., seeing how my friends who are from or live in Europe live, and finally after renting a tiny house while traveling, I realized how little space I need! I would likely get a one bedroom that has an alcove area so I can set up an office, and that's it! Probably no larger than 60sm (645 sf). I will make that work!
Great video as always! I noticed you mentioned you had lived in CaisCais; aside from the thin walls , why did you leave that area? I have my eye on it for next year and want to make sure it’s ok ( I’m in my 50s, and wanted something not as busy as Lisbon? ?
Thank you Sandra. I did live in Cascais for a little bit. I left because I moved there toward the earlier parts when I didn't know anyone. I felt kind of isolated and lonely in Cascais and I couldn't just run to the corner and grab a late night bite like I was use to doing in Lisbon. When I went out there, I felt like there were mostly people with their families and sometimes I felt out of place. But it's important to note that I probably felt that way because I was fresh off the plane and hadn't had the opportunity to make friends or feel comfortable yet. Also, I'm a city girl. I grew up in a city and I later determined I wanted the city vibe for now.
@@DrivenSpice I'm a city girl also; love high rise living/walkable downtowns. I just want to make sure I choose an area with no so much tourist traffic. Do you send out notifications letting us know when your next live interviews will be? Grateful for your incredible content!
@@sandrasgotvoice Sure thing. TH-cam will notify you if you're subscribed. And I send an email if you're on any of my lists. The interviews aren't typically live because I have to edit many of them. But I am thinking about going live tomorrow to discuss opening a bank account in Portugal.
Lisbon is our destination of choice. Now living in San Francisco, so Lisbon is essentially our sister city minus the thousands of dollars. If November elections go ‘wrong’, we are moving. Both have Golden Gate bridges too.
Driven Spice ...And since retired no need for Medicare ripoff payments with a rip offBlue Cross Supplements. Health insurance for non residents i here is quite reasonable. So you are under “Calamity” restricted time. Stay safe . And your weather is better than SF. Make up our room please😀😃
Thank you for this video and I hope you are doing well and are safe. I am planning my move to Portugal for 2021. I love that country and have visited several times. I "should" depending on what happens with COVID, be there for the whole month of August. Would love to meet up if you will be in town and have time. I'm so glad you posted the cost of the shea moisture products in another video. I will be bringing my own from Target :)
Thank you! And I hope it was helpful. I’d imagine that the rental rates will start to go down. Sure, that would be cool to connect. Ha! Yes, bring your hair products, but if you run out its good to know you can get something in Lisbon in a pinch.
@@DrivenSpice The rents have dropped significantly and keep dropping. I've had my eye on a couple of apartments to stay this summer and some have dropped by almost 40%. It also indicates how inflated the rents were anyway, which I get, since there was so much demand to live there over the past 10 years which drove rents up. Hopefully prices will be more realistic and reasonable next year. Keep the videos coming and I hope you are enjoying living there!!
It used to be one month deposit. But some owners started to consider how long does it take to evict someone if things go bad. The problem in cities like Lisbon and Porto (and other cities close by) is that on a monthly basis it is cheaper to buy than to rent. With the 2011, credit was low to rents went up, and with increasing tourism and foreigners moving in into the country they went skyrocketing. There are still some in the money flats and villas around. You just need to look hard. Sapo.pt and imovirtual.pt are also good websites to look for places to live. A tip, look for those local small real estate agents. They will get small gems with more affordable prices. Happy hunting!
Thank you for posting this. Very informative. I would like to know what social relationships you have been able to establish since arriving in Portugal. I am self employed as well and the nature of that can be a little isolating. What have been your social experiences so far in making new friends. That's what scares me most about moving to another country - the lack of friends and family.
I love Europe, but I loved it more when I was young and could walk alot. I have to say it's safer than most places in the US, but doesn't mean your going to find a job, and maybe you don't need one, maybe your retired, either way, your going to help the Portuguese economy, and your going to learn a new language and probably help someone with their English. You are helping Europe, not hurting it, and if it's so cheap, you can take a nice trip to Paris, or UK or Italy every now and then. Love Bacalau, love the good food, even people in Spain go to Portugal for the good prices. Some have a business and buy their merchandise in Portugal, doesn't mean their debt will be taken care of or even their people will get a better retirement. I saw a video on long lines in spain just for bread to eat. poverty is high in most European countries but people do live better and have friends. Something rare in the US. no guns, in most European countries. safe. Doesn't mean no terrorism, but rare. Spain is socialist, has a communist Vice President, not a good future. Portugal was hopping Spain would unite with them years ago because of the crisis, the north of spain and portugual speak the same language, they have lots of fish, they eat lots of fish, rare to eat meat every meal like in the US. Big Mac heart attack. you can find paradise in both countries. you can't find a paradise in the US, it would be so over priced and no matter where the rich live, the extreme poor live right next to them. not so in Europe, but there are no jobs, so it's best to go with a pension from the US. The virus is most likely going to shatter the EU, making things cheaper. I wouldn't mind someday live in a small town, where people are friendly. Hopefully the governments won't be corrupt and ruin it.
Thank you . I’m glad to hear that. Well, covid hit so I’ll be doing the apartment hunt over again when outside opens back up. The last apartment is still available so I may try that one again if the price comes down.
I just came across your channel. I am hoping to move from Canada back to Europe (I lived there for a couple of years studying) once things settle with everything going on right now. I wanted to know more about the visa process - do you speak about that in any video? I can't decide if its better to work for a Canadian company in a remote position, or find a position in Portugal/Spain (which are the two main places I am considering). I would love to chat with you!
I rented a furnished apartment on Queretaro. Mexico in 2021. And it included all utilities. Wifi. Maid and security. It was 14k on a monthly basis. And went up to 15k 15 months later. The dollar exchange has my rent rising each month
You should try the other side of the river, like Almada, Seixal. It's 30 minutes away from Lisbon and houses are much cheaper. The best beaches and better quality of living :)
Thank you for sharing but your cut off size video images doesn’t really do the justice and yh is true Center Lisbon is way too spence to live but if you move away from the city,will be more cheaper.
I'm from Pennsylvania and have lived in Madrid for about 18 years. Madrid is substantially more expensive than Lisbon and I find that first apartment to be really expensive. It's nice, but really expensive. In general you seem to be looking at really high end places. Lisbon is my favorite city in Europe and I go there often. Me personally I would have preferred to live in Barrio Alto somewhere.
Hello! Would anyone have any resources/websites to do some more research on cost of housing and searching of housing for my future plans to getting back to Lisbon? Obrigdo! Thank you!
I stayed it Cascais when I first came. Although beautiful, I found it to be just as expensive as Lisbon. I was also incredibly lonely there. It seemed like it was more of a family area and hard for me to meet people when compared to Lisbon. Maybe I just didn’t know where to go.
Have you ever felt uncomfortable or unwelcomed in Portugal. For example have you ever been watched, or followed as a black woman in Portugal? I am wondering because my husband and I are really starting to consider living outside of the US (where we were both raised).
Those are way too expensive! It's because of foreigners moving in Lisbon and paying those prices that the rents are increasing massively, and Portuguese people need to get further from Lisbon to afford accommodation. I get that you guys look for new horizons but you should think about the impact it makes on the local population... Hope you enjoy Lisbon though
Those prices are around the same for a one bedroom in a decent area in Chicago, IL. I think the real problem is when foreigners go to a different country and they are not aware they are being taken advantage of by local real estate agents. In her eyes, those apartments are cheaper than what she would’ve gotten in the US. So they look like a steal. Most of those prices, for those types of apartments would run you $4000+ if she was looking in “good, safe areas” here in most cities in the US.
Large cities in the US have the same problems of locals not being able to afford to live comfortably because of jobs and better standards of living attracting large groups of non-natives. It's is an unfortunate reality of large cities.
I tried to work with several realtors, but at the time the market was so busy that some Shante didn’t follow through. From my experience... I just used the websites and called people directly.
Wow, ppl really have different experiences. I took a solo trip to Porto recently and I vowed that I would never visit Portugal again. The locals were so unpleasant and it was clear that it was racism. All the best on your journey.
dope story would love to see a video on the process of becoming a citizen if you did that ...and if not one thats generally about the rules of moving to a country like Lisbon as a US citizen ..visa? etc...
Thank you so much for sharing! My friend and I are making plans to leave the US as soon as we're able and Portugal is 1st on our list. Please keep making more videos about your life there! A black woman thriving! We love to see it!❤️
Thank you. I really appreciate it. Will do!
southern oracle yasss!!
Hey what’s up....you guys should consider the Algarve area. I live in Faro and it’s part of the Algarve region. It’s awesome down here and probably a little cheaper than Lisbon or Porto. I’m American Portuguese and I moved about 7 years ago. I love it.
Also consider Costa Rica, but either way, get out ASAP lol check out the global black girl
We really do love to see it !!❤️
Can you do a video on the things you need to do (like getting a visa etc) before you move to Portugal?
Yes
Oh, that would be a great video.
Interested in that topic. Just found your channel and I like the content. Thank you for sharing.
You've done the right thing not accepting to pay 7.000€. They were definitelly trying to take advantage of you. A local would never pay more than 2 months upfront.
Thanks Hugo!
I moved to Portugal by myself as well, 3 years ago first to Lisbon, then lived 1 year in Leiria ended up coming back to Lisbon again. Love this city! Wish you the best.
That’s so awesome! Thank you for the well wishes.
I used to live in Lisbon for almost 7 years until last year, when I moved to Germany. Rental prices in Lisbon are ridiculously high which sadly don't correspond to local salaries and to the quality of the apartment. You have to remember that only new apartments have a central heating and most houses are really cold and moist from November to March (honestly it is really freezing, I had to change my first flat as quick as possible, because I could't stand it). Public transport is also far from being efficient, many times trains or metro don't work because of strikes or other reasons and living outside Lisbon without a car can be really problematic. Be careful about this "security deposits", I never paid them so high, maximally they were like two-month rent high, and unfortunately it happened twice that I never received them back although I hadn't caused any damage in the apartment. But still I think it was a nice experience living there and Portuguese people are really nice and friendly.
you should have a look at Tavira in the Algarve, you’ll probably prefer living there instead of the big city, plus we have an island 😎.. prices way below 1000€ also.. keep in mind that speaking English instead of Portuguese will automatically raise the price of the properties, searching for the locals with properties instead of agencies will save you a ton of money.
I’ve watched all of your videos and all caught up. Thanks for sharing all of your travels, experiences & tips. Keep them coming. So informative & great voice.
Thank you so much!
you should really think about going for other cities the price range in these apartments is ridiculous. You will see the 1200-1500 in Porto is like the high end. broaden your search a little because you are being robbed. Porto we have really good public transportation. Great restaurants. Shopping centers and night life. Close to the beach airport is few minutes away . Is close to everything and you pay way less for apartments then Lisbon. Also if you think in moving this way send message and maybe i can help you not getting robbed generally if they can feel people have money they will ask for ludicrous amount of months up front. Common practice is first and last month of rent. Anything over that they are trying to scam you.
Thank you Pedro. That is kind of you. I agree the prices were way too high. The good news is that they are falling and I’d imagine they will continue to fall.
@@DrivenSpice Do they normally ask for 6 months deposit upfront or do you think they're trying to take advantage of you because you're a foreigner? I'm also thinking because you are a foreigner they may not trust you so they want a lot of money upfront. I would love to hear your thoughts on this because the prices and deposit amount seem outrageous.
@@IQscan51 No they do not...I payed first, last and security just like in the U.S.A. you must research and network to find the best deal...
Prices were much better when I moved here in 2012 while recession was upon us. I have a great waterfront appartment in Expo with 2 bedrooms for a great value.
Maybe the upcoming recession will reset the prices... Wait and see... The pandemic will calm a few of these greedy owners
I think you’re right. It will be interesting to see where things go as the recession sets in. I’m starting to see some of the prices come down.
Driven Spice This economic crisis will help. And all these empty AirBnbs are about to turn into long term appartments.
Absolutely
the Portuguese Government and the Lisbon Mayor,are going to put,in the upcoming months, some 7000 AirBnb appartments on the rental market,in The Lisbon Metropolitan aerea,and at affordable rents!!AirBnB are 1 of the main reasons rents went through the roof,greedy owners have learned there lesson with this pandemic.
actually prices were mcuh better in 2012 because people like you didnt start buying houses in lisbon like hungry house buyers, before people could live affordably in lisbon but not now because of u
Hi there! I enjoyed your video. My husband and I lived in Portugal for 18 months. He is from Greece but we have a home in The Netherlands. We loved living there, we lived at a beach town called Santa Cruz. I could relate to everything you mentioned in the video so true. Even with the ups and downs you will experience it is worth it. Anyway life is what happens in all of South Europe enjoy every moment of it!
Thank you!
Thank you for the apartment tours and tips, would love to see an official tour of the apartment you settle on. Be safe and well :)
Be very aware of the ventilation in Portuguese apartments and homes. During the winter, heaters can cause dampness and moisture to accumulate everywhere in the home causing mold. It is a rampant problem in most places of the country, and made me very sick. Good luck 🙏
I’m currently looking to leave the US and Portugal is on my list, I asked a group of expats about it and they referred me to you... Thank you for all of this content!!!!
Awh, thank you! Hope it was helpful.
Best tip and advice,never rent an apartment in center of town,those are the most expensive,smal and old!
You know Linha de Cascais?In half way Lisbon and Cascais,theres Carcavelos,good beach,great place to chill and the rents,well for the price you rent one room in Lisbon ,you can get an entire house with backyard ;)
Center of lisbon is for tourists and students,prices are pathetically higher than anywhere else!
Check Lisbon surroundings,like Oeiras,Carcavelos,Parede,S. Pedro do Estoril...
Thanks for a great video! Question: did you have to find a guarantor for renting an apartment? Some people claim that it's impossible to rent anything in Portugal (long term) unless you have a guarantor who is a local resident
Super informative and helpful! Really appreciate your perspective and advice.
Thank you! So glad it was helpful
Thanks for the information; Portugal is one of the countries on my "to look at" list.
You have been so informative in your videos. I appreciate you taking time to upload these as I contemplate getting a place in Portugal. Thank you so much!😊 You have been helpful👍
Thank you so much! I happy you found them helpful. 😁
@@DrivenSpice Thanks
Wishing you peace & happiness on this new chapter of your life! Seeing your videos reminded me how close we were to living abroad, but settled for a gig that lead to another gig. Anyhow-- Thank you for your channel!! So inspiring!
Thank you so much for the well wishes and support!
I really appreciate all of the information and tips provided in this video!!! I was considering relocating to Ecuador, but I've seen several videos about living in Lisbon that has me rethinking some things!! Thank you!!!
Awesome! Glad it was helpful.
So much great information here! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences!!
Thank you so much!
Hi thanks for making these videos. I am from NYC but live in Cali now and thinking about living in another country half of the year and then maybe shift to completely leaving the US. I wanted to know how the day to day living there is and if Portugal is a place worth moving to. I have a few countries I am considering like Uruguay but Portugal has caught my interest. Also it would be great if you could do a Pros and Cons video. Hope you are well amid the pandemic its crazy over here and I hope its less crazy there. Keep doing what you are doing.
Thank you so much. I’ll be working on content that address those questions coming up soon. Do you have any specific questions I can help answer?
Driven Spice how easy is it to assimilate there coming from the states? Also how are things there since the pandemic? I know they aren’t back to normal but it seems like your in a better place that the states.
Those prices seem expensive to me - especially just for an apartment. We pay $1050 in mortgage for our 3 bed/2bath in Oregon....hmmmm.....and we really want to move out of the US....thanks for the great videos.
This is very informative. WOW, incredible how renting a place can be overwhelming, anywhere.
We just discovered you and watched several of your videos. Thank you. You do a great job, very informative and helpful. We plan on coming to Portugal (if the ban on American travelers is lifted) in January for 3 weeks to look at places to live. Our goal is to move there next October-ish, hopefully. We will be looking at Cascais and now the Carcavelos area.
Awesome! Thank you so much!💕
Thank you again for another great instructive video!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.
Nice video, thank you, I am about to move to Lisbon next month 🤗
one day if you want to get to know the alentejo, Montemor o Novo you will love it. countryside area, calm and clean air and the best food ...all the best !
Randomly popped up on my feed! Videos were great Cinn. Love that you are thriving and doing well. So Beautiful AS ALWAYS! I'm so over DC, but I've opened my dog biz and it's going well, cause otherwise I would leave. Sub'd and alerts on!
Xoxo,
Awh, hey Carley 👋🏽. Thanks love that means a lot to me. Congrats on your dog biz! I remember when you started it. Kudos!
I’m considering moving to Portugal and this video was very helpful. Thank you so much!
Thank you, glad it was helpful!
Though not always the case, in Europe landlords sometimes do ask for a 6-12 month deposit. They usually require this from foreigners especially if you’re self employed. Today this practice is not so common. In the France the law changed a few years ago whereby a renter only needs to pay one month rent, one month or two security and one month to the rental agent if you used that service. In Germany the renter must pay a 3 month security deposit plus first month rent. Prior to 2016 in Germany the renter had to pay the rental agent’s (Makler) fee, which was two times the monthly rent in addition to the security deposit & first month’s rent. In 2016 the law was passed that the landlord now pays to Makler fee. However if you’re gainfully employed and you have a good relationship with your bank the bank will put up the security deposit. I’ve lived in both France and Germany and now I’m in Lisbon.
I visited appartements in Lumiar too it’s more spacious. Alfama is cute but too busy (outside of COVID crisis) I found the price they asked you was a lot. At the moment because of the Air BnB crisis there are lots to rent. I personally got out of Lisbon as I found it too pricey. We used Idealista a lot to see what they have. Energy Performance !! So true. Thanks for sharing your experience.
As someone that was born in Portugal, its bugging me out the fact that someone is comfortable paying 1,200 rent for an apartment😬🤔, so idk how important it is for you to live in Lisbon but if you go like to Seixal/Almada (15km~ from lisbon) you can find apartments and houses wayy under 1000€...(Because once they hear that accent or English it means 🤑💸) theres so many places way cheaper pls dont rush your decision 🤝🏿❤
It’s bugging me out too, which is why I haven’t committed to paying it yet. Seeing rentals for the price I paid for a 3 bedroom house in Washington, DC is insane. Especially, with the monthly salaries being what they. It’s like no once consider the housing for actual citizen. I still commute to the states, I don’t have a car and I am still pretty horrible with the language. I think when I get more comfortable with the language I will definitely move further out. Thanks for the tips!
Go to Almada it's peaceful you got a lot of transports beaches and the rent prices it's waay cheaper like 600€/700€ a good apartment
You still in Portugal? Im freaking dieing to get the heck out of N.Y
Omg NY is my hometown and leaving was the best thing I could ever do! I went to California to start out.
Flying back to Portugal soon?
@@chrisjo3174 I think on may 22
@@tiffanys.4250 Ladies African has great countries that are very peaceful too such as Botswana, Rwanda, Ghana, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Sao Tome. I grew up in Portugal, its ok but its not the paradise you think when you learn to understand Portuguese. I am in UK preparing to move to Africa and the countries I mentioned are stable. you can do your own research.
@@Colourandwellbeing i would LOVE to go to all the places you mentioned but I have no clue where to start. I want to get out of the US.
The rents are still expensive compared to where I live in Southern Ontario Canada. But really cute apartments.
Loved the detailed information, but seeing the size and price comparison of the apartments, furnished vs. unfurnished, I agree that the up-front costs for the unfurnished place was crazy, but have you been furniture shopping there? Are the prices equally crazy? If I move there I would be selling up everything in the US as well.
Hi, welcome to Portugal !
Lisbon as become a more expensive city to live in, but not as much as other major capital cities in Europe. If your intention is just to stay here for a couple of years, renting is the way to go. If you rent trought a third party, they will show you the more expensive apartments, because they assume you being foreing, can aford them.
There are private listings on websites like OLX or Imovirtual, and you can find apartments with similar quality for about 1000 euro more or less, comparing to some of the 2000 euro that i saw in your video.
Depends if you prefer big areas or multiple rooms, newer construction or remodeled 60s, 70s and 80s construction, and obviously the location is also important, even within the city, you can have 500 euro difference, between similar apartments.
Hope we are treating you well as a newcomer.
Paulo.
Paulo, that you so much for your tips and advice. I really appreciate it.
Great information my brother in law moved there on his own too and he loves it. You should connect.
I was supposed to be in Lisbon, like as I type this comment, but covid-19 forced me to return to the states. So, right now, I'm gobbling up your video. I write and travel and I can't wait until I get to pack my bags and hop on a plane. Thanks for sharing this video.
Thank you! I miss traveling too. 🥺. I was suppose to be in Mozambique to visit 😭.
@@DrivenSpice I will keep an eye out for that video :-)
Loved this video! My hubby & I are planning a move to Portugal at retirement in 4 years. I appreciate the real estate side of the video. Most videos on moving to Portugal don't show this! We're looking to move to the South... And want to check out Caldas de Rainhas...
Love your vibe and the quality of your video. Looking forward to watching more videos!!! ❤️
Hi! Maybe you'd like to check Eight Miles from Home? They're a young couple with a baby, who moved to the center of Portugal, I think they live in Caldas da Rainha :)
@betty, Thank you so much for your kind words and support.
@@claudiabarros3219 I've watched their videos as well! Many thanks for the recommendation!
Welcome to Portugal, glad you're enjoying it.❤🇵🇹 best wishes
Thank you so much!
I know some people are claiming you’re getting ripped off and obviously you have to be on the look out for that but truth be told prices there have increased considerably in the last 5 years because of all the foreign investment flooding into Portugal (Lisbon & Porto especially) from creating the Golden Visa program in response to nearly going bankrupt after the financial crisis in ‘08. It was so bad you had Portuguese moving to Brazil and Angola to find work. The crisis and the austerity measures led to a real upheaval; and the rapid foreign investment has only compounded matters, particularly for locals. The underlying problem is that all the foreign investment was basically going into buying and renovating buildings in order the rent out on Airbnb or to “nomads / expats” who’d jump at paying prices much higher than locals ever would, but cheaper than Europe’s better known capital cities like Paris, Amsterdam or Rome.
Might I suggest something; with this crisis, prices will go down and you’ll be able to get stuff at a decent discount and take advantage. But maybe you do a 6 month lease that takes you through the summer. That way you get to see if you like it there and if not, you make your way to Costa Rica just in time for the winter!
Good luck!
I agree totally. I thought the prices were too high which is why I didn’t commit. But the prices have slowly started to come down so I didn’t want to commit to something long term just yet. Still waiting.
@@DrivenSpice yep smart move,do you have an email or instagram,twitter??i can send you a phonenr of a Portuguese woman,she works for a Lisbon realtor,and she speaks reasonably English,tell her what your looking for,how much you wanna pay, and so on and she has to make sure she doesn't reveal that it's for an American woman and wait and see what she finds for you!!You might be surprised!!
After having lived in El Salvador, C.A., seeing how my friends who are from or live in Europe live, and finally after renting a tiny house while traveling, I realized how little space I need! I would likely get a one bedroom that has an alcove area so I can set up an office, and that's it! Probably no larger than 60sm (645 sf). I will make that work!
Great video as always! I noticed you mentioned you had lived in CaisCais; aside from the thin walls , why did you leave that area? I have my eye on it for next year and want to make sure it’s ok ( I’m in my 50s, and wanted something not as busy as Lisbon? ?
Thank you Sandra. I did live in Cascais for a little bit. I left because I moved there toward the earlier parts when I didn't know anyone. I felt kind of isolated and lonely in Cascais and I couldn't just run to the corner and grab a late night bite like I was use to doing in Lisbon. When I went out there, I felt like there were mostly people with their families and sometimes I felt out of place. But it's important to note that I probably felt that way because I was fresh off the plane and hadn't had the opportunity to make friends or feel comfortable yet. Also, I'm a city girl. I grew up in a city and I later determined I wanted the city vibe for now.
@@DrivenSpice I'm a city girl also; love high rise living/walkable downtowns. I just want to make sure I choose an area with no so much tourist traffic. Do you send out notifications letting us know when your next live interviews will be? Grateful for your incredible content!
@@sandrasgotvoice Sure thing. TH-cam will notify you if you're subscribed. And I send an email if you're on any of my lists. The interviews aren't typically live because I have to edit many of them. But I am thinking about going live tomorrow to discuss opening a bank account in Portugal.
@@DrivenSpice Awesome. I just subscribed and hit the notification bell! Looking forward to it!
Lisbon is our destination of choice. Now living in San Francisco, so Lisbon is essentially our sister city minus the thousands of dollars. If November elections go ‘wrong’, we are moving. Both have Golden Gate bridges too.
Indeed, you will feel right at home.
Driven Spice ...And since retired no need for Medicare ripoff payments with a rip offBlue Cross Supplements. Health insurance for non residents i here is quite reasonable. So you are under “Calamity” restricted time. Stay safe . And your weather is better than SF. Make up our room please😀😃
In COIMBRA, I pay 320€ + water& electricity bills for a two bedroom apartment, one bathroom. You should visit Coimbra ✨🇵🇹
Yes, yes, I must soon as things go back to normal. Prayerfully.
Maria João wow nossa muito bom
all of these apartments looks so good
Thank you for this video and I hope you are doing well and are safe. I am planning my move to Portugal for 2021. I love that country and have visited several times. I "should" depending on what happens with COVID, be there for the whole month of August. Would love to meet up if you will be in town and have time.
I'm so glad you posted the cost of the shea moisture products in another video. I will be bringing my own from Target :)
Thank you! And I hope it was helpful. I’d imagine that the rental rates will start to go down. Sure, that would be cool to connect. Ha! Yes, bring your hair products, but if you run out its good to know you can get something in Lisbon in a pinch.
@@DrivenSpice The rents have dropped significantly and keep dropping. I've had my eye on a couple of apartments to stay this summer and some have dropped by almost 40%. It also indicates how inflated the rents were anyway, which I get, since there was so much demand to live there over the past 10 years which drove rents up. Hopefully prices will be more realistic and reasonable next year. Keep the videos coming and I hope you are enjoying living there!!
Thanks! Very helpful info about apartment hunting in Europe, in general. Will you be doing an apartment tour of your final choice?
Sure thing!
It used to be one month deposit. But some owners started to consider how long does it take to evict someone if things go bad. The problem in cities like Lisbon and Porto (and other cities close by) is that on a monthly basis it is cheaper to buy than to rent. With the 2011, credit was low to rents went up, and with increasing tourism and foreigners moving in into the country they went skyrocketing. There are still some in the money flats and villas around. You just need to look hard. Sapo.pt and imovirtual.pt are also good websites to look for places to live. A tip, look for those local small real estate agents. They will get small gems with more affordable prices. Happy hunting!
Thank you for the tips!
Thank you for posting this. Very informative. I would like to know what social relationships you have been able to establish since arriving in Portugal. I am self employed as well and the nature of that can be a little isolating. What have been your social experiences so far in making new friends. That's what scares me most about moving to another country - the lack of friends and family.
I love Europe, but I loved it more when I was young and could walk alot. I have to say it's safer than most places in the US, but doesn't mean your going to find a job, and maybe you don't need one, maybe your retired, either way, your going to help the Portuguese economy, and your going to learn a new language and probably help someone with their English. You are helping Europe, not hurting it, and if it's so cheap, you can take a nice trip to Paris, or UK or Italy every now and then. Love Bacalau, love the good food, even people in Spain go to Portugal for the good prices. Some have a business and buy their merchandise in Portugal, doesn't mean their debt will be taken care of or even their people will get a better retirement. I saw a video on long lines in spain just for bread to eat. poverty is high in most European countries but people do live better and have friends. Something rare in the US. no guns, in most European countries. safe. Doesn't mean no terrorism, but rare. Spain is socialist, has a communist Vice President, not a good future. Portugal was hopping Spain would unite with them years ago because of the crisis, the north of spain and portugual speak the same language, they have lots of fish, they eat lots of fish, rare to eat meat every meal like in the US. Big Mac heart attack. you can find paradise in both countries. you can't find a paradise in the US, it would be so over priced and no matter where the rich live, the extreme poor live right next to them. not so in Europe, but there are no jobs, so it's best to go with a pension from the US. The virus is most likely going to shatter the EU, making things cheaper. I wouldn't mind someday live in a small town, where people are friendly. Hopefully the governments won't be corrupt and ruin it.
Great comments.
Unite with Spain??? get off the drugs ,only when Hell freezes over!! hehehe
Super helpful! Thanks! Where did you end up? Which apartment?
Thank you . I’m glad to hear that. Well, covid hit so I’ll be doing the apartment hunt over again when outside opens back up. The last apartment is still available so I may try that one again if the price comes down.
Thank you for all your tips!
Depending on what zone of the country you live in, you can get also a modern T4 for about 1/4 of that price, or less.
HI , Thanks for posting this video it is very helpful. Thanks So much !
Glad it was helpful. 🙂
Very helpful indeed! Thank you!
Thank you! Glad it was helpful!
Have you already exchanged your US drivers license for the Portuguese one? If so, how did you get your licence authentication certificate? Thank you
Hi, love the videos. Do you know if Portugal is dog friendly? Thx
Thank you. Yes it is.
what video editor did you use for this? i love it!
Thank you. I used keynote on mac
Driven Spice okay..tu
I just came across your channel. I am hoping to move from Canada back to Europe (I lived there for a couple of years studying) once things settle with everything going on right now. I wanted to know more about the visa process - do you speak about that in any video? I can't decide if its better to work for a Canadian company in a remote position, or find a position in Portugal/Spain (which are the two main places I am considering). I would love to chat with you!
Hey there, I’m working on pulling together the resources I used to create a video going over the process. I’ll try to get it out soon.
Your vid was in my feed. I was like wait, she looks so familiar..omg, I know who that is...Go Cinn! Rooting for you. Wishing you all the best!
yes needed this video! thank you!
Sure, thing! Hope it was helpful.
Thank you for sharing this guide. It will really help me. Please share your experience about hunting online and by state agent.
Great information! Definitely higher than I had heard; but still much less than NYC! :)
I wish you would had included the apartment link you mentioned in your video but thank you it’s was a good collection of choices and information
Love looking at real estate. Fun!
I rented a furnished apartment on Queretaro. Mexico in 2021. And it included all utilities. Wifi. Maid and security. It was 14k on a monthly basis. And went up to 15k 15 months later. The dollar exchange has my rent rising each month
You should try the other side of the river, like Almada, Seixal.
It's 30 minutes away from Lisbon and houses are much cheaper.
The best beaches and better quality of living :)
I hear that is beautiful there. I do enjoy that I can walk to all the places I need. Luckily the prices in Lisbon are starting to drop.
I was going to say the same!! Those apartments are sooooo expensive jeez! Margem Sul is great! Easy to commute to Lisbon.
Nice. Did you find a place that you love?
Hey! I'm moving there next Wed. Could you please tell me if there is another way to find a 2.2 apartment that might night be on Idealista? Thanks!!
I've always wanted to go to Portugal. I heard it was beautiful from someone who went there that I really trust (may he RIP).
Thank you for sharing but your cut off size video images doesn’t really do the justice and yh is true Center Lisbon is way too spence to live but if you move away from the city,will be more cheaper.
Thanks this definitely makes me reconsider Lisbon. These prices are insane. Similar scams in Amsterdam.
Hi! I was wondering about the transportation, do you have a car there? Planning on having a car? Or public transportation is fine for you?
I don’t have a car. I can pretty much walk to whatever I need. The public transit is good and I also take Uber.
Driven Spice thank you for responding!
Sooo happy we found your channel!!!💚💚💚New subscribers here🔔🔔
Thank you!
I'm from Pennsylvania and have lived in Madrid for about 18 years. Madrid is substantially more expensive than Lisbon and I find that first apartment to be really expensive. It's nice, but really expensive. In general you seem to be looking at really high end places. Lisbon is my favorite city in Europe and I go there often. Me personally I would have preferred to live in Barrio Alto somewhere.
Hello! Would anyone have any resources/websites to do some more research on cost of housing and searching of housing for my future plans to getting back to Lisbon? Obrigdo! Thank you!
Thanks for sharing. Good work.
Thank you!
Useful to see.
Have a look in Cascais, monte Estoril, Estoril, malveira da serra, Oeiras, Sintra ( maybe a bit expensive but sometimes u can find good prices)
I stayed it Cascais when I first came. Although beautiful, I found it to be just as expensive as Lisbon. I was also incredibly lonely there. It seemed like it was more of a family area and hard for me to meet people when compared to Lisbon. Maybe I just didn’t know where to go.
Cascais and Oeiras are one the most expensive places in the Lisbon area and Portugal in general ( they’re called the Portuguese Riviera for a reason)
Great video, can you do one on smaller apartments or studios with 1 bedroom 1 bathroom etc. Thank you!!
Sure, maybe after covid.
Driven Spice thank you ♥️
Have you ever felt uncomfortable or unwelcomed in Portugal. For example have you ever been watched, or followed as a black woman in Portugal? I am wondering because my husband and I are really starting to consider living outside of the US (where we were both raised).
May I ask what sort of career do you have and what is the jobs like there to find? Thanks
Loved this. I want to move! :) (Australia is a little harder to move from than the US I feel)
This is making me consider moving to Portugal! I am also considering day trading? Can you tell me how you got started?
I took classes and read a lot of books.
Those are way too expensive! It's because of foreigners moving in Lisbon and paying those prices that the rents are increasing massively, and Portuguese people need to get further from Lisbon to afford accommodation. I get that you guys look for new horizons but you should think about the impact it makes on the local population... Hope you enjoy Lisbon though
Those prices are around the same for a one bedroom in a decent area in Chicago, IL. I think the real problem is when foreigners go to a different country and they are not aware they are being taken advantage of by local real estate agents. In her eyes, those apartments are cheaper than what she would’ve gotten in the US. So they look like a steal. Most of those prices, for those types of apartments would run you $4000+ if she was looking in “good, safe areas” here in most cities in the US.
Large cities in the US have the same problems of locals not being able to afford to live comfortably because of jobs and better standards of living attracting large groups of non-natives. It's is an unfortunate reality of large cities.
@Unknown Soldier go to Lisbon its safe, i recommend Oeiras or Almada
@Unknown Soldier try any little town in Portugal,very cheap and as safe as Fort Knox.Don't worry 'bout safety!!!
Please show some cheap rent apartment( One bedroom one washroom). Your video is so informative, thank you so much.
When you say they wanted €X for the apartment...is that per month?
great videos
When you say that other people "out bid" you, does that mean that they offered to pay more money for a deposit or more money each month?
The offered to pay more for the monthly rent.
Hello - did you work with a realtor or search and make contact on your own? Thanks!
I tried to work with several realtors, but at the time the market was so busy that some Shante didn’t follow through. From my experience... I just used the websites and called people directly.
Thank you, this is very informative. Is there a video for purchasing apt too?
Thank you, there maybe some on TH-cam. I haven’t purchased an apt to create it yet.
Omg this first apartment 😍😍😍😍😍
Wow, ppl really have different experiences. I took a solo trip to Porto recently and I vowed that I would never visit Portugal again. The locals were so unpleasant and it was clear that it was racism. All the best on your journey.
Thank you!
dope story would love to see a video on the process of becoming a citizen if you did that ...and if not one thats generally about the rules of moving to a country like Lisbon as a US citizen ..visa? etc...
Following
Sure thing, working on it was we speak.
Nice video. Do a video if you run into Michael Fassbender and his wife Alicia Vikander. They live in Alfarma.
They do? Just moved to Alfama 3 weeks ago from LA
@@ust7243 yep!
Thanks for the tips!!👍🏼
Sure thing!
How much deposit do I need to put down? How can I open a bank account?
Great video love
Thank you!