SANTOS TRAVEL GUIDE

ABOUT THE LOCATION

Officially called Santos-o-Velho, literally meaning Santos the Old, this riverside neighbourhood is one of the oldest parts of the city and was home to the opulent mansions of the upper classes in the 18th century.

While Santos is certainly one of the most well-preserved places in Lisbon, it is not stuck in the past. In recent years, Santos has reinvented itself as the city’s design hub with cutting-edge creative schools, like IADE, high-end decor stores and an enviable collection of galleries.

INVESTMENT POTENTIAL

This charming neighbourhood in Lisbon offers considerable investment potential due to its unique mix of historical charm and modern development. Nestled along the riverfront, it has attracted attention for both residential and commercial real estate, with demand driven by young professionals, expatriates, and artists. This has fostered its reputation as one of the city's most desirable neighbourhoods for high-end renovations and luxury real estate developments.

From a financial perspective, property prices in Lisbon, including properties for sale in Santos, have been steadily rising. In 2023, Lisbon saw a 5.4% increase in asking prices for residential properties, positioning itself as one of the most expensive cities in Southern Europe, with prices reaching up to €5,149 per square meter on average.

Rental yields are also promising, with rents in Lisbon increasing by 23.2% year-over-year in 2023. This significant rise is driven by both local and international demand, including digital nomads and expatriates seeking to live in Portugal. In Santos, where upscale property demand is high, these trends make long-term rental investments particularly appealing.

WATCH THE SUN SET OVER LISBON'S TAGUS RIVER FROM SANTOS

ADVISERS’ OPINION

Santos has a Notting Hill or Le Marais type vibe. Find your entrepreneur family with their matcha tea and yoga habits alongside breakfast cafes and a community feel.

WHY TO BUY

Central & well connected
Home to locals & expats, it's highly desirable
Amazing restaurants, bars & cafes
A surge in popularity has increased property value
Strong community spirit

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Excellent public transport
Lots of trendy design stores
Walking distance to international schools
Check out the Santos Collective market
Popular with tourists, numbers swell during the summer

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

In recent years, Santos has undergone development in its infrastructure, particularly in terms of transportation and public spaces. The area is already well-connected to the rest of Lisbon, with several bus and tram lines, as well as a major train station that serves regional and long-distance routes.

Santos has also seen the development of several new public spaces, including the Jardim da Estrela, a large park that hosts a lake, playgrounds, and a café that serves food and drinks throughout the day.

In addition to these projects, Santos has also seen the renovation of several historic buildings and the construction of new residential and commercial properties. These developments have helped to revitalise the neighbourhood and make it a more attractive destination.

HISTORY

The area has a rich history that dates back to the 16th century, when it was a popular location for the city's aristocracy to build their palaces and estates. In the 18th century, Santos became an important industrial center, with several factories and warehouses located along the Tagus River.

During the 20th century, Santos experienced a period of decline, as many of its industrial facilities closed down and the area became increasingly impoverished. However, in recent years, there has been a revitalisation of the neighbourhood, with new businesses, restaurants, and cultural institutions opening up.

Today, Santos is known for its historic architecture, including several grand palaces and churches, as well as its lively nightlife and cultural scene. Its allure is only growing as the area continues to evolve and change with the times.

THE AREA TODAY

During the day, Santos has a village-like vibe with new cafes cropping all the time, a farmers’ market, locally owned shops and an ever-growing collection of restaurants serving up dishes from every corner of the globe - you’ll never run out of places to eat! Though it doesn’t have the same 24-hour-party spirit that neighbouring Bairro Alto exudes, Santos has an excellent nightlife scene with plenty of bars to enjoy drinks with friends and family.

One of the great things about Santos is that it rubs elbows with some of the city’s best-loved bairros with Lapa, Cais do Sodré and Bairro Alto all just a 10-minute walk away. A popular choice for families, Santos has two excellent universities, IADE and ISEG, and leading schools, such as Redbridge, Lycée Français and the British School of Lisbon, are within easy reach.

The long-term outlook for Santos is bolstered by the ongoing urban development projects and growing tourism sector. As Lisbon's tourism continues to thrive, the demand for short-term rental accommodations, boutique hotels, and upscale housing is expected to rise. The influx of foreign investors, attracted by Portugal's Golden Visa program, has further fueled property demand in neighbourhoods like Santos. The Lisbon housing market shows no signs of cooling, with steady price increases and a positive outlook for both residential and commercial real estate investments. This positions Santos as a prime location for real estate investors looking to capitalize on Lisbon's booming market.