Online rental platforms - safe or a headache?

Hi,

I can't help but maybe can explain a bit.

   You have a problem as the rental market in Portugal lacks the properties you are looking for. Domestic rentals tend to be for longer terms which generally suits both parties - hoilday rentals tend to be for shorter terms which suits both parties.  In order to rent for 3 months they either miss the lucrative holiday income or need to find another client for 9 months. 

     My opinion - after years of this I would never consider a renting a place unless I'd seen it in person ALSO a lot of "agents" will not consider a tennant unless they have viewed the property.  I have (from 1997 to now) taken short term BnB then gone round the local agents in person to get places longer.

@fullmoonpaula30  I suspect you might need to find someone who can find places for you...like a relocation specialist, a realtor, etc.  That's what we plan to do later this year as we have plans to move early next year. As much as we want to scout places in advance, we just don't have time since we've already booked a couple of international trips this year.  So our plan is to hire someone who will look at places, send pictures and videos, help with lease, set up utilities, etc.  We've been watching a number of Youtube videos and belong in FB groups where some are highly recommended so we plan on "interviewing" 2-3 people and choose one to help us out.   It would be great if you could give us an update when you find a place in Lisbon (as that's where we're planning to move to as well)....and let us know who you used!  Thanks!

Which type of visa will you have? A D7, for example, requires that you have a year lease for a property in hand when you go to your visa interview.

Thanks for all the input guys. All valid points. It was suggested to engage agents to help look for rentals. Could anyone suggest a few of these companies that also deal with short term rentals? It would be for 2 months max. Thanks!

@Paula,

Try Portuguese companies directly instead of those you've mentioned here. Uniplaces is mainly for students.

https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 93#4963793

Post #2,...

@sfaznpinoy

Thanks! Yes thats sounds like a safer strategy. Could you share the FB and Youtube chanels? You can PM if you prefer.

@JohnnyPT

Thanks Johnny ! So many sites we didnt know and good to keep in mind.

We are checking them and unfortunately for our dates - July and August in Lisbon - not surprisingly….lots of them are no longer available. Must press on!!

@Wordsmith55572

Quite right and valid point thank you for pointing it out.  Fortunately I am a portuguese citizen returning after 20 some years living in the US, so no issues there ☺️