Lisbon’s Celebrity Hotspot

German-born Irish actor, Michael Fassbender, has reportedly purchased a home within the upmarket development of Santa Helena, Lisbon. Portugal’s Capital City is becoming a new hot spot for foreign investment as more people are drawn to its rich culture, upbeat atmosphere and continued regeneration. Leading estate agent, Athena Advisers expect that Lisbon will be on the best performing areas in the next 10 years, a bold statement, but one which is backed up with fascinating statistics.

Lisbon is emerging as one of the most popular tourist and investment locations in Portugal with wealthy investors drawn to its new quality housing stock, affordable prices and flexible investment immigration policies. Old period buildings are being carefully regenerated across the city to a standard synonymous with an increasingly demanding international tourism market. Property prices in Lisbon are up 11.9% on their 2013 low, with a 4.4% growth registered in the year to 2016.

Data from Airbnb and Athena Advisors showed that occupancy rates are high. Overall, the highest annual revenue generated through renting a property on Airbnb reached €52,452 for a two-bedroom apartment and €77,096 for a four-bedroom apartment. Rental yields for properties in Lisbon are set at 6-7%, The historic centre of the Capital is one of the most popular destinations with property prices up by 22%.

Michael Fassbender is one of many international buyers drawn to Lisbon in recent months, allegedly purchasing a €2,000,000 property in the old Santa Helena Palace, in the hilltop neighbourhood of Alfama. Overlooking the River Tagus, Santa Helena is perhaps the most significant restoration of a private period building since Lisbon’s recent wave of regeneration began.

For those looking to follow in the footsteps of the A-list, Athena Advisers has a range of stunning properties for sale within the palace grounds. Dating back to the 16^th Century, where it was owned by Sᾶo Martinho Counts, Santa Helena now houses 21 exclusive new homes, arranged across three areas: the “Patio”, the “Garden” and “The Palace” itself. Ranging from 1-5 bedrooms, each home has been designed with features such as high ceilings, large windows and some also boast private gardens, terraces and swimming pools. Each home also benefits from secure garage parking and concierge services.

The hilly City of Lisbon is one of the oldest in the world and the oldest in Western Europe, predating Rome, Paris and London. The seven hills peppered across the cityscape are capped by a collection of terraces, known as Miradouros and feature spectacular views over Lisbon. Foodies will delight at the exceptional seafood, Michelin starred restaurants and gourmet food markets. Beaches are just a 20 minute drive outside of the Capital, leaving nothing to be desired.

For further information contact www.athenaadvisers.com