Portugal might have pensioned its own royals off over 100 years ago, but it’s still popular with the British Royal Family. The latest to eye up a holiday home there are Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. They’re following cousins and uncles to Portugal’s gilded costas.
It’s been reported that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex recently bought a villa in the CostaTerra Golf & Ocean Club – a luxury development of 300 properties located about an hour’s drive south of Lisbon.
The couple bought the holiday home following a short trip to Portugal in 2023 – but Meghan has had a love affair with the country for a long time. In a blog post from her now-defunct lifestyle website, The Tig, she wrote: “Lovely Lisbon has long been on my list of places to travel (alliteration much?) – the wines and madeira, the history and culture rounding every cobblestone turn, not to mention the beaches, Baroque architecture, and the applause worthy sunsets.”
Harry and Meghan are not the only royals with property in Portugal. The Prince’s cousin Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, own a home at the same resort. Princess Ann’s daughter Zara Trindall (formerly Zara Phillips), is also reported to own a villa in Portugal – at CampoReal Golf Resort & Spa, located 30 minutes north of Lisbon – after her father Captain Mark Phillips blazed the trail with his then wife Sandy Pflueger.
How much is Harry and Meghan’s Portuguese villa worth?
Once completed, the CostaTerra Golf & Ocean Club resort will consist of 146 estate homesites, more than 100 turnkey club residences, golf cottages and luxury villas, with prices starting at £3.6m.
It’s not surprising the properties cost so much, considering their position on an unspoilt stretch of beach in the Algarve. They have been designed by Denton House – a high-end architecture, interior design, planning and landscape firm.
The region of Alentejo – where the resort is located – is a popular destination for the rich and famous, as it is relatively untouched by tourism. “We have no idea how many people linked to cinema, royalty, arts, design and fashion visit us, precisely because they value discreet travel,” says Jose Santos, head of the Alentejo Tourism Board.
Medieval village of Monsaraz in Alentejo, Portugal
How much do luxury houses in Alentejo cost?
Luxury homes in the Alentejo region are a mix of countryside estates, charming villas, and traditional farmhouses. Features often include large plots of land, scenic views and amenities such as pools and extensive gardens.
As with anywhere, luxury real estate prices in the Alentejo region vary greatly depending on location, size and features.
As a guide, prices typically start around €500,000, but more exclusive properties and those in a desirable location can exceed €5 million. Some of the most sought-after areas in Alentejo for luxury homes include the coastal area of Comporta, the more private Melides and the UNESCO World Heritage city of Évora. If you’re thinking about buying a luxury house in Portugal, you might like this six-bedroom estate in the peaceful town of Borba, Évora, listed at €675,000.
Other luxury property hotspots in Alentejo include:
- Monsaraz and Alqueva Lake
- Vila Viçosa
- Grândola
- Portalegre
- Odemira and Zambujeira do Mar
- Serra de São Mamede
Where’s the best place to buy luxury property in Portugal?
Cascais and Sintra are two areas in Portugal that are renowned for upscale real estate, with prices reflecting their proximity to the coast and cultural attractions. Properties here can be in the multi-million euro range, like this gorgeous five-bedroom apartment in Cascais at just over €4.9m.
With its vibrant mix of history, culture, shops and fine dining restaurants, Lisbon is another great place to buy a luxury property. For €700,000, you can get a high-end two-bed city-centre flat like this.
House prices in the Algarve region – where Harry and Meghan’s property is located – are similar to Lisbon, especially in tourist hotspots like Faro and Lagos. For example, this four-bedroom oceanfront mansion in Lagos costs €6.5m, while at the higher end of the scale, this five-bedroom oceanfront villa in Lagos is listed at €20m.
Luxury beachfront villa in the Algarve, Portugal
How easy is it to buy a luxury house in Portugal?
Portugal’s luxury real estate market is growing thanks to cheaper property prices compared to other European countries.
Buying a luxury house in Portugal is relatively straightforward, especially for foreign buyers, as the country is known for its welcoming policies towards international property investments. However, there are certain things to consider. Download our Portugal Buying Guide, which explains everything you need about buying a house in Portugal.
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