Santa Maria Maior: Historic Lisbon Apartments and Buildings

Santa Maria Maior covers steep, narrow streets, tiled facades, tram lines and the cathedral area. Buildings are old, so structural condition, lifts, and renovation costs matter more than in newer districts. Short-let licences in central Lisbon are restricted in many areas, so check before you count on holiday-rental income. The wider market is on the Lisbon page. On the coast, Cascais, Cascais e Estoril, Parede and Sintra are separate, resort-style markets, and Amadora is a suburb.

You need a NIF, a bank account and a lawyer who checks the land registry, the caderneta predial and any rehabilitation obligations. Transfer tax (IMT) for non-residents was reported to move to a flat 7.5% in 2026; stamp duty is 0.8%. The golden-visa property route closed in 2023. See the Portugal guide and financing.

Whole buildings in Alfama and Baixa may be sold with tenants, with rights that run with the property; ask your lawyer to review tenancy contracts. Rehabilitation grants and tax benefits exist for urban renewal areas, but rules change. Ask about seismic reinforcement, since Lisbon is in an earthquake zone, and about the position of any licence for local accommodation.