The luxury residential market in Portugal is gaining new momentum through a phenomenon of “geographical diversification,” with areas traditionally considered secondary gaining prominence and attracting the interest of both national and international buyers. This scenario is outlined to idealista/news by Tiago Falcão, partner at the Openbook Group, which owns the brokerage Independent Brokers. While noting that Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve continue to be reference hubs for those looking to buy a premium home, the real estate specialist confirms that there are locations outside these centers emerging as strategic alternatives for those seeking privacy, comfort, and quality of life.
Independent Brokers, dedicated to the high-end segment, was created in November 2025 within the Openbook Group precisely to respond to this evolution. Tiago Falcão explains that, in addition to being based on the concept of ‘Exclusive Living,’ one of the company’s main focuses is having “less volume and more curation, supporting clients in both asset and personal decisions.” This model, he says, reflects the growing sophistication of the national market, where buyers are seeking residential properties aligned with life projects and long-term investment decisions.
Technology also emerged as a central theme in this interview. The manager argues that it must be an ally in the real estate brokerage business, but without replacing the human relationship that characterizes the sector—especially in the premium segment, he says.
Real estate brokerage in Portugal
Credits: Independent Brokers
The Openbook Group recently launched Independent Brokers, dedicated to the high-end real estate segment. What led to the creation of this company and how does it differ from the traditional real estate brokerage already existing in the market?
Independent Brokers was born from the combination of two fundamental factors: the extensive experience of our consultants in the premium segment and a solid network of contacts in the high-end real estate market.
We felt that there was room for a brand that would go beyond traditional brokerage. We created Independent Brokers to generate value beyond what is expected, focusing less on volume and more on curation, strategy, and absolute personalization. Our work always begins with understanding who the client is: their needs, their identity, their expectations and, above all, their life projects.
We do not limit ourselves to presenting properties; we help our clients carry out highly relevant asset and personal decisions, supporting the entire process with deep knowledge, sensitivity, and total dedication.
The Exclusive Living concept is at the center of Independent Brokers’ positioning. What does this concept mean in practice and how does it transform the relationship with clients and the services provided?
Exclusive Living translates into offering a truly differentiated service, where the relationship with the client goes beyond transactional logic and is based on trust, proximity, and a high degree of personalization.
In short, Exclusive Living ensures that clients have the peace of mind of knowing they are supported by a team capable of anticipating solutions, creating value, and finding opportunities—even when these are not immediately visible in the market.
Independent Brokers
Credits: image taken from the official website of the real estate brokerage Independent Brokers
What assessment do you make of Independent Brokers since its creation and what are the main strategic objectives for the next 12 to 24 months in the premium real estate market in Portugal?
The assessment is extremely positive, with several transactions already completed, which confirms that the market recognizes the value of our positioning. Over the next 12 to 24 months, the goal is to continue this upward trajectory, strengthening the team and our presence in the high-end market while also investing in new types of carefully selected products. All of this without ever abandoning our core principle: each client is treated in a unique and exclusive way.
In which areas of the country is Independent Brokers currently operating? Does the choice of locations follow strategic criteria linked to demand for luxury real estate? Do you anticipate investing in new areas?
Currently, Independent Brokers has a natural focus on prime locations such as Lisbon, Cascais, or Comporta, which continue to concentrate a very significant share of demand for high-end real estate.
What main demand trends have you identified in the high-end real estate market in Portugal? Is the demand for luxury properties continuing to grow? Why?
Clients are increasingly demanding, seeking privacy and comfort, whether in rehabilitated historic properties in urban centers or in larger estates located in more secluded areas close to nature. At the same time, we have observed very interesting growth in demand for luxury tourist condominiums, particularly in the formats of serviced apartments and branded residences.
Do you believe that Portugal continues to be an attractive investment destination for foreign buyers and investors? Why? Have you noticed changes in the market that could drive investors or buyers away?
Without a doubt. Portugal continues to be seen as a safe, stable, and peaceful destination, with an exceptional climate and hospitality recognized internationally. These factors continue to weigh heavily in the decision to invest or live in the country.
What we have observed is a geographical diversification: areas outside the traditional centers of Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve are gaining prominence among both national and international clients.
In addition to VAT, the new fiscal package announced by the Government includes changes to IMT, IRS, and incentives for moderately priced housing. Could these changes alter the profile of investment in the high-end segment or create opportunities for Independent Brokers?
Changes to the fiscal framework are part of a regulatory context that is constantly evolving and closely monitored by the various players in the market. In the high-end segment, the focus remains on adapting to different scenarios according to the specific needs and objectives of each client.
“Technology has undoubtedly optimized processes, improved data analysis, and made some stages more efficient. But in the premium segment, the essence remains: it continues to be a service based on proximity, trust, and human relationships.”
Do you believe that the role of real estate brokerage in the premium segment is changing, particularly with the impact of technology and artificial intelligence?
Technology has undoubtedly optimized processes, improved data analysis, and made some stages more efficient. But in the premium segment, the essence remains: it continues to be a service based on proximity, trust, and human relationships. Technology is a tool—never a substitute for the judgment, sensitivity, and advisory capacity that this type of service requires.
Independent Brokers
Credits: image taken from the official website of the real estate brokerage Independent Brokers
Are the skills and characteristics required of a high-end real estate consultant today different from those in the past? What has changed and what kind of profiles are you looking for to join Independent Brokers?
The skills required of a high-end real estate consultant have evolved significantly. Today, we are looking for professionals who share our values and who see real estate brokerage as a strategic advisory activity, rather than merely aiming for a commercial transaction.
We value profiles capable of understanding the complexity of real estate decisions—whether in the context of primary residence or investment—and who can act with rigor, method, a strong sense of responsibility, and a high level of client focus. Professional ethics, a service-oriented culture, attention to detail, and the ability to manage long-term relationships are determining factors.
The combination of technical skills, a consultative vision, and professionalism now defines the high-end real estate consultant and is reflected in the way the Independent Brokers team operates.
Real estate brokerage in Portugal.