1.1 What is Homescape, and how does it stand out from traditional real estate services?
Homescape is your dedicated buyer-side representative. Unlike traditional agencies, we don’t own or sell properties. Instead, we prioritize your interests by leveraging smart tools and tailored services to secure the best property for your needs while preparing you for life in Portugal. Real estate agents partner with us by submitting properties for evaluation through our proprietary Homescape Smart Index. Only properties meeting our high-quality standards are offered to buyers.

1.2 Why choose Homescape?
At Homescape, we focus on your clients’ long-term lifestyle or investment goals, not just the transaction. We offer an integrated solution where the property is a key element in achieving these goals.

Here’s why Homescape stands out:

1. We begin by understanding your clients’ needs to create a strategic plan.
2. We are independent and exclusively buyer-focused—we don’t sell houses.
3. We use proprietary smart tools like the Homescape Value Index and Homescape Affinity Index, which deliver a Homescape Fit Score for precise property selection.
4. We simplify the entire process, securing better prices, optimizing investments, and aligning every decision with your clients’ goals.
5. We handle every step—from planning to property search and settlement—with flat, transparent fees.
6. Our data-driven negotiation strategies can save up to 100% of fees on overpriced properties or generate value exceeding the cost of our services.
7. We go beyond settlement, offering on-demand services and integrated solutions to ensure your clients’ long-term success.

1.3 Who founded Homescape?
Homescape was founded by:

• Egon Barbosa: Former FMCG European Innovation Director.
• Pedro Vasconcelos: Real estate entrepreneur and IT expert.
• Leonardo Pinto: Finance and M&A specialist.

Together, their combined expertise in finance, real estate, and technology drives their mission to make moving to Portugal a smooth, smart, and life-enhancing experience.

2.1 What services does Homescape provide, and what is included in the process?
Homescape offers a comprehensive three-phase process designed to simplify property acquisition and integration:

• Pre-Contract (Complimentary):
  • Deep assessment using the Homescape Smart Assessment to identify values, needs, and goals.
  • Development of a personalized strategy and profile tailored to lifestyle and investment objectives.
• Phase I (Flat Fee):
  • Dedicated executive assignment and detailed step-by-step operational planning.
  • Housing search using smart tools, legal and bureaucratic assistance, Tax ID (NIF) issuance, and banking/funding support.
  • Integration support, including language classes and workshops on life in Portugal.
• Phase II (Flat Fee):
  • Advanced property search with Homescape Fit Score analysis (Value Index and Affinity Index).
  • Property negotiation, credit approval assistance, and full legal and transaction support.
  • Move-in readiness services, including utilities setup, cleaning, small repairs, renovation, and decoration management.
  • Issuance of a one-year limited property warranty.
• Phase III (Optional Services):
  • Flexible, on-demand services like renovation and decoration management, rental and asset management, property maintenance, and additional country integration services.

3.1 How does Homescape find the best property for my clients?
Homescape uses proprietary tools to guide buyers toward the ideal property:

• Homescape Smart Assessment: Conducts an in-depth analysis of the client’s profile, goals, and aspirations to frame a tailored solution.
• Value Index: Evaluates property quality, pricing, and neighborhood features.
• Affinity Index: Matches properties to clients’ lifestyles and goals.

3.2 What is the Homescape Smart Assessment?
The Smart Assessment is a complimentary 30–45 minute interview (LGPD-compliant) that gathers detailed insights about a buyer’s goals, lifestyle, and investment needs. Using this information, Homescape creates a tailored Strategic Plan to guide their property search.

3.3 What is the Homescape Fit Score?
This is a single score combining the Value Index and Affinity Index to help clients make smart, data-driven decisions. It identifies properties that meet both lifestyle preferences and financial goals.

3.4 What is the Homescape Value Index?
This tool evaluates properties based on key factors, including:

• Price fairness and structural quality
• Energy efficiency and rental profitability
• Neighborhood features (amenities, green spaces, schools, transportation)
• Legal compliance and market value trends.

3.5 What is the Homescape Affinity Index?
This tool measures a property’s alignment with a client’s preferences, focusing on:

• Budget compatibility
• Amenities and accessibility
• Lifestyle fit and personal priorities.

3.6 What types of properties and price ranges does Homescape focus on?
Homescape specializes in premium properties starting at €1 million, with typical transactions ranging between €1.5 million and €2 million.

4.1 How does Homescape ensure safe transactions?
We conduct thorough due diligence, provide legal and financial support, and manage all bureaucratic processes to ensure security and peace of mind.

4.2 Does Homescape handle legal and financial aspects of purchases?
Yes, we partner with legal and financial experts to manage compliance, contracts, and banking or credit processes, ensuring seamless transactions.

4.3 What are the legal requirements for foreigners buying property in Portugal?
Foreign buyers will need:

• A Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF)
• Proof of funds or mortgage approval
• A valid passport or European ID

4.4 What taxes apply to property ownership in Portugal?
Property owners must pay the IMI (Municipal Property Tax), ranging from 0.3%–0.8% annually based on the property’s taxable value.

4.5 Can Homescape assist with immigration?
Yes, we offer optional, on-demand services through expert partners to support visa applications, residency permits, and legal documentation.

4.6 What are the costs of buying property in Portugal?

• Property Transfer Tax (IMT): 0%–8% (typically 8.3% for properties over €1,102,920).
• Stamp Duty: 0.8%.
• Notary and Legal Fees: 1%–2%.
  Homescape’s flat-fee service includes notary and legal fees for complete transparency—ensuring no surprises.

4.7 Can buying property help secure Portuguese residency?
Yes, through residency programs such as the Golden Visa or D7 Visa, depending on the client’s investment level or income.

4.8 Does Homescape provide property warranties?
Yes, every purchase includes a one-year limited multi-risk warranty for added peace of mind.

4.9 What are Portugal’s property market trends for 2025?
The market remains strong, with high demand in urban and coastal areas. Prices are projected to grow rapidly in premium locations throughout Portugal.

5.1 How does Homescape support relocation and integration?
Homescape provides comprehensive relocation assistance, including:

• Setting up utilities and essential home services
• Managing local logistics
• Offering language classes and cultural immersion programs
• Facilitating professional networking opportunities

5.2 Does Homescape help prepare homes for move-in?
Yes, we handle cleaning, utility setup, and basic furniture arrangements to ensure the property is move-in ready. These services are fully included in our flat-fee pricing, ensuring a smooth transition.

6.1 How do I get started with Homescape?
Book a free consultation to discuss your clients’ goals. We’ll create a tailored plan and guide them through every step of the process.

6.2 What fees does Homescape charge?
We use a transparent flat-fee model that includes planning, property search, and settlement. Optional services are available with flexible pricing and no hidden costs, ensuring complete transparency.

6.3 Can Homescape’s negotiation expertise cover the fees?
Yes, our data-driven negotiation strategies often deliver savings that exceed the cost of our fees, offering exceptional value to clients.

6.4 How long does the property purchase process take?
While the market average is 3–4 months, Homescape aims to settle clients in 45 workdays or less, ensuring an efficient and seamless experience.

7.1 Can Homescape support rental property investments?
Yes, we help identify high-return rental opportunities and provide property management services to ensure consistent income and hassle-free ownership.

7.2 Can Homescape manage renovations or maintenance?
Absolutely. We work with trusted expert partners to handle renovations and property maintenance, ensuring all work is done to the highest professional standards.

8.1 How does Portugal’s cost of living compare to other EU countries and the USA?
Portugal is one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe, with lower housing, utilities, and dining costs than Germany or France, for example. It is significantly more affordable than the USA, especially for transportation, education, and healthcare.

8.2 Is health insurance required for living in Portugal?
No, private health insurance is not mandatory in Portugal. The public healthcare system is highly regarded, and all legal tax residents are entitled to access it. However, private health insurance is recommended for quicker access and broader coverage, often at much lower costs compared to the USA or other regions.

8.3 Do I need to learn Portuguese to live in Portugal?
While not essential, learning Portuguese is beneficial. English is widely spoken in urban areas and by younger generations, but Portuguese is key for integrating into local communities, especially in smaller towns.

8.4 What are the main benefits of living in Portugal as a foreigner?
Portugal offers:

• A warm climate and stunning landscapes
• Affordable cost of living
• High-quality healthcare
• A safe and welcoming environment for expatriates
• A slower, higher quality of life
• Easy travel across Europe

8.5 Is Portugal a good place to start a business?
Yes, Portugal provides a supportive environment for entrepreneurs with initiatives like Startup Portugal and a growing tech ecosystem. Benefits include:

• Startup Visas
• Attractive funding and tax benefits for SMEs
• Low cost of living and access to European markets

8.6 How accessible are innovation funds for foreign investors?
Foreign investors have access to the same grants and funding as local businesses, provided their projects align with Portugal’s goals, such as sustainability or digital transformation.

8.7 How stable is Portugal’s economy?
Portugal boasts a stable, growing economy supported by tourism, exports, and foreign investment. EU-backed reforms have strengthened its financial position, making it resilient to global uncertainties.

8.8 What are Portugal’s main economic strengths?

• Tourism: A key revenue generator.
• Exports: Strong in textiles, automotive, wine, and cork.
• Renewable Energy: A global leader in wind and solar energy.
• Digital and Tech: Rapid growth in IT, startups, and innovation-driven industries.

8.9 How does Portugal rank globally for doing business?
Portugal ranks highly for ease of doing business, with simplified bureaucracy, investment-friendly policies, and competitive costs for companies entering the European market.

8.10 Are there investment opportunities in Portugal’s rural areas?
Yes, Portugal encourages rural investments with grants for agri-tech, tourism, and renewable energy projects. Rural properties often qualify for lower-cost Golden Visa thresholds.