Why Empty Homes in Portugal Are Harder to Live In Than You Expect

Many expats believe that once they buy a property, living in it will be straightforward — even if it’s empty.

In reality, empty homes in Portugal are far harder to live in than most buyers expect.

Why Empty Homes Create Immediate Friction

Most Portuguese properties are delivered without:

• light fixtures

• wardrobes

• storage

• basic furniture

  
  

This means that even short stays feel temporary and uncomfortable.

The Impact on Daily Life

Living in an empty home affects:

• sleep quality

• routines

• productivity

• family comfort

  
  

Simple tasks become inconvenient, and stress builds quickly.

Why This Is Especially Difficult for Expats

Expats often:

• arrive with limited belongings

• are unfamiliar with local suppliers

• face long delivery times

  
  

This makes settling in slower and more frustrating.

Why Function Comes Before Personalization

A functional base setup allows expats to:

• live comfortably immediately

• make decisions gradually

• avoid rushed purchases

  
  

Livability always comes before perfection.