For decades, the luxury real estate market was associated with opulence, prime locations, sophisticated design, and top-quality finishes. However, a new factor has been decisively asserting itself in this segment: sustainability. It is no longer just a trend, but a genuine value criterion that investors are increasingly paying attention to. As environmental awareness grows, so does the demand for properties that combine sophistication with ecological responsibility, as revealed by several industry players to idealista/news.

Sustainability has ceased to be merely a differentiating factor and has become an essential requirement in luxury residential projects. Nowadays, it is expected that a luxury villa or a premium apartment will feature environmental certifications, energy-efficient solutions, and eco-friendly construction materials. And it's not just about saving money or image: a cultural shift is underway. The younger generation of homebuyers — and even many traditional investors — no longer see the point in acquiring properties that are not aligned with values of sustainability and environmental respect.

This new paradigm is profoundly transforming the way luxury is conceived and presented. From north to south of the country, examples of real estate projects that incorporate sustainable practices from the outset are multiplying, without sacrificing comfort or aesthetics. Historic buildings are being rehabilitated with attention to material reuse and integration with the landscape, while new developments stand out for innovative solutions such as water reuse systems, solar panels, and smart home technologies for efficient energy management.

A priority for increasingly demanding investors

For Telmo Azevedo, Co-Head of Residential at JLL Portugal, sustainability is not just a passing trend but a “growing priority in the premium market.” In these segments, there is a growing effort to integrate energy efficiency certifications, eco-friendly materials, and advanced technological solutions that promote resource reuse, all without compromising comfort, aesthetics, or exclusivity. The very profile of the luxury buyer now demands this commitment to the future.

Filipe Lourenço, CEO of Private Luxury Real Estate, highlights the “arrival on the market of younger generations who have a deep concern about ecological footprint.” For these clients, sustainability is not just an additional factor but a decisive criterion in choosing a luxury property. From the materials used in construction to how the building is maintained, everything is analyzed through the lens of environmental responsibility. “Sustainability, from the environmental impact of construction to maintenance, is increasingly relevant and is now even a critical factor,” he notes.

João Cília, CEO of Porta da Frente Christie’s, also mentions a “growing demand for premium properties that align with the ecological values of buyers.” The demand for properties with high energy efficiency, the use of sustainable materials, and smart technologies — such as systems for managing lighting, climate, and natural resource use — has been increasing remarkably.

He also emphasizes that the concept of sustainability goes beyond the “construction and design of the property and includes how it interacts with the surrounding environment.” “Many investors are looking for properties that integrate well with the landscape and nature, respecting the environment and ensuring a minimal ecological footprint,” he adds.

Sophistication and environmental awareness go hand in hand

Jorge Costa, COO at Quintela e Penalva | Knight Frank, highlights the growing level of information and demands from high-profile clients, in other words, “an informed client who is concerned with finding the most sustainable solutions.” More and more, the decision to purchase is linked to the property's ability to meet sustainability criteria, which requires developers to incorporate these concerns from the design stage through to execution.

The landscape of luxury real estate in Portugal is thus being reshaped by a demand that is here to stay. What was once an added value has become an imperative: being sustainable is now synonymous with being truly exclusive.

Ana Jordão, Residential Business Development Director at Savills, therefore identifies a new level of maturity in the sector. For her, sustainability is no longer merely appreciated — it is expected. Buyers and investors are paying attention to every detail: certifications such as LEED or BREEAM serve as guarantees of best practices and often become decisive elements in an increasingly competitive market. More than an “extra,” integrating eco-efficient systems, eco-friendly materials, and water- and energy-saving technologies in luxury properties is now imperative.

The team behind Invicta Park reinforces this interpretation with a concrete example. The rehabilitation of the Tenente Valadim Building, transformed into the Art House Boavista project, for instance, combines the preservation of architectural heritage with modern sustainable solutions, “proving that sophistication and environmental responsibility are not incompatible.”

According to Sara Infante, Partner & Founder of Infante & Riu, lifestyles themselves are also adapting to this new reality. Minimalism, often associated with contemporary design, is seen as a practical expression of a more conscious mindset. This shift “increasingly forces luxury constructions not to neglect these types of requirements from the outset,” she says. Paulo Trapola, consultant at Exclusive Lisbon Real Estate Investments, in turn, does not hesitate to state that in the luxury segment, maximum energy certification — A+ — is practically a requirement.

Daniela Rebouta, Sales Director at Engel & Völkers Lisbon, Oeiras, and Setúbal, highlights the impact of growing societal awareness, which translates into active demand for energy-efficient properties using low environmental impact materials and sustainable resource management solutions. The same is echoed by Filipa Frey-Ramos, Managing Director at BARNES International Realty, who observes a clear increase in the value placed on systems such as solar panels, water reuse, and other measures that contribute to reducing the ecological footprint — all, naturally, without sacrificing comfort or refinement.