Full House Renovation in Portugal: Cost, Timeline, and What's Actually Included in 2026
By Pascal Niggli · Co-founder of remodel.pt · Last updated July 2026
A full property renovation in Portugal costs €85,000–€150,000+ for a typical 120–150m² apartment or house and takes 16–30 weeks from quote acceptance to handover. Structural work, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), and finishes each account for roughly a third of cost, and per-m² pricing on full renovations varies more than any other category, which is why Remodel.pt checks every quote against regional project data before you see it.
What's in this guide
Full renovations in Portugal typically run €700–€1,400 per m², depending on region and finish level
Structural work, MEP, and finishes each account for roughly a third of total project cost
A full renovation requiring layout changes needs a building permit (licenciamento), averaging 60–120 days
Remodel.pt coordinates the full trade team so you aren't juggling contractors yourself
Per-m² price variance is highest in this category, a full renovation quoted at €1,400/m² against a €950/m² regional median is a red flag
How Much Does a Full Renovation Cost in Portugal?
€700–€1,400 per m², or roughly €85,000–€150,000+ for a 120–150m² property, including structural, MEP, and finish work, checked against regional project data so you know if you're being quoted fairly.
Line item
Share of total cost
Structural work (walls, foundations, roof)
25–35%
MEP (electrical, plumbing, HVAC)
25–30%
Finishes (flooring, tiling, paint, fixtures)
25–30%
Permits & professional fees
5–10%
Contingency (recommended)
10–15% on top
A €1,400/m² quote against a €950/m² regional median for the same scope and finish level is a real pattern we see, it's exactly what quote benchmarking is built to catch.
What Drives the Cost of a Full Renovation?
Whether structural walls move, how much of the MEP system is replaced versus reused, and finish level together explain most of the per-m² variance between full renovation quotes.
Older buildings in heritage zones often carry additional cost from working within preservation constraints, matching original tile patterns, retaining façade elements, or using traditional lime plaster instead of modern render. This can add 30–50% versus an equivalent renovation outside a protected zone.
How Long Does a Full Renovation Take?
16–30 weeks from quote acceptance to handover, with permit approval timing (when required) often the largest single variable rather than the construction work itself.
Structural and MEP work typically run 8–14 weeks, finishes another 6–10 weeks, with the range depending on property size and whether work is sequenced room-by-room (if the owner is living on-site) or all at once.
Do You Need a Permit for a Full Renovation?
Any full renovation that moves load-bearing walls, alters the façade, or changes room configuration significantly requires a building permit (licenciamento) from the câmara municipal under RJUE.
A licensed architect or engineer typically needs to be involved from the planning stage for full renovations, both for permit submission and for structural sign-off. Remodel.pt can point you toward architects who work with foreign owners if your project needs one.
Frequently Asked Questions
€700–€1,400 per m², roughly €85,000–€150,000+ for a 120–150m² property, depending on region, structural scope, and finish level.
Typically 16–30 weeks from quote acceptance to handover, with permit approval timing often the largest variable.
Usually yes, if structural walls move or the façade changes, a licensed architect or engineer is required for permit submission and structural sign-off.
Per-m² pricing varies more in this category than any other, structural scope, MEP replacement extent, and finish level each shift cost significantly, and foreign owners are sometimes quoted well above the regional median.
Sometimes, if work is sequenced room-by-room, but this extends the overall timeline. Most owners relocate temporarily for full renovations.
Conclusion
A full renovation in Portugal is a €700–€1,400/m² project spanning 16–30 weeks. It's also the category with the widest quote variance, Remodel.pt exists to keep that variance from becoming your problem.
Pascal is the co-founder of remodel.pt. Originally from Switzerland, he has lived in Portugal for several years and has first-hand experience with permit, VAT, and contractor issues foreign owners run into. He built remodel.pt to be the resource he wished existed when he started.
Cost ranges are indicative and based on completed projects across Portugal. Actual costs vary by property condition, scope, materials, and contractor. Last updated: July 2026.
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