Alfama · Chiado · Príncipe Real
Find a trusted renovation contractor
in Lisbon
From pombaline apartments in Alfama to modern flats in Parque das Nações, we connect you with vetted, English-speaking renovation contractors who know Lisbon's building stock.
What's your project?
Lisbon mainstream pricing; heritage zones run 15 to 25% higher
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Areas we cover
Lisbon changes parish by parish
Pricing shifts sharply by neighbourhood, driven mostly by building age, lift access, and heritage status. Here's roughly how each area compares to the mainstream baseline.
Príncipe Real / Chiado
+15 to 25%Heritage buildings, no lifts, narrow stairs.
Alfama / Lapa
+15 to 20%Period properties, difficult access.
Belém / Restelo
+5 to 10%Upscale riverside stock, embassies nearby, larger properties.
Estrela / Campo de Ourique
BaselineMixed stock, reasonable access, mainstream pricing.
Avenidas Novas / Saldanha
-5 to 10%1940s to 70s buildings with lifts, simpler layouts.
Parque das Nações / Marvila
-8 to 12%Newer buildings, fewer surprises.
Why Lisbon is different
What changes when you cross from one Lisbon parish to the next
Heritage buildings dominate the centre
Pombaline and gaioleiro-era buildings need specialists comfortable with lime mortar, timber floors, and party walls shared with neighbours.
Câmara Municipal de Lisboa
Lisbon's câmara is slower than most; licenciamento for structural work often runs toward the long end of 20 to 45 days, and ARU heritage zones can add months more.
No two buildings are alike
Many central buildings lack lifts and have narrow stairwells, which affects everything from skip placement to appliance delivery.
Highest contractor demand in the country
Lisbon has the largest pool of contractors, but also the most competition for foreign-owner projects, so vetting quality matters even more here.
Real numbers
Lisbon vs. the Lisbon baseline
Compare before you choose
remodel vs. finding someone yourself
The practical differences that matter when you're renovating from a distance, or in a language you don't speak yet.
| Criterion | remodel | Facebook groups & referrals |
|---|---|---|
| Licence & insurance | Vetted and verified before joining | Rarely checked |
| English communication | English-speaking options available on request | Down to luck |
| Response time | Replies within 24h, or they're removed from the network | Can go quiet for weeks |
| Pricing | Itemised quotes, checked against Lisbon-area medians | Verbal, "trust me" estimates |
| Heritage-building experience | Checked before you are matched | Often unverified |
| If it doesn't work out | We help you remedy the situation and find a replacement | No recourse; deposits already paid are often lost |
Honest answers
Lisbon renovation questions
How much does a full renovation cost in Lisbon?
Mainstream Lisbon neighbourhoods run around €850/m² for a mid-range full renovation. Heritage-zone properties in Príncipe Real, Alfama or Chiado typically run €980 to €1,200+/m² due to lime mortar, timber restoration, and no-lift access.
How long do renovation permits take in Lisbon?
Licenciamento from the Câmara Municipal de Lisboa typically takes 20 to 45 days for structural work, often toward the longer end. Properties in Área de Reabilitação Urbana (ARU) heritage zones can add several months.
Do you cover Alfama, Chiado and Parque das Nações too?
Yes. Our Lisbon network covers Príncipe Real, Chiado, Alfama, Lapa, Estrela, Campo de Ourique, Avenidas Novas, Saldanha, Belém, and Parque das Nações.
Is this really free for homeowners?
Contractor matching is free: there is no cost to submit a request, get matched or receive a quote, and the contractor pays us a success fee on completed projects. Project management is a separate service, with its price agreed with you before any work starts and included in the overall quote on managed projects.
Do contractors really speak English?
Yes. Our network includes both English and Portuguese speaking contractors, and English-speaking options are available on request, so you can discuss scope, materials, and timelines without a language barrier.
What legal and financial checks do you run?
Every contractor is vetted and verified by remodel before joining the network. We check their track record and references, their tax and social security standing, and their civil liability insurance with proof of coverage limits, and we confirm the company is not in insolvency or carrying significant registered debt. Where the work legally requires a construction licence (alvará), we confirm it.
By trade
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Nearby areas
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Are you a contractor in Portugal?
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Useful guides
Cost data, permit guides, and the renovation passport for owners renovating in Lisbon and the surrounding area.