The island of Santa Maria is one the most popular places for foreigners looking for houses in Portugal.
Supply is scarce, but a study by the Idealista real estate portal shows that in the last three months, demand for houses in this region has soared:
“We have seven of the archipelago’s nine islands with the weight of international demand above 40%,” says João Brás to TSF.
The head of the Idealista study says there are still no signs of Americans wanting to get away from President-elect Trump. Still, they are among the biggest home customers in Portugal and the ones researching the Azores the most.
“North American demand is in the top three of the countries looking for homes in Portugal. In the national total, we’re talking about France in first place, the United Kingdom in second and the United States in third, and the United States was in first place at the end of last year. If we look specifically at the Autonomous Region of the Azores, we have the United States, Germany and Canada.”


Foreign demand had fallen considerably since the end of last year when gold visas and tax incentives for non-habitual residents were discontinued.
However, João Brás notes that it has recovered since the summer. It remains to be seen what impact the new regime foreseen in the State Budget will have.
Santa Maria, the most popular island, stands out for its tranquility, white sandy beaches, and unspoiled natural environment, which attract increasing numbers of foreigners in search of quality of life.
Located in the southeast of the Azores archipelago, it is known as the “island of the sun” due to its drier and milder climate than the other islands.
In addition, it offers a unique link to the history of the Portuguese discoveries, where Christopher Columbus is said to have made a stopover on his way back from America, which could be a strong link between this island and the Americans.
These characteristics make Santa Maria a destination for those looking for a quiet refuge away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities, consolidating it as a jewel in the Azorean real estate market.

In Diário dos Açores, Osvaldo Cabral-director

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.