After opening its doors in September 2024, Century 21 Nature operated for its first full year in 2025. For Pedro Ponte, this first full year was very positive. Speaking to Correio dos Açores, the manager of the Ribeira Grande-based real estate agency explains what sets his agency apart from others, what will happen to the sector with Ryanair’s departure from the region, what can be changed to increase housing, and states: “The Azores have changed a lot in recent years and it is natural that planning instruments should keep pace with this evolution.

How would you assess Century 21 Nature’s first full year of activity?

Pedro Ponte (manager of Century 21 Nature) – The assessment is very positive and is partly the result of a favorable economic climate and growing demand for the Azores real estate market, both from investors and foreign and local buyers.

However, more than the context, it was the work, professionalism, and dedication of our consultants that enabled us to transform this demand into concrete results. In a highly competitive market, proximity to customers, rigorous process monitoring, and the seriousness with which we approach each business deal made the difference throughout the year.

What sets Century 21 Nature apart in a market with so many consultants and real estate agencies?

Above all, we stand out for the way we approach our profession. It was a year in which we actively contributed to serving families through professional, responsible, and close service.

The Century 21 brand in Portugal has taken significant steps toward qualifying in the sector. We do not believe in a model based solely on selling houses; our goal is to train true real estate consultants, prepared to accompany decisions that are often the most important in people’s lives.

There are many real estate agencies and consultants on the market, but quantity does not always reflect professionalism or adequate preparation. All our consultants have completed DGERT-certified training, which guarantees a high level of knowledge, rigor, and professionalism in their work.

We will continue to take firm steps toward the professionalization of the sector, as we believe that a more qualified market, with greater knowledge and stronger technical capacity, benefits everyone. Buying a property is a serious decision and should be accompanied by responsibility and a genuine sense of service.

Several measures have been announced for the construction of new homes. Could these measures contribute to a decrease in house prices?

Initiatives focused on increasing supply are important to alleviate some of the pressure on the market. Even so, the issue of housing is complex and requires a medium- and long-term vision. Creating conditions for private initiative to invest sustainably is an important step. Construction costs have been increasing significantly, driven by high demand for services across both public and private projects.

A strategic review of the Municipal Master Plan can be an important tool for clearly defining where it makes sense to grow and build, creating more opportunities and balancing the market. The Azores have changed a lot in recent years, and, naturally, planning instruments should keep pace with this evolution.

You mentioned that around 50% of your customers are foreigners. Are you concerned about Ryanair’s departure?

Ryanair’s departure mainly impacts visitors who take short trips and contribute to the local economy, particularly in the restaurant and retail sectors.

However, the real estate market in the Azores remains strongly linked to countries such as Germany, the United States, Canada, and France, which have direct connections to São Miguel. The greatest impact may be felt primarily during the low season and in sectorsmore dependent on volume tourism.

Is it sustainable in the long term for most of the young population of São Miguel to live in rented accommodation?

Renting can be a balanced solution when there is a healthy relationship between supply and demand. The main challenge we currently face in the Azores is a supply shortage, which has put pressure on rents.

The growth of local accommodation has also influenced the market, as it offers greater profitability for owners. To improve market functioning, incentives could be introduced to make traditional renting more attractive and help address this reality.

There has been talk for several years of a possible real estate bubble. Is there such a risk?

It is difficult to make absolute predictions. We are seeing more moderate and sustained growth, similar to that observed in other regions of the country.

In São Miguel, demand remains strong and new construction has been quickly absorbed. The gradual reduction in available supply and continued interest from domestic and international buyers indicate that the market still has room to grow, with relative stability when compared to large urban centers.

Frederico Figueiredo is a journalist for Correio dos Açores, Natalino Viveiros-director

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