Question 1

How much does it cost to rent a 1-bedroom apartment in Lisbon?

Accepted Answer

The average price of a 1-bedroom apartment for rent in Lisbon is €1963 per month. 1-bedroom apartments for rent in Lisbon range from €580 to €9960 per month, depending on the area, condition, energy rating and whether the property is furnished or not. 1-bedroom apartments in central areas or recently renovated ones have the highest rents; in the outskirts and neighboring municipalities you will find the most affordable options.

Question 2

What is the minimum income needed to rent a 1-bedroom apartment in Lisbon?

Accepted Answer

To rent a 1-bedroom apartment in Lisbon, the rent should not exceed 30–35% of the monthly net income. With an average rent of €1963, it is necessary to prove a minimum income of around 3 times that amount — a standard criterion across 1-bedroom apartments for rent in Lisbon, whether renting directly from a landlord or through an agency. In addition to the rent, typical monthly expenses in a 1-bedroom apartment include: 1. Utilities (electricity, gas, water): €70–180;
2. Food: €200–350 (single person or couple);
3. Transportation: €30–60 (monthly pass);
4. Internet and mobile phone: €40–60;
5. Leisure and other: €60–120. The average net salary in Portugal is around €1,100–1,300 per month — enough to rent a 1-bedroom apartment in Lisbon in more affordable areas, although with little margin in higher-demand areas. Exploring 1-bedroom apartments for rent in Lisbon in peripheral areas or directly from landlords is the most effective way to find options with better value for money.

Question 3

How much does heating cost per month in a 1-bedroom apartment for rent in Lisbon?

Accepted Answer

In 1-bedroom apartments for rent in Lisbon, reversible air conditioning is the most common heating system, with an average monthly cost of €20–50 in winter. Total heating expenses in a 1-bedroom apartment for rent in Lisbon generally range between €20 and €100 per month, varying depending on the installed system and the time of year. Typical values by system: - Reversible air conditioning (air-to-air heat pump): the most common in renovated 1-bedroom apartments for rent in Lisbon — €20–50 in winter; €15–40 in summer;
- Natural gas boiler: common in newer buildings — €25–50 in mild months; €50–90 in winter;
- LPG boiler: more common outside major urban centers — €30–60 in mild months; €60–110 in winter;
- Portable electric heaters: found in older properties; the least efficient option — €50–100 in winter. In a 1-bedroom apartment for rent in Lisbon, the smaller size of the property results in proportionally lower heating costs — even so, the energy rating still has a relevant impact on the monthly budget. Always ask the landlord for the energy certificate before signing.

Question 4

What is the typical deposit amount for renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Lisbon?

Accepted Answer

For renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Lisbon, it is standard practice for landlords to request 1 to 2 months' rent as a deposit — the maximum limit set by law in Portugal. With an average rent of €1963, the amount is lower than for larger property types, but should be factored into the initial budget before moving in. Important to know: - The deposit is returned within 30 days of handing back the keys, with deductions only for proven damages;
- Normal wear and tear cannot be deducted;
- The amount must be stated in the rental contract;
- The deposit cannot be used to cover the last month's rent;
- For long-term 1-bedroom apartments for rent directly from landlords in Lisbon, the deposit terms tend to be more negotiable than through an agency;
- In higher-demand areas, some landlords may request additional guarantees such as a guarantor or post-dated checks.

Question 5

What is the typical energy rating of 1-bedroom apartments for rent in Lisbon?

Accepted Answer

Most 1-bedroom apartments for rent in Lisbon have an energy rating of C–E. Newer properties or those that have undergone renovation works are rated A–B, while older 1-bedroom apartments, common in historic city centers, can reach F–G. Approximate electricity costs by energy rating: - A–B: efficient property, good insulation — approx. €20–45 per month;
- C–D: average standard — approx. €45–80 per month;
- E–F: low efficiency — approx. €90–140 or more, especially in winter. For a long-term rental, the energy rating of a 1-bedroom apartment can represent a difference of €40–90 per month in the budget — a proportionally significant amount given the smaller size of this property type. When renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Lisbon, always ask the landlord for the energy certificate before signing — it is required by law.

Question 6

Are 1-bedroom apartments for rent in Lisbon usually furnished?

Accepted Answer

In Lisbon, the supply of 1-bedroom apartments for rent is relatively evenly split between furnished and unfurnished — unlike larger property types, furnished 1-bedroom apartments have a more significant presence on the market, particularly in urban areas and properties aimed at young professionals and expatriates. A furnished 1-bedroom apartment typically includes: - Bed, wardrobe and bedroom furniture;
- Sofa, table and living room chairs;
- Refrigerator, stove, oven and microwave;
- Washing machine (not always). An unfurnished 1-bedroom apartment typically includes: - Fixed bathroom fixtures;
- Kitchen with built-in cabinets;
- Built-in wardrobe in the bedroom (in many cases). A partially furnished 1-bedroom apartment typically includes fixed appliances and a built-in wardrobe, with no bedroom or living room furniture. For long-term rentals, an unfurnished 1-bedroom apartment with a lower rent may be the most advantageous option for those who already have their own furniture. The same applies to a T1+1 apartment for rent in Lisbon — usually available unfurnished, with the extra room serving as an office or storage. Always check the inventory before signing the contract.

Question 7

What documents do I need to rent a 1-bedroom apartment in Lisbon?

Accepted Answer

To rent a 1-bedroom apartment in Lisbon, identification documents and proof of financial capacity are required. Landlords typically ask for: 1. Citizen Card or valid passport;
2. NIF (Tax Identification Number);
3. Last 3 payslips;
4. Most recent annual tax return (IRS);
5. Bank statements from the last 3 months. What to know before applying: - Income: landlords typically require 3 times the rent amount in net income — for a 1-bedroom apartment for rent in Lisbon, a single income may be sufficient in more affordable areas;
- Documents from all occupants: in contracts with two holders, both must provide full documentation — the contract must identify all tenants;
- Primary tenant: it is possible to sign the contract in one person's name only, but the landlord may require all occupants to be named in the contract, especially for long-term rentals;
- Guarantor: not required by law, but may be requested in higher-demand areas or for tenants with no rental history in Portugal;
- No Portuguese employment contract: a foreign contract, pension or investment income are accepted, as long as they can be proven. For 1-bedroom apartments for rent directly from landlords in Lisbon and without intermediaries, the process tends to be faster — have all your documentation ready before starting your search.

Question 8

Who is a 1-bedroom apartment for rent in Lisbon suitable for?

Accepted Answer

A 1-bedroom apartment for rent in Lisbon is the most suitable property type for 1 to 2 people looking for independence and a space of their own at an affordable long-term cost. Most common profiles: 1. Single person: the most common profile — a private bedroom, independent living room and private kitchen without the costs of larger property types;
2. Couple without children: the most common solution for couples starting life together on a long-term rental in Lisbon;
3. Young professional: independence and a central location at a controlled cost — a common choice among recent graduates and early-career professionals in Lisbon;
4. Expatriates and foreign workers: the 1-bedroom apartment for rent in Lisbon is frequently the first choice for foreign professionals arriving alone or as a couple. A T1+1 apartment for rent in Lisbon is a good alternative for those who need extra space for an office or storage, without the cost associated with a larger property type. In practice, 1 person is the most common occupancy in a 1-bedroom apartment for rent in Lisbon, although up to 2 is possible depending on the size and terms of the contract. The number of occupants must always be communicated to the landlord — in rentals without intermediaries or through an agency, the contract may include restrictions in this regard.

Question 9

What is the typical size of a 1-bedroom apartment for rent in Lisbon?

Accepted Answer

The average size of a 1-bedroom apartment for rent in Lisbon is 68 m². The typical layout of a 1-bedroom apartment for rent in Lisbon includes: - 1 bedroom — with a built-in wardrobe in most cases;
- 1 full bathroom — with toilet, sink and shower or bathtub; in newer 1-bedroom apartments there may be a second guest bathroom (toilet and sink only);
- Living room — in older properties, separate from the kitchen; in newer properties, often open plan with the kitchen;
- Kitchen — independent in older properties; integrated in an open plan layout in newer ones, with built-in cabinets;
- Laundry room or utility area — present in most 1-bedroom apartments, sometimes just a space for the washing machine in the kitchen or in a storage room;
- Balcony — common in 1-bedroom apartments for rent in Lisbon, especially in buildings constructed from the 1990s onwards. Some 1-bedroom apartments for rent in Lisbon are classified as T1+1 — they include an extra room (office, interior bedroom or storage) that does not count as an official bedroom because it has no exterior window or does not meet minimum habitability requirements, offering more flexibility in the use of space. When renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Lisbon, older properties tend to have more separate rooms; newer ones opt for open plan layouts with better use of the available space.

Question 10

What are the monthly expenses in a 1-bedroom apartment for rent in Lisbon?

Accepted Answer

In a 1-bedroom apartment for rent in Lisbon, the additional monthly expenses on top of the rent typically add up to €120–280, depending on consumption, energy rating and the building: - Electricity: €35–90 (varies with energy rating and time of year);
- Gas: €20–60 (heating and hot water);
- Water: €10–25; sometimes included in condo fees;
- Fiber internet: €25–40;
- Condo fees: €15–60 per month; not always included in the rent;
- Municipal waste tax (RSU): €30–120 per year, sometimes passed on to the tenant;
- Home insurance (mandatory): €8–18 per month;
- Contents insurance (recommended): €4–10 per month;
- Parking: €50–150 per month extra, if not included in the rent. Before renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Lisbon, confirm with the landlord which expenses are included and always calculate the actual total monthly cost. In a 1-bedroom apartment occupied by two people, electricity, gas and water expenses can increase by 15–30% compared to a single person, easily reaching €120–200 per month in utilities.

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