Table Stakes in Lisbon Rentals: Why Basics Matter More Than Ever

By Diogo Goldrajch, Marketing & Development, Sempre Fixe lda

Lisbon’s rental market is constantly evolving, shaped by shifting regulations, growing demand, and an ongoing debate over housing quality. Many landlords overlook the basics not because they’re villains twirling their mustaches, but for the most, being a landlord is a side gig due to family inheritance or reinvestment.

At Sempre Fixe, long-term renting and property management is our core business. We invest care and resources into our buildings with longevity in mind. As someone responsible for marketing and property management at Sempre Fixe, what truly distinguishes a great apartment isn’t flashy extras but table stakes - the fundamental basics that every resident deserves but many landlords overlook.

What Recent News Tells Us

Quality Gaps: Local media continues to highlight issues such as poor maintenance, basic amenities missing, and landlords on “extended holiday mode” when problems spring up.

Market Shifts: As competition intensifies, brokers and owners prioritizing fundamental quality are retaining residents and benefiting from stronger word-of-mouth, even if they aren’t the market’s most prominent players.

The Landlord Reality Check: Many neglect basic standards simply because real estate is a side gig amid their day jobs. Sempre Fixe started with 0 buildings 4 years ago and we have slowly and steadily collected over 20 buildings and many more single units.

What Are Table Stakes, and Why Should You Care?

Table stakes are non-negotiable standards every property should meet before offering anything beyond.

At Sempre Fixe, we outsourced a property management company to make sure our operations and standards run smoothly. 2 years ago, we decided to create an additional internal checklist and committed to visit every building Sempre Fixe owns personally to ensure our checklist standards are being met.

As being 1 of the members who implemented the monthly site visits, I am proud to say though difficult to implement so many visits consistently, we learnt the added value of due diligence.

As time went on and we stayed consistent, we began to see benefits from our efforts. Working in the marketing department, I was motivated by the knowledge gained from meeting residents during inspections, which made me more invested in ensuring our buildings met the necessary standards.

A snapshot of some of Sempre Fixe's Table Stakes

Table Stakes Pay Offs

For Brokers: Listings with documented regular inspections get up to 30% more inquiries.

For Residents: Checking for table stakes before signing increases the chance of avoiding costly surprises by 40%.

For Investors: Prioritizing fundamentals boosts retention rates and long-term returns while avoiding reputational damage.

The Bottom Line

Lisbon’s fast-changing rental landscape, the fundamentals are more important than ever. From brokers seeking standout listings to residents pursuing quality homes and investors aiming for long-term value, prioritizing table stakes isn’t just smart—it’s non-negotiable. Reliable basics build trust, improve retention, and ultimately strengthen the community for everyone. Focusing on these essentials sets successful properties apart and creates better urban living today and for years to come.

Brokers Coffee Morning: Building Connections, Sharing Insights

Branded residences are trending in Portugal, attracting international buyers looking for serviced villas and apartments.

At Sempre Fixe, we believe that strong relationships are the foundation of thriving communities.

Last month, we hosted our 2nd Brokers Coffee Morning, bringing together professionals from Lisbon’s residential and property sector for an engaging morning of conversation, networking, and fresh insights. Held in the heart of the city, the event offered brokers, partners, and our team a chance to exchange ideas about the future of long-term rentals and what matters most right now.

Highlights

We were joined by three industry experts who shared valuable perspectives:

• Rishi Khurana (Developer): Introduced his YOO project in South Lisbon, highlighting the rise of branded residences in Portugal. sharing his in South Lisbon.

• Paula Serrão (Broker): Discussed the strong demand for apartments priced below €340,000 and recent government scheme. schemes making homeownership more accessible.

• Ankit Ruia, (Developer & Founder of Sempre Fixe): Presented our new condominium project in Maria Pia, showcasing our ongoing commitment to quality housing in Lisbon.

Key Takeaways for Property Brokers and the Community

• Branded residences are trending in Portugal, attracting international buyers looking for serviced villas and apartments from brands like YOO, Missoni, and Six Senses.

• Affordable housing demand is high among young Portuguese buyers, especially for apartments under €340,000, supported by government initiatives and bank financing.

• Networking matters: Brokers at the event expressed strong interest in future gatherings to showcase their latest developments and deepen industry connections.

• Community approach: There’s a growing need for rental properties that offer more than just four walls. Brokers are now building networks of ancillary services—like financing, interior design, and insurance—to add value for clients.

Why Sempre Fixe Hosts Events Like This

Our goal at Sempre Fixe is to build a better, more connected rental community in Greater Lisbon. Events like the Brokers Coffee Morning give us all a chance to listen, learn, and discover ways to make the rental journey easier and more rewarding for tenants and brokers alike.

Join Us Next Time!

If you’re in residental property business—or simply passionate about improving long-term rentals—we’d love to connect. Keep an eye on our Instagram and LinkedIn for news about upcoming events, or reach out directly via corporates@semprefixe.com.

Let’s build a stronger rental community in Lisbon—together.