Case report · Madeira

Financing a townhouse in Câmara de Lobos – Authentic living a short distance from Funchal

A self-employed management consultant from Bavaria was planning a permanent move to Madeira together with his wife. They were looking for a townhouse in Câmara de Lobos with a roof terrace, a small garage and enough room for a separate study.

Key figures

At a glance

  • Purchase price: 520.000 €
  • Renovation: 54.000 €
  • Financing required: 337.600 €
  • Equity: 262.400 €

Anonymised case figure · not a binding statement for other projects · §34i GewO

Typical, anonymised case. Names, places and individual financing figures have been adjusted to protect privacy. The process reflects a typical advisory situation for non-resident financing in Portugal.

A traditional coastal town with a high quality of living

Câmara de Lobos is one of the oldest and most original places on Madeira. Its picturesque natural harbour, established neighbourhood and immediate proximity to Funchal make the town especially attractive for people who want to live permanently on the island. Townhouses here often offer plenty of living space and character but frequently require modernisation to meet today's living standards.

Initial situation

A self-employed management consultant from Bavaria was planning a permanent move to Madeira together with his wife. They were looking for a townhouse in Câmara de Lobos with a roof terrace, a small garage and enough room for a separate study. The property stood out for its quiet location and Atlantic view, but was to be comprehensively modernised before moving in.

Financing overview

  • Purchase price: 520.000 €
  • Additional costs: 26.000 €
  • Renovation: 54.000 €
  • Total investment: 600.000 €
  • Equity: 262.400 €
  • Financing required: 337.600 €

The challenge

The buyers had equity from many years of building assets. At the same time, existing securities holdings were to remain as untouched as possible. In addition, the plan was to complete all modernisation immediately after the purchase so the house could be lived in permanently without further construction work.

Analysis

With existing properties on Madeira it often turns out that the actual investment requirement goes beyond the purchase price. Kitchens, bathrooms or technical fittings do not always match new owners' expectations. Financing that takes the entire investment into account is therefore advisable.

The financing corresponded to around 65 % of the purchase price and provided a balanced ratio between equity and outside financing. At the same time, sufficient financial flexibility was preserved.

Financing solution

All planned measures were already taken into account in the financing:

  • new fitted kitchen with an open living concept
  • complete modernisation of the bathrooms
  • energy-efficient air conditioning
  • creation of a separate home-office area
  • structured network cabling
  • custom-made fitted wardrobes
  • modern LED lighting throughout the house

All work was carried out immediately after the purchase.

Outcome

The townhouse could be occupied once the modernisation was complete, with no further building phase. The buyers moved their centre of life to Câmara de Lobos as planned and at the same time kept part of their assets as a financial reserve for future projects.

What other buyers can learn

With older townhouses in particular, it is worth calculating the actual investment requirement in full. When the purchase price, additional costs and modernisation are financed together, a reliable basis emerges for a permanent move to Madeira.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Why is the modernisation included directly in the financing?
This allows all work to be completed before moving in. Additional loans or later conversions can often be avoided this way.
Does financing make sense even though there is enough equity?
Many buyers want to keep their asset structure balanced and preserve financial reserves for the future.
Which modernisations are especially typical for townhouses in Câmara de Lobos?
Kitchens, bathrooms, air conditioning, lighting, digital infrastructure and individual storage solutions are frequently modernised.
Is Câmara de Lobos suitable as a permanent residence?
Yes. The town offers good infrastructure, a fast connection to Funchal, medical care, shopping and a high quality of life in an authentic setting.

Conclusion

A townhouse in Câmara de Lobos combines the charm of a traditional coastal town with the advantages of a modern living environment. Anyone who plans the total investment realistically and includes all modernisation in the financing from the start creates a solid basis for permanent life on Madeira.

Your contact

A similar situation in Portugal? Let's talk.

Every financing in Portugal is an individual case. In a free initial consultation I will tell you honestly what is feasible and which bank fits.

Book a free consultation

Anonymised individual case, not a binding statement for other projects · Siegfried Perini, BAFA-notified for the cross-border activity of the owner Olga Nikushkina · §34i GewO · no tax or legal advice · no financing commitment; conditions depend on creditworthiness, loan-to-value and bank