Singer Eric Clapton, British rock and blues star, is one of the most famous names to have bought a house in Madeira, along with George Clooney, who is said to have purchased an apartment. This list does not include Cristiano Ronaldo, owner of several luxury homes, who, having been born on the island, is not included in the group of foreign residents.
The agent of singer Lenny Kravitz is another of the personalities who have purchased property in Madeira, alongside businesspeople, professionals, retirees and families looking for a peaceful environment in which to raise their children.
Tânia Tenente, a luxury real estate consultant at Sotheby’s International Realty, confirms this trend. ‘Madeira has attracted a growing number of celebrities, billionaires and world-renowned personalities seeking stability, privacy and a high standard of living. Many discover on the island the opportunity to step away from the spotlight and live in peaceful locations, surrounded by nature, fresh air and an atmosphere of discretion that is rarely found in other European destinations,’ she explains.
Renowned artists, high-performance athletes and influencers with global reach are some of the ‘distinct profiles’ of luxury property buyers in the region. According to Tânia Tenente, foreign buyers are no longer limited to retired European investors. ‘There is a balance between entrepreneurs, international professionals and young talents with high liquidity, including buyers from the crypto universe,’ she points out.
Victor de Sousa, Managing Director of AFA Real Estate, offers another perspective on this profile. Most international buyers are between 40 and 60 years old and belong to the upper-middle class in their countries of origin. ‘Demand is mainly focused on second homes, used at certain times of the year and often rented out the rest of the time,’ he says. Investors favour houses with large outdoor areas and unobstructed views but are also interested in high-end flats in prime locations. Many opt for turnkey projects, which allow them to receive the property ready to move into, without bureaucracy or monitoring of construction work.
For Victor de Sousa, Madeira stands out among Portuguese regions for its balance between quality of life and investment opportunity. ‘The properties offer generous areas, wide views and high construction standards, while maintaining competitive prices and solid prospects for future appreciation,’ he emphasises.
In September 2025, the average price per square metre on the island stood at €3,643, rising to around €3,879 in Funchal, which remains the most valued market. In terms of rentals, the value was around €15.4 per square metre.
Although Madeira is currently one of the most expensive areas in Portugal, these values remain significantly lower than those in many of the buyers' countries of origin, which, combined with the quality of life and high standard of construction, reinforces the attractiveness of the destination.
Funchal is the main centre of attraction, particularly parishes such as São Martinho, São Gonçalo, Santa Luzia, Santa Maria Maior, or places such as Palheiro Ferreiro, as well as the Garajau hillside in Caniço. ‘These areas combine prestige, accessibility, consolidated infrastructure and proximity to the city centre,’ explains Tânia Tenente.
Outside the capital, demand is growing in Calheta, Ponta do Sol and Ribeira Brava. ‘These areas are appreciated for their sun exposure, tranquillity and sweeping views of the Atlantic, as well as the growing supply of modern villas with larger plots,’ adds the consultant. The north coast also attracts buyers looking for unspoilt nature and less urbanised environments. ‘Demand has increased, especially for contemporary projects that respect the natural environment, private farms and large plots of land for the construction of exclusive villas,’ says Tânia Tenente.
Despite growing interest, there are challenges, such as limited air connectivity, which may influence the decision of some buyers. However, Madeira remains a destination of choice for international buyers, especially from Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States.
