Should I Choose a School First or Focus on Property? A Common Conundrum Facing Expat Families Relocating to Portugal

With 51 top-quality international schools offering a wide range of curricula, languages, and teaching methods, families moving to Portugal will be able to rest easy knowing that their child or children are well set up to face the challenges that life throws at them.

However, for families relocating to Portugal – or any country for that matter – there is a common dilemma where they are unsure whether to decide first on the right school for their children or choosing a suitable home. This can make getting over the first hurdle tricky as it can be difficult to define your criteria and refine your search.

Goldcrest recently hosted a live session where we delved into this question and more. While we delve into some of the key points from the session in this article, you can watch the full video below.

Also, stay tuned. Global Intelligence Unit from our partner, Global Citizen Solutions, is currently working on their comprehensive international school report, which will provide you with key insights into international schools, keeping you informed on what matters, and making your selection that much easier.

The Importance of Weighing Up Different Factors

Choosing the ideal international school in Portugal for your child or children can be a challenge and is one of the most difficult choices any parent will have to make to ensure that their children learn, grow, and thrive, and are set up in the best way for the future.

However, as the saying goes, there’s no place like home. For families relocating to Portugal, perhaps the most important aspect of relocating is choosing where is the best place for you to move to. The home and the neighborhood that you finally opt for will have a tremendous impact on your enjoyment of the country, both for you and for your children.

Families will need to weigh up different factors, such as the child’s age, the school admission procedures, which curriculum, language, or learning style you are leaning towards, in addition to commute times and property prices. Alongside this, the lifestyle aspect is a big one. You will want to live somewhere where you’ll be able to enjoy quality time together as a family.

Considering the location of the school

So, how can you strike the right balance? Well, as Gonçalo Peixoto, the Head of Real Estate at Goldcrest, mentioned in our live, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

On the one side, it’s important to consider the school right away, particularly for younger children.

“It really depends on the family […] (for younger children) the proximity to the school may be a higher priority. Older children might be able to handle longer commutes. You can also look at the school availability and the admission charge criteria. Some schools have limited spots or specific enrollment requirements. So, ensuring a place for your kid before settling on a property can avoid disappointment on this side.”

Opting for location

On the flip side, choosing the right neighborhood is paramount and should you be willing to commute longer distances, it can be the first thing to consider before scouting out schools in your catchment area. Alongside this, he points out the budget will likely have a strong influence as, often, schools are in popular areas, which can lead to you paying much more for property in these areas.

“Family priorities matter too. For some families, they want to live in a calm area and not in the center of the city. Although the college or the school that they choose is in the middle of the city, they might choose to drive the kids there or have a driver to take the kids to school. Also, the budget plays a very big part in this decision. Some of these schools are located in high pressure areas, so properties in those locations will require a higher budget to secure, and that will have a big effect on the decision. [However] if you have small kids and are you are working a lot, it is really important for parents to pick a school closer to them.”

How to Get the Balance Right

It can be a good idea to create a plan of action. For example, note down how long you are willing to commute, your top five school choices, and your top neighborhoods or areas that you have your eye on. This will help you narrow down your options and clearly identify prospective homes and schools. Speaking with experienced local agents can also prove to be invaluable, giving you nuggets of information that can be game changes to ensure you are set up in your dream home and are also close to the ideal school of your choice.

Staying flexible is key. Should you find your perfect property just a little bit far away from the school that you have your heart set on, then it may be best to adjust your plans slightly.