The founders share their perspectives on market trends, standout projects, and their distinct approach to delivering unparalleled value.

Q: LandingPad has undergone remarkable growth. How has your strategy evolved over the years?

Chris Kraus: Portugal’s property market is shifting, with ever rising interest from international buyers, evolving regulations, and increasing demand for sustainable developments. We’ve tailored our approach to seize these opportunities, ensuring we stay ahead of the curve. Lisbon, Sintra, Alentejo and a few more areas are markets with immense potential but navigating them can be daunting for outsiders. We’ve combined deep local expertise with a global outlook to identify undervalued properties and transform them into exceptional homes for an international clientele.

Alastair Cunningham: It’s about more than just renovating properties; it’s about understanding what inspired our clients to move to Portugal and tailoring their experience with us and our properties accordingly. With now almost 50 employees, a construction business managing 10 ongoing sites, and a double-digit million development portfolio, we’re building our operation organically that nonetheless reflects our ambitions. Each project blends Portuguese heritage with modern sophistication. Whether it’s restoring a historic apartment or crafting a villa from the ground up, we’re committed to delivering spaces that resonate emotionally with the people who’ll call them home.

Q: The expat market is competitive. What sets LandingPad apart?

Chris Kraus: LandingPad is more than just a real estate company; it’s three distinct divisions: an agency, a construction services provider, and a development and investment firm. We tie these elements together with strategic consulting. This ensures clients benefit from compounding value while avoiding the risks of oversight or miscommunication. From feasibility, through design to delivery, we control the entire process—sourcing opportunities, navigating licensing, managing construction, and even marketing properties through our in-house brokerage.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client;

Alastair Cunningham: This vertical integration ensures we maintain the highest standards throughout. We’re also known for tackling projects others avoid. It's a complicated and messy market, but 'unmessing the mess' is where we excel. For instance, with the Vinagre Villas in Sintra, we're turning a challenging planning scenario into a value generating opportunity, unlocking the possibility to build a pair of luxury homes that will exceed market expectations. It’s about seeing potential where others see obstacles.


Q: How do you balance Portuguese authenticity with the demands of modern luxury?

Alastair Cunningham: Striking that balance is key. Take our AlmiRei Apartment project as an example. We preserved original wood flooring and intricate ceiling mouldings while adding a sleek penthouse duplex. The result is a harmonious blend of heritage and innovation.

Chris Kraus: Our clients value character over uniformity. Every property we create tells a unique story, and that narrative becomes an intrinsic part of its appeal.

For more information please visit www.landingpad.pt.