The first edition of the Global Property Expo, held at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre, has just concluded, and it is clear to me that we have witnessed the birth of what could become the world’s leading fair for international property investment.

Over the course of three days, this inaugural event brought together developers, investors, architects, tech entrepreneurs, and thought leaders from across continents. The conversations, panels, and one-on-one exchanges that unfolded were not only rich in insight but truly global in ambition. And right at the center of this remarkable gathering stood Portugal, admired, respected, and, more than ever, on the radar of serious international buyers and investors.

Portugal is often first recognized abroad for football and for Cristiano Ronaldo. But beyond that, what resonated with attendees from Asia, the Middle East, and beyond was something deeper: a growing appreciation for Portugal’s simplicity, authenticity, and quality of life. What many find appealing is our balance, a legal and economic framework that gives confidence, a peaceful way of living that appeals to families and retirees, and a strategic approach to international engagement that is admired far beyond our borders.

Throughout the fair, I had the honor of representing Portugal on stage in four different sessions. I moderated panel discussions ranging from social impact investment and international buying trends to branded real estate and global landlord strategies. And I was particularly proud to be asked to moderate the final panel of the entire event, a closing session focused on giving attendees a practical guide for investing abroad. This last slot was more than symbolic; it was a recognition of trust, and I felt deeply honored by the responsibility.

The panels I was part of featured industry leaders from global firms such as JLL, Henley & Partners, GetGround, and INTRIC Technologies, among others. We debated the evolution of luxury in real estate, how PropTech is transforming investor access, and how branded residences and tokenization are reshaping the value proposition of property itself. The diversity and professionalism of the speakers and the audience were hugely impressive.

What stood out the most, however, was the clarity of purpose. This was not just an event for display. It was a gathering designed to enable smart investment, meaningful exchange, and real collaboration between buyers, sellers, and advisors from all corners of the world. Whether it was discussions on financing second homes in the U.S., investing in Japanese cities, or leveraging real estate for global citizenship, every topic was grounded in substance.

Singapore itself proved to be a perfect host. Not only does it offer world-class infrastructure and organization, but it also concentrates on a highly sophisticated audience of investors, family offices, and HNWIs who are actively seeking international opportunities. Real estate remains, in their eyes, the most reliable and tangible asset class. In that context, Portugal was incredibly well received, a country seen as offering value, stability, and unmatched lifestyle potential.

Our presence at the fair, both through Casaiberia and our colleagues at JLL Portugal, generated excellent interest. Conversations started here will continue in the months ahead. More than a few attendees, some of them seasoned investors, told me that Portugal is no longer just an option on their list; it is now at the top of it.

But while this year was a powerful start, the road ahead is equally important. If this event is to grow into what I believe it can be, “The Flagship International Property Fair in the World,” we must continue to bring even more to the table. In 2026, I would like to see expanded participation from developers, architects, mortgage providers, legal experts, PropTech firms, designers, and lifestyle curators. Real estate is no longer just about land and buildings. It is about ideas, systems, and the people who make places meaningful. And this fair has the potential to be on their stage.

It was deeply meaningful to have The Portugal News as part of this journey, helping to bring our story to a wider audience. As someone who has spent years working between markets, cultures, and continents, Portugal’s voice in global real estate is growing stronger. And it is through platforms like this that we make it heard.

I return from Singapore with gratitude, pride, and optimism! Proud of the panels I had the privilege to moderate, proud to be part of a world-class event, and proud of how Portugal was received. But most of all, I return convinced that this is just the beginning. We are building something significant here, not just in terms of business, but in shaping the global real estate conversation of the future. And I look forward to doing my part in helping it grow.

Author

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes