Strategy 

Executive Global: What would you say are three of the most appealing characteristics about the Lagos region of Portugal?

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Ana Martins: First and foremost are the people- who are warm, genuine and welcoming. Secondly, Lagos offers an exceptional quality of life, making it an ideal place to visit, live and invest. Finally, there is its history, traditions and preserved environment. From beaches to rural villages, Lagos combines diversity with identity. Vibrant and cosmopolitan, it remains true to its roots. A place I am proud to call home.
 

EG: In your experience, what are the archetypal attributes of successful property investors in Portugal?

AM: My experience tells me that successful investors in Portugal, particularly in Lagos and along the Vicentine Coast, (my areas of expertise) combine vision with discipline. They are financially prepared, realistic and focused on long-term value. Understand that the best opportunities are not always obvious and rely on analysis, due diligence and trusted local guidance. Above all, they remain patient and adaptable, making informed decisions within a clear strategy.
 

EG: How may your comprehensive knowledge of the landscape provide a strategic advantage for clients?
 

AM: Being born and raised in Lagos gives me insight that extends beyond geography. I understand each area’s character, evolution, people and communities. Combined with my academic background in Real Estate Management, this helps me anticipate growth and identify potential others may overlook. My network also provides access to trusted professionals and essential services. Together, this local knowledge, professional and experience allow me to anticipate challenges and advise clients strategically.

EG: What strategies can be implemented to maximise rental yields in the Lagos market?

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AM: Lagos is attracting investment from hotel groups, including Hilton confirming its international appeal. For short-term rental investors, I believe success combines comfort, sensory experience and local tradition. Hotels and private rentals serve different audiences, and many successful properties are neither central nor seafront, as most agents advise. Guests increasingly seek authenticity and connection with local life. Maximising yields therefore means looking beyond summer, creating distinctive experiences and building sustainable year-round value.
 

EG: What have you learnt about team building and staff development?

AM: Before creating MIKASA, I worked within a large real estate network, before as agent and after has main broker, and I often felt pressured to prioritise numbers over the people achieving them. That experience shaped my vision: a company where technical expertise and client service begin with a valued, supported team. People cannot be reduced to numbers, nor clients to transactions. When staff are empowered to grow, stronger results and positive client experiences follow. Because we are all human.

EG: What does strategy in real estate mean to you in 2026?

AM: A successful real estate strategy will require an understanding of change rather than merely reacting to it. Although technology, data and artificial intelligence offer valuable tools, they cannot replace local knowledge, human judgement or the ability to grasp each client’s genuine objectives. A successful strategy involves anticipating how locations will evolve, recognising opportunities beyond what is immediately visible and adapting to new market, regulatory and lifestyle trends. It also means knowing when not to recommend an investment. In my view, a genuine strategy combines vision, evidence, experience and ethics, transforming knowledge into well-informed decisions that protect our clients and create sustainable long-term value.

EG: What can foreign investors expect when moving to Lagos and working with you?

AM: Investors will be surprised by Lagos’s lifestyle and sense of belonging. From me, they can expect honesty, even hearing that a property they love may not be their best investment. I handle each process as my own, using my network to clarify doubts and anticipating risks before problems arise. My “Trust My Agent” certification, the two EU Business News Algarve awards and now my nomination for Real Estate Entrepreneur of the Year – Portugal 2026, I believe, reflect how seriously I take that responsibility.   EG