Criterion Portugal invites you to connect with us.
Criterion Portugal is redefining standards in the Portuguese housing market
Criterion Portugal is a forward-thinking developer focused on creating spaces that seamlessly blend modern living with Portugal’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
Criterion Portugal is a forward-thinking developer focused on creating spaces that seamlessly blend modern living with Portugal’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
As part of Criterion Capital - a family-run business with a proud multi-generational legacy, founded by a Portuguese resident - we blend decades of expertise with a hands-on, locally led approach to deliver exceptional residential and aparthotel projects.
Our developments span some of Portugal’s most desirable locations, from the vibrant coastal hubs of Lisbon and Cascais to the picturesque landscapes of Oeiras and Sintra. Whether situated near tranquil beaches, lush parks, or thriving urban centres, our projects are designed to integrate with their surroundings and respect local culture.
Rooted in sustainability and innovation, we’re proud to contribute to Portugal’s growth by working with local communities to create homes and spaces that inspire, connect, and endure.
The Company
At Criterion Portugal, we are redefining modern living through sustainable development and thoughtful design underpinned by a hands-on and agile approach.
As part of Criterion Capital, a multi-generational family business with €7bn+ AUM, we bring a legacy of stewardship and innovation to Portugal.
Our portfolio spans high-quality residential properties and aparthotel ventures, each crafted to harmonise with Portugal’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Committed to sustainability and community enrichment, we actively collaborate with local suppliers, artisans, and contractors, ensuring our projects support economic growth, environmental responsibility, and long-term value creation.
At Criterion Portugal, we are redefining standards in the Portuguese housing market by creating homes that transcend traditional living spaces. Each project embodies our dedication to building vibrant, sustainable communities where individuals and families can thrive.
Our values
Our investment approach
At Criterion Portugal, we are committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable residential and hospitality developments that generate long-term value. With a multi-generational legacy from Criterion Capital, a family-run business managing over €7bn in assets, we bring decades of expertise and a hands-on, agile approach to every project.
Our investment strategy focuses on prime locations, integrating modern design with Portugal’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. We prioritise sustainability and economic vitality, ensuring each project supports both the environment and local communities.
With ambitious plans for expansion, we are actively seeking investment opportunities and strategic land partnerships to accelerate our growth and establish ourselves as the leading residential developer in Portugal. By working with us, investors and landowners can benefit from our expertise, strong market positioning, and commitment to long-term success.
Social value
At Criterion Portugal, we are deeply committed to the communities in which we operate, creating not only homes but also contributing to the social and cultural fabric of each area. Guided by our vision of providing homes for life for the families of today and tomorrow, we invest in meaningful partnerships that foster social harmony and ensure future generations have the support they need to thrive.
Criterion Portugal is a generous example of business partnership. We deeply appreciate this friendship and support.
Leadership team
Asif Aziz
With a 35-year track record in property wealth creation, he has built a £4 billion property portfolio spanning commercial investments, hotels, residential rentals and residential properties for sale in London and now Portugal.
Luís Cabral Menezes
His experience of over 26 years in the international real estate sector and especially in the London market guarantees a deep knowledge of the sector which then translates into the execution and leadership of transformative projects.
Darija Aziz
A qualified civil engineer with a Masters Degree in bridge design. After 11 years of working with IGH Engineering, she persued her interior design passion. Darija created the concepts and led interior design teams for Victory House, Assembly and Zedwell Hotels and dstrkt flats.
Danny Venceslau
With over two decades of experience in the real estate sector, his mission is to create a culture of innovation and excellence, developing customer-centric projects through best practices. He leads several teams focusing on providing high-quality services and positioning Criterion Portugal as a leader in the residential market in Portugal.
Tim Bystedt
An experienced architect with experience in managing design teams, he has worked with a number of architects in London and Tokyo. His expertise is in the planning and optimisation of buildings, both in terms of construction and commercial aspects.
Saskia Jiggens
Saskia has over a decade of experience in corporate and consumer communications, specialising in thought leadership, social media, public relations, advocacy, events and stakeholder engagement. She previously led communications for the King’s Road and Knightsbridge Partnerships. Saskia also partnered on key community projects with the Berkeley Group and Bellway Homes. She holds a BA (Hons) from The Courtauld Institute of Art, underscoring her deep passion for heritage, placemaking and cultural storytelling.
Samuel Resende
He has extensive experience in the design and execution of large projects in a variety of sectors, including award-winning renovation projects and developments in challenging urban locations. He also has experience in the education sector, particularly in higher education, where he has worked on new construction and refurbishment solutions for restricted locations.
Pedro Crespo
With over 6 years of experience in the sector, he is an expert in the national real estate market and in identifying and acquiring Criterion 's investments in Portugal. He holds a degree in Economics from ISEG - Lisboa School of Economics & Management and a Masters in Financial Economics from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom. In 2022, he completed a postgraduate degree in Real Estate Management and Valuation from ISEG Executive Education.
António Santos Joaquim
Nuno Pinto Borges
Amilcar Séca
Partnerships
We choose our partners from among the best to ensure not only quality but also the continuity of our projects.
