Vikram Kumar asked:


For years, Portugal has seen a huge rise in real estate developments including prestigious housing units, vacation resorts, villas and apartments. Properties within Central Portugal have been developed, in part, for the sake of investors or foreign buyers.  And, while these developments may be catering for the needs of property investors and tourists, there is still lots of affordable property available in cities, charming villages and towns as well as in the rather dramatic and diverse countryside. So when you are looking for a really special place to call home, look for a property along the coastal areas of Portugal but don’t forget to look inland as well. If you’re fond of sunshine and want a home somewhere beautiful, perhaps even near a beach, Portugal is the place to buy your dream home.

 

There are many newly developed properties along coastal Portugal, but there are also many properties available for renovation. Renovated properties are on offer for those buyers searching for affordable real estate as holiday homes, for a change of lifestyle or for a sensible investment. There are many companies that will help you find a Portuguese property in need of renovation. To make your search easier look on the web for online real estate dealers.  These offer different types of properties within each region.  Aquarios.co.uk is one such website where you can find a diverse range of waterfront and coastal, inland and countryside properties in Portugal.

 

Property renovations along the coast of Portugal are amongst the trendiest in the real estate market. The main reason for this is affordability. There are many different kinds of properties within the regions that can be renovated including single family homes you could use for holidays in Portugal.  While you can rent a residential apartment during the summer holidays, why not purchase one to use each year and perhaps rent out when you’re not using it.  Holiday properties are also suitable for families wanting to live in style while traveling within Portugal and Europe.

 

There are many people opting for property suitable for renovation. This is happening not only in Portugal but all around the world, especially in coastal regions. The weather is perfect for many outdoor activities and a slower pace of life gives you the chance to refresh and recharge the batteries.

 

According to real estate trend analysts, the rise in Portugal property sales will carry on over the next ten years. This real estate boom is strong within residential properties especially in rural areas.  Luxury housing is one of the best selling types of real estate, but renovated properties are also gaining considerable attention.

 

Portugal’s coastal areas have always been popular because, with the great weather and beautiful beaches, those regions are great destinations for holidays spent away from the grey skies of London and other European cities.   Its no wonder that tourists and investors are scrambling to buy a Portugal property.  For many years, the waterfront properties of Portugal have been considered amongst the most desirable real estate in Europe.  Demand for such property within Portugal is similar to that in other popular holiday destinations like the French Riviera.

 

If you want to buy property ‘ripe for renovation’ or a previously renovated property, in Portugal you have many different options to choose from - semi-detached or detached property, a lakefront or riverside property, a coastal property, land or a plot on which to build, a terraced property or even an apartment within a town or village. Whatever type of Portugal property you’re interested in, you can make your hunt easier by checking out online real estate companies. With such a convenient method of buying property, the search for your perfect home can be done without ever leaving the comfort of your computer.

 

Laura Latham asked:


Portugal may offer bags of sunshine, more golf courses than you can swing a club on and long, sandy beaches but it has also gained a name for itself as pretty pricey and upmarket. In many of the established resort developments along the south coast now you won’t get much under £350,000 (€505,000), so it seems that finding decent property for less than £80,000 (€115,410) is a tall order.

However, that isn’t necessarily so. According to several agents I spoke to, there are still opportunities to buy at good prices all across the country – not just in beautiful rural locations but along the glitzy Algarve as well.

“People always think the Algarve is more exclusive and expensive than it actually is,” says Connie Vitto of Quadrant Overseas Property. “Some areas are very high end but not all property is like that. If you want lots of facilities and golf courses you will have to pay a high price for them but it’s not necessary. For example, I know of a good studio, large enough to be converted into a one-bedroom flat, for £80,000 (€115,410). It just needs a lick of paint. ”

Vitto says that if you just want a small bolthole and aren’t too fussed about amenities you can buy in many places along the Algarve, even in very central locations, for under £80,000 (€115,410). If you head further west towards Lagos or east towards Tavira, you will find more opportunities at that price. “A lot of people don’t realise that even if you just go a few miles inland you can find lower cost property – the coast adds a 50 to 100 per cent premium.”

Vitto has several value-for-money residences on her books, including apartments in a new block in the central Algarve with lots of great facilities, including a rooftop bar, mini-golf and children’s play area from £74,000 (€106.755). There is also a one-bed townhouse in the centre of bustling Lagos, in the western Algarve, for £60,000 (€86,558) and a one-bedroom apartment in the same town with lovely views for just £45,000 (€64,918). Additionally she has a pretty two-bed villa in the countryside of Raposeira for £68,000 (€98,099).

Another option, if you really want to be on the south coast, is fractional ownership, which allows you use of a property for several weeks per year at a smaller cost than owning outright. You lose the independence of sole ownership but often get a larger, swisher property with all amenities on tap.

Vigia has several fractional schemes at its luxury resorts on the western Algarve. A 12th share in a villa at posh Parque de Floresta golf resort, for example, costs from £25,000 (€36,000). Ownership also allows access to all on-site facilities, such as spa, pools and golf course. Meanwhile, a 12th of a three- or four-bedroom home in the similarly swanky Quinta de Fortaleza costs from £55,500 (€79,300).

Just like the Algarve, Portugal’s pretty capital, Lisbon, is also somewhere that might surprise you. One of the cheapest capitals in Europe, Lisbon can even offer those with less money a place of their own. “If you just want a little base in the city you can buy cheap property even here,” says Vitto. She has a tiny but perfectly adequate one-bedroom apartment for £45,500 (€65,000), which she described as “cute and in the heart of the historic centre”.

Raise your budget a little and you could easily winkle out larger one- or two-bedroom places for around the £80,000 (€115,410) mark, but some may not have great views or will be in need of work. Vitto suggests good places to look are the Bairro Alto or Alfama, the centrally located old part of the city where she claims all the tourists want to be.

For those who can’t bear to give up the seaside dream, then there is always the Silver Coast, which is becoming very popular with golfing developers but still has good prices. The region is around 45 minutes from Lisbon and Porto, which are both well served by budget flights and good roads make the driving pretty easy.

You might not be able to afford to buy on one of the big new resorts currently under construction in this area but you may be able to stretch to a local house. You can find cheap property but, again, you need to be prepared to look inland. “You can get renovation projects in the Silver Coast region for around £80,000 (€115,410) to £120,000 (€173,000),” says Vitto, who recently sold a lovely three-bedroom property in this area for just over £80,000 (€115,410).

The only issue with renovations is that you need to be able to budget for the cost of the work involved in making the building habitable. One agent who knows this first hand is Kirstin Honeywill of Portuguese Homes, who works in the Alentejo region. The area is a vast rural part of central Portugal and, as well as selling property in the region, Honeywill is restoring her own ruin on 11 hectares of land.

“With most ruins you will need to spend at least€€50,000 (£35,000) to bring them up to standard,” she says, “but for £80,000 (€115,410) you can easily find ruins with lots of land and if you have at least five hectares it enables you to build a large house. For not much more outlay you can turn the ruin into a nice two- or three-bedroom home.”

Honeywill says that she has seen an increase in people from northern Europe sourcing property in the previously unknown Alentejo. She thinks the interest comes from a combination of increased publicity, good roads and the fact that you get better value than elsewhere. There is also talk of a new airport opening towards the end of 2008 in the town of Beja.

Honeywill has a good selection of property on her books, including rural homes, village houses and seaside apartments for around £60,000 (€86,600) to £80,000 (€115,410). The town of San Luis is one place that seems to be soaking up the influx of foreign ex-pats, mainly because it offers the benefits of small town, rural life with access to a good range of amenities and a close community.

From San Luis, you can be at the sea in 15 minutes. However, if you hanker after salt air and are prepared to go smaller, you can find apartments in the pretty town of Vila Nova de Milfontes for around £80,000 (€115,410) or less. Portuguese Homes has a classic one-bedroom apartment costing €€102,000 (£71,000). “You definitely get less for your money on the coast,” cautions Honeywill, “but you have the advantage of being able to walk to the beach.”

Another agent dealing with country property is Ricardo Rodrigues of Pinhal Rural, which specialises in the Alto Alentejo and Beira Baixa regions with their focal point being Castel Branco, which is around two hours from Lisbon. This is a tranquil spot without any major industry, but people are starting to buy here.

Rodrigues says the majority of clients he has are looking for restoration projects at low prices that they can then spend more time and money doing up to their own specifications. He says that around €50,000 (£35,000) to €100,000 (£70,000) will get a ruin with up to 10,000 square metres of land but it is possible to go cheaper still. On his website there are small farms, country houses and apartments in local towns for as little as €30,000 (£21,000), though most projects are in need of major work.

Like Honeywill, Rodrigues estimates that you would need to spend at least €50,000 (£35,000) to get any of these ruins into a liveable state but then he says you could expect to increase the property value by at least double your initial outlay. “For a rebuilt house with land you’re looking at €150,000 (£105,000) to €250,000 (£175,000) depending on size. There aren’t too many properties in good condition on the market at the moment so prices for them are higher.”

The peace and natural surroundings of rural Portugal certainly make it a special second-home location and with prices in some areas still so low we may see more Brits heading there soon.

Britton says buying her Portuguese home was the best move she ever made. “It changed my life. I’d recommend anyone to try Portugal.”

jamesllody asked:


Villa rentals are becoming a growing phenomenon in most European destinations owing to the huge inventory of stunning cottages and holiday homes on offer for a rock bottom price.  As hotels continue to offer discounts to attract customers, families in particular are finding villa rentals a more cost effective option, primarily due to self catering facilities and the sheer space which cannot be found in most hotel rooms.  In fact families are finding villas placed in some of the Algarve’s most prestigious resorts are cheaper than staying in a hotel in that same resort.

The Algarve is one destination that has seen rapid growth in the development of villa and apartment complexes.  Golf resorts in particular have gained special licensing attention and the investment by established developers such as Oceânico has added bespoke quality to the Algarve holiday rental market and attracted holidaymakers from far flung corners of the earh.

Portugal as a whole is up to 35% cheaper than other European destinations, but with the introduction of a F1 race track in Portimao and numerous award winning golf courses and beaches, Portugal is capable of attracting all sorts of tourists.

Portugal Villa Renters is just one source for holiday villas and apartments.  The site has over 300 owner listed properties, many of which start as little as €200 per week.   Portugal Villa Renters is also Portugal’s most visited vacation rental website as verified by Compete.com.  Its little wonder that holiday home owners are choosing Portugal Villa Renters as the authoritative rental advertiser for Portugal.  As a niche site for Portugal, there are no confusing destination ideas that spring up and put the site visitor off course.  We only advertise vacation rental properties in Portugal and that’s how we’ll keep it.

So, in conclusion, Portugal may surprise you as a destination.  You may have visited the Algarve before, but you can be assured that there is more to Portugal than resort style package holidays.  Renting a villa with a pool or apartment with a golf fairway view may be cheaper that what you paid on your last package holiday and it may surprise you just how much you get for your money.  The economic crises has posed some great holiday rental opportunities for travellers.  Not only have airfares dropped by around 12%, but hundreds, if not thousands of holiday property owners are struggling to keep up with their payments.  Renting out their holiday property is a great idea to stay financially afloat and perhaps make a decent profit out of the process too.  In the end, you gain a fantastic holiday in Portugal for a fraction of what it costs elsewhere.

Derek Harper asked:


Having a property designed and built specific to your needs is one way to ensure you get the home of your dreams in Central Portugal.

 

There are many advantages to designing and building your own place in the sun here in Central Portugal.

 

It can be more cost effective than purchasing an existing villa or house. You benefit from having the property designed specific to your needs and the finish tailored to your requirements.

However anyone contemplating building a property in Portugal should be aware the planning process is not a speedy affair. Unlike the United Kingdom, where a planning application can be submitted and approved in eight weeks, in some cases planning applications in Portugal can take up to two years’ to be approved depending upon their location and the proposed size of build.

One thing is for certain, t

here is no shortage of building plots for sale in Central Portugal  However, caution should be taken when considering purchasing land in Portugal as there are many confusing laws governing the use of land.

As in the United Kingdom, land in Portugal is divided into categories and priced accordingly. There are five different classifications of land types in Portugal - Reserve Ecological, Rustic, Agro-Florestal, Urban and Commercial. This classification directly affects the use of the land and the overall selling price. For example a rustic plot measuring 1,500 square metres can be purchased for as little as 5,000€, whereas the same sized plot with an Urban classification could cost up to 250,000€ or more.

If you intend to construct a permanent structure it is highly unlikely you will be given planning approval from the local council if the land is classified as Reserve Ecological or Rustic and some times this also applies to Agro-Florestal land.

This may all seem very confusing, however there are systems in place to enable you to verify whether or not a planning application will be considered prior to purchase.

This process is called PIP and does incur charges, which vary from council to council, but it is an invaluable resource and well worth doing.

Once you have ascertained the plot of land you wish to purchase is viable for construction and the size of building that can be erected, then you can - once you have purchased the land - proceed with designing your dream home in Portugal.

You may already have a design in mind to construct in Portugal and may think it could be cheaper to employ a technical artist to convert your ideas into an acceptable application. However while this may save some money it is advisable to use an architect to compile the planning application (Projecto).

 

Architects (arquitectos) in Portugal study for up to seven years and are up to date with all the latest changes to planning rules and will be able to guide you through the whole process.

However unlike the United Kingdom where an architect will also compile the structural engineering side of the planning application, in Portugal this part of the process is carried out by an engineer (engenheiro).

While you are waiting for your planning application to be approved from the local Câmara it is wise to use this time to source reliable, licensed builders and get estimates (orçamentos) for the total build cost.

Generally speaking most builders use a proven formula to quickly work out the total build cost of a property and this can range from 450-600€ per square metre of construction. However to ensure an accurate quote from builders, provide copies of the architectural and engineering reports.

Reputable builders will give detailed estimates for each stage or phase of the build as well as a projected time of build. Always get at least three builders to give estimates and ask to see examples of their work. It is also a good idea, if possible, to speak to some of their previous clients.

Once you have chosen the builder to construct your dream home it is a good idea to have a contract drawn up by your lawyer detailing the cost of the build, the length of build with a start and finish date of construction. This contract will give you peace of mind and recourse should any problems occur with the builder.

If you are not going to be in Portugal for the duration of the build it maybe worthwhile investing money in employing a Project Manager to oversee the day to day running of the construction and to keep you informed of any problems that may occur.

When both parts of your planning application have been approved by the Câmara the next stage is to purchase a Licenca do Obras The length of time you have specified for the total build begins when this Licença is purchased and stamped. Should the build take longer it is possible to apply for extensions from the Câmara. If for any reason you do not wish to purchase the Licença immediately the planning approval will remain valid for up to two years, this also can be extended.

New build properties in Portugal are quite quick to construct and the usual amount of time a builder will take constructing an average three bedroom detached house is around six to nine months, though this can vary and in some cases is weather dependent.

When the build is complete the Câmara will inspect the property, though sometimes this is only from the outside. They will double check the Livro de Obras (Book of Works) which is kept by the engineer. If they are happy everything is in order the Câmara will provide a technical file  and a Habitation licence for the property.

However if there have been some changes to room layouts during the build, retrospective plans must be given to the council along with an engineering report to show everything has been constructed according to the law.

For more information on buying property or building property in Central Portugal, please visit our website

www.gekkoportugal.com

or to see some sample properties please visit or estate agents website

www.chavetejo.com

 

 

* All information provided here is given in good faith and is correct at the time of writing

Michael Hehn asked:


Buying property in Silver Coast Portugal is currently popular with Europeans, but as of yet, not so much with the British property buyers. This is because properties are relatively inexpensive and transport links to/from the UK are getting better and cheaper to the Silver Coast.

Buying property in Silver Coast Portugal offers superb beach holiday facilities with a great summer climate, great culture, architecture and history. Also, the Silver Coast is tipped to see significant capital property value rises in the coming years.

Portugal is an evergreen in the overseas property market. Build quality is high, property prices have grown a steady 10-15% per annum since the Millennium, and there is a broad choice of property across the price range and country. The price grow within the Silver Coast in the following years will reach possibly the 25 to 35%.

Buying property in Silver Coast Portugal offers good prospects for rental from both the local market and from holidaymakers, and with the potential of significant property price rises on the Silver Coast Portugal, this could be the ideal place to invest in a holiday home.

Portugal still has great appeal as it has a benign tax system which allows avoidance of the worst effects of capital gains and inheritance tax and can put you in a lower tax band.

Why buy in the the Silver Coast

Property experts have been advising clients to look beyond the Algarve, with its pockets of overgrowing, and invest instead in homes 45 minutes drive from Lisbon on Portugals Silver Coast.

According to international property specialists the Silver Coast is now the up-and-coming area in Portugal. Many Brits are selling up in the Algarve and moving up to the Oeste Region, which is located just north of Lisbon. This area is still very Portuguese, with farming the main source of income for the locals. It does not die in the winter because most of the locals are Portuguese. The cost of properties is so much cheaper than on the Algarve, so there is still room to make money in this area.

What of the place itself?

The Silver Coast stretches from Porto down to Portugals capital Lisbon and hugs the North Atlantic coastline; it is home to beautiful beaches, amazing cliffs, quaint fishing villages, lush rolling countryside and some of the most fascinating historic sites in Portugal. Here you can discover pretty villages and a real Portuguese way of life.

The Silver Coast is a particularly good bet for those with holiday lets in mind, thanks to the new A8 motorway which has cut journey times from Lisbon to the Silver Coast considerably, opening the atmospheric towns of Caldas da Rainha and Turcifal, and pretty villages, such as Peniche, up to tourists and investors.

There is a wide range of property available on the Silver Coast. You can find traditional farmhouses in need of renovation, but there has also been a fair amount of developments popping up and luxury villas with pools and apartments in complexes are easy to find.

All of this is now less than an hour drive from Lisbon International airport along the new A8 motorway, linking the vibrant capital of Portugal with historic Oporto in the North. This little known region is opening its doors to the outside world.

A region for life

Exploring the tranquil towns, villages and countryside of this beautiful region will confirm to you that here is a place that genuinely has the best of both worlds. Whilst offering a life of rural calm amidst the spectacular scenery, at the same time it is perfectly equipped with access to all the modern facilities of transport, healthcare, education and leisure that make life a pleasure for all generations.

The Western Region enjoys entertainments and events throughout the year: concerts, art exhibitions, the Torres carnival - the most Portuguese event in Portugal, the Caldas da Rainha ceramics and fruit fairs, the Bombarral wine festival, Peniches Festas da Nuestra Senhora da Boa Viagem, the Montejunto popular festival (Cadaval), Alenquers Feira da Ascensao, festivals in Sobral, Monte Agraco and Arruda dos Vinhos, Feiras da Cebola e das Tasquinhas and hundreds more fairs, festivals and popular gatherings.

The region has many hotels with superb facilities and innumerable restaurants, bars and lively venues which ensure that one’s first visit to the Western region is never the last.

For golf enthusiasts the Western Region is the new destination in Portugal. Golf Courses at Praia del Rey (18 holes)and Rio Maior (18 holes) are complemented by 9-hole courses at Consolacao and Porto Novo. The Bom Sucesso and Perola da Lagoa 18-hole courses are actually already under construction and the brand new project of the 18-hole course of Foz do Arelho, which will be the hugest should begin within the year 2008.

The natural abundance of the area is enhanced by beautiful fine-sanded beaches, where the sands shimmer like silver, at Santa Cruz, Porto Novo, Areia Branca, Sao Bernardino, Consolacao, Peniche, Baleal, Foz do Arelho and Salir do Porto. Local crafts can be found in Peniche, which is notable for its lace, and in Caldas da Rainha, which is one of the most important centres for ceramics in Portugal.

The new Peniche recreation centre is a base for water sports, with a haven of fishing and scuba-diving in Berlenga. Santa Cruz and Peniche (Supertubos beach and Lagide beach) are the places for surf lovers. The Obidos lake has sailing, rowing and windsurfing. Montejunto, Serrado Socorro and Santa Rita beach are the main locations for paragliding and hang-gliding. The Santa Cruz aerodrome, with its flying school, offers flights in light aircraft and gliders.

There are equestrian centres in the Hotel Golf Mar, in Marquiteira (Lourinha), in Atouguia da Baleia - at the Quinta das Tripas and the Quintas de Bom Sucesso - Lourinha, S. Sebastido - Arruda dos Vinhos, Quinta da Ferraria and Cortisada - Rio Maior.

A region for health

Healthcare facilities are modern and efficient and offer a good range of public and private services for all your requirements. In addition the region offers several thermal baths: Vimeiro (digestive system, circulatory system, respiratory system and skin), Cucos (metabolic and endocrine systems, rheumatics, muscular and skeletal systems) and Torres Vedras and Caldas da Rainha - the oldest in Europe (respiratory system, rheumatics, muscular and skeletal systems).

A region for Gourmets

Gastronomy in the region is rich and varied: there are many delicious pork dishes, oven baked kid, stewed rabbit with rice, celebrated fish stews, baked or boiled sea bream and rock bass from Peniche, eels and cockles from the Obidos lake and shellfish from the beds at Porto de Barcas (lagosta suada - sweating lobster - is a delicacy which can only be found in the Western Region).

The gastronomical influence of history is evident in trouxas de ovos, lampreias de ovos (sweet dishes made with eggs) and cavacas (light crisp cakes) from Caldas da Rainha, bean pies from Torres Vedras and paes de lo (sponge cakes) from Landal, Painho and Rio Maior. All are complemented by the taste and aroma of apples and pears.

The Western region is also one of the largest wine growing areas in Portugal and indeed the world. The area boasts full-bodied, aromatic red wines with excellent alcoholic content: the wines of the south (castas Camarate, Periquita and Tinto Miudo) are lively when young, intense yet well balanced and with an exquisite bouquet when aged.

The white wines of the north are deliciously fruity (castas Arinto, Fernao Pires, Vital). Out of this diversity, the wine-growing areas of Obidos and Alenquer, Arruda dos Vinhos and Torres Vedras were born in 1989. The region is also known for its light wines with lower alcohol content, and for the only DOC (controlled standard of origin) classified brandy in Portugal - Aguardente Vinica from Lourinha.

Hope to meet you soon in the Silver Coast of Portugal.

Richard Love asked:


The undiscovered gem of the Eastern Algarve

When people ask me about Tavira I can honestly say that I sometimes don’t really know what to say.

Do I tell them about the stunning miles of empty beaches, the fact that the town has its own island just off shore, the memorable seafood meals I have had there, the seemingly endless rounds of festivals when the whole town parties, the unbelievably low price of a beer or a coffee……

Or do I just say “Oh it’s alright there I suppose, I am not sure you would like it though.”

Why the dilemma?

On the one hand I have a business that involves recommending Tavira to people looking to buy a property in Portugal or more specifically a property in Tavira. On the other hand I don’t want my beautiful town and area being over run by mass development.

Fortunately the local authorities have got it just right. There is no doubt that the town of Tavira and also the villages around are expanding. But the new building is sympathetic to the environment and surroundings. You will not find huge ugly tower blocks here.

No, the new property in Tavira is either low rise apartments, usually set in beautiful gardens with a generously sized communal pool, or detached villas with their own grounds and private pool.

Occasionally, a traditional town house near the centre of town comes on the market and these are usually snapped up very quickly.

People love the fact that the older properties in the narrow cobblestone streets are naturally cool in the summer yet warm in the winter. The proximity to the bars and restaurants of town is another added bonus.

The restaurant and bar scene in Tavira is lively and great fun. The locals love to party but all, young and old alike seem to enjoy themselves by having noisy conversations with their friends and family. It’s rare to see a local in a drunken state and you certainly do no get any of the mindless chanting so common in the UK on a weekend night.

Restaurants are open late and are always happy to provide either a snack or a full 3 course meal. The local seafood is fantastic and you will not believe the prices.

The other great thing about Tavira is its proximity from the UK; just 2 hours by plane into Faro from Gatwick and then a half hour or less drive. If everything goes to plan and you are brave with your timing to get to the airport in the UK it’s possible to do it in just a fraction over 4 hours from London. Don’t cut it too fine though and miss your plane, (as I have done).

Tavira is certainly a jewel in the crown of the Algarve, but it is not a gaudy, flashy diamond, but, rather, it is a quiet and beautiful, understated sapphire.

Please come and have a look at the great property in Tavira…….but, just not all of you.

Les Calvert asked:


Property in Portugal has taken off in the past couple of years as Portugal is one of the resurgent countries of Europe and has gained in popularity immensely due to the formation of European Union (EU). The country has a rich legacy of historically significant events and places, which adds to the intrigue among the visitors here. A large coastline offers a perfect destination for locals and visitors to enjoy the pleasant chimes of Portugal. Add to that a rich sporting tradition in the country! You won’t find a place as giving as Portugal in terms of establishing a second home or holiday home in Portugal.

What Makes Portugal a Hot Investment Destination?To be precise, the major USP of Portugal is its sporting history and culture. Golf is a big hit in the country with hundreds of picturesque golf resorts dotting the countrys landscape. With tournaments organized all the year round, the country is always abuzz with golfing news and views.

Part of the success of golf in Portugal is also due to the fact that the country is largely seen as a great retirement destination. People with ample time on their hands indulge in leisure activities including golf, and the younger generation benefit by picking up the skills required to play the game from their seniors. Resultantly, Portugal attracts large-scale investment from golfing enthusiasts who are looking for an ideal outlet to satisfy their golfing enthusiasm.

Another sport that has become synonymous with Portugal is football. Portugal is home to the legendary footballer, Luis Figo, and every football enthusiast and aspiring player worships Figo and his skills all around the world. Europe is mad about football and a football crazy nation is always on the radar as far as investing in property is concerned.

Besides sports, Portugal is also a hot investment destination due to its long coastline full of pristine sandy beaches and the offering of a relaxed coastal lifestyle. The coastal towns boast of luxurious holiday homes and resorts, including the infamous golf resorts.

Weather is another major factor that prompts investors from UK and other colder northern countries to flock to Portugal. Thanks to its pleasant climate, Portugal is now the third favourite second-home destination for the British, after Spain and France.

Portugal is very well connected with regular flights to and from the capital city of Lisbon. Major airlines have increased the frequency of flights due to tremendous demand from frequent as well as potential property buyers.

Portugal is a modern country with a rich heritage. The warm and friendly people signify the importance to hospitality, so much valued by the Portuguese. Since Portugal had so many colonies all around the world, the people from these colonial countries make it a point to visit the country at least once in their lifetime. This is because the Portuguese are known to have left an indelible mark on the cultural heritage of these colonial countries, and people have a unique connection with the place, which ruled them in the not-so-distant past.

Hottest Investment Destinations in Portugal

When it comes to property investment hotspots in Portugal, the southern coastal region of the Algarve wins hands down. Though the capital Lisbon remains a much sought after destination due to its cosmopolitan culture, the availability of property here is diminishing with an upward pricing structure and demand for property outstripping the supply in most major Portuguese cities.

Again, Algarve also owes its popularity to the golf enthusiasts, as it is their efforts that have borne fruit in the form of the prestigious ‘golden triangle’ of luxurious golf resorts like - Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and Vila Sol. This pampered region of Portugal attracts investors galore in the £1-million-plus villas segment. Many rich and famous have bought prime properties in the region, including the celebrity DJ Chris Evans who boasts of a £2-million property here. If you are a small investor, there are apartments available on the Algarve with prices ranging from £50,000 - £70,000.

The Silver Coast in Central Portugal is a fast emerging property destination and is alluring the property investor from all over Europe. Since it is an emerging tourist destination, it makes a lot of sense in investing here, as the prices have not yet reached their peak. Situated between Lisbon and Porto, the Silver Coast region (or Lisbon Coast, as it is popularly called) has some gorgeous beaches and unspoilt countryside, and the authorities here are drawing up elaborate plans to develop this part of Portugal into the next decade.

Portugal also has tremendous opportunities for the budding DIY investors looking for renovation properties to develop as holiday homes. The old towns of Obidos, Leiria and Coimbra offer some great bargains on renovation properties, where you can strike a deal from as little as £20,000. The luxurious villas in these historic towns can be yours for anywhere between £100,000 and £150,000.

Some of the other places worth exploring for property investment purposes include resorts like Nazare and Figueira da Foz, Sao Martinho do Porto beach, and the stretch of coast running north from Porto to the Spanish border, known as the Green Coast.

The time to invest in Portugal real estate property is now as prices have witnessed a sharp increase since 2000, and experts have predicated stiff competition among Portuguese investors in the near future, as demand will gradually outstrip the supply of land.

Kate Deas-Smith asked:


At the moment in Cyprus, property for sale is extremely good value, so buying a villa or holiday home in Cyprus could be much cheaper than you ever thought possible. Economists were right in their predictions that once the Island adopted the Euro as its currency that property values would rise in value. Cyprus property for sale is showing an upward trend in values that seems set to continue.

Many retired people are looking for villas for rent in Cyprus, long term rental is popular on the Island as many come here for the winter months as the weather is much milder. Also families find it cheaper to come here for the whole summer rather than being in the UK spending out on day trips, so villas for rent in Cyprus long term during these months are very popular.

Our Island basks in around 320 days of sunshine each year and so it a great place to invest in , if you are thinking of buying a villa or holiday home in Cyprus why not look at the coastal towns and villages, there is plenty of Cyprus property for sale in these areas. Imagine sitting on your veranda on a warm summers evening listening to the sea and the sound of crickets.

There is so much to see and do on the Island, if you are into water sports there is almost every kind of sport conceivable and you can even take a stroll along the sea bed. More relaxing is a leisurely cruise around the coast whilst enjoying dinner. Walkers will love the numerous treks all over the Island, and some of the views will take your breath away. Shoppers haven’t been forgotten either as all towns play host to an eclectic mix of shops and Nicosia (the capital of the Island) has many of the well known chains you will find in UK.

If you want to invest in a villa or holiday home, Cyprus is the ideal place to do this as prices are great value, flights are inexpensive and the Island is beautiful. It is called the Island of Love and you will certainly fall in love with her.

Did you know that Richard the Lionheart married in Limassol castle and that Aphrodite was alleged to have been born out of the sea in Cyprus?

Eating out is a wonderful leisurely experience and the food is outstanding, the tavernas which are frequented by the Cypriots are the best places to eat, food is fresh and so tasty you will want more. Mediterranean dining is much healthier as most meats are grilled so very little fat remains and fish are caught locally. If you opt for a meze, be sure to go hungry as there are usually around 20-25 courses and the food just keeps coming and coming and coming….

We all know that property is the biggest and probably the best investment that we could make, so why not invest in Cyprus, property for sale is inexpensive but is on the rise. Buying a villa or holiday home in Cyprus could change your whole way of life

Have we convinced you that buying a villa or holiday home in Cyprus is a great idea? Well with Cyprus property for sale being such great value you really cannot afford to miss out on this opportunity. Buying a villa or holiday home could be the best investment you will ever make. Come and see for yourself.

Thomas Pretty asked:


Many people today are buying holiday homes, not really for somewhere to stay when they decide to go on holiday but instead as a worthwhile investment in terms of property prices and rental income. Holiday homes are a large financial investment so there is little wonder why so many people are realising the potential to make money from their holiday homes during the times when they are working and unable to reside in their home from home.

The dream of having a holiday home that you can rent during the times you are not there and enjoy when you are ready to make the trip is enticing. There are however factors that must be considered that you may not be aware of when the idea is formulating in your mind. There may be high outgoings, insurance premiums to settle and management fees for rental homes. Added to this, holiday homes now fall under a separate council tax code, in some places as much as ninety percent of the residential council tax.

The first thing to remember when looking at holiday homes is to choose a good location, whether at home or abroad you should pick a location that will be popular with tourists. Depending on how much you plan to rent out the house, the type of resort is also worth considering, for instance a beach resort will only really be popular during summer months, but in those summer months will be extremely busy. On the other hand a property in the hills that will be popular with walkers will be used all year round but most probably not constantly.

It is only really worth looking at holiday homes with two or three bedrooms. Most people who will want to rent your property will be families who will need the space. A one bedroom apartment or flat will seriously restrict its profit potential. In comparison buying a huge six bedroom property will also damage profits as most people rarely need more bedrooms than three or four when on holiday.

When picking the mortgage for your holiday home choose an interest only option, the interest can be set against tax for second properties. If you have a large amount of money that you will be investing it is more advisable to use the sum to pay more of your main homes mortgage than the mortgage on your summer cottage.

When renting it is worth employing a letting agent who specifically deals with holiday homes. If you do not there will be a lot of hard work involved in the management of your property. Repairs, handing over keys and as well as emergencies such as burst pipes and people being locked are all inconveniences that will make your property seem more of a hindrance than a pleasure. It may be an extra charge but the peace of mind and stress free approach is a worthy alternative than constantly travelling back and forth to the property.

The property must also be up to date at all times, items such as dishwashers and CD players may have been luxury items ten years ago but they now come as standard. Most importantly however is ensuring that the fire precautions are met as hefty legal requirements have put the responsibility firmly in the hands of the landlord. Making sure fire extinguishers and smoke detectors are in good working order are all part of keeping a safe property. Getting the right insurance cover to cope with anything that guests may cause is also essential.

If you follow this advice there is no reason that you will not be as successful as the hoards of people who have already purchased holiday homes. Understanding your own responsibilities to your tenants is vital and will make for stress free arrangements. Also finding the right property is vital for your holiday home to be an added income, rather than an financial drain.

Katerina Roussou asked:


A buoyant market on a human scale.

Since the Greek property market opened to foreign buyers in the early 1990’s, thousands of holiday homes in Greece have been coveted and ultimately purchased by British, German, and other western European buyers. During the same period, the Greek property market has enjoyed steady growth rates of 8-12%. The Greek economy is, notably, one of the fastest-growing in the euro zone; and, thanks to the country’s stable and predictable economic growth, the real estate market can be relied upon to grow at a realistic pace as well, rather than in extreme upswings and drastic downturns all too often seen in up-and-coming markets.

Though pocket change is hardly enough to buy property in Greece, holiday homes here are, by comparison, still an excellent value for overseas buyers in search of that ray of sunshine and the downtempo lifestyle that goes with it. These are available in abundance; in fact, Greece is the perfect alternative to the traditional Mediterranean “favorites”: it is accessible, safe, beautiful, loaded with character, and prices in like-to-like comparisons of Greek and French or Spanish property can be up to 50% lower. There is a large variety of holiday homes for sale, but massive residential developments are not the norm. In most cases, summer homes in Greece retain their local style since, as a rule, the most sought-after locations for second homes are the islands and smaller villages where because of building rules, properties built are in the local traditional style. And, for supporters of “green” architecture, the sublime climate in Greece provides the perfect grounds for bioclimatic structures, maximizing the benefits of sun and breeze to create energy-efficient, sustainable homes with reduced maintenance costs.

Since a significant percentage of holiday home buyers originate from Western Europe, it comes as no surprise that a lot of new construction is customized to suit these buyers’ preferences. The concept of homes that are “ready to wear” has caught on, as travel times between Greece and the rest of Europe have diminished and popping over to Greece for a weekend is no longer utopian; fully equipped homes, sold turnkey with everything from furnishings to linens and cutlery sets, ensure that the fortunate owner can spend all weekend by the pool rather than curtain-shopping for the house. Similarly, the concept of Buy-to-Let properties is taking shape; while property management and guaranteed rentals are in an early stage of sorts, they are increasingly available in, primarily, tourist-savvy locations. This is an important feature, considering that holiday homes usually belong to absentee owners wondering how to make the most out of their investments while, at the same time, enjoying the peace of mind that comes with knowing their property is looked after while they are busy working to fund it.

It is rather unfair that Greece, one of the most mountainous countries in Europe, has settled in people’s collective conscience strictly as a Sea-and-Sun destination. As a result, the overwhelming demand by overseas buyers is for summer homes, with seafront properties carrying the respective price tag and giving credence to global real estate’s “Location, Location, Location” mantra. Still, inland traditional and newly-built properties abound and they are an excellent alternative for those who can’t afford a seaside property, but don’t mind driving to the beach and yearn for an insider’s take on the famously relaxed village life. After all, even on the larger islands, the beach is never too far away.

What’s next?

Is this buoyant market heading for a plateau anytime soon? Well, as in most situations, the answer is “It Depends”. At the moment, Greece is basking in the limelight. The 2006 tourist season ended with a record number of tourists visiting the country (an 8,5% increase compared to last year, according to The Economist), a promising statistic after a slower tourist influx in the previous couple of years, and despite the lack of any long-term marketing campaign on a national level. It is imperative that Greece waste no time capitalizing on the momentum generated by the very successful 2004 Olympic Games and the subsequent, priceless, visibility abroad. Furthermore, developments in Greek Real Estate are teeming with promise. Demand for holiday homes is expected to outnumber supply, keeping property prices rising, and real estate professionals expect holiday home prices to increase up to 10% over the next few years. It is no coincidence that so many large development companies with solid track records in commercial and urban real estate have delved into holiday home projects; their high quality developments with a western flair in select locations aim to attract discerning foreign buyers and investors.

Improvements in infrastructure and construction, largely because of the 2004 Olympic Games, have been tremendous. Thanks to new transportation and road networks, travel times have diminished and previously remote areas are within reach. Soon to be completed is one of the largest road construction projects in Europe, the Egnatia Motorway in northern Greece; a gateway to southeast Europe and the Balkans, it will provide a quick East-West link. Other significant developments with a favorable impact on the Greek holiday home market include:

§A nationwide Land Registry in progress which, upon completion, will greatly simplify the home buying process§ADSL / Broadband internet connections are now widely available and enable individuals to conduct business away from home§Mortgages with low interest rates are also widely available to both Greek and foreign buyers§Improvements in the leisure industry, such as golf courses, which are gaining in popularity and becoming the highly marketable focal point of many new developments

Naturally, all that glitters is not gold. Newly introduced taxation laws (Capital Gains and/or Value Added Tax on select properties) may, according to some, have a deterrent effect on property purchases; whether or not this will be the case remains to be seen. Also, Greece must keep working to remain on the map of competitive Mediterranean real estate. The truth is that with the exception of a marketing campaign around the time of the Olympic Games, Greece is unfortunately not advertised enough, however the country’s list of charms is long:

§Clean, beautiful beaches§A perfect 4-season climate§Low crime rate§A stable economy and long-standing EU membership§Lack of internal strife§Ancient history and a world-renowned culture§An all-around very high quality of life§Untapped potential of winter tourism

An overseas homebuyer usually visits Greece, and first falls in love with it, as a tourist. More tourists equal more homebuyers it’s a simple logic.

Just as important, on the service level, is the need for integrity and professionalism. The real estate sector is no exception. The estate agent’s experience, professional affiliations, and language / communication skills (especially for foreign buyers) are of key importance for a painless, fruitful homebuying experience. The good old “word of mouth” way of finding a reliable estate agent is still, probably, the best way. The Hellenic Association of Realtors, the only official body recognized by C.E.I. (the European Confederation of Estate Agents), is another recommended starting point. After all, for most of us buying a home is the purchase of a lifetime; skimping on our homework at the last minute is definitely the wrong approach!