Overseas Property Show brings the international holiday home dream to Leeds

Overseas Property Show brings the international holiday home dream to Leeds

by Louise Portugal ,
  • Overseas Property Show to hit 7 UK cities in 3 months
  • Tickets available for free at www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com
  • Watch the brand new TV advert featuring Dragons’ Den star, Duncan Bannatyne

Following a hugely successful start in Birmingham and then Surrey this September, the much-anticipated Overseas Property Show has Leeds in its sights for the next leg of its UK tour.

Heading over to the Leeds Rugby Stadium from 19th – 21st September, the show will present properties from Portugal, Spain, Italy and the US to UK buyers. From holiday apartments to retirement villas and primary residences, the free to attend Overseas Property Show has something for everyone.

The Leeds event will be followed by:

ü  Glasgow (26-29 September)

ü  Manchester (11-13 October)

ü  Newmarket (25-27 October)

ü  Aberdeen (31 October to 3 November)

Tickets are free and available at www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

The Overseas Property Show has a reputation as the leading event for UK buyers looking to turn that dream of owning an overseas property into reality.

International property expert Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, will be attending the shows with his expert team, ready to answer any questions that prospective buyers may have about owning property in Portugal. He comments,

“The Overseas Property Show is the show for anyone who is interested in buying overseas. As well as an incredible range of properties, it offers access to some of the sector’s key professionals all in one location – an opportunity not to be missed for those who are serious about owning overseas.

“Earlier this year, a Rightmove Overseas report revealed that 51% of those planning to buy abroad were doing so in order to have a holiday home, around 1/3 were looking to emigrate and 13% as an investment. Expert advice on all three of these options will be on hand at the Overseas Property Show, along with the perfect property to suit every attendee’s desires.”

One well-known individual who has found their perfect Portuguese property through Ideal Homes Portugal is Dragons’ Den star and Scottish entrepreneur, Duncan Bannatyne. So impressed has Duncan been by the service offered from Chris White and his team, he is encouraging other UK buyers to attend the Overseas Property Shows through his new TV advert – available to watch now at http://www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com/.

 

Don’t lose your brain on the plane – 5 steps to buying your second home overseas safely

by Louise Italy Portugal Spain United States , , ,
  • Foreign property purchases up 50% in 1 year
  • Pound at 22 month high against Euro
  • Brits buying in Spain up 84% (Currencies Direct)

Yahoo Travel has revealed that France has taken the top spot as the world’s most visited destination, followed by the US, Spain, China and Italy. However, when it comes to UK residents, it seems that a holiday just isn’t enough anymore, with Currencies Direct reporting an upsurge in Brits buying overseas. The figures show an increase of more than 50% in foreign property purchases in the last year alone, with Spain registering the greatest growth at 84%.

Such an increase is a sure sign that Brits are keen to buy fast once the time is right. The favourable exchange rate (the pound is at a 22 month high against the euro), coupled with markets such as Spain and Portugal bottoming out, creates significant opportunity for those looking to profit from their second home overseas.

Panic buying, though, can be a risky business, so don’t lose your brain on the plane – instead follow these five simple steps to buying overseas with confidence.

  1. Buy through an established company

It may sound obvious, but if a deal from a little-known company sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Buying a villa from an unscrupulous developer who has built on protected land could see your life savings vanish fast, so always buy through a reputable company with a long and pristine track record. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, advises,

“Do your research and find out how long the developer you are considering buying with has been in business. Find reviews on the internet from customers who have bought previously through them and grill them on any details where you require clarification. A reputable company will be happy to answer your questions, no matter how many you many have.”

  1. Make use of inspection trip offers but don’t feel obliged to purchase

Many companies offer inspection trips to allow you to view a range of their properties and get a feel for the areas in which you are considering buying.  Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, comments,

“A reputable company should be happy to assist your property search by arranging an inspection trip. At Ideal Homes Portugal, for example, we offer inspection trips from just £149, which include return flights for two adults, airport transfers, luxury hotel accommodation, free legal advice from an independent property lawyer, free financial advice from an independent mortgage brokerage, a rental and property management presentation and exclusive advice and guidance from one of our experienced property consultants.

“Those on our inspection trips certainly get excellent value for their money, but we at no point pressure them to buy – and any company that does should be treated with extreme caution.”

  1. Think outside the box

If you’re nervous about sinking your savings into overseas property, consider some alternative options. Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs of Appassionata recommends fractional ownership for those looking to buy overseas with less risk. She explains,

“Fractional ownership allows buyers to pick up their dream holiday home for just a snippet of the usual price. Here at Appassionata our owners get five weeks’ usage of their Italian property per year, without having to worry about the hassle of maintenance and upkeep in between times. They still own a share in a property overseas that they can pass down to their children or sell at a later date, but with less risk then buying outright.”

  1. Be sure to get value for money

Do your own research on property prices in the area/country you are looking at, but make use of the experts’ research too. As Philip Button, Managing Director of specialist property investment firm Brookes & Co, comments,

“Any company worth their salt will be able to offer you extensive information on price trends in the area where you are looking to buy, with figures from reliable sources that you can check out yourself. From historical data to the latest market predictions, they should have everything to hand to enable you to make a fully informed decision. If they don’t, beware!”

  1. Get to know the people you’re buying from

Key to buying with confidence is getting to know the individuals that you are dealing with and who will be responsible for assisting in the purchase of your property. An ideal way to go about this is to start your search at a local event, such as the Overseas Property Show, which is due to tour the UK between September and November. Professionals will be on hand to answer questions from potential buyers and to demonstrate just what their money can buy them in a range of overseas locations, from Portugal to the US.

With so many more buyers looking to second homes overseas to meet their lifestyle and investment requirements, these top tips to buying safely have never been more timely.

For more information on buying safely overseas with the companies detailed above, please contact:

Taylor Wimpey España: +44 (0) 8000 121 020 or www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call +34 971 70 69 72.

Ideal Homes Portugal: +44 (0) 800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434 or www.idealhomesportugal.com.

Appassionata: +39 073 465 8775 or www.appassionata.com.

Brookes & Co: +44 (0) 1621 875 925 or www.brookesandco.co.uk.

Overseas Property Show: for free tickets, visit www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

 

Ideal Homes Portugal’s top 7 reasons to move to the Algarve – why delay the dream?

Ideal Homes Portugal’s top 7 reasons to move to the Algarve – why delay the dream?

by Louise Portugal
  • Property prices in Portugal have fallen by more than 20% (Ideal Homes Portugal)
  • Homes available for €100k or less (Overseas Property Show)
  • Non-habitual Residents scheme offers tax exemption on foreign earnings

Portugal’s Algarve region has been a mecca for British holidaymakers for decades, but for many who visit it, a holiday just isn’t long enough, something Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, knows only too well:

“The Algarve has an inherent charm that seems to strike a chord with Brits who holiday there. More affordable than Italy, less obvious than Spain and with better beaches than France, Portugal’s Algarve definitely has that certain something that keeps visitors wanting to go back time and again.”

The organisers of this year’s Overseas Property Show, which will tour the UK between September and November, taking in Birmingham, Surrey, Leeds, Glasgow, Manchester, Newmarket and Aberdeen on its way, expect to see strong interest in properties in Portugal, as both holiday homes and permanent residences.

So what precisely is it about the Algarve that keeps Brits returning to its sun-soaked shores? Chris White provides his top seven reasons to move to the Algarve in an effort to explain it.

Top 7 reasons to move to the Algarve

  1. The weather. Based on data from a Lloyds TSB Insurance survey, the average Brit spends a full six months of their life talking about the weather. It’s a true national pastime and therefore has to be top of the list of reasons to move to the Algarve. With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, the region enjoys mild winters, gentle springs and autumns and super hot summer days that are perfect for doing nothing more than lazing on the beach of by the pool.

 

  1. The property market. Right now, property prices in Portugal are more than 20% below their peak, with Deloitte’s Property Index Report revealing the country as one of the most affordable in Europe. From magnificent seafront apartments in the unspoiled eastern Algarve to superb villas with their own pools in the west, Algarve properties offer excellent value for money and the potential for impressive capital growth as the market recovers.

 

  1. The wine. Portugal is known for its superb cuisine and the sparklingly fresh seafood on offer in the Algarve is second to none, but the country’s wineries are yet to receive the global recognition that they deserve. The 2013 Challenge International du Vin in France saw Portuguese wines taking home a total of 145 medals: 50 gold, 32 silver and 63 bronze. Though entrants were from 38 countries, Portugal alone won more than 11% of the total medals awarded. With prices for good wine starting at €1.59, there’s no excuse for those moving to the Algarve not to become connoisseurs!

 

  1. The beaches. The Algarve’s beaches are simply stunning. In the east, long strips of soft, white sand stretch away as far as the eye can see. As you head west, the landscape transforms to one of softly crumbling red and yellow cliffs, with tiny cove beaches interspersing the larger resorts. Few places in the world offer so many beaches of such variety in such close proximity to one another.

 

  1. Tax benefits. To attract more foreign residents, Portugal has created the Non-habitual Residents taxation scheme. Essentially the regime allows individuals who qualify for it to pay a flat rate of 20% tax on income earned in Portugal, with an exemption from taxation on most income earned overseas. Clearly for those moving to the Algarve while still retaining an income from the UK will want to take full advantage of the scheme.

 

  1. Golden Visas. Those wishing to move to Portugal from outside of Europe are also offered an advantage by the Portuguese government, in the form of the Golden Visa scheme. They are able to obtain residency rights in Portugal and travel rights throughout the Schengen Agreement area, in return for just €500,000 of investment in property – an amount sufficient to purchase a traditional four bedroom, three bathroom villa in the upscale area of Vilamoura.

 

  1. Pace of life. Though the summer months can be frenetic in the popular tourist areas, the pace of life outside of July and August in the Algarve is delightfully laid back. Locals linger over meals in restaurants, sip coffee at a leisurely pace in café-lined squares and stroll slowly along the shoreline of an evening as the sun sinks towards the horizon. Life is unhurried and relaxed – a wonderful antidote to the relentless pace that modern technology has created.

If all that sounds too good to be true, why not see for yourself? Tickets for the Overseas Property Show, where experts on all aspects of buying and living in Portugal will be available to answer questions, are completely free of charge.

The first show will run from 5-8 September at Birmingham’s National Motorcycle Museum. For more information visit www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

For further details of the stunning range of properties currently available in Portugal to UK buyers, call Ideal Homes Portugal on 0800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434, email enquiries@idealhomesportugal.com or visit www.idealhomesportugal.com.

A hit with the tourists – Portugal’s charms bring record numbers of visitors to its shores

A hit with the tourists – Portugal’s charms bring record numbers of visitors to its shores

by Louise Portugal
  • Portugal’s hotel visitor numbers up 4.2% in 2013 (Portuguese government)
  • Foreign property purchasers account for as much as 57% of some markets (Savills)
  • Overseas Property Show set to bring Portuguese property market to the UK (Ideal Homes Portugal)

2013 was a record year for tourism in Portugal, with some 14.2 million visitors staying in the country’s hotels, up 4.2% on the year before. The figures, released by the Portuguese government, show that foreign visitors accounted for the majority (58%) of overnight stays – an increase of 8.3% on 2012.

“2013 was a record number in terms of the number of tourists in Portugal and the number of overnight stays. It was crucial for Portugal’s economic recovery,” reports Economy Minister Antonio Pires de Lima.

The data shows that foreign tourists’ spend during the year contributed more than €9 billion to the recovering Portuguese economy, with British, German and Spanish visitors proving particularly fond of Portugal, along with a blossoming market of US visitors. Portugal’s National Statistics Institute (INE), reported an increase of 16.4% in overnight hotel stays by American visitors, accompanied by a revenue surge of 21%. Jayme Simoes of the Portuguese National Tourist Office comments,

“The US was one of the fastest growing inbound tourism markets in Portugal in 2013. In these uncertain times, American travelers are looking for two things: value for the dollar and the value of experience, [and] Portugal is strong on both counts.”

Indeed, Portugal’s attractions are enough that the Iberian country actually attracted significantly more visitors during 2013 (14.2 million) than it had residents, which the 2011 Census confirmed as just over 10.5 million.

For many of those visitors, Portugal’s stunning scenery, balmy climate and championship golf courses proved too much of a lure, leading to a buoyant second home market. The golf-focused Quinta do Lago region of the Algarve, for example, saw British buyers account for 57% of all property purchases during 2013 according to Savills. Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, observes,

“Demand from British buyers looking for second homes in Portugal – and specifically in the Algarve – is extremely strong at the moment. So much so, in fact, that we are bringing a slice of the Portuguese property market to Britain, through the Overseas Property Show roadshows being held in leading UK cities between September and November.”

The Overseas Property Show will give all those interested in purchasing their dream second home in Portugal the chance to interrogate the Ideal Homes Portugal team of experts on everything from details of how and where to buy in Portugal to the Algarve’s best golf courses. Apartments, townhouses and villas are all available to UK buyers, including a stunning five bedroom villa at Quinta do Lago with its own pool and private jetty on to the lake.

The Ideal Homes Portugal offering was certainly more than enough for Duncan Bannatyne of Dragon’s Den fame, who recently purchased a villa in the Algarve through the company and who will be attending one of the upcoming Overseas Property Show events.

For further details of the Overseas Property Shows and of leading Portuguese properties, call Ideal Homes Portugal on 0800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434, email enquiries@idealhomesportugal.com or visit www.idealhomesportugal.com or www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

Portugal tipped to lead the stampede as Overseas Property Show opens up international second home markets to UK buyers

Portugal tipped to lead the stampede as Overseas Property Show opens up international second home markets to UK buyers

by Louise Portugal United Kingdom
  • Overseas Property Show to visit 7 UK cities over next 3 months
  • Demand for Portuguese property at 8 month high (TheMoveChannel.com)
  • Portuguese prices fell for 3 years before increasing by 1.2% in Q1 2014 (Statistics Portugal)

This September, the sector-leading Overseas Property Show is set to bring the international second homes market to the doorstep of British buyers. With properties available across Europe and the US, the show is renowned for helping UK buyers to easily and transparently buy the holiday home of their dreams.

And at this year’s show, Portugal is tipped to be the country of choice by property expert Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal:

“Everything is pointing to this being the year that Portugal leads the stampede for Brits buying abroad. The latest research from TheMoveChannel.com has shown that demand for property there has reached an eight-month high, following three years of falling values.

“The price drops have led to there being some incredible bargains available, particularly in the sun-kissed Algarve region. Savvy buyers know that now is the point to buy, before prices climb too steeply.”

Indeed, the year to the first quarter of 2014 saw the start of the long-awaited price rises in the Portuguese housing sector, with Statistics Portugal reporting an increase of 1.22%. Thanks to the Overseas Property Show, UK buyers will find it easy to act swiftly and decisively while the market sits at this turning point.

The show will visit seven leading UK areas in total: Birmingham, Surrey, Leeds and Glasgow in September; Manchester and Newmarket in October; and Aberdeen in late October/early November. Tickets are free and can be obtained via the Overseas Property Show website.

One man who has already secured his ticket is Dragons’ Den star Duncan Bannatyne, who earlier this year purchased a stunning Algarve villa through Ideal Homes Portugal. The entrepreneur is currently working with Ideal Homes Portugal on a series of television advertisements, which should further spur on UK buyers who have yet to discover the delights of the Algarve.

Attendees at the Overseas Property Show will benefit from insider knowledge of the Portuguese property market, with Chris White and his team on hand to share their expertise. Apartments, townhouses and villas will all available, from €100,000 bargain apartments with communal pools in popular areas, to luxury countryside villas with their own pools, jetties and other fabulous features, costing in excess of €10,000,000.

For further details and to obtain tickets to attend the Overseas Property Show in your local area, visit www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com. For information on the stunning range of properties currently available in Portugal to UK buyers, call Ideal Homes Portugal on 0800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434, email enquiries@idealhomesportugal.com or visit www.idealhomesportugal.com.

Showing signs of stabilisation: Portuguese property prospects draw attention

Showing signs of stabilisation: Portuguese property prospects draw attention

by Kate Portugal

Portugal is attracting an increasing amount of attention from British investors looking to put their pounds into property. This is perhaps unsurprising given that the Deloitte Property Index Report has just revealed it to be one of the most affordable residential markets in Europe, joining Germany and Denmark as the top three top destinations.

The latest RICS/Ci market report has provided yet more positive news for Portugal, indicating strong signs of stabilisation within the property sector for the first time in four years. The report shows that prices of new homes across Portugal are rising, while resale values are also up in some areas, such as the southernmost Algarve region.

Blessed with 300 days of sunshine per year, the Algarve has long been one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations – affordable accommodation, stunning beaches and delicious local cuisine combine to ensure that millions of passengers pass through the region’s Faro Airport during both the summer and shoulder seasons.

The attractions of the Algarve are such that many towns see their populations quadruple during the summer months. Holiday accommodation is much in demand, particularly in areas such as Quinta de Lago and Vale do Lobo, close to some of the Algarve’s most challenging and visually appealing golf courses.

Ci Spokesman, Ricardo Guimaraes, noted the importance of these seasonal fluctuations in relation to the RICS/Ci May report’s figures,

“The challenge for the market is to consolidate the potential stabilisation which is now being observed by Agents. They report an increasing demand from potential buyers, especially in markets that benefit from seasonal activity, such as the Algarve.”

Property in the Algarve region of Portugal is on average 32% cheaper than it is in the UK, according to listings website Meravista, which, combined with the benefits of the exchange rate, makes investing in Portuguese property an extremely tempting prospect, be it for personal usage as a holiday home or for investment purpose, or a combination of the two.

Philip Button, Managing Director of property investment company, Brookes & Co, explains why they too are turning their thoughts towards Portuguese shores,

“With the property market stabilising in Portugal and prices currently marking it out as one of the cheapest markets in Europe, the time is ripe for investors looking to benefit from Portuguese residential property. This is where Brookes & Co springs into action.

Having kept a close eye on the Portuguese market over recent years, we are pleased to see all the factors coming together to make it ideal for investment. As such, we have worked hard to develop an excellent opportunity for our British clients, for which we are in the final stages of planning and due diligence. Those interested in putting their pounds to good use are encouraged to watch this space for further updates on our upcoming Portuguese offering.”

With low prices that are beginning to show steady increases, now is the time to look to Portugal as Europe’s top property investment hotspot.

For more information, contact Brookes & Co on 01621 875 925 or info@brookesandco.co.uk, visit www.brookesandco.co.uk or meet the team online.

Pick Portugal! New report puts Portugal in top 3 most affordable European property markets

Pick Portugal! New report puts Portugal in top 3 most affordable European property markets

by Louise Portugal
  • Portuguese market beginning to recover, with 1.22% increase in prices (Statistics Portugal)
  • 50,000 Algarve properties now owned by British and Irish buyers (Ideal Homes Portugal)
  • Portugal among top 3 most affordable residential property markets in Europe (Deloitte)

The Portuguese property market is showing significant signs of improvement, as domestic and international buyers alike take advantage of the excellent prices that the Iberian country now offers.

After three years of falling values, Statistics Portugal has revealed that property prices increased by 1.22% in the year to the first quarter of 2014, though prices are still well below their 2007 peak. In the southern Algarve region, for example, they remain 22.5% below their peak level. The result is a market packed with affordable properties – so much so that the third edition of the Deloitte Property Index Report has revealed Portugal to be among the top three most affordable residential property markets in Europe (along with Germany and Denmark).

The positivity within Portugal’s housing sector is being felt both domestically and further afield. The Algarve in particular is popular with foreign buyers, from investors to holiday home owners to expats. Some 50,000 properties in the Algarve are now British or Irish owned, according to boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal. Founding Director Chris White comments,

“Many foreign buyers are drawn to Portugal by the weather, the stunning beaches and the low cost of living. The Portuguese government has put a number of incentives in place to encourage foreign investment in the country’s market. The Non Habitual Resident Tax Regime, for example, offers up to ten years of tax incentives for those settling in Portugal, while a Golden Visa programme grants residency to non-EU citizens who purchase property costing €500,000 or more.”

Combined with the lack of restrictions on foreign ownership and the current rock bottom prices, these incentives have encouraged many to consider Portugal as the location of their dream holiday home or even their permanent residence. The wide variety of accommodation on offer, from villas in the mountains to penthouse apartments overlooking the sea, means that the country has something to suit every taste and budget.

Ideal Homes Portugal is known for bringing the best in Portuguese property to the UK market, through Overseas Property Show roadshows where potential purchasers can meet face to face with their team of experts, for advice and guidance on how to buy in Portugal, which areas are most suited to their choice of leisure pursuits and what they can get for their money.

€105,000 is enough to purchase a one bedroom, one bathroom apartment in Olhos d’Agua, just 1,500m from the idyllic Falesia beach and the famous Pine Cliff Golf Resort. The Algarve is dotted with championship quality golf courses such as Pine Cliff, with an annual KPMG report highlighting it as the second most popular golf tourism destination in the world (second only to Spain).

For €239,000, buyers can delight in a two bedroom, two bathroom town house with panoramic sea views in the picturesque town of Carvoeiro. Its cliff top location and proximity to two secluded beaches, along with a generous roof terrace and private swimming pool make this the perfect place for enjoying family life.

Towards the upper end of the scale, buyers looking to spend in the region of €1.5 million can purchase a unique, ultra-modern five bedroom villa with swimming pool and landscaped gardens, set in a quiet cul de sac between the upscale resorts of Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo.

With such variety on offer for such excellent prices, and the current strength of sterling meaning that British buyers get a great deal more for their money than has been the case for the past few years, it seems that the Portuguese property market looks set to continue benefitting from foreign investment for quite some time.

For further details of leading Portuguese properties, call Ideal Homes Portugal on 0800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434, email enquiries@idealhomesportugal.com or visit www.idealhomesportugal.com or www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

Award-winning agency Ideal Homes Portugal appoints AB Property Marketing to promote overseas property roadshows – coming to the UK soon!

Award-winning agency Ideal Homes Portugal appoints AB Property Marketing to promote overseas property roadshows – coming to the UK soon!

by Louise Portugal ,

Following the successful public relations campaign for The Overseas Property Show, undertaken by AB Property Marketing earlier this year, award-winning Algarve estate agency, Ideal Homes Portugal, who organised and hosted the show, has once again appointed the leading property PR agency to promote the next series of UK roadshows coming soon.

Based in the perennially popular Algarve region of southern Portugal, Ideal Homes Portugal was founded by Director Chris White, now in his tenth year of helping sun-seeking Brits find the perfect property overseas.

At the heart of Chris’ ethos is a commitment to providing a personal, expert service to every single client who contacts his firm; backed by a passionate team who share his enthusiasm for Portugal, and for providing unbeatable service.

Chris commented: “We believe in meeting clients in person and building a relationship with them, which is why we invest in our roadshows. Visitors will be able to meet our team, browse villas, apartments and townhouses for sale at reduced prices – in some cases up to 60 per cent, as well as receive one-to-one specialist advice on overseas mortgages, taxation, the legalities of buying abroad and currency transfers”

From off-plan apartments through to multi-million pound luxury villas and bank repossessions across the Algarve, Ideal Homes Portugal will be shouting loud about the superb range of properties on offer, as well as their exceptional service

Commenting on the appointment, ABPM Managing Director, Charlotte Ashton, says,

“After working successfully on The Overseas Property Show earlier this year, the team and I are delighted to be working with Ideal Homes Portugal once again. With the traditional second homes market in Europe picking up once again, it will be superb to be able to fulfil the media appetite for Portugal property market news and inform buyers of the opportunities available.”

What can Ideal Homes Portugal offer the media?

The ABPM team are available 24/7 to supply the following on behalf of Ideal Homes Portugal:

  • Insightful expert market comment from Founder Chris White
  • Detailed market reports and statistics
  • Information on a wide range of properties for sale
  • High resolution imagery
  • Client case studies – including celebrities and household names
  • Press trips to the Algarve (for secured commissions only)

For more information on Ideal Homes Portugal please contact Charlotte Ashton on +44 845 054 7524, email charlotte@abpropertymarketing.co.uk or visit http://www.idealhomesportugal.com. 

At a Glance: Demand soars for property across Portugal

At a Glance: Demand soars for property across Portugal

by Charlotte Ashton Portugal

Demand has soared for property across Portugal, according to new research from TheMoveChannel.com. The portal´s latest infographic compares Portugal´s property market now to two years ago and reveals that enquiries have surged by one-third on a national level, as interest returns outside of the Algarve.

Lisbon is now the most-searched property hotspot in Portugal, according to TheMoveChannel.com, accounting for 4.33 per cent of all Portugal searches on the site in the 12 months to February 2014, up from 3.61 per cent in the 12 months to February 2012. The Portuguese capital knocked Albufeira off the top search spot. The Faro town was the subject of 9.63 per cent searches in 2012´s At a Glance report, but its share has now dropped to 3.26 per cent, as buyers begin to look all over Portugal for real estate investments.

Indeed, the Algarve accounts for five of the 10 most searched-for Portuguese locations on TheMoveChannel.com, down from six two years ago. Leiria and Lisbon made up the remaining four locations in 2012, but Lisbon now makes up three of the remaining five, alongside Setubal and Braga – an indicator of how varied and widespread interest has become.

The Algarve still receives the majority (60 per cent) of enquiries, but its share has fallen from 62.59 per cent in 2012. Leiria also saw its number of enquiries dip 44 per cent and Viana do Castelo saw enquiries slide 20 per cent. Apart from these three, though, every district in Portugal saw enquiries increase in 2014 compared to 2012.
Lisbon led the way with a rise of 55 per cent in enquiries, taking its share to the third highest in the country. The district of Madeira has the second highest share of enquiries, attracting 12.49 per cent, up from third place.

Overall, enquiries for Portuguese real estate have soared 33 per cent across the last two years.

The At a Glance infographic also analyses the number of searches on Google for property in Portugal. Demand there has surged too. 39,000 searches for “property in Portugal” were logged between March and May 2013, 10 times the 3,600 recorded across the same period in 2011.

Portugal-related keywords that previously appeared in no Google searches also began to be used by online house-hunters. “Portuguese properties”, for example, was not searched for at all between March and May 2011 but appeared in 60 searches between March and May 2013.

Google searches for “property in Portugal” slowed to 3,780 between December 2013 and February 2014, but even with the seasonal decline in interest remained significantly higher than the same three months two years ago.

Editor Ivan Radford comments: “What a difference two years makes! In 2011, Portugal´s property market was hanging on by the Algarve. The Faro region was driving the majority of interest and activity, with Portugal´s lifestyle appeal continuing to attract bargain holiday home hunters.

“Now, though, Portugal´s property market is coming back to life. The 2012 At a Glance infographic showed activity centred on the Faro district, but the updated 2014 infographic sees activity spread out evenly across the whole map.

“Alongside lifestyle buyers, encouraged by growing economic confidence in Europe, the rise in interest has been driven by investors taking advantage of the country´s Golden Visa residency scheme. For these buyers, cities such as Lisbon are a priority rather than the coastal towns of the Algarve. The surge in demand for property in the capital may not have ended the dominance of the Algarve, but shows how much the national market has improved in 24 months, with all but three districts enjoying a rise in enquiries.

“Growth is present at all stages of the buying process: initial interest on Google has increased, engaged buyers searching by location on TheMoveChannel.com have also risen, and that interest has converted into more enquiries. After years of struggling, 2014 looks to be a good year for Portugal´s property market.”
Click here to see the full infographic.

Notes to Editors
Founded in 1999, TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent website for international property, with more than 800,000 listings in over 100 countries around the world, marketed on behalf of agents, developers and private owners.

The website address is http://www.TheMoveChannel.com and the office address is 24 Jack’s Place, Corbet Place, Spitalfields, London, E1 6NN. Contact Dan Johnson on 0207 952 7650 for further information.

New book ‘Moving to Portugal’ is essential reading for anyone considering a new life overseas

by Charlotte Ashton Portugal

Have you ever visited a picture perfect sun drenched destination and wondered what it would be like to live there? Louise and Ben Taylor did, finally deciding to make their dream a reality and move from the UK to Portugal two years ago.

Indeed, moving abroad can be a nerve wracking experience but for those who are a little unsure of where to start, why not get some advice and ideas from the expert expats?

Documenting their life-changing experience, Louise and Ben’s new book, ‘Moving to Portugal’ is a warm and witty tale of why, when and how this central London couple decided to throw in the towel and set up a new life in the elegant town of Tavira in the Algarve.

Split into two sections, ‘Moving to Portugal’ examines the highs and lows of relocating abroad, covering the couple’s first two years of challenges as well as offering hints, tips and advice – essential reading for anyone considering a new life overseas.

Author Ben Taylor comments,

“Relocating abroad can be one of the best things you will ever do, but it is a big step and is something that needs a lot of consideration. For us, Portugal made the ideal overseas living destination with medieval castles, quaint villages and beautiful coastlines; it’s hardly surprising that the nation is now climbing its way up the ladder, becoming the fourth most popular destination in Europe for property searches among Brits according to Rightmove Overseas.

“Our journey towards a new life in the sun was, at times, a real roller-coaster ride but we never once looked back and as a result, we now have a beautiful home in a wonderful country and couldn’t be happier.”

Taylor continues,

“Our book, we feel, gives an honest picture of life in the Algarve and what to expect. My wife and I really wanted to put something together that documented the life of two people who had actually been through the experience – we think the best advice comes from the people who have lived through it and came out the other end. We really hope that readers will connect with ‘Moving to Portugal’ and that it will help steer them in the right direction.”

For more information about the author, Ben Taylor, who describes himself as ‘an aspiring travel writer, competent cook, Microsoft certified techno-geek, music obsessive, and recent migrant from rainy London to sunny Portugal’ why not read his award-winning blog – Moving to Portugal, call +44 208 133 5244 or email ben@movingtoportugal.org.

To order the book in paperback (RRP £8.99): http://tinyurl.com/portugalbook 

To order the Kindle version (RRP £5.45): http://tinyurl.com/portugalkindle