Winter sun away from the crowds – short-haul suntraps for British second homebuyers

Winter sun away from the crowds – short-haul suntraps for British second homebuyers

by Charly World , , , , ,
  • Wettest August on record sees Brits looking for sunshine overseas
  • Canary Island apartments less than €500 per week (Kyero.com)
  • 8 bed Algarve villa almost half price at €540k (Ideal Homes Portugal)

Predictions of a hot August for the UK, made in such a carefree manner in July, didn’t quite come to fruition. Instead, the month ended with bookmaker Ladbrokes simply stopping taking bets on August being the wettest on record. Enough said.

With the UK having endured another soggy summer, many individuals are turning their thoughts to sunshine overseas and checking out short-haul flight prices to see how quickly and cheaply they can transport themselves to the nearest suntrap.

Spain is a popular destination for sun seekers at any time of year. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, comments,

“The Spanish Costas are a perfect place for enjoying some winter sun. Easy to get to and with a low cost of living, they’re great for those looking for a second home that they can regularly fly to in order to top up their vitamin D levels. The Spanish islands are also fantastic, particularly Mallorca, which has an agreeable climate throughout the winter months.”

Cala Anguila II in Porto Cristo, Mallorca, features two bedroom apartments costing from €230,000. Located next to the idyllic coves of Cala Anguila, Cala Romántica and Cala Mandía, the development includes ample gardens, a large swimming pool and a private sunbathing area.

“The Canaries are another great place to catch some winter sun,” comments Martin Dell, Director of Spanish property portal Kyero.com, which covers sales, long-term rentals and holiday lets. “You can get some really good value rental accommodation there off-season – there are several apartments in great locations for less than €500 per week.”

Spain’s nextdoor neighbour Portugal is also a great place to take in some winter sun. In the southern Algarve region, there are still plentiful bargains to be had when it comes to second homes. A contemporary two bedroom townhouse close to the new Amendoeira Golf Course (Faldo/O’Connor) is available through boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal for just €185,000, while a magnificent eight bedroom villa on the outskirts of Albufeira is available for €540,000 (reduced from €950,000).

Italy’s Le Marche is another lovely option during the winter months and easily reachable from many UK locations thanks to the region’s busy Ancona airport. Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs of luxury fractional ownership holiday home company Appassionata comments,

“Le Marche is a wonderful place during the winter months. There’s plenty of space to relax in peace and with our latest luxury townhouse, Casa Tre Archi, you can also dip in and out of town life at your leisure. For sunny days, the property’s large roof terrace is just perfect for making the most of the good weather. Part of the joy of fractional ownership in this part of Italy is the fact that you get to see how beautiful the area is in every season.”

Fractions in Casa Tre Archi are available from £75,000 for five weeks’ exclusive usage per year. The model has proven popular for the family-run Appassionata team, who have just begun renovation work on their fourth property in the area.

A short boat ride across the Adriatic Sea is Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa in Albania. Another convenient choice for a short-haul winter sun destination, Albania enjoys mild winters, with temperatures averaging a low point of 7°C in January. Lalzit Bay is one of the most attractive stretches of coast along the Adriatic and the resort is privileged to enjoy its own private beach. Properties available include high-end apartments and villas, with a full management service available to all owners.

Those with an extra hour or two to spend in the air can enjoy the sunshine of Turkey this winter. The meeting point between East and West, Istanbul is a fascinating city that captivates all those who visit. The Oceanic Bay View villas there, available through Universal21 from $1,595,000, offer eco-friendly detached homes with swimming pools, exquisite design and the latest in smart home technology.

Whether it’s the beaches of Spain that you crave or the fast-paced city life of Istanbul, it’s time to accept that the UK summer is over and start sorting out some winter sun overseas.

For more information please contact:

Taylor Wimpey España: +44 08000 121 020 or www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Kyero.com: www.kyero.com

Ideal Homes Portugal: 0800 133 7644, +351 289 513 434 or www.idealhomesportugal.com.

Appassionata: +39 33154 13225 or www.appassionata.com.

Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa: +44 845 125 8600 or www.lalzitbay.com

Universal21: 0203 287 8700 or www.universal21.com

Epsom residents set their sights on homes abroad as the Overseas Property Show comes to town

Epsom residents set their sights on homes abroad as the Overseas Property Show comes to town

by Charly World
  • 2015 tour to arrive in Epsom on 18-20 September
  • Portugal, Cyprus, Spain, Italy and Florida to be showcased during bumper 2015 show
  • UK buyers look for sunshine overseas as autumn weather sets in at home

The hugely successful Overseas Property Show is soon to arrive in Epsom for the third show of its 2015 national tour, with a bumper three day event held at Epsom Racecourse from 18-20 September. The show will present properties from Portugal, Cyprus, Spain, Italy and Florida to UK buyers. It follows on from the 2014 show in the area, which enjoyed marked success.

Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, which will be exhibiting at every show, comments,

“Much of Europe is a buyer’s market at the moment, so far as UK property buyers are concerned. In Portugal, buyers have a wide choice of villas with pools or beachfront apartments, all for the same price as a shabby inner city terrace house in many parts of the UK. Over in Cyprus, it’s quite incredible to see what you can get for your money. It’s a really exciting time to buy overseas.”

The free to attend Overseas Property Show is about more than just buying a home though. It’s also about speaking to those who have lived and worked overseas (as well as bought property there) in order to understand what life is really like when you’re faced with 300+ days of sunshine per year.

Many of those who attend the Overseas Property Show do so with a notion of moving overseas one day, either in the near future or when they retire. Speaking to local experts about the benefits of life in the sun, as well as the pitfalls to avoid, can be incredibly useful in informing such plans. From taxes to inheritance to pensions – no subject is off limits when it comes to asking for information and advice.

Even those with no desire to leave the UK can benefit from attending, as rental properties in European hotspots can be an excellent way to generate income and enjoy capital growth over the longer-term.

Whether it’s advice, guidance, a second home or even a commercial property investment that you’re after, the Overseas Property Show is the place to be in Epsom this 18-20 September. From a penthouse apartment with pool and BBQ area in Portugal, to a Sea Caves villa in Cyprus to a sun-kissed, front line villa in Spain, the Overseas Property Show has it all.

Tickets are free to obtain and full details can be found at www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

“It’s going to be an incredible show,” concludes Chris White. “UK buyers are eager to know just what buying a property abroad really entails and that is precisely why the Overseas Property Show is here to help.”

For further details visit www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com, call (0800) 133 7644 / +351 289 513 434 or email info@theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

Don’t let it escape – chase the summer sun overseas!

Don’t let it escape – chase the summer sun overseas!

by Charly Portugal
  • UK provides too little sunlight for healthy vitamin D levels (SACN)
  • Portugal’s Algarve voted best place to retire to (Live and Invest Overseas)
  • Glorious sunshine key reason for Ken and Marion Lamb to purchase in Algarve (Ideal Homes Portugal)

Another agonizingly brief British summer has rocketed past, with citizens up and down the country now reaching for vitamin D tablets and sun lamps, after the scientific advisory committee on nutrition advised that the UK simply doesn’t get enough sunlight to provide healthy levels of this essential nutrient. Some people are going one step further and chasing the summer sun overseas with a property purchase in Portugal.

Whether it’s for occasional use as a holiday home or the perfect property to retire to, owning a home in Portugal is a sure-fire way to boost your vitamin D levels. For Ken and Marion Lamb, the Algarve’s glorious sunshine was a key reason behind their decision to purchase a beautiful three bedroom home at O Pomar, in the sleepy eastern Algarve village of Cabanas.

The couple bought through boutique estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal after meeting them at a property show in Manchester. The Ideal Homes Portugal team had their lawyer at the show, meaning that the Lambs’ long list of questions relating to taxes, inheritance and pensions could be discussed in detail. A week later, Ken and Marion were touring the Algarve and viewing properties. Just five weeks after that, they took possession of their new Portuguese home.

Ken comments,

“I had no idea it would be this easy. Ideal Homes Portugal were fantastic – I would describe them as polished but definitely not pushy. We may decide at some point to buy a further property in Portugal but we would keep this apartment either way – it is a terrific investment.”

Owning a home in Portugal opens up a wealth of possibilities, including the option to retire there. According to the 2015 Retire Overseas Index list from Live and Invest Overseas, which ranks the best locations by taking into account affordability, adventure, cuisine and other factors, the Algarve is the best place in the world to spend your golden years. It is the second year in a row that the southern Portugal region has topped the ranking.

As well as couples, the Algarve attracts plenty of single retirees each year. According to Live and Invest Overseas’ Kathleen Peddicord, certain factors are particularly important to single women looking to retire abroad (many apply to men too). These include English-speaking expats, walkability, an active social life, personal safety, a rich cultural experience and opportunities for volunteering. Algarve towns and villages certainly provides all of these in abundance, as well as good food, good wine and those all-important 300 days of sunshine per year.

Chris White, Founding Director of Ideal Homes Portugal, comments,

“The Algarve is one of those special places that offers the whole package. It’s about the full lifestyle, not just one or two benefits. Being able to own a property in such an area is an exciting achievement, particularly when it means opening up the option to one day live there fulltime.”

A contemporary, two bedroom apartment with large communal pool in O Pomar, Cabanas, costs €177,500. A three bedroom townhouse on the same site, which also boasts a welcoming, English style pub and an excellent cocktail bar/restaurant run by a French and Portuguese couple, is available for €310,000.

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

Birmingham readies itself for first of two Overseas Property Shows as part of 2015 national tour

Birmingham readies itself for first of two Overseas Property Shows as part of 2015 national tour

by Charly World
  • 2015 tour to arrive in Birmingham on 4-6 September
  • Best FX rate in 8 years means Brits get more for their money overseas
  • Portugal, Cyprus, Spain, Italy and Florida to be showcased during bumper 2015 show

The hugely successful Overseas Property Show is soon to arrive in Birmingham for the second show of its 2015 national tour, with a bumper three day event held at the National Motorcycle Museum from 4-6 September. The show is the first of two events in the Birmingham area, presenting properties from Portugal, Cyprus, Spain, Italy and Florida to UK buyers. It follows on from the 2014 show in the area, which was so successful that this year a second date has been planned.

With sterling enjoying a sustained high against the euro, 2015 is proving an excellent climate in which to purchase property overseas. The pound reached €1.434 in July – it’s highest rate since November 2007. Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, which will be exhibiting at every show, comments,

“The strength of the pound has served to turn much of Europe into a buyer’s market so far as UK property buyers are concerned. In Portugal, buyers have a wide choice of villas with pools or beachfront apartments, all for the same price as a shabby inner city terrace house in many parts of the UK. Over in Cyprus, the exchange rate means that many property prices are at their lowest rate for a decade. It’s an exciting time to buy overseas.”

The free to attend Overseas Property Show is about more than just buying a home though. It’s also about speaking to those who have lived and worked overseas (as well as bought property there) in order to understand what life is really like when you’re faced with 300+ days of sunshine per year. Many of those who attend the Overseas Property Show do so with a notion of moving overseas one day, either in the near future or when they retire. Speaking to local experts about the benefits of life in the sun, as well as the pitfalls to avoid, can be incredibly useful in informing such plans.

Even those with no desire to leave the UK can benefit from attending, as rental properties in European hotspots can be an excellent way to generate income and enjoy capital growth over the longer-term.

Whether it’s advice, guidance, a second home or even a commercial property investment that you’re after, the Overseas Property Show is the place to be in Birmingham this 4-6 September. From a penthouse apartment with pool and BBQ area in Portugal, to a Sea Caves villa in Cyprus to a sun-kissed, front line villa in Spain, the Overseas Property Show has it all.

Tickets are free to obtain and full details can be found at www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com. Those who can’t make the first Birmingham show are invited to join the second one instead, at the Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport on 27-29 November.

“It’s going to be an incredible summer,” concludes Chris White. “UK buyers are eager to know just what their pounds will get them if they buy a property abroad and that is precisely why the Overseas Property Show is here to help.”

For further details visit www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com, call (0800) 133 7644 / +351 289 513 434 or email info@theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

Bolton chosen to host first 2015 Overseas Property Show as national tour commences

Bolton chosen to host first 2015 Overseas Property Show as national tour commences

by Charly World
  • 2015 tour to kick off in Bolton, 29-31 August
  • Best FX rate in 8 years means Brits get more for their money overseas
  • Portugal, Cyprus, Spain, Italy and Florida to be showcased during bumper 2015 show

The hugely successful Overseas Property Show will kick off its 2015 national tour in Bolton this month, with a bumper three day event held at the Macron Stadium from 29 to 31 August. The show marks the start of a tour that will encompass 12 shows in total, presenting properties from Portugal, Cyprus, Spain, Italy and Florida to UK buyers.

With sterling enjoying a sustained high against the euro, 2015 is proving an excellent climate in which to purchase property overseas. The pound reached €1.434 in July – it’s highest rate since November 2007. Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, which will be exhibiting at every show, comments,

“The strength of the pound has served to turn much of Europe into a buyer’s market so far as UK property buyers are concerned. In Portugal, buyers have a wide choice of villas with pools or beachfront apartments, all for the same price as a shabby inner city terrace house in many parts of the UK. Over in Cyprus, the exchange rate means that many property prices are at their lowest rate for a decade. It’s an exciting time to buy overseas.”

The free to attend Overseas Property Show is about more than just buying a home though. It’s also about speaking to those who have lived and worked overseas (as well as bought property there) in order to understand what life is really like when you’re faced with 300+ days of sunshine per year. Many of those who attend the Overseas Property Show do so with a notion of moving overseas one day, either in the near future or when they retire. Speaking to local experts about the benefits of life in the sun, as well as the pitfalls to avoid, can be incredibly useful in informing such plans.

Even those with no desire to leave the UK can benefit from attending, as rental properties in European hotspots can be an excellent way to generate income and enjoy capital growth over the longer-term.

Whether it’s advice, guidance, a second home or even a commercial property investment that you’re after, the Overseas Property Show is the place to be in Bolton this bank holiday weekend. From a penthouse apartment with pool and BBQ area in Portugal, to a Sea Caves villa in Cyprus to a sun-kissed, front line villa in Spain, the Overseas Property Show has it all.

Tickets are free to obtain and full details can be found at www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

“It’s going to be an incredible summer,” concludes Chris White. “UK buyers are eager to know just what their pounds will get them if they buy a property abroad and that is precisely why the Overseas Property Show is here to help.”

For further details visit www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com, call (0800) 133 7644 / +351 289 513 434 or email info@theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

Portuguese property market snapshot – a tale of two rates

Portuguese property market snapshot – a tale of two rates

by Charly Portugal
  • Pound to euro exchange rate tempting British buyers to Portugal (Ideal Homes Portugal)
  • Portuguese interest rate dropped from 13.85% (Jan 2012) to 2.41% (May 2015)
  • Exchange rate could reach €1.54 to the pound by 2017 (Goldman Sachs)

Circumstances have combined to make Portugal one of Europe’s most tempting property purchase options, a leading estate agency has revealed. Algarve-based boutique agency Ideal Homes Portugal has highlighted the impact that low interest rates and favourable foreign exchange rates have had when it comes to the country’s real estate sector. Founding Director Chris White comments,

“We’ve seen interest rates in Portugal drop from 13.85% in January 2012 to 2.41% in May 2015 and this has led to many mortgage providers slashing their rates. At the same time, the best FX rate for eight years means that UK buyers can now get a lot more property for their pound. It’s the ideal combination for those looking to pick up a bargain dream home in the sun.”

The low interest rate and excellent exchange rate are set against a background of slowly rising prices in Portugal. The property market has bottomed out since values plummeted back in 2007 and the early stages of a sustained recovery are underway. For British buyers, the timing is perfect – they can purchase property at bargain prices now, when borrowing is cheap and the pound is strong, and then look forward to capital growth over the coming years as the Portuguese recovery gathers momentum.

So just what can British buyers get for their money in Portugal right now?

Portuguese property snapshot

Around €100k is enough for a studio apartment with shared pool in the popular town of Albufeira, which boasts plentiful restaurants and bars, along with some beautiful stretches of golden sand.

€200k will buy a two bedroom apartment with sea views and communal pool in the attractive town of Quarteira or, for those looking to undertake something of a project, a 15 acre plot of land with two country cottages ripe for renovation.

Buyers with €300k can look forward to owning a beautifully renovated apartment in a converted convent in the eastern Algarve town of Tavira. Views over the salt plains of the Ria Formosa natural park stretch all the way to the sea and the stunning Tavira Island can be reached by water taxi in just a few minutes.

For €400k, buyers can purchase a four bedroom villa with its own pool, barbecue area and sea views in the pretty little town of Moncarapacho – home to the world’s best olive oil, according to the New York International Olive Oil Competition 2015. Or for just a few euros more city lovers can opt for an exquisite, contemporary one bedroom apartment in Lisbon, in an exclusive development complete with swimming pool and onsite parking.

Those happy to spend €500k have a vast range of options. From a six bedroom country villa with sea views and mature fruit trees to a three bedroom villa with panoramic sea views and its own pool on a gated complex in Praia da Luz, the choices are plentiful and varied. And of course for those with even more to spend the properties keep getting bigger and better.

With the pound to euro exchange rate tipped to climb even higher (Goldman Sachs has forecast that a 15 year high could be on the cards, at €1.54 to the pound by 2017), UK buyers are being delighted by just how far their money stretches when it comes to Portuguese real estate. A rate of €1.54 would mean that only £325k was needed to pick up that €500k Portuguese property – hardly a bad price for a six bedroom home in the sunshine!

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

Overseas Property Show launches 2015 national tour as highest FX rate for 8 years makes Brits eager to buy abroad

Overseas Property Show launches 2015 national tour as highest FX rate for 8 years makes Brits eager to buy abroad

by Charly World
  • 12 dates announced for 2015 Overseas Property Show national tour
  • Best FX rate in 8 years means Brits get more for their money overseas
  • 2015 tour to kick off in Bolton, 29-31 August

The hugely successful Overseas Property Show has just announced its 2015 tour dates. With a total of 12 shows planned up and down the nation, this year’s tour will be bigger and better than ever.

In 2014, 3,000 visitors attended the shows, which showcase properties from the sun-drenched paradises of Portugal, Cyprus, Spain, Italy and Florida. The 2015 events are set to attract way in excess of this number, as Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, which will be exhibiting at every show, comments,

“Everything about the Overseas Property Show this year is going to be bigger and better than ever before. We’ve got more tour dates, more properties and more experts on hand to provide advice. We’re expecting a huge turnout this year.”

The show’s 2015 tour will include:

Bolton – 29, 30 and 31 August, Marcron Stadium

Birmingham – 4, 5 and 6 September, Motorcycle Museum

Norwich – 12 and 13 September, Mercure Norwich

Surrey – 18, 19 and 20 September, Epsom Racecourse

Crawley – 26 and 27 September, Arora Hotel Crawley

Brighton – 9, 10 and 11 October, Hilton Brighton Metropole

Guildford – 16, 17 and 18 October, Holiday Inn Guildford

Watford – 23, 24 and 25 October, Mercure Watford

Hertfordshire – 31 October and 1 November, Holiday Inn London Elstree

Newbury – 7 and 8 November, Hilton Newbury

Crawley – 20, 21 and 22 November, Arora Hotel Crawley

Birmingham – 27, 28 and 29 November, Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport

The free to attend show is popular with everyone from those with firm plans to move overseas to individuals with just the vaguest notion that they might one day like a second home in the sun. With experts on hand to discuss each country in detail – from the property market to the paperwork requirements – the show has built a reputation as an essential resource for anyone interested in property overseas.

That interest is surging in the UK, as the best foreign exchange rate since November 2007 saw sterling reach €1.434 in July, meaning that holiday home buyers can now get vastly more for their money. Not only do they benefit when buying a property overseas, but their spending money also stretches further when they go to stay in it. Everything from a simple ice-cream on the beach to dinner at a swanky restaurant in a newly purchased frock has become cheaper thanks to the favourable exchange rate.

With experts predicting that the exchange rate could improve even further – €1.50 to the pound has been bandied about more than once – the Overseas Property Show tour could not have come at a better time.

Whether buyers are dreaming of a penthouse apartment with pool and BBQ area in Portugal, a Sea Caves villa in Cyprus or a sun-kissed, front line villa in Spain, the Overseas Property Show is the place to be. Tickets are free to obtain and full details can be found at www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

“It’s going to be an incredible summer,” concludes Chris White. “UK buyers are eager to know just what their pounds will get them if they buy a property abroad and that is precisely why the Overseas Property Show is here to help.”

For further details visit www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com, call (0800) 133 7644 / +351 289 513 434 or email info@theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

Value of second homes overseas revealed as 91% of holidaymakers opt for repeat destination breaks

Value of second homes overseas revealed as 91% of holidaymakers opt for repeat destination breaks

by Charly Portugal Spain , ,
  • UK workers entitled to just 5.6 paid weeks of leave per year (Gov.uk)
  • 91% of Britons prefer to repeatedly visit the same holiday destination (Staysure)
  • 1 in 5 returns within a year (Staysure)

Almost all UK workers are entitled to 5.6 weeks’ paid holiday per year, though that can include bank holidays. With so little precious time to spare, is it any wonder that the latest survey from Staysure has revealed that as a nation we opt for the comfort of a known quantity when it comes to holidaying overseas?

The Staysure research has revealed that 91% of Britons prefer to visit the same holiday destination repeatedly, with one in five returning to the same place within the course of a year. The known quantities of great weather, good food and convenient travel times were cited as the most common motivations for returning to the same place. This was weighed against the fear that a new destination would not provide as much enjoyment and result in a disappointing holiday.

With so little paid holiday available, this attitude is entirely understandable and is precisely why second homes overseas are so popular. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, comments,

“When it comes to travelling overseas, most holidaymakers have a fixed idea of where they want to go and so a home from home in their favourite spot makes absolute sense.”

Taylor Wimpey España offers holiday homes in two of the locations that the survey respondents voted as being the most popular: the Spanish island of Mallorca, which took third position, and the Costa del Sol, which came in sixth.

On Mallorca, key-ready apartments with wide terraces and a fantastic communal pool, all within strolling distance to the beach such as those at Cala Magrana III, can be purchased from €220,000. On the Costa del Sol, a luxury two bedroom apartment near Puerto Banus can be picked up for €310,000, at Avalon.

A third Spanish location made it into the top 10 favourite repeat destinations: the Catalonian capital city of Barcelona. The much-loved city attracts hordes of visitors every year, as Martin Dell, Founder of Spanish property portal Kyero.com, which lists more than 200,000 homes from 3,000 estate agents, observes,

“Barcelona has everything a holidaymaker could want. Its architecture simply cannot be beaten. The weather is amazing throughout the summer months. The restaurants and street food markets are a gourmet paradise. There are countless cultural attractions and the city has a vibe unlike any other.”

Second home options in the city abound and the current exchange rate means Brits can get a lot more for their money, such as this five bedroom apartment with spacious roof terrace, available in the central El Eixample area of the city for a cool €1.1 million.

One other Iberian destination also made the top 10 – Portugal’s sun-drenched southern Algarve region. Popular with holidaymakers from the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands, as well as (seemingly) half the population of Lisbon, which decamps southward for a month every summer, the Algarve offers stunning beaches, family-friendly restaurants, water parks, world-class golf courses and even a mountain of two for those who prefer to holiday at a height.

Ideal Homes Portugal, one of the area’s leading estate agencies, has homes across the region, ranging from city centre apartments for under €100,000 to luxury villas with their own pools and unique features. For €335,000 you can even pick up a villa with a pool and its own windmill.

For more information please contact:

Kyero.com: www.kyero.com 

Taylor Wimpey España: +44 08000 121 020 or www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Ideal Homes Portugal: 0800 133 7644, +351 289 513 434 or www.idealhomesportugal.com.

 

As the Algarve puts itself up for sale, local award-winning agent Ideal Homes Portugal reveals top selling tips

As the Algarve puts itself up for sale, local award-winning agent Ideal Homes Portugal reveals top selling tips

by Charly Portugal

The just-released June 2015 RICS/Ci Portuguese Housing Market Survey (PHMS) has shown that the Algarve is leading the country in terms of putting its property on the market.

New instructions to sell in Portugal’s southernmost region were at least twice as high as those in Porto and the capital, Lisbon.

Founding Director of Algarve-based boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, Chris White, comments,

“All indications are that the Algarve property market is on the cusp of an excellent few years. Properties here are popular with both domestic buyers and those from overseas, all of whom are in search of the Algarve’s winning combination of sea, sand and sunshine.”

It seems as though many of those who have been waiting for the right time to sell their Algarve property believe that the time has finally arrived. With the June PHMS reporting sales rising continuously for a year and a half, it seems that newfound confidence is finally reaching sellers.

For those ready to put their Portuguese properties on the market, Ideal Homes Portugal offers a fully supportive sales service. Here Chris White shares his top tips for selling your Algarve property.

 

Ideal Homes Portugal’s top tips for selling your Algarve property

  1. Keep it clean!

“It’s such a basic principle, but you’d be surprised by how many sellers don’t clean up before a viewing,” explains Chris. “The property doesn’t need to be spotless, but dirty plates piled up in the sink or a fragrant bin bag certainly won’t add to its appeal!”

  1. Love your property

Share your passion for your property with those who are viewing it. This means telling the agent about its best features too, so that they can talk to potential buyers about them if they do viewings when you’re not present. They can also ensure that all of these special features make it into the property’s website listing, to tempt buyers browsing online. This unique and quirky villa near Albufeira, for example, comes complete not just with pool and landscaped gardens, but also automatic gates, 24 hour video surveillance, a central vacuum system and hydro-massage bathtubs, while this contemporary countryside villa near Loulé includes a home cinema and Zen garden.

  1. Be prepared for a grilling

Many overseas buyers may not overly familiar with the local region in which they are looking to buy as they’ve only spent limited time there on holiday, so be prepared to provide information on everything from the best local schools to healthcare facilities and business opportunities. The more questions you can answer, the more the potential buyers will be able to picture themselves living in your home.

  1. Think about first impressions

First impressions really do count, so look at your house as you physically approach it and see it through a prospective buyer’s eyes. A freshly painted front door or a few pretty pots of colourful flowers can make a completely different impression and can be achieved quickly and easily.

  1. Choose a trusted agent

The sale of your property will likely be one of the most important things that you do this year, so make sure you get it right. Chose a trusted agent with a history of working in the local area and a friendly, efficient staff team – just like Ideal Homes Portugal!

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

Crystal ball gazing – is the UAE Portugal’s next big market?

Crystal ball gazing – is the UAE Portugal’s next big market?

by Charly Portugal
  • Visa-free access to Schengen Zone countries granted to Emiratis
  • Struggling Euro makes Portuguese property prices tempting
  • Algarve property prices tipped by RICS/Ci to grow by 3% this year

No-one can truly predict what the future holds, but for those in the international property sector it is certainly possible to make informed projections based on their experience of the market  and their knowledge of key influencing factors.

In Portugal, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, Chris White, has been engaging in a spot of well-informed crystal ball gazing in order to see what may be in store for the country’s property market, particularly in the holiday paradise hotspot of the Algarve. He comments,

“It’s important to anticipate upcoming trends and changes in the market when you work in the property sector, so that you can be sure that you have the right properties in the right areas on your books. Things like the introduction of the golden visa scheme can have a marked impact on the market and if your stock consists entirely of one bedroom apartments inland, when a surge of Chinese buyers are looking for high end properties on the coast, then you’re going to miss out.”

Portugal’s property market has certainly benefited from Chinese investment, with the latest RICS/Ci market report noting 14 consecutive months of rising agreed sale numbers. The Algarve in particular has shown strong growth and is tipped to achieve growth of 3% in the year ahead, against a national average of 2%.

But keeping an eye on this kind of market data is just the tip of the iceberg, points out Chris White.

“Stats on the performance of the prices and agreed sale numbers are really useful, but they have to be combined with an understanding of the local market. That means having a feel for the confidence that exists locally and being ahead of the game in terms of planned improvements to infrastructures. A new supermarket or glitzy hotel, for example, can push prices up by making an area more attractive, while new roads or rail connections can do so by making it more accessible.

“Then there are general factors to consider that affect the whole of a region, such as more flight routes being added to the local airport. Finally there are the country-wide considerations. In Portugal right now that means the extension of visa-free access to visitors from the United Arab Emirates.”

With current exchange rates tempting many investors to look closely at European second homes overseas, the granting of visa-free access to Emiratis wishing to visit the Schengen zone might just be the icing on the cake that opens up the Portuguese market to buyers from the UAE.

“It’s a market that you would be remiss to ignore,” concludes Chris. “We’re lining up a few ultra luxury, characterful properties with pools, ready to see what the future holds.”

Keeping abreast of future market developments, backed by excellent customer service, is certainly a model that is proving successful for Ideal Homes Portugal. So much so, in fact, that the company has just been awarded the Rightmove Mystery Shopper Award, beating more than 100 other Portuguese real estate providers.

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