• Over 3,000 visitors to first 6 locations on Overseas Property Show tour
• Glasgow hosts most popular show so far, with 700 visitors
• Final show to be held in Aberdeen from 31 Oct to 3 Nov

As the industry-leading Overseas Property Show nears the conclusion of its UK tour, which ends at the AECC in Aberdeen from 31 October to 3 November, celebrations of the success of this year’s events are already underway.

The first six shows brought over 3,000 visitors through the doors, with clients keen to find out about properties in Portugal, Italy, Spain and the US. Visitors included those wishing to emigrate and ready to leave the UK as soon as they found the perfect property abroad, to those looking to turn the dream of owning a second home overseas into reality.

Due to the breadth of its offering, this year’s Overseas Property Show has been able to satisfy every client’s wishes, from apartments in America to luxury villas in Portugal, such as this delightfully appointed and tastefully furnished five bedroom villa with pool overlooking the Algarve’s prestigious Quinta do Lago south course.

Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, which has impressed the show’s visitors with its huge range of Portuguese property options, comments,

“The Overseas Property Show is pleased to report the resounding success of its current run, with over 3,000 people through the doors searching for their ideal second home. With one show remaining we are on target to reach 150 property sales for the year and with the expansion of our Iberian operation, we are looking at doubling this figure in 2015!”

As the harsh winter approaches once more, Scottish clients in particular have been keen to see what options are available in sunnier climes, with the Glasgow show attracting an impressive 700 visitors over the course of its three days. The Aberdeen show this weekend is expected to be equally well attended.

With their sales forecast for November estimated at €1.9 million worth of real estate, Ideal Homes Portugal is delighted with the success of the 2014 Overseas Property Shows. For Chris White though, the joy of what he does isn’t in the big numbers, but in the difference that finding their dream home overseas makes to individual buyers. It is this that drives the company’s ethos of providing excellent customer service during every transaction, the results of which can be seen in Ideal Homes Portugal’s long list of satisfied customers including Dragon’s Den star, Duncan Bannatyne!.

As buyer Moria Hutchinson, an equally happy customer as Duncan, from Leyland in Lancashire recently commented,

“Ideal Homes were good and we would have no reservations about using them again, or recommending them to other prospective buyers.”

Those yet to discover the pleasure of second home ownership through Ideal Homes Portugal still have the chance to meet the team in person in Aberdeen this weekend. Tickets to the final Overseas Property Show are free to obtain from www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

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

• Portugal in top 10 value destinations for 2015 (Lonely Planet)
• Portuguese property prices on their way to stabilising (PMHS)
• Four bedroom townhouse with pool from €249,500 (Ideal Homes Portugal)

Portugal has been hailed as one of the world’s best value places to visit, according to the just released Lonely Planet top 10 value destinations for 2015. The report emphasises the fact that Portugal as a tourist destination is here to stay, remarking upon the Algarve region’s position as trumping prices at other European resort areas.

The Portugal News also recently described the Portuguese property market as “back on track with a strong and positive outlook for the future.” The confidence is representative of the shift that has taken place in the Portuguese market this year, with the RICS/Ci Portuguese Housing Market Survey (PHMS) reporting both new buyer enquiries and transactions as increasing. The report states,

“PHMS results show sales activity continues to pick up, while prices appear to be a step closer to stabilisation. On the back of this, confidence in the outlook continues to strengthen.

“Meanwhile, sales expectations are now more buoyant than at any other time in the survey’s history.”

Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, and Portuguese property market expert, summarises the current positivity gripping the Iberian country,

“Portugal’s economic journey certainly hasn’t been smooth over the past decade, but there’s definitely a feeling – within the property sector especially – that things are on the up. We’re seeing more enquiries and more sales, both from buyers within Portugal and from overseas purchasers.

“Those looking to own holiday homes tend to be savvy about their investment choice when it comes to property in Portugal. They want top floor apartments with stunning views, along with communal pools and generously appointed balconies, so that the property is an appealing prospect for renting out during the summer months.”

With confidence returning to the market, many see now as the perfect time to buy either a permanent residence or a holiday home in Portugal. Prices have begun to rise – by 1.22% in the year to Q1 2014, according to Statistics Portugal (INE) – but there are still plenty of fantastic bargains to be had.

Areas such as the Algarve, a perennially popular tourist destination, also offer the flexibility of using a second home as a rental property, with many owners making enough income during the peak summer months to cover their mortgage payments year round.

Portugal’s value for money, beaches and golf courses entice many travellers to visit time and again and those willing to look beyond the most obvious destinations can find some impressive bargains. At the luxury end of the market, villas in the eastern Algarve, such as a four bedroom/four bathroom villa with infinity pool and 25,000 sqm estate bursting with olive and carob trees, in the picturesque Santa Catarina area, can be picked up for €1,625,000.

Bargains in glaringly obvious areas are still to be had too. In the popular town of Albufeira, a beautiful four bedroom townhouse with communal pool can be picked up for just €249,500. The price includes modern touches like electric shutters and a central vacuuming system, as well as a fully fitted kitchen and outside BBQ and dining area.

Many have chosen to use the Overseas Property Show as their means of assessing what Portugal has to offer. The show has received over 2,400 visitors already, with five UK cities under its belt. The two remaining events – Newmarket on 25-27 October and Aberdeen from 31 October to 3 November – are tipped to be just as popular. Free tickets are available from www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com for those looking to turn their second home dream into a reality.

For further details of properties currently available in Portugal, 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 hits 7 UK cities in 3 months
• Tickets available for free at www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com
• Penultimate show set to hit Newmarket Racecourse on 25-27 October

As the English autumn sets in, people across the country are thinking wistfully of sun-kissed beaches on foreign shores, where they can escape the rain and the extra edge of chill in the wind.

For those in Suffolk, the dream is about to become a reality as Newmarket Racecourse swaps horses for houses in order to host the penultimate Overseas Property Show on 25-27 October. The property industry’s most dynamic show, the event will present properties from Portugal, Spain, Italy and the US to Suffolk buyers. From holiday apartments to retirement villas to primary residences, the free to attend Overseas Property Show has something for everyone.

The Overseas Property Show has a reputation as the leading event for 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.

The Newmarket event will be followed by the final Overseas Property Show, to be held in Aberdeen from 31 October to 3 November.

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

Ideal Homes Portugal’s Chris White 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.”

• Average holiday cost rises 7% in a single year to top £1,400 (Halifax)
• Portuguese property prices up 1.22% in the year to Q1 2014 (INE)
• Penthouse with sea views, terrace and Jacuzzi for less than €300k (Ideal Homes Portugal)

New research from Halifax has revealed that the average holiday cost has now reached £1,404 per person, a hefty 7% increase on the previous year’s figure. However, the increased cost hasn’t put people off heading overseas. In fact the reverse is true, with Halifax revealing that 56% of those surveyed headed overseas in 2014 for their main holiday, compared with 45% in 2013.

Value for money was a key concern to the survey’s respondents. 44% shopped around for deals before booking their holiday, while 19% booked well in advance in order to take advantage of ‘early bird’ offers.

Those looking for value for money from a holiday would do well to consider Portugal as their destination of choice. Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, explains,

“Portugal is a country with a rich heritage, delicious cuisine and welcoming attitude to visitors. It’s a wonderful place for the whole family and the Algarve region in the south is particularly attractive, benefiting from a reported 300 days of sunshine every year. The Algarve is packed with entertainment options, including world-class golf courses, water parks and retail centres, providing activities to keep the whole family occupied. Of course it also has some absolutely stunning beaches and a wide variety of water sports, including several first-rate harbours.”

Portugal’s property market currently offers excellent value for money for visitors looking to pick up a bargain second home in the sunshine. Statistics Portugal (INE) reported a 1.22% increase in property prices in the year to Q1 2014, following years of price declines, making now the optimum time to find a good value holiday home before prices rise too far.

A two bedroom penthouse apartment in the pretty eastern Algarve village of Fuzeta, for example, can be bought for just €295,000. The price includes a view that stretches out over the Ria Formosa nature reserve to the sea. It also includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms (one en suite), a high spec kitchen and a terrace complete with Jacuzzi.

Portugal has long been a favourite with British buyers looking for a sun-drenched second home just a short flight from the UK. Seen as more exclusive than Spain and less obvious than France, it offers a rich blend of culture, quality of life and incredible scenery that is hard to resist, all within a three hour hop on a budget airline from Blighty.

Interest has certainly been keen at this year’s celebrated Overseas Property Show, which has toured the UK over the course of September and early October. Two events remain in the schedule – Newmarket on 25-27 October and Aberdeen on 31 October to 3 November. Free tickets are available from www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com and attendees are invited to view and discuss the full range of properties currently on offer from Ideal Homes Portugal.

For further details of properties currently available in Portugal, 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 to hit 7 UK cities in 3 months
• Tickets available for free at www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com
• Flights from Manchester to Faro for just £43 (Skyscanner)

As the English autumn sets in, people across the country are thinking wistfully of sun-kissed beaches on foreign shores, where they can escape the rain and the extra edge of chill in the wind.

For those in Manchester, jetting off to holiday destinations in Europe has never been easier, and with Skyscanner listing flights from Manchester to Portugal’s Faro airport at just £43, it’s rarely been cheaper either.

For those looking for more than just a quick holiday, the Overseas Property Show is due to arrive in Manchester Central’s The Cobden Rooms on 10-13 October. The property industry’s most dynamic show, the event will present properties from Portugal, Spain, Italy and the US to Mancunian buyers. From holiday apartments to retirement villas to primary residences, the free to attend Overseas Property Show has something for everyone.

The Overseas Property Show has a reputation as the leading event for 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.

The Manchester event will be followed by two further Overseas Property Shows during this second half of the event’s nationwide tour:

• Newmarket on 25-27 October
• Aberdeen on 31 October to 3 November

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

Ideal Homes Portugal’s Chris White 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.”

• 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 Scottish Dragons’ Den star, Duncan Bannatyne

It’s fair to say that Scotland has engaged in quite a bit of navel gazing over the past few weeks. Now, though, with the whole Yes/No debate finally settled, it’s time for the country to draw a collective breath and look beyond its borders once more.

As it happens, the timing couldn’t be better, as the Overseas Property Show is due to arrive in Glasgow’s Hampden Park on 26-29 September. The property industry’s most dynamic show, the event will present properties from Portugal, Spain, Italy and the US to Scottish buyers. From holiday apartments to retirement villas to primary residences, the free to attend Overseas Property Show has something for everyone.

The Overseas Property Show has a reputation as the leading event for 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.

One well-known individual who has already 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 buyers to attend the Overseas Property Shows through his new TV advert – available to watch now at http://www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com/.

The Glasgow event will be followed by Overseas Property Shows in:

• Manchester (11-13 October)
• Newmarket (25-27 October)
• Aberdeen (31 October to 3 November)

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

Ideal Homes Portugal’s Chris White 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.”

You wouldn’t buy a pair of shoes without trying them on first, nor a new car without taking it for a test drive so why would you buy a second home abroad without seeing it?

Sadly, in the age of the internet and with everything available at the click of a button, some people do – at their peril! Just as you would here at home in the UK, visiting your potential property purchase is advised and any overseas property company worth its salt will offer inspection trips to interested purchasers.

Broadly speaking, a trip will include subsidised flights, airport transfers, accommodation, some meals, perhaps some entertainment and most importantly viewings of several properties. The prospective buyer simply pays a minimal sum to reflect their serious interest.

Generally, with our fast paced lives and time at a premium, inspection trips are brief affairs, so how does one ensure that the time is utilised as fully and efficiently as possible?

Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, provides 5 top tips to ensure that his clients always get the best from their inspection trips.

Chris’ 5 top tips for getting the best out of an inspection trip:

1. Know what you want. Be clear with the overseas property company on what you are looking for and ensure you thoroughly consider property specifications and images before confirming the inspection trip. Want a golfer’s paradise? Head to Quinta do Lago. Want to experience authentic Portugal? Try Fuzeta. There’s no point travelling overseas before you realise that the properties and/or areas you have lined up to see don’t meet your requirements.

2. Know what to expect. Familiarise yourself with the itinerary before you depart. As the property company is hosting you, don’t be surprised if they want to spend time presenting or talking to you about what they offer. Never allow yourself to feel pressured into committing to a property you aren’t 100% happy with but do afford the company enough of your time to allow them to show you the opportunities available.

3. Take a list. It’s surprising how many people return home after an inspection trip and realise they have forgotten to ask key questions, such as whether the property has a clean title deed or what an apartment’s condominium fees might be. It’s always best to take care of these practical details face to face during the trip.

4. Know the numbers. Be clear from the offset what your budget is and ensure that the company running the trip knows it too. Villas costing upwards of €1 million may be delightful, but if your budget doesn’t stretch that far then viewing them won’t be a good use of your time and you could miss out on your dream property while looking around the one that’s outside of your budget.

5. Think it through. The adage “don’t lose your brain on the plane” rings true. You may well fall in love with the perfect second home on an inspection trip but resist the urge to whip out your credit card as soon as you get those butterflies! A good host will allow you to take time to reflect on your decision and be able to furnish you with a plethora of details about the area you are considering, from historical property price trends to language lessons to the best restaurants for local cuisine to make sure it’s the right choice.

Equipped with Chris’s 5 top tips to get the best from an inspection trip, potential buyers are invited to join Ideal Homes Portugal to view some of the Algarve’s leading properties. From just £149 per person, the trip includes:

• Return flights for two adults from an airport of your choice direct to Portugal
• Individual airport transfers on arrival and departure
• Accommodation in a luxury hotel (minimum 3 star), including breakfast
• Free legal advice from an independent property lawyer
• Free financial advice from an independent mortgage brokerage
• Rental and property management presentation
• Advice and guidance from Ideal Homes Portugal’s experienced property consultants

For those just starting their search, why not attend the Overseas Property Show as it tours the UK this autumn? Tickets are free and available from www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

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