Portugal State Budget 2024: what you need to know
The Portugal state budget for 2024 is currently working its way through parliament. Nothing is yet finalised, and it’s important to note that it’s far from unusual for amendments to make their way into the final legislation. However, with the full text of the budget available to the public, it’s already possible to gain a sense of what’s in store.Read more...
A walk down the aisles of Spanish supermarkets
Where should you go for your favourite brand of English tea? Can you get horseradish sauce? With so many supermarkets in Spain, which might offer what you want? There certainly is no lack of supermarkets in Spain, every town will have several. For example, the town of Palafrugell in Catalonia with a population of nearly 23,000 currently boasts 10, some large others small.Read more...
Will the British still be able to go to Europe freely?
Citizens from outside the EU may need to apply to enter and this could include British people, even Spanish residents. What could this mean? There has been talk about British citizens having to apply for a visa waiver to enter the EU after Britain finally breaks with Europe following the referendum in June. The ETIAS programme is already in the pipeline for non-EU citizens, designed for tighter security within the EU and similar to the system already used in the United States. There will be a fee attached to any application, which will apply to each person travelling, adding to the costRead more...
New food labelling in French shops
France leads the way in making businesses socially responsible. Now new food labelling will help the French shopper to make healthy choices. Do the public really care about that anyway though, in the world’s most delicious nation? First came the ban on plastic bags being given out in supermarkets. Then France became the first country to outlaw throwing away good food. Now a new scheme is revamping food labelling in some of the leading supermarkets.Read more...
How to make your weekly shop go further
Where are the best bargains to be had in France? It used to be the village market and that’s still where you will find the best local produce. But France’s supermarkets are pretty good too.Read more...
Zuckers scuppered!
The housing authorities in California definitely don’t like Mark Zuckerberg’s plan to knock five multimillion dollar properties into a super compound for his many friends. Think there’s nothing that money can’t buy? So did Mark Zuckerberg, until his local authority refused his recent home expansion plans.Read more...
Four ways to save on your USA moving costs
Moving house is stressful enough, but when you add a transatlantic move to a new continent the stress factors add up. One way to make it easier is if the cost is brought down. Here are the USA Property Guide’s four top tips to saveRead more...
House-hunting in France with less than €100,000!
It’s no secret that France has a home to suit every taste and budget. But did you know there are more than 10 French départments (municipalities) where the median price of a home is less than €100,000?Read more...
“Dragon” breathes new life into Algarve property market
The multimillionaire more famous for saying “I’m out” is most definitely “in” when it comes to Portugal and the Algarve property market. He believes the investment potential is huge and has staked his claim in the Golden TriangleRead more...
Lisbon: Europe’s most investor-friendly city?
Confidence in Lisbon as a global investment destination is rising, after reports highlighted both growth and affordability in its property market. Interest from foreign buyers is especially bullish.Read more...
France heads the way when it comes to keeping the environment green
France Property Guides brings you details of the warmly received new law banning plastic cups, plates and cutlery France may lag behind the UK in terms of technical innovation, interest in home renovation, and DIY and building material supplies, but environmentally the country is most certainly ahead of the game.Read more...