Property Guides 
What is the role of a notaire in buying a home?
A notaire is one of the most distinctive parts of the French property-purchasing process. Anyone who’s bought in France will tell you to make sure to involve them – but who are they and what actually is their role?Read more...
What are the rules on rentals in Spain?
It is only comparatively recently that the various Spanish Autonomous Regions have introduced tight rules for rentals, especially holiday rentals. It was necessary to ensure the high standard now expected by tourists. Many places which were advertised had no basic amenities such as air conditioning or ceiling fans. Some had no natural light in bedrooms and fell below the expected safety criteria. Today, we explore the major rules for rentals in Spain.Read more...
Is it possible to move to Cyprus before Brexit?
The Brexit deadline is approaching and it’s looking increasingly certain that British citizens will be treated the same as all other third-country nationals, requiring a visa to live here. A deal may be agreed that offers a better solution – or it may not. We just don’t know. What we do know, however, it that the only almost iron-clad way to guarantee your current rights is to move to Cyprus before Brexit.Read more...
Can you move to Greece before Brexit?
As we move into crunch time for Brexit negotiations, it looks increasingly clear that British people will, like other non-Europeans, need a visa to live in EU nations permanently. Whether you believe that’s no problem or a big problem, one way around it is to establish residency in Greece before 29 March 2019 – Brexit day! So just how do you move to Greece before Brexit, now less than six months away?Read more...
Moving to Portugal before Brexit
Moving to Portugal before Brexit’s the only completely certain way to guarantee the current EU rights you hold – residency, healthcare, right to work and pension issues. The press has dubbed this week ‘hell week’, and continuing stumbling blocks are cropping up as he UK attempts to get the EU to budge on its core ‘four freedoms’. Every time it looks like a deal could be close, more issues arise. It’s no wonder that many would-be expats are accelerating their preparation to move to Portugal before the Brexit deadline of 29 March 2019. If you wish to join themRead more...
Moving to Italy before Brexit
As we approach crunch time in the Brexit negotiations, many British people are making final preparations to establish themselves in the EU before March. Buying a property isn’t essential – you can become resident in Italy by renting. But moving to Italy before Brexit is the only way to ensure your EU rights to pension, healthcare and residence continue long-term. Here is how you do it.Read more...
How can your rent out your Italian property?
If you’re thinking to rent out your Italian property as a second or sole income stream, you’re not alone. Italy is one of Europe’s top 5 countries for holiday rentals, boasting almost 7% of the European market. It’s so simple to advertise your home to potential guests through websites such as Airbnb, HomeAway and Tripadvisor, where you can manage your bookings, safely be contacted by potential guests and receive payments.Read more...
Tourism growth brings investment to the property market in Greece
Greece’s property market is on the up, with a much healthier outlook than for a long time. For three quarters in a row, according to data from the Bank of Greece, prices have been rising. That’s the longest sustained rise since 2008. We’ve certainly seen these nationwide trends reflected here on the islands. In fact, right over the last three years, we’ve seen a huge return of interest in the property market in Greece. This is for a number of reasons, including economic stabilisation, greater letting flexibility and international transport links.Read more...
News update: Promenade development makes progress and golden visas lead investment
I wrote this time last month that Portugal’s property market is booming and that’s certainly showing no signs of slowing down. The golden visas programme continues apace, attracting more and more investment into the country. Likewise, we’re seeing more results of the building boom, with luxury developments in Lisbon nearing completion. Plus, lest you think the Algarve’s just for holidays, an innovative solar facility’s opened near Martim Longo.Read more...
My top 5 reasons why I love life in Cyprus
I remember thinking on one rainy, windy day in England back in 1994, what must life in Cyprus be like? I hadn’t even visited it on holiday. All I knew about it was that the island is divided and its inhabitants in the south, where I was destined to go, are Greek Cypriots. Oh yes, and I had a look at a map of Cyprus and I remember thinking it looked something like a violin!Read more...
What is winter in Portugal like?
Winter in Portugal is vastly different to spending time here during the peak summer months. For some, however, winter is when the country’s slow pace-of-life and mild climate is in the most perfect alignment.Read more...
