Portuguese house prices on the up and Ryanair launches new routes

As Carnival kicks off here in the Algarve, with parades, parties and a day off for many employees, we’ve got plenty of good news for you. Ryanair is opening 15 new routes to Lisbon, Porto and Faro, property prices are on the up and we’re bringing a bit of Portugal to London at Your Overseas Home on Saturday.
Read more...

Meet the new neighbours. They’re a bit wild!

Buying a home in Portugal is about more than a sparkling pool and playing golf in the sun. You’ll be part of a community and a whole new ecosystem, including the flora and fauna. If you enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, you’ll be very impressed with the variety of wildlife in Portugal. So what might you meet on a country walk?
Read more...

Could you spend every winter in Portugal?

How would you enjoy spending every winter in Portugal, while renting out your holiday home in the summer months for a hefty profit? If that sounds like the best of both worlds – with no Brexit worries either as you’ll be under the visa time limit – here is how to do it. And a few tips on where to start looking in the Algarve.
Read more...

Should you invest in Lisbon or Porto?

Portugal’s two biggest cities are among the most exciting expat hubs in Europe right now. As Lisbon and Porto attract a global high-tech elite to start-ups in innovative work-live apartments, we spoke to Filippo Simonato, Residential Business Development Manager for JLL, based in Lisbon.
Read more...

News update: expats can stay in Portugal after Brexit

Portugal is working behind the scenes on its Brexit policies, and, in addition to new measures at Faro and Funchal airports, has now released guidance on how expats can stay post-Brexit. Plus, tourism income is up in the Algarve, Forbes names Lisbon as a property market to watch, and the Volta ao Algarve cycling race is set to begin.
Read more...

What is it like moving to Portugal as a single person?

Many people set off to Portugal to start a new life with their family – but what if you’re off on a solo adventure? This week, I’m looking at moving to Portugal as a single person: where can you meet people and how can you make friends, what’s the dating scene like for expats and, of course, what about buying a home?
Read more...

Buying in Portugal, part 6: the legal process

You’ve found your dream home, you’ve viewed it and you’re certain it’s the one. Now’s the exciting bit: reserving, offering on your home, getting it accepted and then, finally, getting the keys! But how do you get to that point? This week, in the final part of our serialisation, we’re looking at the legal process of buying a home in Portugal.
Read more...

Your Portuguese homes from home

Some of us want to immerse ourselves in Portugal and get as far away from fellow Brits, Americans, Germans and other expats as possible. And some want to join a friendly bunch and become part of the international community. You can do either very easily in Portugal. This article is for those who prefer Portuguese homes where you can probably speak to your neighbours in English! So, where should you start your search?
Read more...

News update: Plans unveiled for no-deal Brexit in Portugal

Things might be quite quiet down here in the Algarve, but the defeat of Theresa May’s Withdrawal Agreement hasn’t escaped notice. The Foreign Ministry has announced generous plans for Brexit in Portugal to preserve expat rights and encourage tourism as an ‘old British ally’. Plus, as we tally up from 2018, last year looks good for us, with a record year for exports and investment.
Read more...

Buying in Portugal, part five: making an offer

With a couple of viewing trips under your belt, you’ve probably narrowed down your property search to a small handful of options and have worked out how you’re going to pay for it. But, once you settle on that dream home – the one you definitely want – how do you offer on it? Here are our top tips for making an offer on a home in Portugal.
Read more...