The Algarve’s celebrity hotspots

The Algarve has long been a magnet for global celebrities. What exactly is it about this warm, sun-drenched, beautiful land by the sea, with its golf courses, Michelin-star restaurants, spas and all manner of entertainment that they love so much? See where the celebrities live in the Algarve: they could be your next neighbours…
Read more...

Why Alentejo’s coast is tempting us from the Algarve!

The ‘bread basket of Portugal’, the Alentejo is known for its farms and vineyards. It also has a gorgeous coastline, with some of Europe’s best (and least discovered) beaches. This paradise is one of the best value places to buy in Portugal, too. While house prices are booming in Lisbon and the Algarve, the Alentejo is 5.8% down on its peak levels. But don’t let that put you off – this is an up-and-coming location.
Read more...

Building a swimming pool in Portugal

Found the perfect property in Portugal but it lacks a certain something? Like a swimming pool? Don’t worry, if you have the space and the planning permission, installing a swimming pool in your home in Portugal isn’t too difficult. Here is what you need to do.
Read more...

News update: Overseas buyers buying more – and budgets are up

The secret seems to be out about Portugal: the latest stats show the number of overseas buyers continues to grow, and they’re generally willing to spend a lot more than locals on their dream home. A move abroad’s the perfect time for a new start, and one Brit is making headlines with a rewilding project near the Serra da Estrela.
Read more...

We swapped a career in the UK for an art studio in Portugal

When Dave and Aly Sheldrake retired from their busy UK careers, the last thing they were looking for was a quiet retirement – so they swapped the UK for a new adventure in the western Algarve, pursuing their dreams as a photographer and artist. Eight years on, they know it was the right decision, saying they’ve ‘never felt happier or more relaxed about life’.
Read more...

The Minho: why and where to buy in North-West Portugal

The north-west corner of Portugal packs a lot into a small area. It has a sandy Atlantic coast, a national park, slowly meandering rivers and medieval cities with grand old universities. But where should you buy property in North West Portugal? 
Read more...

Building your own, part 3: finding a builder

If you’re building your own home in Portugal (or planning to), it’s likely you already know that it’s a complex process. By the time you’ve found the land, drawn up the plans and obtained the necessary permissions, you’re halfway through the prep. But once all that’s done, you need to get started on the next stage: finding a builder in Portugal.
Read more...

Touring Lisbon’s property hotspots

Sunny, stylish and incredibly beautiful: it’s easy to see why so many people want to buy property in Lisbon. With tile-clad mansions and pastel palaces set across seven hills, there are miradouros – golden views – round every corner. Add the growing tech, art and nightlife scenes and you have one of Europe’s coolest capital cities.
Read more...

What is the Portuguese golden visa and how does it work?

Portugal’s golden visa, or residency by investment, is a hugely successful scheme of Portuguese (and therefore EU) residency in return for investing in property or business. Successful applicants gain the right to live and work here, free movement around Europe’s Schengen zone, and the chance to apply for citizenship after 5 years. Here’s how.
Read more...

Building your home in Portugal, part 2: architects and planning permission

Once you’ve found your perfect plot of land to build your dream home on – with a sea view, or in the heart of the Alentejo countryside, perhaps – then it’s time to turn your thoughts to how you want that home to look. And, to put that down on paper and into a viable plan, you’ll need an architect. 
Read more...