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.
Overseas buyers flock to Portugal
The latest figures from the INE – the National Institute of Statistics – show that there’s no sign of Portugal’s popularity waning any time soon. The number of foreign buyers in the country continues to increase, no doubt drawn by the sunny weather, relaxed lifestyle and, of course, financial benefits of the non-habitual tax residency scheme. Plus, with many moving permanently and cashing in on their old home, the budgets are generally higher than locals’ at €171,000, with many willing to go the extra mile for their perfect, long-term home.
You don’t need to go out on a viewing trip to start your hunt for a property in Portugal. Get your free tickets to Your Overseas Home in Harrogate and Epsom to speak to property, legal, financial and removals experts from Portugal all gathered under one roof.
The French have just outpaced the British in proportion of buyers, but we’re still up there at 16%. Clearly, they’re aware that, Brexit deal or no deal, there are multiple ways to buy in Portugal. The golden visa scheme continues to drive interest in higher-value property, with sales of homes over €500,000 reaching 7.2% of all properties bought by foreigners.
Vilamoura recognised as one of the world’s best marinas
Vilamoura – also home to our Portugal office – has been recognised as one of the world’s top marinas, with Gold Anchor accreditation. The marina is the glitzy heart of Vilamoura, home to multi-million-dollar yachts, with over 100 restaurants in easy reach, including Michelin-starred Willie’s, and two magnificent beaches.
Vilamoura has been recognised as one of the best marinas.
Just a stone’s throw to the east, the Quarteira docks are undergoing regeneration, with new infrastructure for swimmers, lifeguarding facilities and a new quay for larger vessels.
British resident sets up rewilding project
So many people who move from the UK to Portugal take it as the moment to ditch a monotonous job and long commute for following their passion. For Deborah Richmond, this meant setting up her own bee sanctuary and rewilding project, aiming to transform 25 acres of disused land near the Serra da Estrela. Called ‘Rewilding the Planet’, the project will see 500 trees planted and log hive networks set up to provide fifty hives ready for spring 2020. Richmond is now making headlines in the Portuguese press as she starts a 950km-cycle from the UK back to Portugal to raise money for the project.
Your Overseas Home set to kick off in Harrogate
We’re gearing up for Your Overseas Home this Saturday 5th October in Harrogate, Yorkshire, to be followed by Epsom on November 9th. Your Overseas Home is one of the highlights for us of our year, and are small-scale shows specially designed to give serious buyers the time to speak to a wide range of experts.
Your Overseas Home is a fantastic chance to meet experts from all aspects of the purchase process, to ask us questions and start building up a relationship without the need to spend time and money flying out to Portugal.
I’ll be joined by expert estate agents from here the Algarve and the Silver Coast, as well as legal and removals specialists, and Smart Currency Exchange, voted #1 in the UK on Trustpilot for money transfer. The shows are a fantastic chance to meet experts from all aspects of the purchase process, to ask us questions and start building up a relationship without the need to spend time and money flying out to Portugal. Haven’t got your free tickets yet? Make sure to get them here!
