Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, this guide walks you through the property purchase journey – and highlights how smart currency planning can save you thousands. Sasha Sharpley, Senior Real Estate and Investment Advisor at Ideal Homes Portugal, and Claire Wheatley, Founder and CEO of Moving Currency, team up to simplify the process of buying property in Portugal. “This week we’re stripping the buying process down to the basics. Buying property in Portugal is not only accessible, but also secure, thanks to a transparent legal framework. I’m going to explain why Portugal is such an attractive market and walk you through the key steps to a successful purchase.” — Sasha Sharpley, Ideal Homes Portugal Buying Property in Portugal: The Basics Why Buy Property in Portugal? Strong Rental Market Year-Round Tourist hotspots like the Algarve attract steady rental demand. During summer and holiday seasons, rental yields can be especially lucrative. Proven Capital Growth Cities like Lisbon, Porto, and regions such as the Algarve show sustained property value appreciation—fuelled by global interest and infrastructure investment. Political and Economic Stability Portugal offers a safe, stable environment with excellent healthcare, EU security, and strong legal protections for foreign buyers. Incredible Lifestyle Benefits Sunshine, beaches, world-class golf, and vibrant expat communities make Portugal a top destination for living, retiring, or investing. Property Upgrade Potential Many homes offer scope for value-adding renovations—ideal for targeting tourists, retirees, or digital nomads. What to Look for in a Portugal Investment Property Location: Proximity to beaches, airports, golf courses, and amenities boosts appeal and rental income. Condition: Ensure modern plumbing, energy efficiency, and legal compliance. Rental Potential: High in tourist-friendly zones like the Algarve. Look for short-term license eligibility (AL license). Amenities: Pools, outdoor terraces, gyms, and parking add significant value. Legal Health: Verify licenses, outstanding debts, and ownership status through a bilingual property lawyer. The Property Buying Process in Portugal: Step-by-Step Even though hiring a lawyer isn’t required by law, it is strongly recommended to ensure due diligence. Step 1: Reservation Pay a reservation fee (typically €6,000) to secure the property. Your lawyer begins document checks (licenses, debts, permits). Step 2: Promissory Contract A Contrato de Promessa de Compra e Venda is signed. You pay 10–30% of the property price. If the seller backs out, they must repay double your deposit. Step 3: Deed Signing (Escritura) Final deed signed 1–2 months later (for completed properties). For off-plan properties, the final payment is due on completion. You receive the keys and are registered as the legal owner. Costs, Financing & Taxes NIF (Tax ID): Required for banking and property ownership. Mortgages: Portuguese banks offer 60–70% financing to non-residents. Rates are competitive. Closing Costs: Budget ~10% for IMT (property transfer tax), stamp duty, notary, and legal fees. Understanding Currency Exchange for International Buyers “If you're new to investing overseas, the financial side can feel overwhelming—especially currency exchange. At Moving Currency, we focus on making the process simple and transparent.” — Claire Wheatley, Moving Currency What Is Currency Exchange? Currency exchange is the conversion of one country’s money into another—essential when purchasing property abroad. Why Do Exchange Rates Matter? Exchange rate fluctuations can affect the true cost of your property. Even small changes can lead to big savings—or unexpected costs. Example: At 1 GBP = 1.19 EUR, £100,000 = €119,000 If the rate drops to 1.15, you get only €115,000 — a €4,000 difference! Top Tips for Smart Currency Planning Start Early: Speak with a currency expert as soon as you start planning. Know Your Budget: Include all local costs—taxes, fees, legal expenses. Choose Your Strategy: Spot Contracts: For immediate exchanges Forward Contracts: Lock in today’s rate for future use (ideal for avoiding market swings) Ready to Take the Next Step? Ideal Homes Portugal is here to support you through the entire buying journey, from sourcing properties and financing to legal support and of course expert mortgage advice.
Why are so many Americans moving to Portugal? Let's take a Deep Dive into the real estate and lifestyle shift that has seen US Interest in Portugal grow. Sasha Sharpley, Senior Real Estate and Investment Advisor at Ideal Homes Portugal, offers a timely analysis of why more Americans are making the move to Portugal and what this means for international property investors in 2025. “This week I want to share some recent insights into a growing trend that has been making headlines: more Americans are choosing to relocate to Europe, with Portugal standing out as a top destination. This shift is being driven by a unique combination of economic, political, and lifestyle factors, and it also presents interesting opportunities for property investors. Let’s take a closer look at some of the driving factors.” Why Americans Are Choosing Portugal Portugal continues to rise as one of the top European destinations for American expatriates, remote workers, and international real estate investors. The country's blend of economic benefits, lifestyle appeal, and accessibility makes it especially attractive for U.S. citizens looking for a stable yet affordable place to live or invest. Top reasons Americans are investing in Portugal real estate and relocating long-term: Strong U.S. Dollar Advantage: A favourable euro-to-dollar exchange rate gives American buyers significantly more purchasing power. Whether buying a second home or a rental investment, the strong dollar goes much further in the Portuguese property market. Political Stability and Safety: Portugal is known for its secure environment and low crime rate. These qualities offer peace of mind to relocating families and retirees, especially in times of political or economic uncertainty elsewhere. Lower Cost of Living: From groceries to healthcare, overall living expenses in Portugal remain well below those in many parts of the U.S., making it a practical and sustainable choice for retirement or full-time relocation. Accessible Residency Options: Portugal’s flexible visa programs—such as the D7 Passive Income Visa and the Golden Visa (now limited to specific fund-based routes)—make it easier than ever for non-EU citizens to legally reside in the country. Portugal’s Property Market: A Smart Move for U.S. Investors The Portuguese real estate market—especially in sought-after areas like the Algarve—is booming. International buyers, including many Americans, are capitalizing on rising demand, strong rental returns, and attractive long-term growth. Why U.S. investors are targeting the Portugal property market: Appreciating Property Values: In high-demand regions like the Algarve, property prices are climbing steadily, creating strong opportunities for capital growth. Lucrative Rental Income: With Portugal remaining a top tourist destination, short-term rental income through platforms like Airbnb remains a viable and profitable strategy—particularly in areas with Alojamento Local (AL) licensing. Favourable Tax Climate: The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime and other incentives provide tax benefits to foreign buyers and residents, making the country even more appealing for high-net-worth individuals and retirees. Post-Election Surge: U.S. Buyers Eye Portugal After 2024 Vote The 2024 U.S. presidential election has triggered a spike in interest from Americans seeking property abroad. Ideal Homes Portugal has seen a notable uptick in enquiries from U.S.-based clients who view Portugal as a refuge of calm, value, and opportunity. The rise in remote work has also contributed to this trend, allowing more Americans to live abroad while maintaining their careers. “The combination of affordability, quality of life, and long-term investment value makes Portugal one of the best destinations for Americans in today’s market,” Sasha notes. Real Stories: Buying a Second Home in the Algarve Ideal Homes Portugal clients Jim and Joanne Birkett, retirees from Rhode Island, recently purchased a property in Vila Sol, Quarteira, as their dream European retreat. “Purchasing a second home in Portugal has given us the opportunity to escape from the real world, and spend time in the paradise we chose whenever the urge hits us. Just knowing we can go there whenever we want makes our lives at home less stressful and gives our grandchildren a perfect place to visit.” Currency Trends: Dollar Strength Boosts Buyer Power Claire Wheatley, Founder of Moving Currency, offers insight into how exchange rate shifts are making Portugal even more affordable for U.S. buyers: “The recent U.S. election gave the dollar a solid boost against the euro. Investor optimism surrounding President-elect Donald Trump's proposed economic policies—like tax cuts and infrastructure spending—has pushed up the dollar’s value.” Before the election, the EUR/USD exchange rate hovered around 1.09. Today, it sits closer to 1.04. For example: A €500,000 property that once cost $545,000 now costs around $520,000. That’s a $25,000 saving, or roughly 4.5% less, just from currency movement. Final Thoughts: A Prime Time for Americans to Invest in Portugal With strong currency conditions, stable property appreciation, visa accessibility, and a growing expat community, Portugal offers a compelling value proposition for American investors and families alike. If you're considering buying a property in Portugal or relocating from the U.S., now is the time to act.
With its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and resilient property market, the Algarve continues to be a magnet for global investors. As we head into 2025, Ideal Homes Portugal Senior Real Estate & Investment Advisor Sasha Sharpley explores how shifting trends and new developments are unlocking fresh investment potential in the region and what makes the region so attractive. From emerging neighbourhoods to lifestyle-driven buyer demand, Sasha reveals how to optimise your investment strategy in Portugal’s southern coastal gem. Reasons why the Algarve is so tempting: Mortgage Rates Drop to 2.5% Thanks to our longstanding banking partnerships, Ideal Homes Portugal can now offer qualifying buyers access to significantly reduced mortgage rates—just 2.5%. This reduced rate enhances affordability, expands buying power, and is expected to fuel both property sales and new development activity throughout the Algarve. It's a great time to reassess your financing options. Rental Market Insight: AL Licence Regulation Update Investors targeting rental income will welcome recent updates to Portugal’s Alojamento Local (AL) short-term rental licensing laws. As of November 2024, revised guidelines have streamlined the application process and provided clearer compliance standards, improving legal certainty for property owners. We’ll be unpacking these updates in greater detail in an upcoming edition—stay tuned. Retirement in the Algarve: Quality Living with Lasting Value With its appealing lifestyle, the Algarve remains a top retirement destination. Here’s why it continues to stand out: Real estate with strong capital growth potential Tax advantages and overall cost-effective living High-quality healthcare facilities A sunny climate and active expat community In addition, the region offers a lower cost of living compared to much of Western Europe, plus seamless access to international travel via several nearby airports—ideal for those seeking comfort and convenience in retirement. To contact Sasha, email: sasha@idealhomesportugal.com Currency Watch: Sterling & Dollar Surge Benefits Buyers Market Overview by Claire Wheatley, Founder of Moving Currency Exchange rate movements are offering increased value for UK and U.S. buyers in the Portuguese market. The current strength of the pound and dollar against the euro is boosting purchasing power, enabling buyers to consider higher-end properties and premium locations. What’s driving the currency advantage? British Pound: Reaching its highest level vs. the euro since April 2022, bolstered by expectations of extended higher interest rates in the UK. U.S. Dollar: Supported by consistent economic growth and investor optimism. Euro: Softening under pressure from the ECB’s dovish tone and the possibility of a fourth rate cut this year. If you're buying with GBP or USD, this is a moment of increased value and leverage—an excellent time to move forward on property plans in Portugal. To contact Claire, email: currency@idealhomesportugal.com See you next week!
Whether you're an experienced investor, a first-time buyer exploring opportunities abroad, or simply looking to stay informed about market trends, you're in the right place. Each week, we’ll deliver expert analysis on international currency movements, shifting property markets, emerging investment destinations, and strategic financial planning. Our content is carefully curated by a trusted network of real estate advisors, mortgage consultants, tax specialists, currency experts, and other seasoned professionals—giving you access to well-rounded, actionable insight. In every edition, you’ll also find exclusive content including interviews with industry insiders, deep dives into key market trends, practical lifestyle guidance for property buyers and expats, and inspiring success stories from clients who’ve made the move. From property hotspots across Portugal and Golden Visa updates to mortgage tips, tax planning advice, and residency pathways, we’re here to equip you with everything you need to make informed, confident decisions about your international property journey.
Though this is a fairly recent development in real estate transactions in Portugal, it does seem like this will continue as an upward trend. The Property, situated in Almancil, is less than ten minutes away from renowned golf courses, designer shopping outlets and award winning beaches. Currently on the market for 2,200.000€, this is a great opportunity to invest in a sought after area. Featuring a private pool, jacuzzi, gardens and outdoor BBQ area and much more this is luxury living at its best. Additional features throughout the property include air-conditioning, underfloor heating, double glazed windows, electric shutters, an automatic irrigation system and solar panels. The property has a transferable rental license, if your reason for purchasing is to generate rental income, the team is able to assist you with all property and rental management requirements. Alternatively if you are purchasing to use the villa as a holiday home or even looking to relocate this property ticks all boxes. So if you think this property and payment option works for you then get in touch with the team today to discuss in more detail.
Our brand new season around the Algarve highlighting properties, enjoy fun things to do, visit amazing restaurants and much more. Our first episode starts in the East Algarve, where Angela and John catch a ferry to Ayamonte (Spain) from Vila Real de Santo Antonio and enjoy a scrumptious meal. We also explore new property for sale in the Algarve. Get ready for an exciting start to season six. The new season will feature six new episodes every Thursday. You can tune in to see amazing properties across the Algarve. Property buyers will also be able to obtain insider knowledge from professionals and experts in all fields. The series is aimed at highlighting the Algarve and all the region has to offer from the weather, food, beaches, activities, culture and will capture the magic associated with the Algarve. Topics such as the buying process, mortgages, rental and property management, the D7 visa, Golden Visa, currency exchange will be covered throughout the series. If you are considering purchasing a property abroad then make sure to watch the episodes. As a property buyer all you need to do is subscribe to the Ideal Homes YouTube channel and you will be able to watch the new episodes weekly. Investors can also catch up and watch previous seasons on our YouTube channel. For more information, follow the Ideal Homes official Facebook page or subscribe to receive weekly newsletters with the latest deals.
Join us as we get ready to host a series of webinars on the 29th, 30th and 31st March 2022. Aimed at property investors from around the world, you will be able to obtain free legal advice relating to Portugal’s buying process, information if you are looking to relocate, residency, visa options, taxes and mortgages. As a bonus the top investment locations in the Algarve will be discussed and how you can save up to 70,000€ on your next investment. Our CEO, Angela Worrall, will be hosting the webinars alongside Sasha Sharpley, John Baker-Malpas, Jose Mendonça, Stacey Cabeleira, Steven Sutton plus financial and legal experts and they will be answering some of the most frequently asked questions about life in Portugal. The team will also be sharing details on a brand new development that will be launched exclusively with Ideal Homes where you can take advantage of the discounts and offers available. It's FREE so there's no cost to yourself - all you need to do is sign up and they will send you all the details. If you have any questions please get in touch with the team on info@idealhomesportugal.com or give them a call on +351 289 513 434.
The season will comprise six new episodes, airing every Thursday. Viewers can tune in to see stunning properties across the Algarve, and obtain insider knowledge from professionals and experts in all fields, including all the information needed in order to purchase property in Portugal, all in one place. Want to take part? Ideal Homes are currently searching for property buyers to appear on the new season, get in touch with the team for more details. The series will also cover more in-depth topics such as the buying process, property tax, Golden Visa Scheme updates, D7 information, property and rental management advice, currency information and much more. All property buyers need to do is subscribe to the Ideal Homes YouTube channel and they will be able to watch the new episodes weekly. Investors can also catch up on demand for previous episodes on the Ideal Homes YouTube channel from the comfort of their home. For more information, follow the Ideal Homes official Facebook page or subscribe to receive weekly newsletters with the latest deals.
Ideal Homes Portugal is delighted to announce that it has been honored in five different categories of the 2021 European Property Awards. The awards received were in the following categories: Real Estate Agency Single Office for Portugal, Real Estate Agency Marketing for Portugal, Real Estate Lettings Agency for Portugal, Real Estate Agent for Portugal -Sasha Sharlpey, and Real Estate Agent for Portugal - Chris White.This year, the names of which awardees emerged 5* winners in the various categories will be announced in December. Every year, the European Property Awards recognizes the top-performing real estate companies in Europe, honoring their excellent work ethic, and dedication towards helping their customers find and secure ideal properties. Ideal Homes Portugal says they are ecstatic and proud to have received such recognition, adding that it feels great to know that all their efforts and commitment to offering the best service have not gone unnoticed. They are especially proud of their staff, property owners and clients who they credit with their success. The real estate company has been operating in Portugal since 2012 and has assisted many investors to purchase property in the finest locations in Portugal. They pride themselves on being friendly and professional and working side by side to guide customers through the process of buying their dream home in Portugal. The company has formed strong links and created deep and meaningful mutually beneficial relationships with other agents, property owners and developers in the Algarve, the perfect mix for finding the ideal property in Portugal. The company also boasts of a dedicated team of friendly and experienced staff, committed to offering sterling customer service, and willing to go the extra mile in ensuring customers are happy and satisfied with the options presented to them. Ideal Homes is also able to assist with all property and rental management requirements. Additionally they also have their own in-house mortgage broker who can assist you to obtain financing for your property. All these services and more are just part of their formula for success.
Many of us dream of owning a property in a beautiful location in Portugal, but may need help with financing in order to purchase the property. That is where Ideal Homes Mortgages steps in to assist and ensure the process is as easy and quick as possible. Did you know that you can purchase a property in Portugal and apply for a mortgage of up to 80%? Yes that's right, 80%! The banks in Portugal will provide a mortgage with a minimum 20% deposit at a rate of approximately 0.8%. How is this possible? With the rates at the European Central Bank (Eurobar) at an all time low, banks in Portugal are able to borrow money at a negative rate. This enables them to provide mortgages at rates that have never been seen. The mortgage team is currently achieving rates of around 0.8 to 0.9% for clients and have even been able to obtain rates of 0.48%. Being overseas is not an obstacle anymore, so you can also benefit from these amazing rates and take advantage of the opportunity to finance your home if you are not in Portugal. The mortgage team deals with all the major banks in Portugal and they have helped over 80% of Ideal Homes Portugal clients obtain mortgages. What is the process? The team starts by getting you a pre-approval and a notion of what your monthly installments will be. If you have not found a property yet and are just looking to see what your budget will be, they can also assist you in this regard. To start the process you will be sent an enquiry form that you need to complete and return in order to obtain a pre-approval. What documents do I need when I apply for a mortgage? - Passport Copy - Payslips (Latest 3 months) - Bank Statements (Latest 3 months) - Credit Report - Tax Returns (Maximum 3 years) - Pension Letter, if applicable - Reference Letter (Stating that you are employed on a permanent basis) - NIF (Portuguese Tax Number) So, what are you waiting for? For your FREE consultation, get in touch with the experts on info@idealhomesmortgages.com or give them a call on +351 289 513 434
Sitting along the Atlantic coast is the heart of Portugal, Lisbon. Long known as one of Europe's most creative capitals and infamous for its 'Lisbon Nights', this is a city rich in both history and culture. With many iconic monuments and landmarks, some of which can be found on UNESCO World Heritage Sites, particularly the Tower of Belém. Lisbon is insatiably picturesque and could be considered one of Europe's most romantic capitals. Did you know Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world? And the oldest in Western Europe? It predates other modern capitals such as London, Paris and Rome by centuries, even though its capital status has never been granted or officially confirmed. Portugal's capital, Lisbon, was formed through constitutional convention, meaning it is an informal and uncodified procedural agreement that is followed by the institutions of a state. Recognised as an alpha-level global city by the Globalization and World Cities (GaWC) Study Group due to its importance in media, entertainment, arts, international trade, finance, tourism and education, Lisbon is the only Portuguese city other than Porto to be identified as a global city. Quite deservedly it has been awarded numerous international distinctions as a world-leading destination. While it's lovely backstreets, leafy squares, cosy cafés and bright yellow trams lend a touch of olde worlde charm, Lisbon is a youthful city with a cosmopolitan feel. Particularly the area around Parque das Nações, developed from the 1998 World Expo and home to modern residences, a shopping centre, an Oceanarium and the longest bridge in Europe - The Vasco Gama Bridge, with a total length of 12.3 kilometres. It's also recently become a start up hotspot and the host of WebSummit, attracting more than 60,000 digital professionals yearly for the event whilst paving a way forward for the cities interest in supporting innovative technology. Just outside the capital, a slower pace can be found in the affluent areas of Cascais and Estoril, the preferred holiday destination of the royalty and nobility over the centuries, thanks to their sun-drenched beaches and vibrant nightlife. Alongside the charming resorts of Estoril and Cascais, and the beautiful town of Sintra, this part of the country is home to the beating heart of Portugal: Lisbon. The ever growing popular Porto can be found approximately 300km north of Lisbon, the second biggest city in Portugal after Lisbon. It is famous for multiple reasons but one that stands out the most is the Port Wine, produced exclusively in the Douro Valley. Although some people may have heard of or know of, the acclaimed author J.K.Rowling, who was said to have taken inspiration from her time living in the city to produce her Harry Potter novels, which would later become a worldwide success.
Ideal Homes Portugal, a real estate agency situated in Southern Portugal, Algarve, were recently awarded two International Property Awards in the categories of Residential Development for Apple Tree Lane, which was the company’s first development project, and Real Estate Agency, Portugal. Founded by Christopher White, Ideal Homes Portugal, was established back in 2012 with a vision to provide the real estate market with something important that he felt was currently missing - service excellence. Five years later the company and its vision has grown to include aftersales, property and rentals management, mortgage brokerage and most recently, building its own residential development projects. Just last week Chris and Eddie Correia, Ideal Homes Head of IT and Marketing, attended the winners ceremony and gala reception. The International Property Awards are currently on their 26th year and are judged by an independent panel of 70 industry experts, with judging focusing on quality, service, design, innovation, commitment to sustainability and originality. This year The European Property Awards, which is the most influential and widely recognised programme throughout the region, was held in London to honour the best in the industry globally. Over 200 real estate professionals attended the event to receive awards in their respective categories. Chris White, CEO & Founder, had a few words to say about the achievement; 'It's a proud moment, being a multi-award winner of the International Property Awards. This recognition for our hard work is inspiring and further excites us about the future, what we’re developing and bringing to market.'
When a fantastic quality of life is a main priority when considering moving or investing overseas, Portugal will certainly not disappoint. It has a low cost of living, healthy lifestyle and multiple residency and tax benefits, and easily considered to be one best places in the world to reside, whether retiring or looking for a family home. Portuguese Golden Visa Portugal's Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program which was launched in 2012 with the purpose of inviting foreign direct investments, particularly from non-residents. In June 2017, there had already been more than 800 investors approved, with its multiple benefits and fast track approach, it is clearly indicating the strength of the program and what it has to offer Portugal for its economic development and growth, consequently providing free access for applicants to European countries within the Schengen area. To be approved you simply have to do one of six things; Acquire real estate over €500K Invest in urban rehabilitation in excess of €350K (investment is at least 30 years old) Set up a Portuguese company, employing 10 taxpayers Transfer capital over €1M Fund scientific and technological activities in excess of €350K Support artistic production, recovery and maintenance of cultural heritage in excess of €250K Non-Habitual Residency An additonal option to the Golden Visa would be the Non-Habitual Residency, created in 2009 but put into action in 2010, this gives foreigners the opportunity to receive qualifying income tax free, both in Portugal and in the country of source of the income. You simply register at the local ministry of finance office as a tax resident in Portugal, you will be required to remain in the country for a period of 183, consecutive or non-consecutive, days. The NHR regime symbolises a major step forward in making Portugal a tax free jurisdiction for individuals in receipt of qualifying non-resident income, this includes pensions, dividends, royalties and interest income. Sephardic & Jewish Ancestry In 2015, the Portuguese government issued a law granting Sephardic Jews of Portuguese descent, who were exiled during the religious persecutions of the late 15th and 16th century, the opportunity to apply for Portuguese citizenship. Individuals are not required to speak Portuguese or live in Portugal but they must be able to demonstrate their connections to a community with Sephardic origins through ancestral documentation. The process can take approximately 6 months, but once approved you obtain a travel visa allowing you to work, study and travel to all countries of the Schengen Area. Some of the requirements for the application are as follows; Full Passport Birth Certificate Criminal record from country of residence Certificate or authenticated documents, issued by the Jewish community to which you belong, proving heritage bewteen the applicant and the Portuguese Jewish Community Making a purchase or investment overseas can be multi-layered with many elements to consider. Our services ensure you are hand held through each phase of the process, so no steps are missed, and you have peace of mind that all important details have been addressed and professionally managed.
Welcome to Portugal The oldest European nation state with the same defined borders since 1139 and the first country to establish a global empire. Portugal, along with the United Kingdom, also holds title to the oldest diplomatic alliance in history. The Anglo-Portuguese Alliance originally formed in 1294, formalized in 1374, and is still in force today. A bond between two countries that has surpassed many turbulent moments in history, and one no one seems interested in changing. Population, Language & Religion Although a small country with a population of just 10 million, Portugal’s history of navigation, which started in the Algarve, has spread its language globally. Today, Portuguese is spoken by 230 million individuals, in 9 counties and is the fifth most spoken language in the world. It has an ethnically diverse population and although catholicism is widely practiced, Portugal has no official religion, and individual religious freedoms are respected along with being protected. Peacefulness & Humanitarianism The Global Peace Index has consistently shown Portugal moving up the ranks as one of the most peaceful countries in the world. In 2017, Lisbon born, Antonio Guterres was elected to serve as the ninth Secretary-General of the United Nations from his previous post as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Portugal is also considered one of the safest places in the world for women, and 2016 led the charge ahead of many counties by passing a law banning the verbal harassment of women. Portuguese Economy Portugal’s economy has seen its challenges, but is surpassing these and signaling a buoyant upturn with momentum expected to continue stabilizing business confidence and prospects for investment. Portugal’s real estate market has seen the effects of this with an 8% increase in the second quarter of 2017, the highest ever recorded growth outpacing the rest of European property market. Portugal also accounts for 50% of the world’s cork production, supplying brands such as Moet Chandon, Rolls Royce, Airbus, NASA, and the European Space Agency’s 2018 mission to mars will have Portuguese cork in its spacecraft. Other globally recognised brands such as Leica, Fly London have long standing business operations in Portugal due to the level of technical proficiency and craftsmanship available in the country. Portuguese shoes long known for their quality continue in fame as the sexiest footwear in the industry being donned regularly by royalty and celebrities alike. Technology & Innovation Portuguese innovation was not lost in the age of discovery with the astrolabe and navigational science and engineering. It has continued throughout the country's development, as a result it has contributed and inspired advancements elsewhere. Portugal’s Mulitbanco, a sophisticated Automatic Teller Machine network launched in 1985, allows for payments of taxes, utilities bills, mobile top ups, concert and cinema tickets through to standard bank transactions, it also enables secure online payments without requiring outside payment systems or credit card networks such as Visa, Mastercard or American Express. The first rechargeable prepaid mobile phone card was launched in Portugal in 1995 by Portugal Telecom. Via Verde, a green toll lane, uses a prepaid card system to expedite highway tolls for travel throughout the country. In 2016, Portugal ran successfully for a total of 107 consecutive hours on solar energy with zero emissions, advancing its efforts as a leader in renewable energy. Portugal’s support of advancing innovation was most recently seen with WebSummit relocating its global conferences to Lisbon in 2016, attracting in excess of 60k participants from around the world for the 3 day event in 2017. People & Culture Portugal is a deeply rich and complex country culturally, partially from its extensive history and foreign influences through to its global adventuring. The Portuguese people are an innately curious, inquisitive and feeling group who place family, and often food, above all else. It is not surprising then that one of the world’s oldest universities, University of Coimbra, established in 1290 was established in Portugal - it was also the inspiration of JK. Rowlings, Hogwarts. Portugal is also home to the world's first known bookshop, Bertrand, established in lisbon in 1730, and the Lello bookstore in Porto continues to top the list as one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores. Well read Portugal also has many poets and authors such as Camoes, Pessoa, Sena and Sargamado to name a few. Fado music developed in 1800’s in cafes and bars in Lisbon, made famous by Amalia Rodrigues, is a profoundly melancholic and an expressive genre which is made even more distinct by an accompanying 12 string Portuguese guitar. Fado remains strong today with new artists and influences such as Mozambican born Mariza, as do many collective mixes of Portuguese and African sounds creating new genres in themselves such as Kizomba and Kuduro. Food & Wine With culture of course comes food. In Portugal, it is often said the Portuguese place food before god or religion. Anyone with the privilege of visiting a traditional Portuguese home for a meal will soon discover the truth in the saying. Portugal's naval exploration and the discovery of routes to India, the Treaty of Tordesillas that divided the new world between Portugal and Spain which lead Portugal to become a global empire, had a strong effect on Portuguese and European food as exotic spices and products were traded between ports. Fishing and preservation of food for long voyages developed and also contributed to Portugal's main tradition of ‘Bacalhau’ - salted cod, along with many varieties of quality canned products. Today, Portugal has an impressive selection of seasonal fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and seafood available all year round. Great food needs great wine, and Portugal has the privilege of having one of the world's largest stocks of native grape varieties - more than 250 - Making wine production and export a key industry. Approximately 40% of Portuguese wine is exported to foreign markets, with the remaining consumed nationally as table wine - so although a drinking culture Portugal is not a drunk culture. Portugal could however, be accused of suffering from what seems like an insatiable sweet tooth with century old conventional type pastries, cakes and sweets served at every cafe across the county. The most famous of these being the Pastel de Belem, served only in Lisbon at the original location they were first made, or the Pastel de Nata, an adapted version served through the country with a wonderfully strong bica - Portuguese espresso style coffee. Food in Portugal is a thoroughly immersive experience and many fresh food markets, festivals, fairs and feasts are regularly organised throughout the country. Football & Sport With names like Eusébio, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mourinho and the like near household names - Portugal has developed a reputation for its love of sport. Football is the most well known outside the country, although there are many others practiced nationally. From cycling to motor sport, rally, rowing, tennis, rugby to golf and most recently Portugal has received considerable attention for is watersports - parasailing, kitesurfing, cliff diving and big wave surfing. Life Quality Development Although Portugal remains the oldest state in the Iberian Peninsula it continues to demonstrate it has not stayed in the past. It’s a country accustomed to charting both smooth and rough waters and resolute it reaching whatever shores it chooses, while still being respectful of its history, and conscious of the future. It may be differnt thinking to more aggressively developed countries, but its one that keeps Portugal at peace and at the top of international indexes for quality of living. It is also proving to be a lead indictor for many to relocate, retire and invest in holiday and rental homes in Portugal.
The coast of the Algarve is a seemingly endless series of some of Europe’s finest beaches. Spectacular stretches of sand can be found almost anywhere, the climate and atmosphere may be Mediterranean but the ocean is the Atlantic, offering the best of both worlds. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, a history buff or simply a wine and food lover, the Algarve offers plenty of wonders to experience. The most popular tourist destination in Portugal is the Algarve as it welcomes millions of national and international tourists annually. Boasting of an all year round fantastic climate with more than 3000 hours of sunshine a year and over 80 blue flag beaches, you can certainly understand why individuals are drawn to the region. Additionally, the Algarve is amongst the regions in Portugal offering the best quality of life, safety and peacefulness. Areas such as Quinta do Lago or Vale do Lobo, are the high networth individuals playground, comprised of luxurious multi-million euro properties designed to one's specific needs desires. Also, the Quinta do Lago resort has 3 golf courses which are among Europe’s best, joined by world class facilities such as Southern Europe's only TaylorMade Performance Center and the Paul McGinley Golf Academy. Other areas such as Loulé, Albufeira, Tavira and Lagos have all seen a rise in house prices over the past 12 months. Villas in particular have been in high demand with the average purchase between €400-€500K, apartments were the second most popular property type. Individuals were mainly looking for relocation, retirement or holiday homes. Purchasing a property as a rental investment is becoming an attraction for people wanting to earn an extra income. Portugal's real estate and low cost of living are major contributors toward its growing popularity among investors, the reason for purchasing a property overseas may vary but rest assured, the Algarve has everything you are looking for and more.