Overview

The Portuguese Property Market

In recent years, there has been a true construction and real estate boom in some parts of Portugal. Along the coastal regions of Portugal, a great deal of real estate development has taken place. This development has included everything from luxurious housing developments to vacation communities that have attracted visitors and investors from across Europe and indeed much of the world.

Beyond the very fast paced development that has taken place along the coastal regions of Portugal, there has also been a great deal of new construction in some of the more rural areas of the country. Rural Portugal has proven to be a fertile area in which many people from other European nations (and from a good share of other nations from around the world) are taking to constructing second homes, lovely and relaxing retreats tucked away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Investment Property in Portugal

When it comes to investment real estate in Portugal, many foreign nationals have focused their attention on real estate opportunities along the coastal regions in Portugal. By way of example, these foreign nationals are involving themselves in some of the massive residential developments that have been initiated in these coastal regions over the course of the past ten years.

In addition to investing in the residential developments themselves, some of these foreign nationals are also putting their money into those commercial real estate ventures that accompany a burgeoning residential market. For example, these foreign nationals are investing in shopping centers or districts as well as other types of necessary commercial properties.

Residential Real Estate in Portugal – Single Family Properties

As has been referenced, there has been a great deal of activity in the residential real estate market in the coastal regions of Portugal. The trend towards buying homes along the coastal regions of the country has been fast paced for nearly a decade. Most real estate analysts in Portugal believe that this high rate of activity in the coastal Portugal residential real estate market will continue unabated well into the next decade.

In addition to a fast paced market along the coast, residential real estate has also been selling briskly in some of the rural areas in the Portuguese interior.

While high end housing has been the most rapidly selling area of the residential real estate market, in Portugal, when it comes to residential real estate, there really is something for every budget. This is particularly the case in the more major cities in the country. For example, the real estate market in Lisbon is very active and varied — the old adage that there is something for everyone really holds true.

Residential Real Estate in Portugal – Apartments

As is the case through much of the European Union, the demand for residential apartments is strong in Portugal. Apartment living provides a more carefree and, oftentimes, a less expensive way of living.

Apartments in Lisbon have been selling at a particularly brisk rate. Many foreign nationals have taken to purchasing apartments in Lisbon and in a few of the more major cities in the country. There are three primary reasons who apartments have been selling so briskly in Lisbon and in a few of the other more urban centers in Portugal.

First, with the advent and creation of the European Union, and with the trans-European economic culture that was created by the EU, and ever growing number of foreign nationals have taken to spending at least part of the year in Portugal on business. Apartments provide a practical and affordable housing solution for these business men and women in the 21st century.

Second, many people have taken to purchasing apartments in the urban centers of Portugal for vacation or holiday purposes. As with the business owner of an apartment in an urban center in Portugal, these holiday visitors find apartments an economical and practical means of vacationing in the country. This has proven particularly to be the case with families.

Finally, some foreign nationals have taken to purchasing apartments which they then turn around and rent or lease to other people. Many of these foreign investors have found buying and then leasing apartments in Portugal to be a very solid method of generating a reliable source of income.

Holiday Property in Portugal

The coastal areas of Portugal have become the locations of some of the most sought after real estate in all of Europe. The demand for vacation properties in these areas rivals even the demand for real estate in such prime European travel areas such as the French Riviera.

Many foreign nationals have taken to buying real estate along the coastal regions for vacation or holiday purposes. As mentioned previously, oftentimes these investors are buying vacation properties in Portugal for dual purposes. Of course, they are buying these properties to provide a vacation destination for themselves and their families. In addition, they are making these purchases to allow them an investment income which they obtain by leasing or renting these properties to other holiday travelers.

In addition to the coastal regions of Portugal, many foreign nationals have taken to buying residences in rural communities. Finally, in large, urban areas such as Lisbon, foreign nationals regularly are purchasing apartments which they are utilizing for vacation or holiday purposes.

Specific steps to buying real estate property in Portugal

As in many countries the world over, the first step in the real estate purchase process is the execution of a preliminary contract for sale. In Portugal, this initial contract is called the contrato de promessa de compra e venda. This particular agreement is a legally binding contract that sets forth the conditions of the sale.

The contrato de promessa de compra e venda is drawn up by a notary. At the time that this contract is executed and signed, the purchaser of the real estate is called upon to place a deposit for the real property that is subject to the transaction. In Portugal, the deposit that normally is paid by a buyer of real estate is between ten and twelve percent. If a seller elects not to follow through with the sale, he or she will forfeit the deposit that has been paid. Of course, there are instances when a buyer is justified in not closing on a contract for the sale of real estate. For example, if a seller cannot provide to the buyer a title free and clear, the buyer then does have the right to walk away from the contract and will not forfeit his or her deposit.

An interesting feature of the preliminary contract in Portugal is the fact that if the buyer decides to walk away from the contract, the buyer is obliged to pay to the seller a penalty in the amount of twice the deposit placed by the buyer in the first instance. Thus, in Portugal, the purchaser of real estate is provided with a level of protection that is found in very few other countries around the world. Indeed, this level of protection really is almost unheard of anywhere else in the world.

Another requirement that is unique to Portugal when it comes to the purchase of real estate is one in which the buyer of real estate is obliged to obtain a “Fiscal Number” from the local Tax Office. This requirement applies to foreign nationals who are interested in buying real estate in Portugal as well as to citizens of that country. The process of applying for and obtaining a Fiscal Number is very simple and does not require a great deal of time. Indeed, the process really involves completing what is in reality a very simple form and submitting it to the local Tax Office where it can be processed in no time whatsoever.

The real estate sales process in Portugal moves at a pretty fast clip. Generally speaking, the signing of the final contract and deed — which is known as the escitura de compra e venda — will occur within three to four weeks of the execution of the initial contract for sale. Once this agreement and related documentation is executed, the ownership of the real estate will transfer by operation of the law from the seller to the buyer. Although the buyer will become the legal owner of the real estate at that juncture, there still is a bit more work to do to completely conclude the real estate purchase process.

The final step that a person needs to take when purchasing real estate in Portugal is the payment of the Imposto Municipal Sobre, a tax imposed on real estate transactions in that country. In addition, the buyer will be obliged to register — either personally or through a lawyer — the deed with the Land Registry Office.

Overall, there are no added obligations on a foreign national who purchases real estate in Portugal. The rules, regulations and legal schemes that apply to citizens of Portugal apply similarly to foreign nationals who are interested in buying real estate in that country.

Property Abroad always recommends using a Solicitor or Lawyer



By: Les Calvert

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Interior Decoration and Interior Design, although related disciplines, are different in terms of their application. Interior Decoration is the process of decorating a house with regards to finishes (for example wallpaper and paint, choice of furnishings and fixtures as well as adding finishing touches and decorations such as paintings and objets d’art. All of this provide a certain “feel” to a house but essentially the underlying structure of the house is not changed.

Interior decoration is normally professionally done by Interior Decorators although recently there is a movement for people towards learning about Interior Decorating through various courses or books and then apply the techniques themselves – usually on a shoestring budget. The whole objective of Interior Decoration is to make a house aesthetically pleasing and at the same time, unique, since it should reflect the owner’s specific personality and tastes.

Interior design on the other hand is more integrated with the architecture of a building and a professional Interior Designer will work closely with architects and builders to make choices regarding the integral design of the whole house or building. This includes looking at choices with regards to room layout, choice of cabinets and tiles and a whole host of other design factors. While previously the Interior Design budget for new developments was minimal, it is recognized these days that incorporating Interior Design into the project means the difference between a mediocre development and one that contributes to the branding and life-style image of the project. The money spent on Interior Design is therefore seen as a worthwhile investment in the whole property development process.

Homeowners are spending more and more to improve their homes. Since it is relatively easy to change the whole look of a house by changing the finishings, furnishings and fixtures a large portion of this money goes into Interior Decorating. The growing popularity in do-it-yourself Interior Decorating has meant that a whole industry around Interior Decorating books, TV Shows and courses have also sprung up, and it has become a popular hobby for married couples. Innovative Interior Decoration ideas, which cost less but at the same time giving the impression of style and class, are in vogue.

Young entrepreneurs have also seen the gap and there is a growing demand for information and courses on how to break into the Interior Design and Interior Decorating Industry. This has also given the home interior decoration industry a boost.

Although the trend recently is for people to tackle the exciting task of transforming a house themselves, it has to be recognized that this falls more in the area of Interior Decorating. Interior Design still requires study of the context of Interior Design, the theory of good design, knowledge of the technical advances in the engineering industry for both residential as well as commercial buildings and knowledge of the latest trends and advances in the Interior Design industry.

In short, an Interior Design project in which all the elements of design are pulled together is still the ambit of the professional designer who should be able to deliver on projects that extend beyond the boundaries of a hobby pastime.



By: Christine Anderssen

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Homes with a minimalistic look are basically a trend these days. Before, these types of homes were usually reserved for single people who entertained a lot in their homes and worked most of the day. The minimalistic look did not usually go well with children and a big family. These days, interior designs for families and the minimalistic look can go hand in hand. One of the main factors to achieving interior designs with a homey look for the minimalistic style is the kind of home furnishings that are used.

Home Furnishing For Minimalist Homes

Many people are under the impression that a minimalistic home is sparse and have so few home furnishings. The fact of the matter is that this perception s partially true. Interior designs for such homes may give the home owner a glimpse of a sparsely decorated room or living area but the minimalistic look can also be achieved with the right touches even with a lot of home furnishings. The key to achieving the minimalist look in spite of having a lot of things is to have simple home furnishings. Interior designs that feature a minimalist look usually have home furnishings that are unobtrusive and simple enough to be mistaken for a wall or a table.

Interior designs with the object of being minimalistic can benefit from single tone furnishing usually in sedate colors which do not stand out. White and black colors are the staple for home furnishing that wish to be unobtrusive and to give the impression of minimalism. Even the handles of drawers or the legs of tables and chairs should be kept simple to be in keeping with the minimalistic approach. Interior designs with minimal color schemes are ideal for the person or home owner who wants a minimalistic look. When the tables, chairs, bureaus and walls are the same color, the impression is usually that of being clean and simple. Sticking to a single color or shades of the same color will help to keep the ambience calm and simple. White, black, blue and green are ideal colors to use in interior designs aimed at minimalism.

Even the design of the home furnishings should be in keeping with the interior design which is minimalistic. Simple doors and table tops will not draw the eye to a particular object that will make things stand out. Interior designs which strive for minimalism should have similar looking home furnishings for a more fluid and well blended ambience. The home furnishings should come quite close to the interior designs of the architect or the designer to achieve a uniform look. A running theme for a connected area is a great idea for interior designs of the areas.

The numerous items and personal things of the home owner can be hidden inside cupboards or cabinets designed to hold the television and home theatre, books and other items. Picture frames on the tables can be kept to a minimum by employing a digital picture frame that can hold any number of pictures and video clips. These small, personal items can be integrated by the designer in the interior designs to be shown to the home owner. Other suggestions for home furnishings that can be used for interior designs featuring the minimalistic approach are chairs that are simple and straight forward, with no lumpy upholstery and tables with no fussy table cloths. Curtains can be kept to a minimum by using simple gauze or single toned drapes that reach the floor to maintain the impression of being a single entity with the room. Other interior designs ideas are to keep the room airy and clutter free as well as to have large windows.



By: Rolf Joho

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The Mediterranean island of Malta has recorded the strongest growth in property prices from countries in the European Union, and recent news could help see property inflation in double figures for the next few years.

Figures released by the European Mortgage Federation show Malta’s rise of over eighteen per cent was higher than both France and Spain.

Two EU countries, Germany and Austria, saw house prices drop, while Portugal, Greece and the Netherlands were barely into positive territory.

And property insiders on the island are predicting that strong growth could be around for a few years yet, giving Malta the potential to be seen by investors as a good place to buy.

Tribune Properties who specialise in property for sale in Malta report that the first quarter of 2006 has seen a good level of activity, with the top end of the market seeing particularly good performance levels.

‘The first couple of weeks of January were slower than the same period last year’ comments Michael Johnson, Tribune’s Managing Director, ‘but since then the number of sales has matched last year – a very good one – but villas with an asking price of a million Euros and more has seen increased activity, and a good number of sales’.

Malta Hotels and Holidays

The independent information site for holidays and hotels in Malta http://www.yourmalta.com also report increased interest in their property pages compared to the first quarter of 2005, with the number of page views increasing by nearly a third.

Sustained property inflation at levels seen in Malta are rarely seen in other countries, but new economic activity on the island could see property demand at good levels for some years to come.

A new ‘Smart City’ is planned which could see Malta competing with the rest of Europe as a business destination for internet and other high-tech companies. English is spoken fluently in Malta, and coupled with relatively low salaries locally it is hoped that inward investment and 5000 new jobs will help the Maltese economy which in turn will boost the property, hotel and holiday markets.

The tourist industry is vital to Malta’s economy, and it is hoped that the arrival of low cost airlines providing new flights to Malta will benefit the Malta holidays industry as well as the many hotels in Malta.

If Malta can combine the attractions of a Mediterranean holiday island with a modern infrastructure and high tech friendly business in a low tax environment, today’s property prices could look like a bargain in five years time.

The introduction of low cost flights to Malta from the UK will open up the possibility of more buyers looking at the island for holiday homes that could be used for long weekends, and the Malta hotels industry could reap the benefits of the 3 and 4 day tourist seeing the island as a viable place to visit.

Malta has traditionally seen the majority of her visitors from the UK, but this could be changing to a more diverse mix in future years.

Last year saw a record number of visitors from Italy, and increased enquiries have been received at estate agents across the island from Scandanvia, Holland, France and Belgium, helping to increase the demand for Malta properties.

After some years of wondering how Malta would fit into the modern world, property agents, hotel owners and the Malta holidays industry are beginning to see the future with some optimism.



By: Roger Munns

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Portugal’s property market is without doubt one of the future development areas of Europe more and more investors are looking to cash in on the cheap property still available in many areas.

Real estate is being developed at pace in the coastal and more especially in the Silver coast region, although property in the Algarve still remains the favourite with overseas investors.

There is little doubt that the emphasis is shifting on to the Silver coast and rural areas especially in the Central Portugal region.

In the rural areas, property in Portugal has become more sought after with plenty of value left in the market. Property investors are taking a very keen interest not only in the buy to let holiday home market, but in second homes for future investment and retirement. With the temperate climate and increasingly good infrastructure the Portugal property market is looking to make more and more sense.

Investment Property in Portugal particularly along the coastal regions of Portugal is attracting investors professional and amateur alike, many overseas investors are looking not only at residential property but also they are getting involved in the bigger property developments; resorts, shopping centres, commercial property, industrial units and leisure facilities.

Real Estate in Portugal without doubt there is an increase in demand for not only the buy to let and investment property aspects of real estate, but also for people who are making the move permanent. The people are friendly and although the paperwork can be a bit of a drag there is plenty of help on hand from the real estate professionals.

The real estate professionals in Portugal are called Imobiliaria and must have an AMI number. It is very important to use these companies as they are insured against any complications in any transaction and are responsible for searching problems concerning the property you choose to buy.

The more traditional high end market in the Algarve and golf resorts have been the fast sellers and that is still correct today in those regions, however, if you look in Portugal there are houses for sale throughout the spectrum and whatever your budget there is something for you.

Apartments are becoming far more sought after in the cities and resort areas partly because it is an easier and often cheaper way to live. If you want a holiday home or a convenient place to stay on a business trip an apartment can offer the ideal solution.

It is interesting to note that there is a position in Portugal where if you put down a deposit and the seller pulls out then he is obliged to pay you back double the deposit paid making gazumping a most unlikely option.

Holiday Accommodation in Portugal Of course the Coastal areas of Portugal have been coveted in similar style to that of the French Riviera but now with the upturn in demand for rural tourism people are looking to invest in property inland especially when they are close to one of the rivers or various golf courses that are springing up in the central Portugal region. http://www.perfectportugalproperty.co.uk/”>Property in Portugal is without doubt one of the top and perhaps the last real value place left in Europe with a great climate.



By: Paul Stubbs

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A recent homebuyer’s report from Halifax shows a substantial up to 20% growth in the London property prices during the first six month of the year 2007. It sounds like a good news for the sellers. At same time the rising market is more demanding when it comes to the quality of accommodation and therefore it requires additional efforts from the sellers.London buyers are particularly aware of the recent trends and home standards and very often they would like to move in straight away without doing any improvements on the property.

To increase saleability of a property it should correspond to the buyers expectations. An interior designer with experience for pre-sale refurbishment can achieve amazing results in the shortest time. The new bathroom and kitchen are leading the hit parade of the home improvements that would increase the value of the property…..assuming it is done properly and preferably professionally. Low quality DIY jobs completed wihout any knowledge of building regulations and current interior design trends would not increase the value of the property but can even decrease it. To avoid costly mistakes it pays off to comission a professional interior design specialist. A designer would be able to conceive, organize and supervise the project making sure that the final result would greatly appeal to the prospective buyers.

Saving on materials used for the work is another reason to employ an interior designer who would know exactly where to purchase necessary materials and appliances and would pass 10-20% discount to the customer. Another reason is time management. Many property owners don’t quite realise how much input of time and knowledge their project will take. It is particularly difficult when one is in the regular employment, that means that the project might last for years robbing of relaxing week-ends and in the end the final product would not necessary be ideal.

The skills of an interior designer are frequently used by the property developers. Although most experienced property developers would nearly instinctively know what type of interior finish would appeal to their market, they find that contracting an interior designer achieve better standards thus increasing the price of the property and consequently their profits. Many prestigious residential developments around the country and in London in particular would pride themselves in the quality level of their new homes. An interior designer would add a “wow factor” and a special home comfort touch to the interiors which would make them more marketable among style-conscious new buyers.

It is a common knowledge by now that attractive properties have higher rate of success with the prospective buyers. They conquer the hearts from the first visit and as a rule never stays on the market for long time. Even if one doesn’t want to make a total refurbishment of the house it would make sense to invite an interior design specialist to advise you on some inexpensive but highly valuable improvement in the interior. We get used to our interiors but very often the interior created would only appeal to the limited number of prospective buyers and therefore some changes are essential to achieve a sale. In the recent years such interior design service as home staging is growing up in popularity. A professional interior designer would help to create a fresh appealing to the potential buyers look by de-cluttering the space, changing furniture layout and adding a few stylish accessories. The results wouldn’t make you wait…

There are many interior designers in London; look for their membership/affiliation to the professional bodies. So why not contract an interior designer and … increase the value of your property?



By: Jane Watt

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Banks and bank services have existed throughout history; it is believed they predate currency and traces of bank records are estimated to have been present in the third millennium B.C. In the ancient world they held grain, cattle and precious metals such as gold and are believed to have carried out their business in temples and palaces as these were the safest places to contain wealth.

The business bank relationship is believed to have begun in ancient Babylon where temple priests granted loans to merchants. It is believed that the first laws in society contained rules for banking and a bank code of conduct. Showing the extent at which banks and society are intertwined.

Ancient Greece took banking further by creating a centralised grain bank network and created credit slips for customers. These slips were used in business and consisted of instructions to bank tellers to perform deposits and withdrawals. This can be seen as a strengthening of the business bank relationship.

The Roman Empire perfected banking; being obsessed with administration, banks took a more recognisable form as increasing amounts of paperwork were involved in transactions. Detailed bank regulations and laws were also created to define the industry. The Romans also created the first bank charges in the form of interest. The business however experienced a downturn with the rise of Christianity as interest charges were seen as immoral; subsequently bank services dwindled in Western Europe until the time of the crusades.

The medieval period saw a revival for the business bank relationship. Trade fairs present in most major European cities began to create bills of exchange where notes were given in exchange for hard currency. These bills were redeemable at other cities and hence eliminated the necessity to carry huge fortunes across country; forming a far safer option for merchants. This need for the transfer of large sums of money was a direct result of the crusades and as the banks redeemed the bills in line with exchange rates and inflation, bank services started to become profitable.

Throughout the later medieval period the Italian bankers of Lombardy and Genoa became the financial powerhouses of the Mediterranean. Their loans allowed business to flourish as overseas trade became a mainstay of any nation’s economy. Italian bankers spread throughout Europe and appeared in many European cities. Although problems did arise when defaulted payments by monarchs caused the bank services to become political issues.

During the beginning of the modern period the business bank relationship was further enhanced. Expeditions to the new world were funded by banks in Spain and Portugal; such journeys became profitable for the bank tellers as the returns became vast after the initial outlay. In Britain, new trade businesses used banks to fund their activities in the new world with tobacco and coffee imports from the Indies being extremely profitable.

Bank services and loans were the backbone of the industrial revolution in Britain. Without the funding that supported the entrepreneurs the improvements to the transport network and creation of evermore complex steam engines would not have been possible. It is thanks to the banking that Britain became the richest nation in the world, the empire was dependent upon loans and the reason it expanded to such a huge extent was the desire to repay these sums of money.

In the modern world global bank services have shrunk the world. Transfers are now instantaneous and banks fund vast projects on a worldwide basis. The profits they gain break records on a regular basis, figures of twenty and thirty billion are not uncommon for the world’s largest banks. These sums make some banks wealthier than nations and subsequently the favour they hold in politics and business is seemingly unassailable.

Bank services have provided financial support for the business world since the beginnings of civilisation; today they hold a position of power as entrenched as many political systems. In many cases bank services have been fundamental in the formation of nations and political systems and have funded the exploration and empire building that has created the world we see today. The close business bank relationship is profitable for both sides, as long as banks are willing to fund entrepreneurial schemes the relationship is set to continue indefinitely.



By: Shaun Parker

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With extremely high property prices in different countries of Europe, many people are starting to think about purchasing a home in Portugal of their own. While simple rental cost vs. mortgage cost comparisons can be very attractive, buying a home is a serious commitment, and there are many factors to consider:

How long you plan to live or maintain the overseas property.

Selling a home costs money and if you potentially may have to sell in the very short term, the value of your home may not have appreciated enough to cover the costs of buying and selling.

The length of time that it will take to cover those costs depends on various economic factors. Average appreciation in Portugal tends to sit at around 10 percent per year. In this case, you should plan to stay with your home at least 2-3 years to cover buying and selling costs.

How long the home will meet your needs

What features do you require in a home to satisfy your lifestyle now? Five years from now? People tend to remain with their homes longer than they initially intend, primarily due to the work and expense associated with moving. Therefore it is worth considering a home with room to grow. Could the basement be turned into a den and extra bedrooms? Could the attic be turned into a master suite? Having an idea of what you will need will help you find a home that will satisfy you for years to come.

Your financial health – your credit and home affordability.

Is now the right time financially for you to buy a home? Would you rate your financial picture as healthy? Is your credit good?

Some say that you should refrain from borrowing as much as you qualify for because it is wiser not to stretch your financial boundaries. The other school of thought says you should stretch to buy as much home as you can afford, because with regular pay raises and increased earning potential, the big payment today will seem like less of a payment tomorrow. It is, however, important to stay within your comfort zone.

Purchasing a house involves many up-front and ongoing costs, and the stress of worrying about those costs often outweighs the satisfaction that may come from owning a slightly nicer home.

To determine how much home you can afford, talk to a bank or go online and use a home affordability calculator. Good calculators will give you a range of what you may qualify for. While some may say that the 28/36 rule applies, in today’s home mortgage market, banks are making loans customized to a particular person’s situation.

The 28/36 rule means that your monthly housing costs can not exceed 28 percent of your income and your total debt load can not exceed 36 percent of your total monthly income. Depending on your assets, credit history, job potential, and other factors, lenders can push the ratios up to 50-70 percent or higher. While we’re not advocating you purchase a home utilizing the higher ratios, it is important for you to know your options.

Where the money for the transaction will come from.

Typically, homebuyers will need some money for a down payment and closing costs. However, with todays broad range of loan options, having a lot of money saved for a down payment is not always necessary – if you can prove that you are a good financial risk for a lender. If your credit isn’t stellar but you have managed to save 25 percent for a total down payment, you will still appear to be a very good financial risk to a bank.

The ongoing costs of home ownership.

Maintenance, improvements, taxes, and insurance are all costs that are added to a monthly house payment. If you buy a condominium or townhouse, a monthly homeowners association or maintenance fee will be required. If these additional costs are a concern, you can make choices to lower or avoid these fees. Be sure to make your Real Estate Agent and your bank aware of your desire to limit these costs.

If you are still unsure if you should buy a home after making these considerations, you may want to consult with an accountant or financial planner to help you assess how a home purchase fits into your overall financial goals.

As a final note and in a general way we can say that the property investment in Portugal is always an excellent short, medium and long term investment.



By: Antonio Oliveira

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Portugal is regularly seen as the safe bet and hot favourite for property investors who want a stable investment, but do not want to follow the crowd by investing in France and Spain.

Portugal has rarely been out of the top three in the Channel 4 programme, A Place in the Sun, rankings as the place to invest.

This makes Portugal very popular with investors of all types who have a range of different budgets and requirements. Over the last five years, property prices have risen by at least 10 percent per annum and this is set to continue for many years to come.

As a general rule, the east of Portugal is slightly cheaper than the west, by approximately 30 percent, although property prices are still around the

By: Tem Pearson

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