Buying and Investing In Portugal

You could be forgiven into thinking it’s all about long games of golf, lazy strolls on the beach and larges glasses of Port.

25 Reasons For Buying and Investing in Portugal Property

Quickly becoming the preferred choice of retirement you could be forgiven into thinking it’s all about long games of golf, lazy strolls on the beach and larges glasses of Port. As a starter that’s not bad but there’s much more to Portugal than most people first realise.

• The European Commission has formally approved a motion to send Portugal €600 million, arising from the reprogramming of the National Structural Reference Framework (NSRF ), to be applied in job creation and the economy.
• The budget airline EasyJet has signaled its intention to establish a base at Portela Airport in Lisbon in 2012 by signing a memorandum of understanding with the Portuguese government. The airline had hoped to have the Portela base, its 23rd in Europe, open by December 2011, but this was delayed by the general elections held in April.
• China Three Gorges Corp signed the deal with Portuguese power giant Energias de Portugal (EDP) on Friday to buy 21.35 percent of its stake at around 2.69 billion euros ($3.48 billion). Apart from the money invested in the shares, the financial package comprises 8.7 billion euros ($11.26 billion) in investments.This deal alone many think will pave the way for much of Portugals austerity so its huge positive financial news.
• The golf phenomenon refuses to slow and a huge incentive by the government to reduce VAT on national green fees. The latest is the Laranjal course which is an example of commitment and new high standards. The old and established Penina course was awarded by IAGTO the European Golf Resort Destination of the Year.
• Lisbon has climbed 4 places in terms of living standards, according to the Mercer 2011 Quality of Living Survey, placing it above cities such as Milan, Tokyo, Rome and Madrid.
• With the bailout happening last summer the Portuguese budget deficit is already down by over half. This is due mostly to wage cuts, a rise in tax revenues, and increased taxes on earnings and assets.
• You can still achieve 80% LTV but the criteria is strict. Barclays are offering non-residents 65% LTV but with no caveats.
• Strict planning permissions that secure the natural beauty and limit the supply of new properties – keeping demand high. For example Quinta do Lago as part of the UNESCO Ria Formosa bird sanctuary, there is a strict 8% building restriction. This, combined with excellent facilities for the entire family, will help to ensure that the area will continue to be a unique destination and your investments prosper
• The country is politically stable, has no terrorism and no mafias!. Appeals to all types of clients increasing demand for properties and rentals.
• Voted in 2007 as the safest capital city of Europe. Also Guimaraes took over the title of European Capital of Culture 2012 on January 1st.
• Use your apartment when it’s not being rented. Rental yield on average still remains one of the highest in Europe with properties being rented for many weeks of the year.
• Greater opportunity for quick and profitable resale. Due to its ever lasting popularity real estate and tourism is still booming.Nearly 350,000 UK citizens were registered arriving at Faro airport alone in October 2011, up 9.8% in relation to the same month in 2010.
• With flight times of less than three hours, a great choice of airports and low cost airlines the whole of Portugal is close, easy to reach and affordable.With flight times not more than a few hours from most of western Europe, a abundance of airports and low cost airlines, Portugal is close, easy to reach and affordable for more and more people.
• The Portuguese are some of our oldest acquaintances. They are warm, friendly and welcoming whether you are on holiday or a new neighbour.
• Protection from the sun yes, but we really mean the security that Portugal offers. One of the lowest crime rates in Europe and the capital was recently voted the safest Europe.
• Over 50 Golf Courses are available or under construction! Add to this every type of water sport, horse riding, football and even skiing in the north and there won’t be time to lie on the beach.
• The joy of speaking Portuguese (and being understood) is something for everyone to try but when it comes to legal issues or health or just a beer, it’s nice to be able to communicate in your mother tongue.
• You’ll be pleased to know the price of food and drink remains incredibly low and a 3-course meal can be less than €10/£7.
• Running costs (gas, water and electric) together with public transport costs are almost a pleasure to pay! Utilities are relatively cheap compared to most other European countries.
• Prevention is better than cure and with the warm climate and clean air it’s no surprise the doctor’s prescription often leads to a holiday here. If that’s not enough the healthcare here is top class with many affordable private schemes available. For example health care funding per capita 5th of 25 countries in Europe, WHO.
• Based on the prices in the UK and Ireland, it’s nice to know prices of property here are still very affordable and allow the options of downsizing to release equity.
• The combination of hot summers cooled by the Atlantic breezes and warm winter days make the climate unbeatable. Rain keeps the country green but with short heavy bursts it’s rare for it to be grey for too long. And it’s never dull!
• With three main airports and new motorways spanning north to south and east to west it’s easy to navigate and the roads are incredibly un-congested – even in summer. Public transport by road or rail is frequent, safe and very affordable for those not wanting to drive.
• It’s a beautiful country and the Government are keeping it that way with strict planning regulations. That keeps the long beaches, countryside and wonderful pine forests free for us to value and enjoy. Portugal has one of the lowest population to land densities in Europe.
• With the Atlantic on its doorstep and some of the best growing conditions in the world its clear some of the best fish and meat dishes can be enjoyed here at remarkable prices. With the increasingly popular red, white and ‘vinho verde’ wines you won’t be rushing dinner times!

Portugal Property Investment Tour

If you want to view investment property in Portugal then we advise you to take a Portugal Property tour. If you come on a Portugal Property Tour we can arrange a tour of some of Portugal’s top property investments, which fit best with your needs, requirements, wants and wishes.

We’ll give you a comprehensive breakdown of each property investment opportunity we offer to you. We shall go into details such as the location, type, specification, value, purchase price, potential rental figures, finance options, medium to long term resale strategies. We will also go into details about the purchase process in Portugal, closing costs, and the income potential.

Portugal; From the Silver Coast and down to the glorious Algarve there are many great investment opportunities for fantastic growth throughout the country. We feel that some areas are better than others, for many varying reasons so why not contact our expert team, to discuss the latest investment opportunities within Portugal’s exciting property market. Our Property consultants have many years experience in the Portugal Property market and would be happy to speak with you and share their experiences and thought of investment in Portugal for the future.