Portugal

The Portugal property market has been very popular amongst British buyers in recent years. The Algarve in the south has been an ever favorite destination, where over 50,000 properties are now owned by Brits. As a member of the European Union since 1986, Portugal is regarded as a safe bet amongst purchasers seeking a well established and stable economic climate in which to invest.

Portugal was previously Nominated Number One in the World for investment by Channel 4´s 20 Best Properties To Buy Abroad program, and it is easy to see why, with its soft sandy beaches, culture, history and accessibility. Portugal is located to the left of Spain, and has a population of approximately 10 million. Portugal enjoys a great year round with great beaches and watersports. Portugal is a golf haven with fantastic golf courses dotted around the coastal and inland areas. Portugal enjoys very low costs of living and property prices are much cheaper than its Spanish neighbour.

Portugal has developed an increasingly service-based economy since joining the European Union in 1986, a development that began with the boom of the 1960s. Over the past decade, successive governments have privatised many state-controlled firms and liberalised key areas of the economy, including the financial and telecommunications sectors.

Portugal is generally bucking the trend in extremely difficult economic conditions that are currently affecting most of Europe. Property in Portugal has seen rises of between 10 and 15 % year on year for some time now, no matter how much this varies in different parts of the country Portuguese property is already established as a solid investment property platform.

Why invest in Portugal?

• One of the lowest costs of living in the EU
• Buoyant tourist industry
• Golfers haven
• Great History and rich culture
• English is widely spoken
• Over 300 days of sunshine per year
• Lowest crime rate in Europe
• Construction density limits in the Algarve set at 8%, guaranteeing preservation of the natural environment
• Easy access via budget airlines
• Interesting new markets emerging on the Silver Coast, north of Lisbon, at lower prices than in more traditional locations