A rustic bolt-hole or beachside party pad – Portugal has something for everyone, but before you decide on your preferred type of property there, read some advice from Algarve resident, Ben Taylor of the Portugal Buying Guide.
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Article written by The Overseas Guides Company
Too often, British buyers arrive in the Algarve, fall in love with an inexpensive place “in the hills” and sign on the dotted line, only to realise that what they’d really wanted was a place near the beach. And the same thing happens in reverse. Rustic bliss or the excitement of a resort? Both are options, and each has its pros and cons.
Rustic Bliss
Rustic bliss is certainly achievable in Portugal, and in the current buyer’s market, it can be very affordable too. The benefits of a home in the country are obvious: peace, quiet, space, privacy, and the opportunity to live “the good life” amongst the orange and olive trees.
It’s not all fresh fruit and barbecues, however. Large properties need maintenance, and people are often surprised by how much. If you take on too much, you may find the value of your dream home eroding as it falls into disrepair. You will also quickly find that there are only so many oranges you will ever eat, and that if you don’t pick them, they rot on the trees and attract vermin.
That’s the dose of reality, but there’s obviously the “pros” list to look at too. Some people would like nothing more than a semi-isolated life surrounded by pets and nature. It’s not for us, but our family love it.
For a taste of the idyllic rural properties on offer in Portugal, click here.
Resort life
Outside of Lisbon and Porto, you won’t find year-round “urban excitement” anywhere in Portugal. It’s a very seasonal country, and in the Algarve the population triples in the summer.
However, even in the Algarve, and even in the “off” season, living in a town is markedly different to living in the country. Let’s think of the plus points first. In the Algarve at least, being in the town probably means being nearer to the beach – and that’s an obvious benefit. The ability to walk to shops, bars and restaurants also means you can live life far more spontaneously. You will also find that you will get to know members of the local community more quickly.
Town life has its downsides too, however. For a start, it’s hard not to feel bitter when you have to queue to get near your favourite restaurant when July comes around. You’re also likely to have to pay the same for an overlooked balcony as you would for a secluded country garden.
When summer does arrive, you will probably find it really exciting….for a couple of weeks. Then you have to grit your teeth and wait for the tourists to give your town back. Those living in the country are isolated somewhat from the seasonal contrast.
Hopefully, the points above will help you make your choice. The number one recommendation I would give is not to jump in anywhere with both feet until you know what to expect – that’s what renting is for!
For a taste of the beachside properties available in a popular Algarve resort, click here.
If you are on the verge of buying property in Portugal or moving there, a simple way to save money is to use a currency exchange specialist when transferring your pounds into euros. For more information on this, download Smart Currency Exchange’s free report or visit the Currency Zone.
For more information on buying property successfully in Portugal download the Overseas Guides Company’s free Portugal Buying Guide – and start receiving free news updates by email. Or to see property for sale all over Portugal, visit Rightmove’s Portugal listings.
