Portugal

THE END OF THE PORTUGUESE GOLDEN VISA? At the 2023 Web Summit, Portugal’s Prime Minister threw the cat among the pigeons stating that it was time to re-evaluate the Golden Visa program, and that it probably did not justify retaining the program. Real estate agencies and associations were up in arms, arguing that the program had not played a role in distorting the market and that it would cut off an...

DÉJÀ VU… THE END OF THE PORTUGUESE GOLDEN VISA…again? It feels like ground hog day (or week) writing this… In September of 2022, I penned a 3-part article that can be found here: The changing portuguese real estate market ( Part 3 ) - ALL ABOUT RETIREMENT OVERSEAS, analysing the factors that had contributed to the change in the real estate landscape. I also pointed out the need for structural...

Emerging sources of clients, supply versus demand imbalances and much more. The chasm between cost and access to accommodation by local people, and the cost of delivering new inventory In a report by CIA Landlord Insurance in the UK, published in March 2022, Lisbon is ranked as the third least viable city in the world in which to live, if you are renting. This is due to the discrepancy between...

  Emerging sources of clients, supply versus demand imbalances and much more.   The increase in the presence and importance of the North American market The Portuguese borders agency, SEF, has reported a large growth in US citizens choosing Portugal as their residence. While admittedly from a tiny base, the growth of this market underscores the increase in relative wealth of the average...

EMERGING SOURCES OF CLIENTS, SUPPLY VERSUS DEMAND IMBALANCES AND MUCH MORE   The growing popularity of Portugal     Some would say that it is ironic that the international market and investment has done what Portugal and the Portuguese could not find the courage to do themselves, namely value their patrimony fairly. With decades of cheap real estate culminating in the financial crash...

I have yet to meet a person who does not wish to put 2020 behind them. In fact, I recall a post from the son of one of our friends, a young man in his early twenties, who was able to take one memorable overseas trip, and explore his own country, as the single spontaneously optimistic write-up of 2020 that I have read. So it is natural that all of us are looking for positive news at the end of a difficult...

The Covid-19 pandemic has meant that accessing real estate deals, and doing in-situ due diligence on opportunities, is no longer as easy as hopping on a plane to check them out. The importance of having a reliable local partner, agent or friend is now key to reducing risk based on incomplete information, or taking the wrong decision. As not everyone has a friend in their preferred retirement or investment...

LONG-TERM RENTALS: THE FUTURE OF THE RENTAL MARKET IN PORTUGAL? As recently as two years ago, it was unquestionable that Portugal provided Europe’s best investment destination. A growing economy, falling unemployment, a recovering real estate market, an investment surge in real estate driven primarily by the very successful Golden Visa program, a wave of (mostly) wealthy foreign retiree immigration...

Live Like A King For Less - Budget Comparisons The cost to live in Portugal is generally among the lowest in Western Europe. Some items, such as fuel (around €1.30/ liter or about US$5/gallon), electricity, second hand cars (Ford Focus 2012 diesel between €12,000 and €20,000, Audi A4 Avant diesel starting at €40,000) and electronic items such as appliances and technology, are much more expensive...

The World’s Most Stable Climate World Weather Online states that the “Algarve enjoys one of the most stable climates in the world” with its moderate weather influenced by both the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas and its proximity to North Africa. Portugal has 3,300 hours of sunshine per year, one of the highest in Europe. The Algarve has a temperate climate and although bathed by the Atlantic,...