THE ALGARVE

If you are looking to purchase a property in Portugal then you will be aware that the majority of properties for sale here are priced in euros. Therefore, in order to make a purchase you will need to exchange your sterling funds for euros. The rate of exchange has fluctuated quite a lot within the last year with rates varying from highs of around 1.5 euros to the pound and lows of around 1.25 euros to the pound. It is thought that the higher rates were an extreme and current rates are around 1.3 euros to the pound.

If you would like to purchase a property in Portugal and are concerned about fluctuating rates then it is possible to purchase a property in
pounds sterling and avoid having to exchange monies into euros. There are a number of property owners in the Algarve who set their property prices in sterling and are happy to recieve payment in this currency.

For details of a selection of properties priced for sale in pounds sterling, please click the link below.

Click here.

There are also property owners who will accept euros or sterling and have reduced their sterling price substantially to attract potential buyers from the UK.

The first such property is a fantastic 2 bedroom townhouse on a small condominium with just 12 houses and a large communal swimming pool. The house is located in the area of Vale Formoso which is less than a 10 minute drive from the popular beach resorts of Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago. The house benefits from air conditioning, underfloor heating and is being sold fully furnished. The asking price is 345,000 euros which at a rate of 1.3 is the equivalent of approximately 265,000 pounds sterling. However- the owner will also accept 250,000 sterling for the property thus a saving of 15,000 pounds sterling.

Click here for further details and pictures

Another great value property currently available for sale in pounds sterling is this spacious 4 bedroom detached villa close to Almancil just a 15 minutes drive from Faro airport.The villa is set on a plot of 1000m2 with around 300m2 build size making it a comfortable property for either permanent living or for a holiday home. The single storey property has air conditioning,
double glazing, underfloor heating, alarm system and a heated swimming pool. The property is being sold for 725,000 euros which equates to approximately 557,000 sterling. The owner is also prepared to accept 500,000 sterling hence a saving of 57,000 pounds.

Click here for further details and pictures     

The idea of part ownership of an overseas property was borne out of the demand for the opportunity of investment for all level of investors. It also provides the chance of regular holidays in one’s own home but without the pressure of feeling one has to holiday there at every opportunity because of a large mortgage. For a relatively small investment, one can become part-owner of a freehold property, yours to enjoy for a part of the year, on a rotating basis, meaning that each owner will occupy the property at different times of the year. Many resorts also provide a full rental service with their part ownership scheme. Thus if you choose not to use your allocated time they will rent and manage your property for you, leaving you with a pay cheque to spend on a holiday somewhere else!

PESTANA

The ‘Four Owner Scheme’ at Pestana Golf Resort in Carvoeiro uses the wonderfully simple scheme of rotation. Along with three other independent parties you own a luxury freehold property at Pestana Golf Resort, each quarter secured by individual title deeds. This well proven system considerably reduces the cost of ownership as it is split into four equal parts, with each party using the property for thirteen weeks of the year. The convenient rotating system means that each owner will enjoy the property in different seasons each year. This golf resort will let your property for the periods that you don’t want to personally use, and of course you can sell your investment at any time. Every property is sold fully furnished and the professional management team takes care of the maintenance and administration of your property. As a freehold property owner you benefit from special golf rights during your ownership periods.

Prices start at €54.700 for an apartment and go up to €149.500 for an off plan 3 bedroom townhouse.

Click here for further information

PALM GARDENS

This peaceful resort consisting of only 80 townhouses is set on a stunning cliff top location just outside Carvoeiro. Many of the houses boast sea views, and all are sold fully furnished and with air conditioning, satellite T.V, and fitted kitchens. Communal facilities include tennis courts, swimming pool, gymnasium and health club, and owners benefit from discounts on nearby golf courses. The Four Owner Scheme on this development also operates on the simple and convenient rotating system that allows each owner to use the property for the different seasons. The resort team can let your property for the periods that you don’t want to make use of it, and an owner can sell their investment at any time.

Prices start at €59.500 for a two bedroom townhouse.

Click here for further information

AMENDOEIRA GOLF RESORT

This luxury golf resort set amidst the beautiful countryside east of the historic city of Silves, with 640 acres of golf, leisure, and accommodation facilities, is set to be one of the finest of its kind in Europe. The project will feature two 18 hole championship golf courses, hotel and spa, swimming pools, tennis courts, football pitches, bowling greens, and a family centre with crêche, activity club, restaurant and bar. The Stepping Stone Scheme consists of each property owner enjoying 13 weeks of the year, in rotation.

The scheme is available on 2 and 3 bedroom apartments with prices starting at €170.000, and there is one remaining 3 bedroom villa quarter share still available at €290.000.

VILA BAIA

This resort in the village of Luz provides two different part ownership schemes. Stepping Stones is the simple quarter share ownership scheme with each owner enjoying 13 weeks of the year, in rotation. The second scheme ivolves 12th share ownership of linked villas. This new approach to home ownership allows 12 unconnected buyers to collectively own 100% of a freehold property in the sun. This scheme meets the needs of many potential buyers and provides the steps to a dream home. This is a practical and appealing way to own property providing all the benefits of ownership without the burdens and responsibilites, and the price includes a quality furniture package. The property can be rented out to generate income, thus reducing the annual overheads considerably.

Prices for quarter share Stepping Stones start at €65.000 for a one bedroom apartment and €110.000 for a 2 bedroom apartment. The 12th Share Scheme has prices starting at €25.000 for a 3 bedroom linked villa.

VILA SOL

For a fraction of the normal purchase price the buyer can enjoy the full services and discounts of this luxury golf resort, and only pay a quarter of the fixed costs such as condominium fees. The rotational occupancy scheme ensures all co-owners enjoy an equal share of holiday time within the different holiday seasons. These apartments are within Vila Sol Village, near to the luxurious spa and brand new commercial centre of the resort. There are ample grassed areas, three main pools – one of which is heated – a children’s pool, jacuzzi, and a bar/restauarant. This much sought-after golf resort boasts a 27 hole golf course, tennis courts, and restaurants. The properties are fully furnished and equipped and feature fitted kitchens, air conditioning plus heating, and a T.V and stereo system.

Prices for this Seasonal Ownership Scheme start at €120.000 for an apartment.

Click below for further information

For more information on share ownership, contact Gatehouse International on either:
Portugal: 00351 289 356 395
UK: 01480 477773

Many of those who discover this up-and-coming coastal region go on to fall in love with it. The Silver Coast is rapidly becoming the most desirable part of Portugal for discerning property investors, and the price movements are beginning to reflect this growth in popularity. For those seeking property for sale in the Silver Coast (Costa Prata as it’s known), the advice would be to act sooner rather than later, before the prices soar to match the properties for sale in the Algarve.

The Silver Coast stretches from north of Lisbon up the west coast to Porto. The most popular areas of the Silver Coast are currently the areas from Lourinhã up to Peniche, on to São Martinho do Porto and Nazaré on the coast, and a little inland to the town of Caldas da Rainha and the medieval walled city of Óbidos.

Property on the Silver Coast is currently in hot demand, and provides a fashionable alternative for those seeking an option away from the hustle and bustle of the Algarve. Of course, there are differences between the two regions. In the Silver Coast not so much English is spoken and in some inland areas it will be almost non-existent. One should be prepared for the adventure that comes with choosing a region, like the Silver Coast, that is untarnished by tourism. In fact, the Silver Coast remains the real Portugal, where traditions and culture abound. The beaches are incredibly popular in July and August with Portuguese holiday makers, thus maintaining a distinct Portuguese feel to the area, even since its recent discovery by foreign tourists searching for their bargain holiday beach home. There is also a marginal difference between the weather fronts of the Silver Coast and the Algarve. More marked though is the huge difference in weather fronts between anywhere in Portugal and the U.K! Central and Northern Portugal boast beautifully hot summers, blue skies and sunshine throughout the winter, and what maybe even be considered a bonus is that they don’t experience the fierce dry heat of the Algarve. However one looks at it, the weather will always be a joy compared to that of the U.K.

Another reason to choose the Silver Coast is that property prices are still a lot less than most other destinations in Southern Europe. However, with the recent trend to buy in this region, investors are hoping that the Silver Coast will see the sort of price hikes that the early investors of the Algarve enjoyed. Most are also hoping that further development will be controlled as the local authorities are promising so that the peaceful charm of the area won’t be swamped. But can there be hope for a rise in prices and yet coasts and towns remain unspoilt? Some say yes as the Portuguese have watched and learned from the rate of progresss in neighbouring Spain.

If you have not yet discovered this delightful region of Portugal, put it on the top of your list of destinations before you consider investing anywhere else. You won’t be disappointed.

For examples of properties for sale on the Silver Coast, go here.