Overseas Property
Why Portugal and Italy ?
We specialise in the selling of property in Portugal (especially the Algarve) & property in Italy but also carry a small selection of re-sale properties from other areas around the world.
Why Portugal ?
The Algarve has been voted the best worldwide location for Britons buying an overseas holiday home.
Portugal - a consistent performer, and why?
The Algarve easily mets the "three P's" criteria:
- Pound: How much are you going to have to spend, and is it good value for money?
- Practicality: what are the pros and cons of buying there?
- Potential: are you going to see a good return on your investment?
Dozens of prime vacation destinations were considered like Florida, Dubai, the French Riviera, and Spain's Costa del Sol. Beating all these familiar destinations for two consecutive years, The Algarve is seen by the British as a Beach destination close to 'home', and benefits from some of Europe's best golf courses, and blessed with practically year-round sunshine.
While all forecasts may fluctuate, in The Algarve property investors can take heart from its proven track record, and an enormous range of property on offer: from the very expensive developments like Quinta do Lago golf resort - giving The Algarve real kudos with its luxurious houses and celebrity owners like Alan Shearer and Michael Owen - to properties with shared pools starting from around £100,000.
While the global property market is always changing, the factors behind this general perception of The Algarve are sustainable - with ever increasing availability of low cost flights, investment in Portugal's road infrastructure, and a number of high quality developments under construction the British love affair with The Algarve looks set to continue.
Mainland Portugal
The climate in Portugal varies considerably from one region to another and is influenced by the relief, latitude and proximity to the sea, which offers mild winters, especially in the Algarve.
In the Porto e Norte area and Beiras region, particularly inland, nearer Spain, the winters are colder, although the temperatures are still mild when compared to the rest of Europe. There is some snowfall. It occurs most in the Serra da Estrela mountains, where we find the highest point in mainland Portugal (1,991 m) and where it is sometimes possible to ski.
The summers are hot and dry, especially in the inland areas (Trás-os-Montes in north-eastern Portugal and Alentejo). Temperatures are slightly lower in the coastal areas, because of the influence of the sea.
There are often warm, sunny days in autumn. Nice weather at the beginning of November is often called "St. Martin’s Summer" as this saint’s day is on 11 November.
Azores
The climate in the Azores is influenced by the islands’ latitude and by the Gulf Stream, and temperatures are mild there all year round. The same factors also influence the sea temperature, which is very pleasant both in winter and summer and ideal for nautical sports all year round.
Madeira
The subtropical characteristics of the weather in the Madeira Archipelago can be explained by its geographical position and mountainous relief. The climate in Madeira is exceptionally mild, with average temperatures varying between 24 ºC in summer and 19 ºC in winter.
The sea temperature is also very pleasant all year round, thanks to the influence of the warm Gulf Stream. It varies between 18 ºC in winter and 22 ºC in summer.
In the Algarve, the quality of the fairways is a constant concern. The courses were designed by respected names, such as Henry Cotton, Rocky Roquemore or Arnold Palmer, and provide a good challenge. Accept and give wing to your swing on flat or rough courses, nearly always with the ocean as a backdrop.
With degrees of difficulty for all, many of the courses are on the international circuit, regularly hosting important competitions. Get acquainted with courses, such as San Lorenzo and the Old Course in Vilamoura, ranking amongst the best in Europe.
Supplement your golfing experience in the Algarve, by getting to know the region. Swim in warm, calm water and indulge in water sports. At night, place a bet in the casino or visit the beach bar. Take the opportunity to get to know our excellent cuisine and wines.
Renting property in the Algarve is a lucrative business with many people owning more than 5 properties and running successful holiday lettings businesses. This is possible for one simple reason - there are more people who want to holiday in the Algarve such is its desirability than there are properties for rent.
Rental Highlights
The rental market makes alot of sense as it is a prime location, a high spec resort and there are more golfers wanting to holiday in the Algarve than there are properties!!!!
Portugal's West Algarve
When investing in areas like the Algarve it is not a question of whether you will make money or not - it is just a question of how much you will make!!!!!!!!
This area has it all, and will never go out of fashion such is its beauty and appeal. With over 1 million golfers per year playing on 32 golf courses, the Algarve also boasts 300 days of sunshine and miles of golden sandy beaches. The Algarve has many key features making it such a safe place to invest as it does not fluctuate from drops and falls in house prices. It is also highly desirable, picturesque, des res and POPULAR with the holiday maker. SO what does this mean for a property Investor. In a nutshell an excellent YIELD, Sustained Growth and an ongoing exit strategy due to the sensible building legislation that exists in Portugal and the Algarve's desirability!!!
Supporting the rental yield is the fact that the Algarve Boasts a 66% Occupancy rate for Holiday Lettings in 4 and 5 star resorts.
10 Reasons to Invest in The Algarve, Portugal !!!!
Portugal has remained unscathed by the credit crisis with Property Prices remaining strong !!!
21 Billion is to be invested into Portugal from the EU
High Level Building regulations has reduced the number of available properties and increased demand together with your resale value
Portugal Remains in the Top 10 countries to invest in the World and 2nd in Europe
West Algarve is a highly desirable location hosting many famous celebrities.
It has 1 million golfers per year many renting privately owned accommodation
The Algarve boasts a 66% occupancy rate for Holiday Let property - amongst the highest in Europe!!!
It has Beautiful beaches, exceptional climate and is easily accessible from throughout the UK and Northern Europe
Finance
Banks are still happy to loan against the property valuation not Purchase Price. Another key indicator for the strength of the Property Market and a key way of achieving low money down
Ultra Low interest rates are available in Portugal through our nominated banks that can be fixed for a number of years
For more information on Portugal please visit
http://www.visitportugal.com/Cultures/en-us/default.html
Why Italy ?
The time for buying bargain property in Italy is definitely not over. The Italian property market remains an exciting market to invest in.
With a highly active tourist market, investing in Italy is an attractive prospect to the buyer. Due to its central position, Italy is easily accessible from most European capitals.
Not only are there large areas of “undiscovered Italy”, but also many knowledgeable investors are predicting that if you buy property in Italy now, you will be buying ahead of a surge of investors that will be heading to Italy in the near future.
Low cost airlines have opened routes to many of Italy’s regional airports; this is having a knock on effect on property prices in these areas, especially as there are many destinations in the hitherto less popular places.
Many of the new areas that are finding their way onto the property market are on the islands of Sicily and Sardinia where property prices are about 25% cheaper than on the mainland. The regions of Puglia, Le Marche and Abruzzo are also up and coming investment regions.
Rental Prospects Are Good.
For those who are interested in the buy-to-let market, the high tourist numbers coming to Italy are encouraging. Increasingly tourists are becoming interested not only in visiting the large cities, but in rural tourism as well. This bodes well for those who invest in converting old Italian houses into fabulous modern residences. There are government grants available for those undertaking renovation projects in rural areas.
The low cost airline revolution has also changed the way holidays are booked and holidaymakers tend to book over the internet. This has increased the demand for self-catering properties in these areas.
Foreign tourists are not the only market in Italy. Italians take great pleasure in enjoying their own country and make a point of travelling around it, therefore creating a strong internal market.
Investing in the north and around the lakes can double your rental prospects as you can benefit not only from the summer season but also from winter ski holidays. However remember property prices become more favourable the further south you go.
Climate in Italy
The moderating influence of the sea and the protection given by the Alpine barrier from the cold north winds join to bless Italy with a temperate climate. Nevertheless, the weather varies considerably according to how far one is from the sea or the mountains. The winter is very cold in the Alps, cold and foggy in the Po Plain and the central Apennines; mild and even warm on the Ligurian coast, the Neapolitan coast and in Sicilia.
The summer is hot and dry, but the temperature is mitigated on the coast by sea breezes and in the Apennines and Alps it is pleasantly cool. In mountain areas, winter is ideal for skiing, and summer for excursions, hiking, etc. Seaside and lake resorts, with their excellent hotel facilities, have an intense tourist season in the summer, while the cities that are rich in art treasures are ideal in spring and autumn.
For more information on Italy please The Italian Government Tourist Boards website http://www.italiantourism.com/
