Thank you to everyone who supported the 2013 Meravista Algarve Expats Survey by promoting it or taking part. The results are in!
There are around 52,000 foreigners living in the Algarve and an increasing number choosing to retire, relocate or buy a second home in the region. So, what’s the attraction? After making the big move, are estrangeiros in the Algarve truly living the dream, or are they screaming, “I’m an expat, get me out of here.”?
Through our recent survey, we gathered the views of a cross-section of expats living across the Algarve. We asked them to tell us a little about themselves, where they live, how old they were when they came to the region, what type of home they have and what they think of Algarve living. We also wanted to know why they moved here, who they relocated with and if they intended staying forever.
It’s a lifestyle choice
At Meravista, our marketing strategy includes selling the Algarve lifestyle alongside the thousands of properties we have listed for sale on our website. After all, whether a property is valued at €80,000 or €800,000, the region’s natural beauty, year round exceptional climate and relaxed lifestyle are all complimentary.
The majority of those who completed our survey originated from the UK, but we also received responses from Dutch, German, Belgian, French, American and Canadian nationals. 45% of respondents had retired to the Algarve, but the remaining 55% comprised people of all ages, some with school-age children, a number employed in the region and several running their own enterprises. They told us what they thought of the local schools, whether they work longer or shorter hours here and how easy they found it setting up a business in Portugal.
We’re delighted to report that the boxes ticked and the comments penned by participating expats, indicated that the Algarve has lived up to expectations as a great place to live, work, raise children, relax and inspire a little Joie de vivre into everyday living. In fact, our survey confirmed our suspicions that the Algarve’s promise of a great lifestyle is one of the main pulls for people looking to relocate or retire abroad.
We have a mix of interesting and amusing results to share with you. CLICK HERE to find out how expats spend their leisure time, which activity ranked number one and why there could be a market for snow making machines in the Monchique mountains.
Also, CLICK HERE to take a though-the-keyhole look at what our survey of Algarve expats revealed about where they live. And, read or download our headline survey results.
About Meravista
Meravista is the world’s largest property portal devoted exclusively to the Algarve. It brings visitors the latest state-of-the art search technology, making it easy for to find their perfect property in the Algarve.
Property buyers can search for their retirement quinta in Tavira, luxury villa in Quinta do Lago, a second home in Lagos or a beachfront apartment in Vilamoura.
They can choose their favourite location on the map, select their desired criteria, and see the Algarve properties that fit the bill:
• View maps, listings and property details at the same time
• Over 300 standardised property details
• Compare properties side by side
• Save your favourite properties and searches
Contact Meravista:
Anita van Huson
E: info@meravista.com
W: pt.meravista.com
