Well, the French Revolution is still taking place here in the Algarve, since the start of the New Year over 70% of our clients have been French. But why have the French suddenly decided that the Algarve is such a great place to live? And why is it that Lagos specifically has such a wide appeal to the French?
We have already read about the NHR scheme allowing French and Scandinavian nationals the opportunity to live here in Portugal and save huge amounts in tax. However, even though they have a such wide selection of places to live, ranging from the East of the Algarve in Tavira, to the central areas of Vale do Lobo or Quinta do Lago through to Vilamoura, Albufeira, Carvoeiro and finally the western Algarve from Alvor to Sagres, it would seem that Lagos and Luz are the areas which are the most appealing to the majority of our French clients.
They appear to love the vibrancy that Lagos offers all year round; January & February are not the easiest months of the year to sell property, however, the French are here and buying! The feedback from our French agents is that Lagos seems to fit well with the French lifestyle and the way they desire to live. The town is small enough to still be quaint whilst having enough local residents and businesses to still have a buzz even at this time of year.
There is plenty to be enjoyed from all the restaurants serving delicious fresh fish menus, to the vibrancy and charm of the fish market itself and of course the traditional Farmers market every Saturday morning. Add to all this, the gorgeous sweeping bay of Lagos and the surrounding scenery, it’s obvious Lagos has lots to offer even at this time of year.
It seems that Lagos is beating some of its rival touristic destinations hands down, and for those of us that have chosen to live in this fantastic city we all know why! So we should be welcoming the French in to our town, let them see how great Lagos is all year round. Even though the atmosphere may change with the seasons - the charm, quaintness and vibrancy are maintained all year round.
French clients can be quite demanding, they want it all, views, modern properties, good locations, close to amenities, rural settings, traditional villas, contemporary apartments ….. And they want to see absolutely everything before they commit. However, they are buying and so we need to be prepared to show more properties than normal before we get the sale. When they commit they do go through with the deal, so it’s worth the additional work and time. Once they commit we are signing promissory contracts within days, rather than weeks, which leads to happy vendors, clients as well as B&P itself!
Vive la France!!
Written by B&P Real Estate Agency
