As the Algarve puts itself up for sale, local award-winning agent Ideal Homes Portugal reveals top selling tips
The just-released June 2015 RICS/Ci Portuguese Housing Market Survey (PHMS) has shown that the Algarve is leading the country in terms of putting its property on the market.
New instructions to sell in Portugal's southernmost region were at least twice as high as those in Porto and the capital, Lisbon.
Founding Director of Algarve-based boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, Chris White, comments,
"All indications are that the Algarve property market is on the cusp of an excellent few years. Properties here are popular with both domestic buyers and those from overseas, all of whom are in search of the Algarve's winning combination of sea, sand and sunshine."
It seems as though many of those who have been waiting for the right time to sell their Algarve property believe that the time has finally arrived. With the June PHMS reporting sales rising continuously for a year and a half, it seems that newfound confidence is finally reaching sellers.
For those ready to put their Portuguese properties on the market, Ideal Homes Portugal offers a fully supportive sales service. Here Chris White shares his top tips for selling your Algarve property.
Ideal Homes Portugal's top tips for selling your Algarve property
1. Keep it clean!
"It's such a basic principle, but you'd be surprised by how many sellers don't clean up before a viewing," explains Chris. "The property doesn't need to be spotless, but dirty plates piled up in the sink or a fragrant bin bag certainly won't add to its appeal!"
2. Love your property
Share your passion for your property with those who are viewing it. This means telling the agent about its best features too, so that they can talk to potential buyers about them if they do viewings when you're not present. They can also ensure that all of these special features make it into the property's website listing, to tempt buyers browsing online. This unique and quirky villa near Albufeira, for example, comes complete not just with pool and landscaped gardens, but also automatic gates, 24 hour video surveillance, a central vacuum system and hydro-massage bathtubs, while this contemporary countryside villa near Loulé includes a home cinema and Zen garden.
3. Be prepared for a grilling
Many overseas buyers may not overly familiar with the local region in which they are looking to buy as they've only spent limited time there on holiday, so be prepared to provide information on everything from the best local schools to healthcare facilities and business opportunities. The more questions you can answer, the more the potential buyers will be able to picture themselves living in your home.
4. Think about first impressions
First impressions really do count, so look at your house as you physically approach it and see it through a prospective buyer's eyes. A freshly painted front door or a few pretty pots of colourful flowers can make a completely different impression and can be achieved quickly and easily.
5. Choose a trusted agent
The sale of your property will likely be one of the most important things that you do this year, so make sure you get it right. Chose a trusted agent with a history of working in the local area and a friendly, efficient staff team - just like Ideal Homes Portugal!
For further details call Ideal Homes Portugal on 0800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434, email enquiries@idealhomesportugal.com or visit www.idealhomesportugal.com.
