Following several very difficult years for the local construction companies, where we saw some come to a sticky end whilst some of the more established companies simply hung up their trowels, we are now seeing cranes on the sky lines of Lagos once again.

2008 saw a lot of panic from the builders as they were half way through building new projects with huge investments on the future. As the crash unfolded we saw building sites left unfinished as well as unsold developments left empty and some swallowed up by the banks.

That's the message from Rent in the Algarve, a UK based company recently teaming up with some of the biggest Attractions in the Algarve. Now you can give all your existing clients some unbeatable offers – all aimed at promoting the Algarve as a top holiday destination... and that's not all !

If you have been tracking the pound versus the euro over the last few years you will realise that the current high of 1.25€ to the pound sterling is the best it has been. We have now had a consistent period of a strong pound of at least 2-3 months and this is really affecting buyer’s decisions.

The movement of just 5 points on a property being sold at 200,000€ could represent almost £7000 saving on the purchase. This is helping further strengthen the market and sales are continuing to be strong.

Welcome to the summer in the Algarve. Although most of the real estate bargains have been sold over the last few months, we still have some opportunities you can take advantage of.

Contact us to discover some of the undisplayed and upcoming listings.

The progressive rural council in Monchique, run by mayor Rui André, wants to make available a maximum grant of €5,000 to young people living in the council area, or thinking of moving there, in order that they can repair and refurbish old houses.

This support is aimed at young people under 35, or young couples with an average age of under 35.

Property development company Benagil, Realizações Turisticas SA has received the final approval from Lagoa council enabling the construction of a large resort between Benagil beach and Praia da Marinha.

The plan has approval from Lisbon with the awarding of the essential Projectos de Potencial Interese Nacional (PIN) status, thus enabling many normal planning barriers to be avoided.

The Sheraton Algarve Hotel and Pine Cliffs Resort at the posh end of Albufeira will be totally refurbished in a phased project that is set to end in 2017.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide announced today that the work will include all the existing bedrooms, public areas, restaurants and bars. In addition the property will be extended to include 78 eight new luxury suites, a new Italian restaurant, a signature spa and underground parking.

The Algarvean countryside is fast becoming a popular choice to buy property among foreign visitors, with homes set in beautiful locations away from the hustle and bustle of the coast, yet still in close proximity to city centres.

The 2 areas we are featuring this week are Santa Bárbara de Nexe and São Brás de Alportel.