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?

Every year the AIPP (Associate Member of the Association of International Property Professionals) produces its annual consumer guide - 'How to Buy Overseas Property Safely 2014', with the aim of providing you with invaluable advice to guide you through the process of buying a property abroad.

The AIPP does not sell property but is an industry body established to help people to buy safely.

This year is going to be an interesting one for many global property markets with many expecting a rise in sales and prices.

It is interesting to look at the figures in the latest Fitch Ratings global housing report as an indicator of what lies ahead. Indeed, for all 17 countries in the report, the mortgage and housing market outlook has either improved or remained broadly the same compared to 12 months ago.

Although official guidelines do not come in to force until April, many UK banks are already “stress testing” a mortgage applicant based on their ability to meet higher interest rates.  But the UK is not alone in using this method.    

The process of stress testing is also happening in other parts of Europe, particularly in those countries which suffered heavily during the recent economic crisis.  In countries such as Italy, Spain and Ireland, lenders can even allow up to 3% more than the current rate when assessing the potential mortgage.  

An end to 2013 and the final figures are in for the Algarve’s top-class range of properties for sale. We have got used to this being a buyer’s market but what has astounded experts is that property prices across the Algarve are now lower than bank valuations.