Foreign demand is rising for Portuguese property, as affordable prices, increasing confidence and residency permits attract overseas investors.
Portugal's property prices fell by 0.9 per cent in Q3 2014 from the previous quarter, according to Eurostat's latest figures, Prices were 4.9 per cent higher though, compared to the same three months in the previous year.
From glossy interiors spreads in Hello! to full-on home invasions from MTV Cribs, it seems we're obsessed with knowing how the other half live. TV stars, politicians, royalty, musicians and sportsmen - all have, at some point, allowed the public through the keyhole for a tantalising glimpse of their homes.
But what about those who want to go one step further? Now, boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal has the ultimate in celebrity lifestyle offerings, with families able to book to stay in the newly acquired Portuguese home of former Dragons' Den star Duncan Bannatyne.
This completely unique Windmill and 2 millers cottages is set in a rural location at Sao Marcos da Serra, and is for sale at €159,000.
Although now beautifully renovated, the windmill itself is original and dates from the 1940’s.
Meravista asks why the authorities in the Algarve’s Monchique hills are allowing a disused 17th century convent to fall into ruins, whilst 120kms east in Tavira, a similar building has been preserved over the years by a succession of owners and is currently up for sale at €2.25m.
17th century Franciscan convent - Nossa Senhora de Desterro (Our Lady of Exile) is one of the region’s remaining examples of Manueline architecture. It was built by order of a Viceroy of India, Pêro da Silva, who is believed to have planted the massive magnolia tree in the grounds and it’s said that he was later buried here.
In light of the recent publicity around the former £1m London council house, Algarve property specialist website Meravista.com looks at London prices ‘vs’ Algarve prices and what buyers can expect for their money.
In London’s Royal Borough of Kensington, where buyers are prepared to pay a premium for the kudos of an SW10 Chelsea postcode, a leading estate agency made the news when they put a property on the market Limerston Street at close to a million pounds. That’s not a remarkable price for a three bedroom apartment in this fashionable area of the capital - similar properties are selling at an average of £1,039,286*. What is remarkable is that in 1989, the same property was sold for just £48,000 by its owners - the local council.
Whether we like it or not, it's established fact that children shape their parents' holiday choices. Each year the TripAdvisor family travel survey demonstrates the influence that kids have on their parents' decisions. In 2014, some 92% of respondents planned to travel with family and relatives' considerations were plain to see in the amenities wish list, with complimentary breakfast, close proximity to local attractions, free Wi-Fi, a swimming pool and room service making the top five.
If you live in a village in Portugal, you’re likely to have an abandoned school building in your immediate neighbourhood. Certainly in the Algarve there are numerous examples of abandoned schoolhouses, some have been sold or are up for sale, but the majority remain under local council ownership and don’t appear to have a very bright future ahead.
The Chinese year of the sheep, which begins next month, is set to see investors flocking to Portugal in search of high end properties costing €500,000 or more, that qualify them for the country's golden visa scheme.
The sheep is representative of people who combine creativity with considerate planning, which is typical of those with the imagination and organisational skills to move overseas and start a new life in a foreign land.
