Portugal’s golden visa scheme continues to attract buyers, from around the world, with its offer of free movement within the Schengen area and a Portuguese passport after 6 years. The scheme has seen some ups and downs over the years but official statistics from the SEF agency show a healthy 29.7% year on year increase this September.

Autumn is a season to be cherished by all across the Algarve, it's the time when holidaymakers start to disperse, the weather becomes more bearable and the ambiance as a whole is much more relaxed, creating the perfect quality of life many are wanting to achieve.

Situated in peaceful Algoz, benefitting from stunning views to the hills of Monchique. Internally and outdoors, this impeccably presented villa exudes quality, comfort and space. With an award-winning saltwater swimming pool, separate jacuzzi, landscaped gardens and many terraces enjoying magnificent views towards the mountains of Monchique, this amazing property makes the very best of it’s elevated position and the local inland climate.

This month's selection of new listings and interesting properties for you from each of the areas we cover: Silves, Lagoa, Alvor, Lagos and west.

An imaginatively designed, stunningly appointed villa in Cerro de Águia: one of the most prestigious areas of Albufeira, and within a short drive of the Old Town and countless gorgeous beaches.

The property has an impressively spacious living area filled with light from patio doors and a tropical garden atrium, and is surrounded by terraces, lawns and landscaped gardens and overlooking a super pool. There are distant ocean views from the first floor and an outdoor kitchen and BBQ areas for poolside entertaining.

Portugal’s property sector currently employs around 50,000 people, 22,000 more than in 2015.  Over the past four years the number of people employed in Portugal’s real estate sector increased by around 80%, making the real estate sector one of the main sources of employment in the country, according to figures published by the Portuguese Association of Estate Agents (APEMIP).  The Dinheiro Vivo website reports that half the people working in the sector are estate agents.  Data from the Institute of Employment and Professional Training (IEPF) suggests that the property sector is the most active sector in the country, when it comes to job creation.

Latest properties for sale by Exclusive Algarve Villas, throughout the Algarve.

Prospective buyers looking to purchase in Portugal are being warned to undertake thorough research before signing on the dotted line.

Overseas property expert Simon Conn, who has been in the business for 40 years, has seen an increase in the number of buyers not carrying out thorough checks and has compiled a list of the top issues to look out for.