Property experts Meravista highlight some popular Algarve towns
It only takes one visit to Portugal’s south coast to understand why so many expats buy holiday property in the Algarve or, in fact, relocate to the region. There are plenty of good reasons to retire to the Algarve. But it’s not just the Algarve’s promise of a temperate climate and over 3000 hours of sunshine each year which attracts so many people to its golden shores.
Property website Meravista is dedicated to marketing homes and businesses for sale in the region and tells us that the vast majority of buyers are British. But which areas of the Algarve do these Brits choose to live and why?
In Meravista’s recent survey of expats living in the Algarve, of which 75% of respondents hailed from the UK, a fifth of those who took part said they lived in Lagos. Lagos is a relatively small but densely populated concelho (county) which includes tourist hotspots such as Praia da Luz, as well as the fashionable areas around the town and marina.
A further 14% lived in the Loulé area, the largest concelho which includes the exclusive coastal resorts of Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago. The research also placed Albufeira and Silves as favourites among foreigner residents. That said, a staggering 60% of all respondents told us they had lived in the Algarve between seven and 30 years, meaning that many would have moved to the region at a time when the well-known resorts along the coast were the main attraction for property hunters.
Lagos is a popular choice for second homes and relocation
Looking east for a good investment
As far as location is concerned, the Algarve’s real estate agents have seen a change in buying trends in recent years. New buyers have started to look further afield for their ideal home. East Algarve, previously overlooked as a destination, is now recognised as presenting value-for-money homes and a desirable lifestyle. Tavira, for instance, offers a wide range of property, from Quintas in the hills to riverfront apartments and traditional townhouses. The maximum spend on a home here is rarely in excess of €500,000, with most residential properties falling within the €200,000 to €400,000 bracket. And, with a recovering economy in an area growing in popularity, there are some well-priced commercial opportunities too. What’s more, the east is full of delights. The Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, which stretches from Faro to the village of Cacela Velha near Tavira, is a perfect leisure spot for all the family, in particular walkers, cyclists, birdwatchers and photographers. Being a short drive from the airport, close to shops and beaches, and having quality golf courses near at hand too, the area in and around Tavira poses an appealing alternative to central Algarve.
Heading west for great value
To the west, the municipality of Vila do Bispo includes notable surf resorts and beaches such as Sagres, Zavial and Praia Castelejo. This area is attracting an increasing number of property sales, most likely because prices have remained lower than in many other parts of the region. In fact, buyers can expect to pay up to 50% less for a house in Vila do Bispo than in Lagos. Similarly, property in Aljezur represents excellent value-for-money. In this largely unspoilt arm of the Algarve which borders Alentejo at its northern edge, the average price for an apartment is around €160,000 and house prices average out at about €315,000.
What type of property do people choose?
So, what’s the most popular style of home among foreign residents? Meravista’s survey revealed that a third of expats living in the Algarve had opted for a house or villa in a rural location, with 10% having their own pool. A fifth of respondents had chosen apartments in urban areas or in small towns or villages. However, according to estate agents in the region, today’s buyers are investing in a far broader range of property. At the end of the day, it’s important to choose a holiday home or permanent residence in an area that meets your needs, as well as your budget. Whether you’re looking for the top sports facilities, the best beaches, luxury living, good schools or an escape-from-it-all country abode, the chances are you’ll find what you want here in the Algarve. The sunshine, well that’s a guaranteed bonus!
Note: The property price data included in this article is based on Meravista’s database of 25,157 Algarve properties August 2014.
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