Portugal – beautiful beaches and wonderful weather

Portugal has been popular for foreign property investors for a number of years. Its most popular place the Algarve is known for its mile-long beautiful beaches and hot weather. It is an excellent place to invest as well since property prices are still strong. However taking more of a risk in a less developed area may produce better returns.

Portugal is popular for its excellent transport links to the rest of Europe – prices of return flights range for as little as £150. The transport infrastructure in the country itself is good, and is still being improved, with motorways joining the larger cities making travel cheap and easy. Portugal has a similar sort of climate to Spain however it is seen as the more exotic location. There is also less overdevelopment, which has been seen in Spain, and developers and planners have taken more care to ensure that the beauty of the country is not spoilt by all the mushrooming commercial properties.

Portugal gets more sunshine than Florida (3,000 hours a year). It also has low crime levels and no terrorism threats, which are bonuses over Spain. The pollution levels are lower than most of Europe and the leisure facilities equal any other European investment hotspot.

The buy-to-let market is still strong and provides good incomes for those who buy houses in Portugal. Some advise: it is important to research on the property before buying it to ensure that renting or buying a residential unit is in an area with a strong rental or tourist market.

Mortgages are also very easy to get in Portugal with international banks such as Barclays Bank well represented throughout the country. Most banks will have English speaking advisors to provide quidance through the buying process. Most also have specific products and loans aimed at foreign investors at good rates of interest. Be aware though that in planning a rural retreat many banks will not give mortgages. These banks prefer lending properties in the larger cities and towns, and in areas with plenty of tourism.

One of the latest parts of Portugal that is on the brink of a property bubble is Minho, located in the most northern province. The climate is more temperate than the south, but it provides warm summers and balmy winters. Prices have remained static for the past few years such that charming rustic properties can be found for around £40,000. The scenery is pretty much unspoilt by tourism and offers acres of countryside. Recently, there have been a number of road and telecommunications improvements in the area, which have made home working and telecommuting possible for the locals. The easier and accessible roads have brought tourists in the area, thus making it an excellent prospect for good investment returns in the next few years.

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Portugal – beautiful beaches and wonderful weather

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